Valancy and Barney spent a peaceful winter in the Blue Castle. They celebrated storms, went skating, watched the stars, read, made candy and occupied their time with checkers and conversation. Valancy had one night of distress, when Barney was late coming home during a fierce snowstorm, but he emerged safely, a moment that transformed them both. They shared a sense of wonder and contentment, a freedom from the outside world, and being close to nature.