Songbirds!

The Heavenly Embassy was picturesque at noon when the luminous crystals shone brightest during the day. If you asked any Cherubun, it was a far cry from the Meadow that was surreal and pristine as any place worthy of angels could be. Compared to the rest of Burrowgatory however, it was still a marvel to behold. Cherubuns who left the Meadow after Dove still lingered within the embassy’s protection, visiting their Succubun counterparts at their own pace. Some found the venture easy, heading down to Burrowgatory proper. Few opted to stay there, among the Succubuns, and carve out a life fully free from Melangel’s influence. Others traveled to and from the Embassy, unwilling to fully abandon the comforts in an already strange environment. Then there were those like Primrose and Philos who only ever stayed within the gilded halls of the Heavenly Embassy, concerned more by their kind’s wellbeing than to sate their own curiosities.

Philos made the active effort to bid farewell to any Cherubuns leaving for the Burrowgatory then greeted them once more when they return. It was disheartening to watch them go, unable to part with those they grew close to, but endeavored to support them in what little ways they could. Beneath their ribcage was a twinge of an uneasy feeling, one they refused to acknowledge. Seldom did they entertain any sentiment of sin; so when envy tightened at the pit of their stomach, they turned away from it. Their resolve was a wilting thing, sensitive to even the slightest insecurity. The Heavenly Meadow was all they knew, Melangel their sole guardian and protector, but now that life was nevermore. They did not regret the single moment of clarity and bravery that brought them here. Moved by Dove’s words all those months ago, they wanted to be more than was given. They wanted to see the truth with their own two eyes even if it scared them and angels above, did it ever.

After having bid goodbye to some Cherubuns heading down towards Burrowgatory, Philos turned towards a nearby garden bed ready to tackle their daily tasks of tending and cultivating. In order to provide for their kind, the nature-abiding doll had to keep up the tending of flora for their ambrosias. Their Virtue, Chastity, and Floracoon, Rosario, kept pace with them until they stopped abruptly, hearing a familiar melody.

In all but an instant, Philos’ heart swelled and their eyes grew misty with recognition. Though this rendition was sung in vocables, the Cherubun knew the lullaby anywhere. They thought back to the Heavenly Meadow and their youth spent reading ancient tomes of the Heavens though the script was difficult to decipher. When Melangel and elder Cherubuns caught them, they were reprimanded only to then be comforted soon after. They thought of the young Cherubuns they helped raised and left behind, unable to look upon their faces when they eventually left because they would not have the strength to continue had they seen the little ones’ tears. Their beloved home, their beloved community, every beautiful sorrow and every heart wrenching ache floods their senses. They sniffled quietly and wiped away the tears before they fell.

“Philos?” A voice called out to them. They realized the song ceased and the singer was upon them, a concerned furrow between their delicate brows. In the clearing just a little further, Dove stood before making their way towards the other Cherubun. It was rare to see Dove at the Embassy even on most normal occasions. They were content living in the Burrowgatory, with Jackal, and only made the trip here when necessary. The gentle, pearlescent Cherubun approached mere feet away before reaching out to wipe Philos’ face free of tears, worry marred across their features. “Are you alright…?”

Rosario stood between the two Cherubuns, looking between them with mild concern. Charity chimed softly, hovering closer to Philos as though trying to soothe them through their small outburst. The sniffling Cherubun nodded, cheek pressed gently into Dove’s touch. They were grateful for the other’s presence and were afraid if they didn’t nuzzle closer, they would return to the Burrowgatory before they could share this moment together.

“Yes. Pray forgive me, dearest Dove. Thy voice is a soothing salve on a most beautiful Spring day… t’was a reminder of the Meadow, ‘tis all.” They smiled, small and timid as they pulled their face away to reassure them. “Though I do not regret following thee here, the guilt still weigheth heavy on mine bosom…glad, I am, to hear the lullaby from your twinkling voice.” They extend their hands to Dove’s, giving them a gentle squeeze. The other Cherubun smiled and squeezed in return, recognition and empathy surging from their gaze.

“We are all still adjusting,” they agree warmly. They lead the other into the garden and sit beside them on a nearby bench, not once letting go of the other’s hands. “Still processing this revelation in our own ways. Some, like Beanny, are doing fine. Others, like Primrose, still cling to Melangel’s teachings.” There’s a small frown on their lips but Philos says nothing, nodding as to cue them to continue. They both knew the severity of the angel’s teachings and scrutiny. “Our journeys are our own and no two Cherubuns will experience this the same way…so there’s no reason to be hard on yourself, okay? No matter what happens, we all have one another. We are not alone and someday, when you are ready, there are Succubuns in Burrowgatory who are more than ready to share in our burdens.” A radiant smile spread over their lips. A giggle soon escaped them as they let go of Philos’ hands.

“Now then. Shall we sing the song together? If you still remember the words, of course.” Dove offered.

Philos thought it over for a moment, their imps on either side of them looking as though waiting for the Cherubun to accept. Encouraged and supported by Dove’s way with words, they nodded and tucked a strand of hair behind their ears. The two Cherubuns closed their eyes and began to sing the honeyed lullaby, filling the air with their radiant voices.