Velvetcloud was in the medicine den treating Sunnybird, who had a large bramble branch stuck in her paw pad. 

"Alright just hold still," Velvetcloud said calmly, pressing her muzzle gently to the warrior's dark pad and clutched the bramble with her teeth. Sunnybird winced slightly when the tan and red medicine cat gave a small tug and the branch slid out with ease.

Sunnybird licked her paw after the tan she rubbed some dock on the cut. "Thanks Velvetcloud. That thing was bothering me for days." 

"No problem at all, Sunnybird. It's what I was trained to do," Velvetcloud smiled. "Now come back later so I can reapply the dock and don't go on an patrols for two days to avoid infection."

The yellow mottled she-cat nodded and limped out from the den. 

A couple minutes later, Shimmersky burst in, her golden eyes filled with panic. Velvetcloud was taken aback a little bit. Even in times of crisis, she always remembered how calm her former mentor was and how focused she stayed.

"Shimmersky what is it?"

"It's Thornstar. I think he might have whitecough," the golden-flecked she-cat said nervously. 

Velvetcloud felt herself pale. "B-but it's just the beginning of leaf fall! We can't have cats getting sick yet. Especially our leader."

"It's ok. I'm pretty sure we have enough catmint to heal him. Now we have to go to his den to treat him. Let's hurry," said Shimmersky urgently and trotted out of the den with catmint in her jaws and Velvetcloud at her heels.

The two medicine cats quickly rushed to Thornstar's den and they gasped with horror to see their leader lay, dead, in his nest. 

"Thornstar!" Shimmersky cried.

A few moments later however, the dark brown tom shifted and groaned as he sat up and Velvetcloud let out a breath of relief. Thornstar only lost a life which leaves him with four left. Only the medicine cats of each clan are allowed to know how many lives their leaders have.

"Ugh I apologize I-I wasn't feeling too good at all. I just wish I could've lost that life defending my clan," Thornstar sighed. "It wasn't your fault Thornstar," Shimmersky meowed.

Suddenly, two cats entered the den and Velvetcloud spun her head around to see Lionwing and a tall white, silver, and black she-cat. The amber eyed she stumbled backward with shock. "Silverpaw?!? Oh my StarClan Silverpaw!!!" She raced over to her former friend and beamed. "I can't believe you're alive!!! You're here right now! Standing in front of me!!"

Silverpaw beamed. "Yeah I'm alive! Good to see you Velvetcloud!"

Thornstar dipped his head to Silverpaw and stood up. "We are overjoyed to know that you are safe and back home! I think it's about time for you to be made a warrior." 

They all padded outside of the den and Velvetcloud, Silverpaw, and Lionizing sat down below the Highrock watching their leader gather the rest of ThunderClan.

"Cats of ThunderClan! As some of you know one of our amazing clanmates returned to us! Silverpaw, we are pleased to have you back and I think everyone agrees it's time for your warrior ceremony." The rest of the Clan cheered excitedly.

"I, Thornstar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a warrior in their turn. Silverpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?" Thornstar gazed down at the slim she.

"I do," Silverpaw said confidently, her pretty teal eyes shining.

Thornstar smiled. "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Silverpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Silverfern. StarClan honors your speed, bravery, and loyalty and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan."

"Silverfern! Silverfern! Silverfern!" Velvetcloud chanted loudly with the rest of her clanmates. 

The new warrior beamed brightly and gazed around at the rest of her clan.

Velvetcloud than spotted her sister, Flowertail, in the shadows giving Silverfern the death glare and the medicine cat rolled her eyes.

While Silverfern was distracted, Lionwing pulled Velvetcloud, Fawnpelt, and Cloverstep over.

"Guys I need your help. You need to distract Silverfern all day tomorrow until dusk. Spruceclaw and Hawksong are helping me plan something for her."

"What is it?" Velvetcloud and Fawnpelt asked in unison. 

Lionwing looked down at his paws and smiled to himself. "Ok don't freak out but...I'm going to ask Silverfern to be my mate."