The Animalia Anniversary party took place where it all started: the Brown Farm. There was certainly enough room to accommodate the many guests there. The farm had certainly changed a lot since last year, what with the livestock becoming humanoid and most of them employees. Even the Brown family were no longer human. There was also a very considerable change in that meat-farming was almost totally replaced with vegetable-farming. It was easy to see that uplifted Animalians would feel uncomfortable living beside mundane versions of their species who were being raised just so they could be killed and eaten. But with so many carnivores, the demand for meat couldn't be denied. Fortunately, there were some farms in the next county who were able to supply meat for Animalia, though more extensive means of meat-production may be needed considering how fast Animalia has been growing. The only 'meat' that came from the Brown Farm was the unfertilized chicken eggs.
Abigail and Samson were enjoying the barbecue. There were so many familiar faces, old and recently-met there. There was the Wesley family with the daughters' boyfriends' families enjoying some smoked ribs. There was Shamus and Shannon showing off Shannon's new gold medal for winning the hurdle race. There was even Iphis and Ianthe, introducing Typhoon and Waterlily to other members of the Animalian community.
"You know, it's strange," said Samson, "Before I was uplifted, I only liked corn on the cob if it was uncooked. But now I think a little roasting and butter and salt really brings out the flavor."
"I used to prefer hot dogs and hamburgers over corn," said Abby a little wistfully.
Samson paused and asked, "Do you regret becoming an Animalian?"
Abby squeezed his hand and said, "Sometimes, I kind of wish my diet wasn't so restricted, but that's as close I ever get to regret."
"Enjoying yourselves?" asked Clara as she sat down in front of them.
"Pretty much," said Abby, "My mom and dad know how to throw a barbecue. Even if they are vegetarians now."
"Yes, a lot has changed over the last year," said Clara.
"I know what you mean," said Abby, looking over at the woods. One year ago, she had just been a teenaged girl riding her horse into the woods. When they left, they were both altered and mated.
"You know, it wasn't just physically that we've changed," said Clara.
"Our community has been developing pretty fast," said Samson.
"Not just that," said Clara, "We're so much more than the creatures that walked out of that forest a year ago. Abby, you were still a young girl in an adult body, scorned by the other mares by claiming Samson. Now you're pretty much as mature on the inside as the outside and well-respected by all the equines."
"It certainly wasn't as easy as slipping rubber horseshoes on," said Abby, "Which wasn't as easy at first as you might think."
"And Samson, no offense, but when you were first uplifted, you seemed a little...slow on the uptake," said Clara.
"I'm not the smartest," Samson admitted, "But I've been able to make up for it."
"Yes, and you've shown you're capable of managing a farm pretty well," said Clara.
"And let's not forget all that physical development you've done," purred Abby, running her hand across Samson's chest, feeling all of the sculpted muscles underneath his shirt.
"Yes, you did...bulk up a bit," said Clara, flushing a little under her fur.
Samson gave Clara a wicked smile and said, "And as I recall, you were quite a bit of a sexpot we first met."
Clara's blush could almost be seen through her fur. "Yes, I admit I was a bit...wild when I was uplifted." None of them prudently mentioned how Clara had been sucking on Samson's horse shaft that day which led directly to Abby's infection.
"But you became a lot more responsible since then," said Abby.
"I had to. I am the Mayor and I have to set a good example for my people," said Clara, "And I'd rather be a woman that my children can respect."
"Out of curiosity, does Richard know?" asked Samson.
"I don't keep anything from my husband," said Clara, "But he's not upset. It's not like he was a virgin before he met me." There was a pause before Clara said offhandedly, "He is open to a mate swap with you two if you want."
"What?!" yelped Abby and Samson.
Clara laughed and said, "Kidding! Just because I'm the mayor and a mother doesn't mean I don't still have a sense of humor. Anyways, your events are coming up soon, right?"
"Yeah, would have thought the bodybuilding event would be sooner, but I guess they were saving some of the good stuff for last," said Samson.
"And my triathlon is tomorrow," said Abby.
"Who do you think would win? You or Durga?" asked Clara.
"It's kinda split," said Abby, "I mean, even after all those months of training, Durga is still the faster swimmer. She's just more adapted to water. But I've got the edge for running. Horses do need to outrun tigers. I knew how to bicycle more first, but Durga's been able to catch up. So I think we're an even match. Neither of us might come in first, but I am eager to see which of us outdoes the other."
"You're still a winner in any event," said Samson, hugging her.
"Yes, you'll have my support," said Clara, "Well, I better check on Robby." With that, she left.
Samson looked at the forest and asked, "Say, Abby, what would you think about going back to that stump and doing what we did a year ago?"
"Only if no one else sees where we go," said Abby, "There's still that edict against public mating."
"It's just going to be me, you, and the trees," said Samson before kissing Abby. Their love was still as strong as it was a year ago. No, stronger than that.