Catching Up over Tea

Quite some time had passed since that abrupt visit to Heavenly Meadows and the subsequent events relating to the cherubuns. Ballini had meant to go visit Dove and Jackal to catch up as well as to speak to the sweet cherubun about what had happened. However her busy schedule had not allowed for that opportunity and she had not been able to talk everything out with Dove as she had wanted to. When the invitation to come over for some tea had been received by the delicate dancer, she had immediately sent over her agreement to attend and thus a date had been set.

She released a soft sigh as she pulled on a lovely pale blue sweater dress before braiding her hair and securing it with a matching ribbon bow. As she went to the sofa to put on one of her pairs of flats, Clara the albino phloof hopping up onto the sofa and stared up at her.
"Alright you can come along. Odette you going to be a good girl?" Ballini smiled as she picked up Clara before glancing to Odette who simply preened their feathers.
"Very well then." She finished putting on her slippers and got to her feet with Clara secured in her arms as the delicate dancer locked up behind her so she could head over to Dove's apartment that was being shared with Jackal.

Once she arrived at the apartment door, she paused before taking a slow breath then lifted a hand to knock once....twice....thrice. Clara fluffed up a bit in her arms as one of her hands ran through their fur. Then the door opened to the sight of a incredibly sweet cherbun doll who smiled brightly.

"Ballini! It's been long time since we saw each other. I am so glad you came. Please come in!" They stepped aside to let the dancer enter with a small smile on their face. Dove led her to the dining room where a table had been set up with lovely lace table runner, several plates of small sandwiches, scones, cookies, and canapes as well as a teapot of jasmine blend. Ballini took her seat with Clara settling down on a small pillow nearby.

Dove poured tea into the two cups and settled down into their seat. Before they could open their mouth to speak, Ballini injected with "Are you adjusting okay to Burrowgatory? I know you two had to move to a larger apartment and deal with the whole cherubuns coming down situation...." Her voice tinged in concern as Dove stared in mild surprise at her obvious concern before a small smile sprouted.

"You really are kind for worrying about me! Thank you. I've been adjusting well thanks to Jackal's kindness. It was difficult with the other cherubuns but I am managing well. Beanny and Primrose are both working to adapt. Beanny runs Paradise Cafe while Primrose handles the whole embassy situation. You should stop by sometime soon! I could escort you?" They offered as Ballini sipped their tea while listening quietly as she scratched Clara's head a bit.

"I...would like that. I have heard about the Embassy and Paradise Cafe. It intrigues me but I do not wish to go up on my own. Going with you would be lovely. Perhaps another day when we are both free?" Ballini smiled slightly as she reached for a scone.

"That would be wonderful. How is ballet going?"
"Busy. We have a small season of performances coming up plus I've been running into some issues with my hips." She frowned as Dove gasped.

"Oh no! Are you seeing a doctor?" Dove looked concerned, sandwich midway to their mouth as Ballini had to muffle her giggles with a bite of scone. They were so precious and so kind. Clara eyed the food up but curled up on the pillow. Ballini would be displeased if they tried anything.

"Yes I am. I got referral to an excellent one who has been offering physical therapy." Ballini was not about to go into excessive details about how things had gone beyond physical therapy. "He is gentle and understanding. My studio likes him so they have no issues with having him tag along from time to time to observe while I am on stage. I would offer to introduce you two together but Jackal would fluster him quickly with how prickly she can get." They shared a soft laugh at that. Jackal often made rather strong first impression and it had taken Ballini a bit to warm up to the envious doll. Her imps had heard her rants about the taller doll for a while.

"I will get you two tickets to my performance at some point, I promise." Ballini reached for one of small sandwiches as Dove squealed

"I would absolutely love that! Your dancing is so beautiful." They complimented the dancer who blushed slightly. "I'll make sure you get the best seats then!" Ballini promised.

Once they had finished their tea party, Ballini picked up her sweet albino phloof and headed out with her goodbyes to the lovely cherubun.