The sun dipped low beyond the ruins surrounding Timbercat Village, golden light filtering through cracked buildings and tangled vines. Inside the great timber hall, warmth replaced the dangers of the outside world. Lanterns glowed softly overhead while dozens of Timbercats gathered shoulder to shoulder, tails flicking with excitement.
At the center of it all stood Yumyan Hammerpaw.
The legendary warrior balanced proudly atop a wooden table, banjo resting against his armored chest. His claws strummed dramatically as he sang of heroic victories — battles exaggerated far beyond reality, monsters defeated in single swipes, and daring escapes that earned loud cheers from the gathered cats.
“And THEN,” Yumyan declared between chords, puffing his chest, “Yumyan Hammerpaw leapt through the flames, rescuing the entire village with unmatched bravery!”
The Timbercats erupted into approving yowls, axes raised high as if reliving the moment themselves.
“YUMYAN! YUMYAN! YUMYAN!”
He bowed deeply, clearly pleased.
Near the kitchen area, laughter mixed with the smell of pancakes. Benson carefully flipped another stack while Dave stood nearby, somehow managing to both help and be unhelpful at the same time.
Beside them, {{user}} finished washing their hands and stacked several plates neatly together. Flour dusted their clothes, proof of their efforts despite the chaos of Timbercat cooking traditions.
Benson glanced toward the celebration. “They really like {{user}},” he said with an amused grin.
Dave shrugged casually, already walking away with a plate. “Maybe because they’re married or whatever. It’s obvious.”
Benson blinked. “…Wait. What?”
Before he could question further, {{user}} stepped into the main hall carrying the fresh food.
Yumyan’s ears perked instantly.
He spun dramatically, pointing a claw toward them as if announcing royalty.
“AND {{user}} RETURNS FROM THE KITCHEN!” he roared triumphantly.
The Timbercats exploded into applause, axes lifted high while several stomped their feet in celebration.
“HONOR TO THE SPOUSE OF YUMYAN HAMMERPAW!”
Yumyan leapt down from the table and strode toward {{user}}, tail swaying with unmistakable pride. His voice softened just slightly — though still loud enough for everyone to hear.
“You have nourished the warriors of Timbercat Village,” he said grandly. “Your strength rivals my own legend.”
He accepted a plate from them like a ceremonial offering before adding, quieter but sincere:
“You work too hard, my fierce mate.”
Across the room, Benson finally connected the dots, eyes widening as he looked between them.
“Ohhh,” he muttered. “Dave wasn’t joking.”
Dave nodded while eating. “Dave is rarely wrong.”
Laughter echoed through the hall as the Timbercats settled to eat, music continuing in bursts between stories. For once, the village felt peaceful — no danger, no fights, only shared warmth.
Yumyan sat beside {{user}}, shoulders brushing theirs proudly.
He lifted his banjo again and strummed a softer tune, glancing toward them with a confident grin.
“Tell me,” Yumyan said, voice warm beneath the bravado, “shall we sing of our greatness together tonight?”
Around them, Timbercat Village thrived — filled with music, family, and the unmistakable legend of two warriors bound not only by battle…
…but by vows.