Pursuit of Diligence 2
Primrose’s second task.
Sophie didn’t really know what to expect. From everything that Dove had told her about growing the flowers for ambrosia, the seedling that she had planted wouldn’t need watering just yet. Those flowers needed to be treated with great care, as they could be overwatered rather easily. Maybe there was some other step that they had both forgotten?
Pushing the doors to the Heavenly Embassy open, Sophie was met with the tall, marble pillars and golden lights she had come to associate with the place. Taking a deep breath in, she let the sense of peace the room exuded wash over her before she continued.
Not seeing Primrose in the main hall, Sophie (correctly) assumed that she would find Primrose in the Garden of Virtues. He was checking on some of the other plants in the garden, a small notebook in his hand, presumably for keeping track of things. Even in a place that could get as dirty and messy as a garden, Primrose looked as proper and poised as ever. Either he was just really careful or he had a really good drycleaner.
“Primrose, hi!” Sophie called out, waving to him as she jogged over. “You had another task for me? I thought it would be too early to water the plant…”
“Ah, Sophie. Hello. Straight to the point, I see. But yes, you’re correct. My next task for you isn’t in regards to the care of your plant. Follow me.” He replied, gesturing for Sophie to follow him as he walked back to the main building. Each step he took was confident and assured, the ruffles at the bottom of his pants swishing.
“So if not that, then what?” Sophie asked, tilting her head to the side slightly as she followed.
“I’d have you make a delivery.” He answered, fetching a small, light drawstring bag. “These are tea leaves, a special kind that Dove enjoys.”
“Oh!” Sophie perked up, holding out her hands to accept the bag. “Are these special leaves or something?” She asked curiously.
“They don’t grow properly in Burrowgatory, losing their calming properties.” He explained, gently placing the bag in her hands. “But if grown here in the Embassy, they don’t lose those qualities.”
“Ooh, I see… I suppose that makes sense. I’ll make sure that these get to Dove safe and sound!” Sophie smiled warmly to Primrose.
“Thank you, Sophie.” He offered a small smile in return, nodding as Sophie turned and left the Embassy.
Stepping through the doors and back into Burrowgatory, Sophie made her way down from the Heavenly Embassy, ensuring the drawstring bag wouldn’t fall. Glancing down at it, she couldn’t help but wonder what exactly it tasted like. Maybe Dove could tell her.
It was a bit of a walk to Dove and Jackal’s apartment, but Sophie wouldn’t complain! She was happy to do a favor for her friends. When she arrived, she knocked on the door a few times, humming to herself. There was a moment before it opened, since Dove was probably checking the peephole to see who was there. But once they realized who was there? The door opened immediately.
“Sophie!” They smiled, stepping aside and gesturing inside the apartment. “Come in, come in. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
Sophie stepped inside, giving Dove a side hug after they shut the door behind her. “Primrose, actually! He sent me on a little delivery mission.” She explained, holding up the drawstring bag. “Tea leaves from the Embassy.” She added, letting Dove gently take the bag from her.
“Oh, my… Thank you so much for bringing this to me, Sophie. I was running low, so I appreciate this a lot. Give Primrose my thanks as well.” Dove said, taking the bag to the kitchen.
“Yeah, of course! I thought we might have forgotten to do something with the seed you helped me plant, since I wasn’t sure why Primrose would have called me back to the Embassy. Turns out it was just for a little delivery. This was his second task for me, but I don’t really see how it relates to diligence…? Ah, well, it doesn’t really matter to me that much. I’m just happy to help you and Primrose out!” Sophie hummed, happily following Dove into the kitchen.
Tilting their head, Dove looked towards Sophie. “I didn’t get the chance to ask you the other day… If you don’t mind my asking, why exactly did you decide to take up this task?” They asked, each word careful and deliberate.
“Well…” Sophie began, the tip of her finger resting against her chin in thought. “It's important to a lot of Cherubuns, yeah? Or at least, it used to be? I want to understand you better! I can imagine it can feel pretty lonely and I hate for you to go through that…” She explained.
Dove smiled softly, their expression softening. “That's sweet of you, Sophie. I… It means a lot to me that you're making an effort to understand the virtues.”
“Of course! Besides, I think Primrose could really use another friend! And I think that he'll really appreciate someone making an effort to understand his values.” Sophie rocked back and forth on her heels as she spoke, smiling sweetly at Dove.
“Even if he doesn't say it out loud, I think he'll really appreciate it.” Dove assured her.
Sophie smiled, her eyes then glancing to the clock on the wall. “Oh! I should probably get back to the Embassy. Primrose is definitely expecting me and I’d rather not get a lecture on being tardy!” She chuckled.
Dove laughed softly along with her, nodding their head. “I won’t keep you. Be safe on your way over, okay?”
Sophie nodded as Dove walked her back to the front door, the two hugging as they said their goodbyes. And as Dove said, she was careful on her way back to the Embassy, keeping an eye on her surroundings. Once she finally made it back, she waved Primrose down again.
“Primrose! I finished that delivery!” She cheered, clearly proud of herself.
The tension in Primrose’s shoulders relaxed just a tad, the hint of a smile on his face. “You’re back already? Well… Thank you, Sophie.”
“It’s no problem, Primrose!” She hummed. “But… can I ask you something?”
“Hm? What is it?”
“What does the tea with those leaves taste like?”
Submitted By SpectrumCrow
for Pursuit of Diligence: Chapter 2
Submitted: 1 week and 5 days ago ・
Last Updated: 1 week and 5 days ago