Tea was never quite something that Ellie had enjoyed. It wasn't just that it was 'hot leaf water' as some would put it, at least not entirely, it was a multitude of things. The heat, the taste, the strength, all of it didn't sit well with Ellie. No matter how many cups had been presented to her over the years she could never find one that quite fit her tastes. The closest was an expensive traditionally made green tea that was made of matcha powder, a whisk, and careful preparation. Honestly she wasn't sure if it was the event itself that made her feel comfortable enough to drink it or the taste, but if Ellie had to guess it would be the former. That tea was expensive.
But her new friend had given her a job. Primrose had pulled her aside on her way to the gardens that morning and handed her a bag. At first she was confused, not quite putting together what gardening materials could be so light in nature and kept in a bag like this. It was a light bag, paper, and full as far as she could tell. The smell of it permeated through the air and it wasn't unpleasant, just different.
He sighed at her questioning look and was quick to explain. "These are for Dove. I need you to run this tea to them for me. Be quick though, I still need help with the gardens." He seemed to have no idea why she was looking at him so brightly, raising a brow as she looked at the bag with a newfound sense of purpose. "Once you get there, tell them that I sent you."
"Don't worry, I won't let you down!" His look told her to not look that deeply into it, but she chose to ignore it in favor of the power of friendship. He was quick to shoo her out of the Embassy with an assurance that he would send her the address on her phone, but giving her a general idea of where to head in the meantime.
She knew she was being a bit silly but she felt like it was important to carry these leaves. Primrose was trusting her to do this on her own, without his supervision. It was different from when she had first met him and every seed was scrutinized for its safety before she placed it in the ground. She never took offense to it, even back then. It must have been hard to trust someone else with something so important, but he had. Ellie had a feeling that their relationship was all the better for it.
Ellie wondered about the bun she was delivering to, knowing precious little about the bun that the delivery was for. Dove was well known to be the first Cherubun to arrive in Burrowgatory and their roommate Jackal was known as the face of the Envy buns. They were an interesting pair, that was for sure.
Ellie hoped they would like her.
-
It wasn't too far of a walk to the apartment where Dove was residing with Jackal. It only took a few knocks before shuffling could be heard inside and Ellie waited with excitement buzzing through her. She nervously tucked hairs away from her face and fixed herself quickly, suddenly hyper aware of her appearance. The door opened after a moment with the Envy bun giving pause when she saw Ellie standing there, cocking a brow. "Can I help you?"
"I'm here with a delivery for Dove." Ellie paused and continued the thought quickly, remembering what Primrose had said. "It's tea, from Primrose." Jackal looked her up and down before nodding and opening the door.
"They're in the kitchen. Come on in." The Envy bun called out to Dove. "Hey Dove, we've got a visitor! Some bun came by with a delivery from the Embassy." She turned back and made a motion for Ellie to follow.
Ellie looked about the apartment, taking in the decor and mix of items from the two buns. It looked hommey in here. She felt relieved, glad that the two had settled in as well as they had in the past year. Ellie couldn't imagine how hard it had been for the two of them to settle in after everything, but she was glad that they had found comfort in each other.
"Coming!" The Cherubun popped out of the kitchen, wiping their hands on a towel before heading over, ridding themselves of what appeared to be flour on their hands. "Hello, you have a delivery?"
Ellie nodded and handed the bag to the other bun. "Yes, Primrose wanted me to deliver it. Said he was sorry he couldn't do it himself." Both Jackal and Dove cocked a brow at that.
"Did he really?" Dove asked, taking the bag with a curious glance before opening it slightly to samle the smell. They smiled and let out a happy hum before closing the bag again and looking at Ellie with a smile.
"Well no, but I think the thought was there."
Dove chuckles and nods. "Would you like to stay for some tea? You came all of this way after all."
"Oh no I couldn't possibly!" Nevermind that tea wasn't necessarily her favorite drink of all time, it felt rude to stay at someone else's place without warning.
"Nonsense, come and take a seat, I'll brew a fresh pot. Would you like one Jackal?" The Envy bun nodded and made herself comfortable at the table before moving a chair with her foot to motion for Ellie to sit down. At this point she figured it would be more rude to refuse than to join, so she made her way to the table and sat down.
Dove filled the silence by explaining what type of tea was being prepared for them, going on into the history of its presence in Burrowgatory and expressing gratitude to Primrose for maintaining the gardens that provided them with the tea.
It was a little strange at first, being spoken to like this, not like an old friend, but not a stranger. Definitely not as awkward as it could have been as Jackal and Ellie listened to Dove carry on with small smiles and questions every so often. She watched them make the tea, no fanfare or whisk, just leaves in water. The only hope for salvation in her eyes is sugar and milk. When she saw Dove place some on the table while they waited for the kettle to boil she liked them all the more for this.
She had been in Burrowgatory for a few years now and your list of friends was short. She was awkward, but determined, though her ideas and attitude seemed to drive some away. She had never quite found her niche but here at least she felt welcomed. She felt at home like she hadn't since she was a little bun.
Dove was quick to place the tea in front of them all, warning of the temperature before offering the sugar and milk to everyone. Ellie tried to be inconspicuous, but there's only so much sugar you can add before someone catches wind. Luckily it was Jackal and the small smirk they provided promised to keep her secret.
Ellie lifted the cup to her lips after a moment, assessing the smell and trying to guess the taste before finally finding herself tasting the drink.
Tea still wasn't her thing, but...maybe good company was.