Chapter 6

"Today is the day..." Simon murmured softly, a hint of melancholy in his voice. 

He removed his glasses and carefully wiped the lenses with a small handkerchief, his thoughts lingering on the bittersweet moments that he had shared with the many Cherubuns that he met during this assignment. The Church of Sulfur had set up this project to inspire connections, exchange of knowledge and perhaps a little bit of reconnaissance. But Simon took this opportunity and really got to understand Cherubuns. His mild mannered attitude and soft voice was an easy introduction into the very different world that he comes from. 

Yes, today marked the end of his commitment to the Heavenly Embassy and the Cherubuns, but he would love to continue to lend a helping hand wherever they needed one. 

He patted his sweater vest, making sure he looked presentable before he headed out for the day.

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As he arrived the Embassy was buzzing with activity. Simon had assumed that after the harvest things would quiet down, but boy was he wrong. Everybunny had a job or somewhere to be. There was a team of bunnies meticulously tiling the soil, preparing for the next planting season. All the tools used for the season were getting nice and cleaned and even polished. 

In the kitchen, there were groups at various stages cleaning and stripping herbs. The air was filled with the comforting scent of herbs as some were being smashed down in mortar and pestle while others were bubbling in big pots. 

Everybunny had a job or somewhere to be and Simon needed to find Primrose. Primrose, the Cherubun that he was paired up with for this assignment. He was not the easiest Cherubun to get along with, but Simon thought he was starting to win him over. 

Simon was directed to a little room just down the hall from the kitchen. The door was closed, so he offered a gentle knock. There was a small clattering noise and a groan before a shuffling to the door. It cracked open and Primrose just barely stuck his nose out the door to shoo away whoever was bothering him. The smaller buns' eyes met a familiar tan sweater vest, before he had to look much further up to meet Simon’s soft and easy smile.

“Hello there, Primrose.” 

Prim’s face lit up in a blush. “Oh it’s you…” He said matter of factly. “I thought you were going to be here earlier. I already started. Nevermind get in here…”

Simon tilted his head and peered down at the watch on his wrist. This was his normal schedlued time of being here so he was confused but was quickly waved into the office and shut the door behind him. 

As he looked around, he determined that this was Primrose’s office. It was nice and clean, but didn’t possess much in the ways of personal belongings. The only thing that notified that it was Prim’s office was a small golden placard upon his neatly organized desk. 

The only thing that looked out of place was this large machine. It looked like it was about the shape and size of a standard espresso machine. It was bronze, with a lovely patina along the curves and intricate details. It hissed angrily and Primrose groaned audibly. 

“This thing has been nothing but trouble ever since we moved down here…” He began to fiddle with some knobs and levers. “If I don’t get this working again my ambrosia is not going to turn out this year.” 

After spending time with Beanny, Simon’s had much appreciation for a good cup of coffee. 

Simon began to stroke his chin as pondered what could be going on with it. 

Primrose scoffed. “This is centuries old technology that Melangel bestowed upon me, I doubt you even know what you are looking at.” 

“May I take a closer look then?” Simon offered. 

With a stiff nod, Primrose invited Simon to check it out.

Simon slid behind Prim’s desk and began to take a closer look at the machine. 

Primrose didn't move out of the way, just stood there with his arms folded in front of him. This was closer then he had ever been to Simon and his face flushed again. He murmured something about this machine and how old it was again, while taking in the soft scent of Simon’s cologne. “Oh, I see now. We do have a problem here…” Simon bit his lip trying to stifle his laughter.

“Well what is it?” Primrose barked out. 

“Would you hand me that cup over there?” Simon pointed as he reached his hand into the machine. 

Primrose picked up a sparkling clean coffee cup and saucer from his desk and handed it to the other bun all while trying to peek around his shoulders.  

Simon scooped up something from the machine and placed it gently in the cup. It jiggled slightly as it settled. It appeared to be just some thick pudding-like pale purple substance until suddenly there were two eyes that opened and blinked at the two of them standing there. 

“ACK!! What in the world is that thing??? Disgusting!!” Primrose recoiled in horror, practically climbing Simon like a tree as he scrambled away. 

“It’s a Phantomile. A harmless little imp that lives down here in the Burrowgatory. They love warm dark places, like espresso machines. I suppose it found refuge here just like you guys.”

Simon’s smile was so warm and kind that Primrose felt his defense melt just a bit. “Well… it can’t live here, especially not in this machine or any of my cups…” He was still grossed out by this… imp, but if it really was harmless and his problems were finally solved then that was fine by him. 

Simon hit a few more buttons and suddenly the angry machine was now purring like a kitten. “I think it’s ready to make ambrosia again.” 

Primrose set up the machine with a fresh batch of nectar and soon enough there was a small vial filled with a beautiful glittering gold liquid.

“Wow, that is remarkable. You Cherubuns  are able to drink this?” He marveled at the tiny bottle.

“Yes, now you know the secret to my ambrosia. Now get out of my office with that, that thing.” Primrose pushed the larger man out the door and promptly shut the door. 

Simon just chuckled while standing in the hallway with a Phantomile in his hands.  “I suppose you are going home with me for now.”