[ARIETTE] PURSUIT OF DILIGENCE: CHAPTER 5

Ariette was exceptionally excited when she received an early morning call from Dove saying that the ambrosia flowers were finally ready to harvest. She told Dove that she’d be there as soon as possible as she tore through her breakfast and knocked back a glass of milk. She could hardly contain her excitement as she dashed out the front door of her house and down through the streets, bobbing and weaving through crowds of buns that had gathered throughout the town.

Not long after, she could see the outline of the Heavenly Embassy’s greenhouse gardens in the distance. Picking up speed, she closed the distance and hoped atop the solid cloud bed the Embassy sat upon. She took a moment to catch her breath before pushing open the front doors of the greenhouse, and was immediately blinded by the brilliant menagerie of flowers inside. Each bud shone as if it was dipped in starlight, and each bud sparkled as though it contained within it a shining star.

The entire greenhouse was alight with a brilliant glow. It was exactly as Dove had said it would be. It truly was as if the greenhouse itself was a glorious treasure trove, and the flowers within were glittering gems and precious minerals.

It was magnificent.

And then, breaking from her reverie, she noticed someone looking over at her from amongst the ambrosia.

It was of course, Primrose.

She heaved a heavy sigh and mentally prepared herself for the onslaught of curses, broadside, and other discriminations that were sure to spill from the Cherubuns' lips at any moment.

Ariette braced herself, and yet, he said nothing at all.

He was surely holding his tongue then, she surmised. But, she didn’t know why. Perhaps it was because of what Dove had said to him before about not looking down his nose at the Succubuns of Burrowgatory? Whatever the reason, it was odd.

She pushed those thoughts away as she swallowed an ever-increasing knot in her throat and made her way towards him. She didn’t see Dove anywhere in her vicinity, and so she figured she might as well ask Primrose if he knew where they were.

Watching her approach, Primrose’s eyes seemed to widen slightly and he quickly put down his gardening tools. As she walked closer to stand beside him, he stood rather stiffly and turned to face her.

“So…you received Dove’s message?” he began, a slight frown on his face.

“Yes?” Ariette replied, her curiosity peaked.

“Good. If you would follow me then.” he said, motioning to the back of the greenhouse. And without waiting for her reply, he began briskly walking away. Ariette followed after him, dozens of questions gnawing at her as she did. Primrose was usually very opinionated and outspoken, often to a pernicious degree, but today his mannerisms seemed strained…

She didn’t know what to make of it.

As soon as they reached the workstation in the back of the greenhouse, Primrose tugged on a pair of gloves and then mechanically extended a second pair out for Ariette to take. She just stared at him and furrowed her brows.

“I…thought Dove was going to be showing me how to harvest ambrosia flowers today…?” she said, staring at him incredulously.

“Dove fell ill this morning." he replied matter-of-factly, and then upon seeing Ariette's worried expression, he added "They will be fine, but they are not feeling well enough to be here today. So, they asked me if I’d show you how to harvest the ambrosia instead.”

Ariette narrowed her eyes at the Cherubun. He grimaced. 

“Trust me, Ariette. I have a million things I’d rather be doing than babysitting a Succubun such as yourself. However, Dove asked me to do this for them as a favor, and I am obligated to oblige them. Don’t make me regret my decision.” he finished with an air of warning in his voice, and he tossed the gloves in her direction.

~~~

Before they began harvesting, Primrose rubbed his temples and made an obvious display of displeasure as he explained the harvesting process. He folded his arms and begrudgingly warned her not to touch the ambrosia flower petals, as it was harmful to Succubuns. This was the same reason why Succubuns couldn't drink anything that was infused with ambrosia. In large doses, the results could be fatal.

Even though they were both wearing gloves, Primrose instructed her to be careful. He explained that he didn’t want to get an earful from Dove if something were to happen to her while she was in his care. After an assenting nod from her, he rolled his eyes and tossed her a pair of pruning shears. She fumbled to catch them and glared up at him, whereas he seemed rather amused by his actions. He showed her where to cut the stem of the flowers, and the two of them began filling a small basket with ambrosia.

~~~

As soon as they had harvested all of the ambrosia flowers from one plot, Primrose suggested they stop there for the day. Ariette agreed, and together they made their way back to the workstation where she began to take off her gloves and stretch her back.

“Well, thank you for teaching me today, Primrose.” she said. She was getting really tired of his attitude, but she was still going to try to be polite to him.

At this, the Cherubun’s ears perked up, and he glowered at her.

“I suppose I should say “you’re welcome”, but I don’t particularly care to be polite with you. I’m only doing this because Dove asked me to. That is all.” he said with a tone of finality.

As Ariette turned to leave, he continued.

“And before you go, tomorrow Dove was supposed to show you how to brew the ambrosia that we just harvested. But, if they’re still sick, then I suppose I’ll be the one doing that too.”

He sighed and crossed his arms, giving her a disapproving look.

“Be here tomorrow at 8 o’clock sharp. I will not wait around for you to show up. If you’re not here at that time, then you will be forfeiting your opportunity to learn how to brew ambrosia.”

Ariette was intimidated and annoyed by his harsh tone. She was also extremely disappointed at the realization that Dove wouldn’t be the one to show her how to brew ambrosia the following day. She was not looking forward to being subjected to his prejudices for another session, and yet was curious enough to learn how to brew ambrosia that she was willing to tolerate his attitude one more time.

So, without another word, she gave him a nod and promptly left the greenhouse to return home.