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	Raising her tail, Maplefoot crouched lower in the brush all around her fellow Oakclan cats doing the same. There were fewer than usual, doubled patrols would cause that. Still, when torn between presenting a force of strength at the gatherings and protecting Oakclan’s territory she would always choose territory. Right now when Oakclan was at its most vulnerable it would be on her shoulders to show they were strong as ever, not a show in force with numbers, but her own confidence. Hers and hers alone.

	Giving a silent flick of her tail in signal, Maplefoot led the cats rushing down the slope following Cliffclan’s arrival. They burst into the clearing, slowing to a steady trot. They were second to show, but placement didn’t bother Maplefoot. Padding across the clearing tail and head held high she waited at the base of the log, watching as Boulderclan and then Lightclan streamed in, nodding her head to all three leaders and their deputies in turn.

	Maplefoot watched the other cats carefully, waiting to see if any of them were whispering at the absence of an important cat, none had seemed to notice yet, or if they had they weren’t making a scene. Her own warriors were following her instructions to the letter, keeping close together, even as they moved amongst the clan cats, revealing nothing but presenting a picture of strength and unity. Maplefoot knew the other leaders must have noticed by now, Jaggedstar was a sharp cat, as were their deputies and she imagined they were all waiting patiently for her to explain his absence.

	Remaining in place until all three leaders had grouped on the log, Maplefoot sprang up next to them, digging her claws into the soft bark to show she meant to stay. Immediately this action was followed by accusing stares, [i]”deputies sit below”[/i] the whisperers murmured, but Maplefoot kept her head high, daring the other leaders to question her right to be seated next to them. There was no definite rule for a deputy joining the other leaders, not yet anyway. For all Maplefoot knew she was the first to try.
 [color=662d91]“Oakclan’s leader will not be joining us tonight.”[/color] She explained, conveniently leaving his illness out of her explanation. [color=662d91]“I am representing Oakclan, in his place.” [/color]She said her final words with forceful respect, making them almost a challenge.