It had been almost a full moon and the clan was still in heavy grieving, thankfully, it was starting to warm up but the snow and ice still remained.

Silentstar groomed herself in her den, wondering how things were doing in RiverClan. Was the river frozen? Last time she saw them, they all looked healthy. With their shiny fur and plump bellies, same with ThunderClan and ShadowClan. Was WindClan the only one dealing with the famine that cursed them? Only time would tell, she was planning on going to the next gathering but bring a few warriors who wished to join.

Silentstar exited the den, Clayfur was already approaching her.
"Are you taking cats with you this time?" he mewed, his voice still heavy with sorrow.
"Yes, I'll bring the new apprentices and their mentors, you, if you wish, Frozensight and if anyone else would like to go then that'd be it. I want to show the other clans we are strong, even if we are fighting such hunger."

Clayfur nodded. "I think Meadowflight wanted to go." Silentstar nodded, "Then she can come along. Gather up everybody please, I wish to speak with Frozensight first." Clayfur hesitantly nodded before whirling around and entering the apprentice's den.

Silentstar trotted into the medicine cat den, it smelt of stale herbs, dirtied bedding, and sickness. Silentstar sighed, "Frozensight?" the medicine cat was curled in their nest, Silentstar blinked. Slight panic flared in her chest but she fought it down, they must be tired.

Deeper into the den, Goldentail was sleeping in a nest, she stunk of sickness. Silentstar turned towards the medicine cat. Crouching low, Silentstar touched the tabby's forehead with her nose, it was slightly warm to the touch but surely that meant nothing. "Frozensight." the WindClan leader whispered, nudging her friend awake. Frozensight yawned, eyes still closed and then they opened them. One eye focused on her, cracking a slight smile. "Hello-" -they yawned again- "Silentstar." the silver-blue tabby greeted.

"Is it time to leave yet?"

Silentstar nodded, sitting up. "Yes, I just wanted to wake you. You will be coming with us?" Frozensight sat up, shaking their fur out slightly. "Yes, i'll go. I would like to catch up with everyone. After all, I've missed the last Half-moon meeting. That was devastating enough." Silentstar nodded, touching her friends head, "Okay, well. I'll gather all the cats and we'll head out. Get ready." she pulled away and padded out of the den.
Clayfur had Tigerpaw, Horizionpaw, and Fernpaw gathered together. Phesantflight and Lilyfang were busy trying to quiet them, this would be their first gathering as apprentices it was clear they would all be excited.

Meadowflight was staring at the medicine cat looking worried, Goldentail was her best friend. Stripenose padded over and nudged his sister gently. Mewing something to her, Meadowflight nodded in response before turning away. Hayface and Duskleap walked towards the gathered cats. Boulderclaw was emerging from the warriors' den, he walked towards his apprentice, Horizionpaw. Heatherbreeze and Gorgepaw had walked out of the apprentices' den together and joined the group.

Birchback was no where to be seen.

Silentstar padded towards her clanmates, "Is this everyone?" she mewed, looked over the crowd. Fernpaw sighed, looking over at the warriors den, "I haven't seen Birchback all day." she murmered, Lilyfang padded over and pressed her daughter closer to her, "Silentstar." she meowed, looking up at the leader.

Silentstar nodded before padding into the warrior den, Birchback was huddled in his nest. "Birchback." she spoke sternly, Birchback flinched. Looking up with frightened, dark eyes. "S-Silentstar?" Silentstar growled, "Fernpaw tells me you haven't taken her anywhere all day. And I informed you that you would be coming to the gathering with the clan tonight."
Birchback's ears fell as he shook his head, "I-I don't think I can go." he mewed, voice cracking. "I just can't get out of my nest. I'm tired. I just wanna sleep but I can't." Silentstar watched her clanmate, her chest hurting. "I know, Birchback. But we have to leave. And I told you, you have to come. Lets go."

Silentstar turned out of the den and joined back with her clanmates, "Once Birchback joins us, we'll leave."

The moon was round and silver, they should have been gone by now, Tigerpaw was battle practicing with his mother, Phesantflight. "Feel my wrath ShadowClan scum!" Tigerpaw preformed his half turn belly rake on his mother, Phesantflight stumbled back in surprise falling over, "Wow!" Fernpaw gasped as her tail quivered in surprise. "What move was that?"
Tigerpaw puffed out his chest, "A half-turn belly rake."
Boulderclaw growled as he stood up, "Can we just leave?"
Silentstar lashed her tail as she took a glance at the Warriors' Den. "Once Birchback arrives. If he doesn't show then we won't show at the gathering. Don't ask me to leave, ask him. He's the one taking up our time."

Lilyfang stood up, "y'know what. I'll drag him out by his tail if I have too." Meadowflight nodded, she was Birchback's daughter. "Lets go get him." With that, both she-cat stormed towards the den.  Before they could even reach it, however, Birchback emerged. His pelt wasn't as tangled or messy, his pawsteps were a lot more sure and he looked calm. Like the cat he used to be.

