Chapter Cinnamon Bun Traditions!

Chapter Cinnamon Bun Traditions!

Cinnamon Bun Traditions!

I placed my hands on my hips and inspected the room. It was one of the bigger libraries-slash-living rooms in the mansion, in the East wing and only a corridor away from the dining room where we usually had breakfast as a group.

Usually, the library was a stately place, with shelves on both levels, a spiral staircase in the corner, and a couple of big wooden desks for people to read at.

It... admittedly was still like that. But I had spruced it up a bit.

With some help, of course. Gen-Gen had raised an eyebrow when I came to him with a list of things I needed, but he didnt make much of a fuss. I think he, at least, got into the proper spirit of things.

We hung some green things off the bannisters, and lit up the fire in the corner until it was roaring hot with crackling logs. Gen-Gen had helped me boil some milk with grated dark chocolate, and one of the chefs made a great big bowl of pudding.

When I had asked Gen-Gen if we could cut down a tree and put it in the corner, he objected with a rather flat stare. So the gifts Id gotten were all wrapped up and placed on one of the tables near the back.

The sun was setting early, as it was wont to do when things got colder, and the only light in the room was the cozy yellow-orange glow from the fireplace and a few strategically placed candles.

I grinned. It was perfect.

We had made so much hot chocolate that I doubted wed be able to drink even half, so I insisted that all the staff try some, and some pudding too. Amaryllis and her sisters were real lucky to have such nice people looking out for them.

What have you done to our library?

I spun around and came face to face with Amaryllis and Clementine, both of whom were looking around at all the decorations. Gen-Gen said that we should come here. I didnt expect it to be because a guest made a mess of the room, Clementine said.

Its not a mess, I said. Its decorations. I skipped over to both of them, then pulled them into a big squawking hug. I made a holiday party, I said.

You strung branches around, Amaryllis protested.

Its festive, I said.

Clementine glared at her sister. Youd better clean up for your friend.

She can clean up after herself. Shes not a dog. Dogs are smarter.

Our next guest, Orange, ambled into the room, looked around, then sauntered over to the fire before flopping down right next to it where she could hog the heat.

And then, while Clementine and Amaryllis squabbled some more, Awen and Rosaline arrived. Welcome! I said.

Hello! Rosaline said. So, whats so important that I got to leave work early to attend? she asked.

You did what? Clementine asked.

I pulled her into a tight-tight hug. Were having a family party, I said.

Awen was the next one I squeezed. Awa? Why?

Because its almost winter and we might not have the opportunity later, I said. I got... some of the traditional things. I couldnt find any mistletoe for kissing, or fruit cake, But I did find ugly sweaters.

Mistletoe? Sweaters? Rosaline repeated.

I skipped over to one of the tables, then raised a big fluffy sweater off the surface. It was covered in little feather patterns and poorly knit chicks, the yarn all stingy and coming apart in spots. I have one for everyone, I said.

Im not wearing that, Clementine and Amaryllis said in stereo.

I lowered the sweater, my ears drooping down at the same time. You wont? I asked.

I shook my head. Im afraid not. Its a bit last-minute, and I didnt have that much gold to spend, so theyre all the same for everyone. Well, nearly all the same.

Th-then we should open them all at the same time, Awen said. That seems fair.

I handed her the gift with her name on it. There you go then. Do you guys have traditions like this?

Theres a sort of festival in the spring where we commemorate the laying of a new generation, Amaryllis said. Its generally a very private affair. With family members giving gifts to the next generations eggs.

Thats so cute, I said.

Ah, we have something in the winter, Awen said. No gifts, but we gather around and eat lots of pies and drink a lot of fresh cider. Uncle would tell us some stories. But, um, he would do that regardless, I think.

I snorted as I handed the last gift to Orange. The cat stared at the smallest box, then up at me as if she wanted an explanation.

Youre a friend too, I said before patting her head.

Talons and hands dug into the packages and soon everyone was holding up a pretty scarf, wach in a different shade and all of them very comfy.

Cute! Rosaline declared as she wrapped her scarf around her neck. Thanks Broc.

I thought, since its getting a bit cold, and most of my friends here are birds, it would be nice to make sure youre warm and snug, I said. Awen nodded as she snuggled into her scarf. Theres more!

Clementine set her scarf down on her lap and raised her other gift. It was a bracelet, made of polished copper and shaped like a C with letters carved all around it. A cheap bracelet? she asked.

It has all of our initials, I said. Its a friendship bracelet! I raised my own hand, showing mine off.

Put on your bracelet Clem, Amaryllis said as she fit hers on.

Its immature, Clementine said.

I shook my head. Theres nothing immature about telling the whole world that you have good friends!

She scoffed. Thats so wrong I dont know where to begin.

Amaryllis poked her sister in the ribs and Clementine slipped her bracelet on with a roll of her eyes.

I jumped across the divide between us and hugged her tight. Thank you! I said.

Get off me! Amaryllis, control your idiot friend!

Not when shes only being an idiot at you, Amaryllis said.

Clementine squirmed under my hug until she huffed a huff of reluctant acceptance and hugged me back. I let her go, but only so I could help Orange open her gift.

I got you a ball of yarn, since I dont think youd want a scarf, and a friendship collar since your wrists are very small, I told the spirit cat as I opened her present.

She sniffed the collar, then ignored it in favour of poking the ball of yarn. The moment it started to roll away her eyes narrowed and her butt started wiggling. I left her to it.

I smiled over to my friends. Amaryllis was arguing with her sister again, this time about how to properly tie a scarf, and Rosaline was asking Awen what she would do if there was some mistletoe around. Awen was blushing a bunch, but she didnt seem to by shying away from the teasing at all.

Orange darted past, chasing her bouncing yarn and having a ball.

I, for my part, served myself a bowl-full of pudding and sat back to enjoy the happy sounds of a little family just getting along.

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