Carols with Friends

Wherever one looked from the Heavenly Embassy down to Burrowgatory proper, Cherubmas spirit was in full effect. Snow began to crown the landscape, getting some buns to bundle up as they made their way through their daily lives. Cherubuns were out and about more than usual, now that it seemed the talk of vampires had settled down, and with the heavenly effect of their blood, they were able to find more ways to connect to their Succubuns neighbors. The teachings and beliefs of the Cherubuns had long been shared for almost a year and now, they were able to show off more of what tenants they held true.

Philos brought it upon themself to gather a small group of both Cherubuns and Succubuns to go out caroling, though they were nervous that no one would heed their call. In an effort to share the gift of song, there were signup forms hosted by the Heavenly Embassy to have participants go door to door or perform in a public space. While Philos enjoyed the idea of visiting others at their home to sing for them, they didn’t mind visiting Burrowgatory if it meant being in the company of other Cherubuns to reassure them. They signed up for a time slot that was during the weekly farmers’ market, hoping to sing before a crowd just as they’d done so back at the Heavenly Meadow.

They waited near the small stage set up for them before two unfamiliar Succubuns appeared, casting a small, nervous smile in their direction. The wooden Cherubun had the names of their fellow quintet members and could only assume these were two of them.

“Art thou… Mirage and Ilar?” Philos asked shyly, unsure who was who.

The white, crystalline Lust bun smiled back reassuringly, giving a gentle wave. “Hello, hello! Philos, I presume? My name’s Mirage. It’ll be great to perform with you today. Still waiting on the other Cherubuns then?”

The darker Lust bun, Ilar, gave a confident smile then a wink at Philos. “A bit unconventional to perform together without some rehearsal first, but the songs seemed easy enough to follow along. Yeah, the name’s Ilar. Don’t wear it out–not that I imagine either of you could.”

Philos, still new to such direct attention, blushed warmly at either of them but tried to keep their nerves cool and steady.

“A-aye, Andromeda and Cookie have yet to maketh an appearance…” They stuttered, inwardly cursing their shyness. “And it gladdens me that the songs were easy to follow…most Cherubun songs are simple as we prefer to conveyeth the emotion through community rather than individuality in solos…” There was a brief pause. “Though, of course, if one is gifted with the muse of song, then we shan’t deny thy blessings.”

Just as their explanation came to an end, a festively decorated bun and a stellar blue bun appeared to have joined them. Sensing familiar companions, Philos’ nervous smile blossomed into a warmer, welcoming one.

“Dearest Andromeda and Cookie, welcome to the quintet…! Art thou’st ready to perform? We art granted some time to practice before the actual performance begins…” Philos greeted, alongside their two new Succubuns companions. Cookie gave Philos a warm embrace before exchanging vibrant handshakes with Ilar and Mirage, excited to share this space with all of them.

While the three made conversation with one another, Philos noticed Andromeda off to the side, taking in the entirety of this group. The wooden Cherubun sidled up to their starry companion, crouching beside them with a gentle expression.

“We shall do excellent. Art thou having last minute thoughts?” They inquired, happy to lend a scalloped ear.

The blue Cherubun shook her head, though her own soft gaze seemed to betray her.

“Nothing we can’t handle…” Andromeda smiled warmly, though she seemed to be a touch nervous. There was always some form of stage fright no matter how experienced or good one may be. Philos reached down to pick her up and gave her an encouraging embrace.

“Indeed, nothing we cannot overcome together. Now then, let us join the others and warm up.” Philos offered before carrying her over to the rest of the group.

Each performer did their own little vocal exercise before Philos pulled out the sheet music of their jaunty carol. They all began to sing their respective parts, each providing a different vocal range and lines depending on their parts. Their voices came together beautifully, complimenting each others’ in a way only an a capella group could. By the time they were done warming up, it was time for them to perform on stage with a small crowd sitting below the stage and around the farmers’ market area to watch them perform.

They stood before a microphone attached to the stage and began to sing the carol, each having their own little part before coming back together as a group, amplifying one another in a song of beautiful accompaniment. The carol’s words were that of community and harmony, building on the idea that everything would be worthwhile in the company of others. As they continued to sing, they drew even more of a crowd, all silent and mesmerized by their chorus. When the song dwindled and finally ended, there was just the briefest pause of breath before the crowds erupted into applause and cheers, all standing from where they sat to give the quintet their praise.

Mirage gazed out into the sea of buns before him, cheeks flushed from the cold air and the attention placed on him. “Ah, so it wasn’t too bad then…” He murmured, shy but somehow clearly pleased by their good work. “I’m glad to see everyone liked it.”

They all took their bows and exited the stage, collectively hovering around each other to talk a little more.

“Yeah, I say we killed it. You all sounded great at practice but even better on stage. Well done everyone.” Ilar beamed, causing the rest of the group to smile at one another. Cookie couldn’t help but laugh at this and smiled from ear to ear.

“Oh that was so much fun! We should all go out singing again! Maybe after Cherubmas, we can hit the karaoke machines too!” She offered, extremely pleased by their performance.

The buns all continued to vibe and joke before going off to grab something to snack at the farmers’ market and going about their separate ways. After all was said and done, Philos was glad to have experienced this with new friends and with a new sense of purpose.