"Sorry I took so long." he looked down, "I just had to take a moment to clean myself, I want to look at least presentable for the other clans." Lilyfang stared wide eyed at her denmate while Meadowflight had to take a step back, though she looked completely happy to see her father. Clayfur gasped, though he looked happy to see his brother like his old self. Boulderclaw sniffed, though nodded respectfully. Fernpaw gasped, "Birchback! Will you teach me a 'half-turn, belly rake'? Tigerpaw did it and he looked so cool!"
Birchback blinked, hesitating before nodding, "I suppose. We can battle train with Tigerpaw and Silentstar tommorow, if thats alright."
Silentstar nodded, "That sounds perfect. Now, lets hurry. WindClan, we're fast, we can run there." she turned towards the warrior den and lifted her head, "Spikenose you're in charge while we're gone!" Spikenose loudly groaned from inside the warriors' den in agreement.

Silentstar yowled as she entered the gathering hollow, WindClan quickly sat down beside RiverClan as Silentstar leapt up into her tree, sitting at the second lowest branch, she was well aware of the eyes staring into her pelt, and the hushed whispers of cats from all the clans but she lifted her chin high. She noticed Meadowflight shuffling over to sit beside Petaltoe, the two greeted eachother kindly. She looked away before lifting her voice to be heard. "I'm very sorry we're late, we had something going on and it quickly needed to be taken care of."
Rapidstar purred from the branch beside her, "Of course. We're all just glad you made it, we were just about to start, actually."
Volestar nodded, his amber eyes flickering up to look at Hollystar. She had claimed her spot on the highest branch again. "Yes. Hollystar was eager to share some very important news."
Hollystar puffed out her chest, "It is important news." she stated firmly.
"Then go on and share it!" ShadowClan elder, Spinclaw hissed, Rosemaryface nodded from beside her denmate.

Hollystar glared at the elder before yowling, sounded uncharacteristicly panicked.

"Willowheart and Yarrowleaf have had a vision, I will let them explain it."
All eyes turned to look at the medicine cats, Frozensight was sat beside RiverClan's medicine cat Mothpool.
Willowheart stood, eyes wide with fear. "I've seen badgers" she called out, "Bursting into ThunderClan camp, tearing out dens and crushing cats!" The gathering hollow erupted into shocked and horrified mews. Falconleap and Snowbird of ThunderClan pulled each other in close, the two had been season long mates and even from Silentstar's perch on her branch she could see Snowbird's swollen belly.
Marshfoot of RiverClan, a sleek gray tabby, growled loudly from his spot beside a white she-cat. "Badgers? Attacking the camp? When did Willowheart revive this?"
Multiple yowls of agreement followed the RiverClan toms words. Hollystar looked over at her medicine cat, still looking rather troubled. Willowheart shook her head, pale eyes round. "Early today."
Flinttail and Rosethorn of ShadowClan looked at each other, Flinttail whispered something to him, Rosethorn nuzzled his mates shoulder as he pushed himself to be more closer. Marshpaw and Ratpaw, also of ShadowClan, stood up from their spot in a group of apprentices from all the clans and raced to be with their parents, Prickleheart and Ivy.
Heatherbreeze shook her head and pulled her son, Gorgepaw closer to her. After the death of Applepaw and Stalkpelt, Heatherbreeze had clung to her sons side like a tick. Meadowflight was bristling beside Petaltoe who placed a comforting paw on her shoulder. Boulderclaw stood up, hissing, "Badgers or not, i'd shred them!"
Volestar was staring with wide eyes up at the fluffy molly, Rapidstar too. Silentstar was busy watching the clans freak out. She was just as worried. "Badgers are a serious threat." Silentstar hissed, "What will you do about it?" she asked, not trying to betray her trembling voice. Hollystar shook her head, looking down. "I know you can do nothing to help, Silentstar." the black she-cat hissed, "you're still fur and bone. But Rapidstar and Volestar." Hollystar was looking up with emotional eyes, "Please, could you help us? We have two new queens and still a nursery filled with kits. ThunderClan needs more fit warriors than ever!"
Rapidstar flicked his tail, "I need my warriors too." the strong tom mewed, shaking his head as sorrowful look flashed across his gaze. "RiverClan has a new queen too. We have a lot of news." Hollystar nodded before slowly turning to Volestar, the battle-scarred tom was hesitantly nodding. "I'll give you three of my warriors. Two of which are at the gathering right now."
He turned towards his clan, "Flinttail and Wolftuft. I'll also offer you Yellowstrike." Hollystar blinked, looking genuinely grateful.
Rosethorn looked completely furious from where he sat beside the tall coal-black warrior, Flinttail. "I'll not have you take my mate to fight badgers! If he's going im going too!" Volestar blinked down at the pale-ginger warrior, "I'm not arguing with you, Rosethorn." Volestar snapped.
"No, Flinttail is not going alone. I'm going with him, whether you like it or not, plus, who will train Wolftuft's apprentice while he's not there?" Flinttail was trying to calm his mate down, looking slightly embarrassed.
Wolftuft stood up from a few fox-lengths away from the bickering pale ginger warrior, he looked embarrassed to be speaking. "Volestar, I think Rosethorn is right. I'd like to stay back and train Ratpaw. Though, if need be, i'll go out and fight if I have too." Volestar blinked, "Then fine, Rosethorn, you will take Wolftuft's place." Rosethorn sat down, looking pleased as he turned towards Flinttail. Wolftuft sat down too.
"Thank you for warning us, Hollystar." Rapidstar nodded, "Do you have anymore news? " Hollystar shook her head, "No. That is all."

