The old stray Tabby slid through the cat-flap that had been installed at her request since the Tavern was last open and heaving with customers friends. She'd popped in a few times over the last few weeks to the place she'd come to think of as 'home'.

Once inside she paused to look around and washed her tail thoughtfully. 'Well, my ears & whiskers, there do seem to be a lot of other cats in here this year. Nice to see the youngsters keeping up the tradition of chasing mice but I'm feeling a bit too weary to join them just now. Let's see, who's looking friendly and has a nice lap?'

Sidling over to the fireplace she delicately deposits herself on the cosy lap already occupied by a very contented calico cat. 'Would you mind me joining you my dear? It's been a long year and I'm in need of some peace and comfort.'

With just the right amount of sniffing, purring and the occasional tongue-wash, the two cats settle down contentedly for a cat-nap, twitching occasionally as they dreamt of roast auroch, salmon and bowls of baileys. The lone individual at the fire slowly stroked the cats, sipped from his glass of Port & Brandy and started to hum a gentle song...