Zelkova strolled through the center of town. So far had xe come since Squirrel had approached xem, a last-minute decision made right at the Gate. Zelkova could tell that Squirrel was out of their comfort zone, a place buzzing with other not-cats crossing through the Gate.
They'd wound up with six not-cats. Squirrel, of course, the founder. Zelkova, now the monarch. Argenta, who had kept watch on their fire since day one and was the oldest in the village. Spruce, now Zelkova's beloved, and the best one in the village when it came to plants. Acorn, now away on their own adventures, and Patch, who was really just along for the ride.
The village was so busy now. Not-cats of every sort of color, every sort of personality, all coming together for luncheon every day, talking, raising littler ones, playing, singing, enjoying the world.

Leaf Day was the brightest and busiest time of year in Glittering Cascade. The village had doubled in population within two days, so many travelers were at home. Everyone had someone bunking with them- older siblings, grown-up kittens, friends and cousins and really anyone associated with the village, were all invited. They'd stream around the bonfire for a hot luncheon- pawcorn and cat-tatoes, pumpkit stew or stuffed kitty squash.
Afternoon was the harvest. They would trickle out from luncheon to the gardens, carting back baskets and baskets of everything there was to be had... food, food, food, anything the village could want over winter, anything the bakers could dream of.
Then a smaller, simpler, cold evening meal. Supper, Patch said. Crispleaf sandwiches, filled properly or open-faced, leftovers from luncheon, heartfruit cobbler and pumpkit pie.
And then the evening parties, of bits and treats and dancing and music and chatting, chatting, chatting. What have you been doing over the year? What places have you seen? Did you get my postcard? Did you get my present? Catching up with everyone; older siblings or cousins, grown-up kittens, friends, friends of friends, or cats that had hardly seen the village before heading off to travel, now back to make friends.
Introductions were made; love both platonic and romantic were in the air.