Leafwind nodded. "Then let's get going." She started to lead the patrol back to BlogClan.

I really need a break, she thought, wincing slightly from a growing ache in her joints. "Twigfrost," she called over her shoulder. "Can you come up here? I'd like to talk with you about something."

Twigfrost's ears twiched. Hmm, this is odd. He padded to her. “Yes?”

She waited until he was beside her. "Right now, you're the leader of BlogClan," she stated bluntly. "There's two things I wanted to talk about."

Her voice grew soft and tinged with sadness. "You know that Thistletuft is getting old, and so am I. Pebblepaw resigned from her position as medicine cat apprentice, which means that BlogClan has no future medicine cat unless you do something. I'm guessing that it'll be one of the first things that you'll have to do as leader, and we might as well kill two birds with one swipe by bringing a new medicine cat for their ceremony while you go for yours."

“Okay. Okay.” Twigfrost mumbled. It was a lot to take in.

And he couldn’t say it.I'm...the leader of BlogClan?

“I don’t think I’m ready, Leafwind.”

"And who ever is?" Leafwind murmured. "Do we feel ready to mentor an apprentice? Does a warrior feel ready to become deputy? Is a Clan ever ready for the death of their leader?"

She shook her head. "The world moves on, whether we like it or not, and it's all we can do to keep up."

"But don't forget, Twigfrost. You have an entire Clan at your back, and you won't be alone. You have friends and family who will support you, and a deputy to help you." She flicked her ear. "I'll still be around, too, which brings me to the second thing I wanted to talk about."

"After things settle down and the medicine cat position is secured, I..." Leafwind fell silent for a moment. "I'm going to retire to the elder's den."

Twigfrost couldn’t say he was surprised. Leafwind has been getting old. She had served her Clan well, and now she deserved some rest.

“Thank you, Leafwind. I may not be ready to be a leader, but I will try my best.”

I never thought this day would come. I dreamed about it for years. I’ve had such an up and down life...but it all turned out well. I just wish Winterpaw was here to celebrate it with me.

“I guess we should go back now.” He said, and moved forward.

It isn’t over yet. There is still lots for me to do before BlogClan settles into place. But I think it will all be okay.”

Twigfrost grinned. This is for you, Ivory.

(Should we timeskip to them entering camp?)

(i'm ok with that)

(That's okay with me!)

Leafwind settled into a trot behind Twigfrost. A new leader means a new era for the Clan, she mused. I wonder what will happen, and how much I will see before my time arrives.

(K I’ll switch to over there)