Rapidstar stood up as Hollystar shuffled over, still looking extremely troubled. "RiverClan has a new queen, Oleanderstream. She had been told she is expecting 3 or more kits. RiverClan will soon be thriving! I will announce this again, as Silentstar had stormed out after Hollystar's demand." Silentstar felt her fur grow warm with embarrassment. "But, please, give these new apprentices another cheer! Smallpaw, Rushpaw and Fallenpaw! Who are proving themselves worthy warriors." The clans cheered for the new apprentices. Silentstar blinked gratefully at the tom. She had met with Smallpaw and Fallenpaw but when she saw a small, but proud looking dark brown tom puffing out his chest, she knew what the apprentice looked like.
"That is all RiverClan has to announce."
Volestar stepped forward, "ShadowClan doesn't have much to announce. Only that prey is still running well." Volestar turned towards Silentstar, nodding as he sat down.
Silentstar took a deep breath as she stood up, all eyes on her made her feel powerful. "Just as last gathering, WindClan has had losses." Rapidstar was watching her with sad eyes.

"Unfortunately, an eagle flew into camp and tried to carry off one of our kits, Sparkkit. Me, Lichenstep and Stalkpelt all raced out to drive the hawk out of camp. And though it was successful, Stalkpelt and Sparkkit's lives were taken." the gathering feel silent. "I preformed a ceremony to allow Sparkkit to enter StarClan as a true warrior, her name is now Sparkstorm." The clans chanted the fallen warriors. Though still, she had mention more.
"Rosethroat and Applepaw, have both fallen victim to greencough. Goldentail too, has greencough, though with the help of Rapidstar and Mothpool, they herbs they gave us is being used gratefully. We thank you again." Rapidstar nodded, as Silentstar continued. "Though, on a much light-hearted, happier note. Lilyfang's kits all have become apprentices. Horizionpaw, Fernpaw, and Tigerpaw. I am Tigerpaw's mentor. Their training is coming along smoothly. We pray that Leaf-bare will end soon and in the time it is still with us, it'd be kind. That is all WindClan has to announce as of current."

Volestar lifted his head, "I would just like to say one thing, and I would appreciate if every cat here, besides WindClan, chat their name. WindClan is suffering though something's we have not. They have lost warriors, apprentice, and kits. Every loss they have had, affects us greatly, if we realize it or not. Quoting what a proud leader once told me, 'Even if we are all rivals, fighting in battles, we are still allies. We care of one another, even if we don't realize it. StarClan and Warrior Code bring as all together to be special, and we all form an unbreakable bond. We are a force to be reckoned with.' Pinestar told me those last words the week before he died."
Silentstar blinked at Volestar, "I will start the chant. WindClan! WindClan!"
After a few heartbeats, the gather was chanting WindClan's name, Rapidstar didn't hesitate to join in second and before long, even Hollystar joined in. Silentstar felt a rush of pride and joy swell deep inside her chest.

She looked over the gathering clans, mainly her clan. Heatherbreeze was crying, though she was smiling. Gorgepaw was lifting his head proudly. Tigerpaw was standing up beside Fernpaw and Horizionpaw, his two sisters were looking rather confused but happy while their brother was standing up, basking in all the chants. Lilyfang and Phesantflight touched nose before they pressed into each other, Boulderclaw was standing beside Tigerpaw, smirking down at the large tabby. Meadowflight was looking over at Petaltoe, the plump cream she-cat was standing up, chanting WindClan's name loudly. A look of happiness covered the WindClan she-cat's face. Birchback was looking happy for the first time in moves, smiling with closed eyes as he looked down at the ground.
Clayfur was sitting at the base of the, Lostwing, ShadowClan's deputy was giving the tan tom an approving nod. Minnowfrost, RiverClan's deputy was sitting beside the WindClan tom yowling loudly. Owltalon had also given a nod before he joined in with his clanmates.
Frozensight looked shocked as Mothpool nudged them, chanting. Dustnose and his apprentice, Mapleshadow were looking at the now bashful medicine cat. Willowheart and Yarrowleaf, though seeming rather hesitant, joined in.
Before long, the entire hallow was filled with cheers and chants for WindClan. Silentstar closed her eyes, her tail curling beside her. She felt at peace and over joyed.

Volestar lifted his paw and stopped the chants before turning to face Silentstar, his eyes kind.
"Silentstar."
"Volestar." The tabby chuckled, "thank you. We have lost so much,"
Volestar dipped his head respectively. "Of course. If you need anything, ShadowClan will be happy to help."
"RiverClan too." Rapidstar nodded.
Hollystar huffed, "It looks bad if I don't agree, ThunderClan too, I suppose."

Silentstar dipped her head, grateful. "WindClan is very thankful for all the words and cheers."