Tis the Season to be Jolly

All over the Heavenly Embassy, cheer buzzed excitedly in the air. Cherubuns were fast at work decorating from street to street, building to building, now with the help of Succubuns who were visiting to join in the celebrations of Cherubmas. Wherever one looked, the glittering holy holly and ivory decorations lined the lamps and pathways from one end to the other. Snow blanketed the grounds and the nearby trees, covering the Embassy in a wintery wonderland of festive cheer. It was about as close as some Cherubuns could be to the Heavenly Meadow without physically being there.

Primrose wandered down a prominent street, making sure the decorations were all in order on one lamp before moving down the row to the subsequent lamps. He lasered in on every detail and leaflet out of place, making sure everything was picture-perfect for his fellow Cherubuns and the visiting Succubuns too, he supposed. With everything in order, he gave one last approving nod before making his way over to Paradise Cafe where Beanny was adding final touches to the windows of her storefront. There was a beautiful wreath already placed outside her door, much to Primrose’s relief. Thankfully they were on top of anything that had to do with their cafe.

“Prim, there you are!” Beanny greeted with a little smile. “Was just finishing up. Done with your final checks of main street?”

The blonde Cherubun gave a curt nod though his gaze seemed to return to the streets before them, just to make sure things were actually finished here. “Yes, of course. Now then, shall we meet up with Dove? We still have to check the housing division to make sure everyone there has wreaths on their doors as well.”

Beanny gave a thumbs up before linking arms with Primrose much to his feigned chagrin. The pair continued down the street, passing carolers and and bundled up buns alike as they took in the beauty of their new home. A few quiet moments passed before they turned to cast a curious glance at Primrose.

“Do you still think about it?” They asked.

“About what.” His response came quick and flat, defensive and suspicious of their line of inquiry.

“The Heavenly Meadow. Melangel. Everyone else.” Beanny added, their hand squeezing over the blonde Cherubun’s arm. “I know you try to put on a brave face for everyone else, but if it’s ever too much…” Their words trailed off, realizing they weren’t sure what comforting words they could offer to the de facto leader of their Embassy. There was a brief pause as they continued their stroll, Prim’s face unreadable in the cool, snowy overcast of the early evening. With his free hand, he placed it over Beanny’s and cracked a twitch of a smile.

“If you want to play therapist, you’re better off finding someone who’s less capable than me, Beans. I do miss it on occasion. I thought of everyone just earlier today as we all came together to enact Cherubmas. I miss our communities, dearly, and there are times I even find myself missing Melangel’s authority.” Prim admitted, his calm and leveled voice providing the reassurance Beanny was seeking. “Still, as you mentioned…there is some solace in having the authority to do things my way. In due time, others will join us and for that I am hopeful we will all be reunited again.”

The mauve Cherbun smiled just as their companion, Dove, appeared over the horizon. She gave Prim one last reassuring squeeze before they approached the gentle periwinkle Cherubun, noticing the wreath in their hands.

“Beanny, Primrose! Happy Cherubmas!” They greeted with a warm laugh. The pair unlinked arms and returned the greeting with warm cheer.

“Happy Cherubmas to you too, Dove. Beautiful wreath you have there. Prim says we gotta check the housing division to make sure everyone’s got their wreaths. That one going to your place with Jackal or for one of ours up here?” Beanny inquired, reaching over to brush their fingers over the sparkling decorations.

“I already crafted one with Jackal for our place,” Dove revealed with a delicate smile, “But this is actually for Philos…! They also wanted to make one with Coronis, but since they also have a home here, I thought we’d help them decorate before checking up on others.”

“An excellent idea. Let’s be off then, we still have many more places to check until everything’s absolutely perfect.” Prim interjected before the others could interfere. The trio made their way to a little neighborhood of Cherubun homes and found themselves before Philos’ quaint cottage, halos of smoke puffing out of their chimney indicating the owner’s presence. Prim approached first, knocking briskly on the door and waited until the door clicked unlocked, revealing the wooden Cherubun in all their bundled wholeness.

Philos turned to the trio with thrilled surprise, their little cotton tail wiggling behind them.

“Dearest Primrose! Beanny! And Dove as well…! Happy Cherubmas and welcome to my most humble abode…!” They greeted shyly but not before their Benevolia, Benne, came bolting out to hover beside their Cherbun. “To what pleasure do I oweth thee?”

The Cherubun leader crossed then uncrossed his arms, reaching around Philos to tap the bare door of their home. “You seem to be wreath-less. We’ve come to remedy that for you, Philos.” A beat passed before he added: “And Happy Cherubmas to you as well.”

Dove held up the beautifully made wreath and handed it to Philos who seemed entirely too overwhelmed with such a thoughtful gesture. Beanny chuckled and pulled out some tools to help set up the wreath on the door, adding the hooks and pins needed before setting it properly against the door. They gently shook it loose of any lightly fallen snow and glitter, allowing the small bells attached to jingle as they did.

Philos and their Benevolia wandered off to the side, appreciating the way the wreath added festive spirit to their quaint little home. The virtue spun around the Cherbuns in glee, bringing forth a lovely yet watery smile from Philos. “’tis beautiful and wonderful of you all…you have my utmost heartfelt gratitude for thy gift.”

With the wreath freshly laid, the wooden Cherubun invited the trio in for some warm coffee and tea, helping them stay warm for a little while longer before they continued their little journey through the rest of the Embassy, in search of other Cherubuns to provide festive jubilee.