Diligence Chapter 6

Ellie felt something building inside of her that she could only describe as elation. Primrose had welcomed her inside of the workshop only a second before but already she felt like she was full to the brim with knowledge and skill. Maybe it was a bit prideful of her but that was just her nature as a pride bun she supposed. After all, how many buns could say that they had worked this closely with their new kin to create something as coveted as ambrosia. For many such an opportunity would be unthinkable, not because they couldn't achieve it, but because they wouldn't even care to try.

 

Most of Burrowgatory was so focused on their own lives that they didn't see the opportunities that were presented to them. She couldn't fault them however, it was her own thirst for knowledge and curiosity that drove her. A year ago she never would have dreamed of undertaking such responsibility. Even now there were many things she would never get to try, things she didn't even dare to dream of achieving. Being in this workshop though, it gave her access to a world of possibilities she never thought possible.

 

Speaking of the workshop, it was beautiful. A well crafted building made of wood and stone, natural but meticulously constructed. Shelves and cabinets lined the walls and were adorned with bottles that glittered in the light and left rainbows glittering on the walls from their prisms. The bottles themselves were works of art, even though some were not yet filled with their signature liquids, the seasonal bottles stood out even among the divine. Each appeared to be hand crafted and carefully polished to an immaculate precision.

 

The smell was another thing entirely. The strong aroma of flowers carried throughout the space, blooming from the bundles that were carefully laid out. Some were hung, special twine bunching them together and hanging them in the windows to help them dry. Others were picked apart with each piece placed into different baskets, and even more were just laying on the counter waiting. The smell was strong but not overwhelming. If she could make a perfume to take with her she would be more than happy, but each of these flowers had a purpose and she would happily respect it.

 

The gentle chill of the outside air was whisked away and replaced with the comforting warmth of the workshop. They both worked off their warmer dressings and hung them up at the door, shaking off the chill and making their way through the small workshop. Primrose walked through the room with ease, waving his hand at each and every new area and introducing them as they passed. "Here is where we keep the tools for trimming and peeling the flowers. The leaves will be separated where they connect with the stem and the stem will then be..." His explanations were concise, leading the tour without any difficulty.

 

He laid out the process in as much detail as needed, showing her how to use the tools and separate the parts. Distilling them was still intimidating, a process that took time and skill to do, but upon seeing her apprehension Primrose assured her that he would be there every step of the way. "The key to making ambrosia is diligence. You need to be able to dedicate yourself to it. Don't get distracted, just remember the next steps and take care. You told me you're an artist, so become one here. This is a craft, a skill to hone and build, not just some flight of fancy." He pauses and looks at her matter-of-factly "Just follow my lead and you'll do just fine." 

 

Ellie feels heat in her cheeks at the statement. Having come so far with him has her feeling as though, even if she were to fail, her friend would support her. It was a strange thing to think, that even if you fail your friends will still stand by your side. She thought to the other friends she had made here, the buns that encouraged her on and made her feel welcome, and she smiled at the reassurance.

 

Her hands gently clenched at the edges of her dress, thumbing over it nervously, but it wasn't a bad feeling. No, this feeling was more akin to excitement with a dash of the unknown. She felt the need to tell him that she wouldn't let him down, but with the way he was looking at her she had a feeling that she wouldn't either way.

 

"Ok." It was a soft reply, shy, and she was sure it must have seemed strange without context, but Primrose didn't blink an eye. Instead he waved her on and handed her a pair of gloves, thick and sturdy, but still easy to maneuver in, before showing her what to do.

 

-

 

It took hours of concentration and more than one bottle that needed to be saved by more trained hands, but soon enough one day turned to two and then even more had passed. Before she had even realized it fall had turned into winter and the Frosty ambrosia was ready to be distributed. It truly was beautiful, sparkling and shimmering a light blue that reminded her of ice. "Wow, it looks amazing! I can't believe we finished all of these in time." 

 

Primrose smiled as he held up the last bottle, inspecting it thoroughly before nodding. "It's a decent batch if I do say so myself. You did well for your first time. Who knows, maybe next time you'll be able to make even more."

 

Ellie laughed and nodded, shifting the bottles around to fit them on the shelves before grabbing a few that were set to be delivered and boxing them up carefully. "Thanks, it was a really nice experience. Hopefully for the spring batch there will be even more buns to enjoy." Primrose hummed in response, whether the implication that more cherubuns would come here was something he didn't wish to dwell on or a hum of acknowledgement, the truth of it was anyone's guess. 

 

"Regardless, there will be plenty to enjoy during the holiday. Speaking of-" Primrose handed the bottle to Ellie. "This is for you. I know you yourself can't enjoy it but I see no reason you can't have a sample of the fruits of your labor. Besides, if I'm right you'll find a way to use it." It took a moment to realize what Primrose meant and her cheeks flushed, thinking of a certain purple cherubun who she had been spending time with. Ellie thought fondly of Amore as she held the bottle close. It would be the perfect gift for the other bun during the holiday season. 

 

"Thank you Prim, I really appreciate it." He nodded in response and walked her to the door of the Embassy. 

 

"I have some work I need to get done before the day is out but thank you for your help." 

 

"Of course!" She beamed. "See you tomorrow then?"

 

He paused and looked a little surprised before huffing out a laugh. "Of course, see you tomorrow." Ellie smiles and nods before heading quickly down the street with a wave. She had a present to wrap.