Autumn slowly rolled into winter and the city was blanketed in soft snow. The cubs soon learned of a strange custom. Various people of the city began to prepare for a new year's celebration!

"Whoever heard of celebrating a new year in the middle of winter!?" Shanku asked incredulously. "The new year begins when new life begins! Don't they know that? That's like starting the day in the middle of the night instead of at dawn!"

"Hush, do not wake Hinto. Hold still," Zihna chided gently as she combed through Shanku's hair.

"This is a very strange place," Eru arched an eyebrow. He quickly finished tying his hair back and straightened his tunic.

"We never said these people would make sense," Zihna chuckled. She faced them, and bent over with her hands on her knees. "Now, smile for me. It's time to go downstairs."

As Zihna walked out the door, Shanku crossed her arms over her chest and glanced back at Eru.

"I am not doing this next year," she said hotly. "This dress is even frillier than the others!"

"Me neither," Eru glumly replied. "I'd rather be hunting a buck."

Eru and Shanku exited the nursery and followed Zihna down the stairs to the parlor where many guests were gathered and engaged in animated conversation and laughter. Dai met his wife at the bottom and offered his hand to her as she descended.

"Hey, look! Food!" Shanku said excitedly as she peered over the banister.

"Is that all you think about?" Eru asked with evident disappointment. "Food?"

"Gotta eat to live, so I live to eat!" Shanku chirped and hopped to the floor.

"You are painfully simple minded, Shanku," Eru sighed as he stepped off the stairs.

"At least I have a mind!" Shanku giggled and offered a biscuit to him.

"For appetizers," Eru shook his head and accepted a biscuit. He smiled as he heard the first strains of a violin. "The band's started."

"I'm busy," Shanku said quickly and took a bite of her biscuit. "Go find a pretty lady if you want to dance."

Eru shook his head again and left Shanku by the finger foods. He bowed to a group of girls and offered his arm. With a giggle, one with curly red hair accepted and they walked off to the dance floor.

Shanku watched as Eru waltzed with his dance partner. He looks like he's really enjoying himself, Shanku noted. She had a brief twinge of longing, but quickly brushed it off. That's not for me. Ribbons and frou-frou comes naturally to them, but I belong in the dirt and under the trees. Not here. She began to look for a drink and didn't give it another thought.

"Attention, please!" Mrs. Birchfield waved a handkerchief after a few songs had played. She lowered her kerchief when the parlor had quieted and turned toward her. "I'd like to thank you all for coming. The patron will now speak."

"'Twas a good year," Master Woodstock began, who had been patiently standing nearby. "Crops were up and trade was superb. Monsters were minimal! All thanks to our fine citizens doing their parts."

"'Monsters minimal.' Yeah, right," Eru laughed and looked over at Shanku.

"What?" Shanku shrugged, confused. "I'm not that bad!"

"Before we feast...," Master Woodstock paused and looked to Mrs. Birchfield. "I wonder if this fine woman would perfect my year by consenting to be my bride."

A hush fell over the room as Mrs. Birchfield covered her mouth in surprise.

"I would be honored!" she said gladly and gracefully placed her hand over her chest.

"Splendid!" Master Woodstock beamed. "Now, we feast!"

The guests applauded and began to make their way to the dining hall.

"I didn't see that coming," Dai chuckled.

"Why else do you think he taught the cubs so eagerly?" Zihna asked slyly. Dai shook his head and offered his arm to his wife. She accepted and they followed the crowd.

"More food?" Shanku asked excitedly.

"Algod help you, you glutton," Eru groaned and followed after her.

Eru and Shanku took a seat near Dai and Zihna as the cooks began to bring out various dishes.

"After dinner, you two must go to bed," Dai reminded them as they began to serve themselves.

"Yes, sir," Eru nodded.

Shanku was mostly oblivious as she tucked into all sorts of meats, breads, and baked things being served.

"Etiquette classes were wasted on you, Shanku," Eru teased.

"Was not, Eru!" Shanku snapped back, her mouth full of food.

Eru shook his head with resignation and tried to enjoy the meal.

Iris Birchfield and Master Woodstock were married in the spring with a small wedding of their closest friends and family before Master Woodstock went to live with Mrs. Birchfield. A few days later it was time for Dai and his family to return to the plains to let the urych graze and fatten back up, and to find the Heyen clan once more. He gave his mother a long hug goodbye and lead them away.

Shanku and Eru were quite glad to be back in their normal clothes, and even more glad to leave their cramped room behind and be back under the skies once again. Shanku felt like she hadn't been able to breathe that easily in weeks.

On and on they travelled back out into the rolling hills and new grasses covering the plains. There was still a chill in the air, but the days were growing warmer and warmer.

"We should be meeting up with the clan soon," Zihna said happily as she laid out their bed rolls for the night.

"Finally!" Eru exclaimed. It had been just last night Zihna had given him the 'all clear' to shift back into his natural form.

"Shanku, do you wish to stay with me? Or go back with Zihna?" Dai asked softly as he held a sleeping Hinto.

"Actually I was thinking..." Shanku paused. "Maybe going back to the Nyre."

"Aw, really? Why?" Eru asked sadly.

"Aren't you a little too young to be travelling alone?" Zihna asked.

"Did it before," Shanku shrugged. "I don't belong in the open or in the city. I belong in the branches."

"If that is what you wish, Shanku," Dai nodded. "But you will always have a place with us."

The next morning, Shanku bid farewell to her friends and began her journey back to her homeland as the Birchfield family returned to their own territory. She waved to them as they waved to her, and Jakko howled a long, plaintive howl as she disappeared from sight.