Yule Log Lamba

“And…” Cree put the mixing bowl down and took a step back. “There! I think that’s everything I need.” Cree looked down at the kitchen table, which was barely visible underneath all the ingredients and utensils he’d gathered and scattered all across it. He picked up the recipe card laying on the edge of the table and read it over for at least the fifth time. 

Fin Fin scampered up onto the table and cocked his head, a small seed of doubt clear in the Ramaus’ eyes. 

“I know I don’t bake often, but Lennox said that this new type of lamba he found loooooves treats and parties! So I want to make something exciting to bring to the ranch tonight.” Although Cree wasn’t entirely sure why Malcolm had been so confident in his abilities, considering Cree was a candy maker, and not a baker. “People get that mixed up all the time, you know? It always confuses me because candy is a lot different than cake and I just have to suggest they go to an actual bakery and -” Cree laughed as Fin Fin took the recipe card out of his hands and began shaking it at him. “Okay, okay. Let’s do our best with this!”

With his cosprout assistant squeaking encouragingly, Cree rolled up his sleeves, made sure his apron was tied, and got to work. 

~~~

“Can you knock, Fin Fin?” Cree looked down at his Ramaus, careful not to tip the covered platter he was holding. Fin Fin padded over to the base of the door and knocked loudly - well, as loudly as he could with his tiny Ramaus paws. 

But Lennox was used to listening to cosprouts day in and day out, so it was only a moment before the grouchy shepard opened the door. “Whaddya - oh. Malcolm!” Lennox began to turn away, like he was just going to ignore Cree, but then seemed to realize what he was holding. “Ye actually brought somethin’?” 

“Yep! We did our best -” Cree gestured down at Fin Fin with his flower tail and smiled up brightly at Lennox. “Can we meet that extra special lamba?” 

There was the sound of light hoofsteps coming closer from inside Lennox’s home and Malcolm quickly came into view. “Oh, Cree, hello. I’m so glad you could join us.” He looked over at Lennox. “Are you going to let them in, Lennox?” 

Lennox’s face heated up a bit and he quickly stepped out of the doorway, making room for Cree and Fin Fin to enter. 

“So, where’s the star of the party?” Cree entered the house, peering around as he followed Malcolm. As they turned the corner and entered the kitchen, Cree gasped. 

Sitting on one of the chairs was a pale pink lamba with a large bow on its chest fluff. Its horns looked like triangular party hats, complete with little streamers at the tips. It looked over at the cossetlings as they entered, big green eyes sparkling. 

“Hello, you’re so cute!” Cree barely held back from bouncing over to the table, calming himself at the last second to keep his present safe. He walked over to the table and put the platter down before kneeling to be at eye-level with the lamba. “Can I pet you?” 

“Aye! Ye can’t just -”

“Lennox, be nice.” 

Cree ignored the cossetlings behind him and kept his eyes on the lamba, reaching his hand out slowly and smiling as the pink lamba leaned forward to rub its face against his hand. “You know that I brought you a treat, huh?” 

Malcolm came over to the table. “Cree, could I look at what you brought?” 

“Yep, ‘course!” 

Malcolm lifted the lid of the platter and made a soft sound as he looked at what was underneath, drawing the attention of the pink lamba. Cree stood up as he elaborated: “It’s called a ‘yule log’! I thought it would be perfect for a welcome party this time of year.” 

The cake looked like the log it got its name from, shaped like a lumpy half-cylinder. Cree had used a homemade frosting to put wood-like details onto it, including tiny mushroom-shaped cookies growing out of it. To the side, partially as a decoration but still fully edible, were a couple of fresh mint leaves and some round juicy cranberries. 

“I hope it’s okay…” Cree was suddenly sheepish as three new pairs of eyes studied his cake. He felt Fin Fin pet his leg comfortingly and bent to pick up the Ramaus. “I don’t bake very often, so…” 

“Cree, if this tastes half as good as it looks, it’ll still be better than anything I’ve ever made.” Malcolm gave Cree a warm smile and turned away to find a knife to cut it with. 

Lennox was silent, the barest hint of a smile on his face as he looked down at the pink lamba. “Yer really excited t’ taste it, yeah?” The lamba’s ribbon-like tail was wriggling excitedly. Lennox looked over at Cree, his expression looking slightly impressed. “Thank ye…” 

Cree smiled back, anxiety fading. “Of course! Thank you for inviting me ~” 

It was a bit of an odd party. Neither Malcolm or Lennox were very chatty, so Cree found himself talking to the cosprouts for most of it, but everybody seemed to love his cake, especially the little lamba who the treat had been for. So all in all, a success, and a perfect way to say goodbye to the old year and usher in the new.