SweetWater was out relaxing in the sunshine way out by Fog Lake. She watched MeadowPaw. As he splashed around in the cool water. He had anger issues but water always seemed to calm him down. He of course could swim in the camp pond, but Sweet knew it could be bad if he got in a fight with the leader right now, for the deputy WildFire had just died from old age. But Meadow was young and rash, he could easily anger BumbleStar he seemed to not understand death or loss. Their leader had grown to love Wild, and everyone thought they were mates. But Sweet knew that their deputy had just scoffed at the idea.

She looked away from Meadow and up at the sky. It was almost sunhigh, she knew this to be BumbleStar's favorite time of day. This is when he would forgive himself for Wild's death, which wasn't his fault. This would also be the time he would ask somebody to step up as deputy. She also knew that he would ask her to become deputy. Her ears swiveled around as pawsteps crunched in the undergrowth "right on time" she thought happily. She called out to MeadowPaw telling him not to go anywhere, she heard a "you're not my mentor!" but knew he wouldn't do anything. She got up to face her leader she dipped her head and asked why he was visiting way out here. But she had asked Meadow to accompany her to the lake within earshot or their leader, so he would know where she was.

BumbleStar explained that he had been looking for her and she gasped in "surprise". She quierried, "Whatever for?" . He looked down at his paws "i know you're really good with other cats, and um. I was wondering if you'd be willing to take on the position of deputy" he gave her a hopeful look. Her eyes widened "really!?" she asked feigning shock, she studied her claws "thinking about her answer" after a bit she looked up sadly at BumbleStar "i'm sorry, i don't feel like i'm ready" she said. Her leader sighed in disappointment, not seeming to understand why such a responsible young cat wouldn't feel ready.

Later that day BumbleStar still hadn't chosen a deputy. SweetWater padded over to him for friendly conversation "EmberFlame must be devastated about her mother's death" she commented, for WildFire was the mother to the friendly young she cat. Bumble glanced over at her "yeah.. she must" he said, not really paying attention. She continued "I wish there was something we could do for her, she always wants what's best for the clan" Sweet paused "She's really responsible and clever, especially for her age." At this BumbleStar perked up "yeah! she is!" he exclaimed, leaping up at dashing off. SweetWater watched him leave with a feeling of satisfaction.

The next day a nervous EmberFlame stood in the pond as she was announced deputy.