Chapter 1: Diligence

 The Heavenly Embassy was as close to paradise as Philos could recall. They had known paradise before arriving at the Burrowgatory, though they and other Cherubuns would agree that there was cracks in that perfect vision. Even here, this gilded home, was the last parting gift Melangel bestowed upon them. It was no wonder some Cherubuns chose to live among the Succubuns rather than among their kind. Philos could not blame them but nor could they follow them. The teachings they carried from the meadow held a tight leash in their mind. It took insurmountable courage for them to leave when they did to join their kin, all their kin, below. Yet that seemed to be the extent of it.

 Breakfast was freshly served at the Heavenly Embassy dining hall, a banquet-like eatery where Cherubuns could congregate and partake in a fulfilling meal before going on with the rest of their day. Philos only managed to grab a multigrain breakfast muffin and a little juice box before making their way towards the exit. On either side, Philos’ virtues, Benne and Patti, tailed wherever they went.

 On their way, they stumbled across a fellow Cherubun, Michael, prompt and courteous as ever. He gave a small, acknowledging nod.

 “Good morning, Philos. Heading out to help Primrose with his daily tasks, I presume? Let’s see…tending the flowers?” He pulled his sleeve back, checking his wristwatch for the time. Philos nodded sheepishly, fingers attempting to thread the hagoromo around their doll form, though they knew its’ intangible presence would not assist them.

 “Aye, ‘tis but a small contribution to the overall–”
 “–wellness of our community.” Michael interrupted, knowing the wooden Cherubun’s mantra by heart given how many times he’s heard them repeat it. “It has been some time since I’ve helped in the gardens but I shall have to check on it after my caseload for today. Would it be alright if I came by later to see?”

 Philos smiled at this as they were never one to turn down the company of a fellow Cherubun. Michael’s consideration pleased them and they nodded, urging the virtues beside them to come along. “T’would be most delightful to partake in thy company, Michael. I shall await thee in the gardens.”

 Philos curtsied and Michael nodded once more before the pair parted ways. Philos strolled through the gilded halls of the Embassy, glad for both purpose and promise. They crossed over from one end to the other, making their way out to the gardens and to their favorite greenhouse. It was a little further back compared to the others, tucked out of sight from the main pathway. It as well taken care of but quiet, allowing the wooden Cherubun to work in relative peace. There was also a quaint, running fountain within that allowed Philos an accessible supply of water.

 Benne and Patti slip through the door as Philos opens it, dancing before two matching pairs of Lunar and Festival rabebes and lunells. Surprised, the cherubun approached only to see a soft pink Cherubun holding up a matching pink trowel and a packet of seeds. The other turned to face Philos before a dainty smile crosses their features.

 “Good Morning Philos, I figured I’d find you here…I usually enjoy relaxing in the greenhouse a row down, but after hearing you sing some time ago, I thought I’d come here to hear better…but then I got here much to soon and saw the empty flower beds and figured I’d do something to help. Might as well help Primrose out while I’m at it, hm?” The other Cherubun, Celeste, explained in a soft, truly angelic voice.

 Philos couldn’t help but giggle at this admission and approached closer, taking the bag of seeds from them and walked over to tiered tool organizer to get their own trowel. They grabbed an apron before they returned to the Celeste and tied their hair up in a neat bun. Thankfully, the other was in their bun form and didn’t need the extra precautions Philos took to keep their own outfit clean of dirt.

 “I am certain thou’st recalls the tasks we had to do in the meadow…so the concept is the same. We are to plant these seeds and cover them with dirt. We shall need but a sprinkle of water to assist them along…and then they will grow on their own accord.” Philos elaborated, their horticulture lessons still an important factor in their daily life. Their hands went through the movements as they went about their detailed instructions, planting the flowers that would eventually bloom and be used for ambrosia. Celeste watched on but only mildly interested in the ritual of it. She would nod here and there and was happy to pat the trowel against the dirt to flatten in, ensuring the seeds were safe in the flowerbeds.

 When Philos completed most of the planting, and Celeste providing only minimal support and effort when needed, she turned to them with that same, delicate smile from before.

 “So, might I hear you sing now that we’re done done gardening for now? At least, before they open the dining halls for lunch.” The blush pink Cherubun inquired, holding one of Philos’ virtues as the other imps danced around the other flowerbeds in the greenhouse. “Please?”

 Unable to resist such an unyielding request, Philos nodded, rising to their feet to clear their throat. It was only after such a fulfilling task that they would permit themself a moment of reprieve. They would have to come back soon to ensure their work wasn’t for waste, after all.