Free Rosemary for the Holidays (Consulting Magic) by Amy Crook Page B

benches moved into place, and then each of them sent up a wish, paid for in labour. Alex broke out the big thermos of tea he'd been given by the brownies and poured everyone a warm paper cup.
    "It's actually quite nice here, if a little chilly," said Alex, lounging on the bench tucked furthest behind the tree. The benches made up three-quarters of a circle, mostly going along the line of the fence, and once the grass grew there'd be just enough space under the tree for a couple to have a picnic, or for someone to lounge against the tree itself and read.
    "We'll definitely have to visit more," said Julian. He got up and went over to the tree, hesitating only a moment before touching the rough bark. He sent careful tendrils of power into the tree, finding the grumpy personality waiting, its thoughts like the creaking of branches in the wind. He could tell it was already happier, though, that it craved more humans around it, not just Horace's welcome transfers of energy. Julian promised they were working on it, and felt a little wave of dubious hope back.
    "How's it doing?" asked Tiny.
    Julian smiled warmly. "It's doing all right, it's still a little grumpy but I'm used to that." He shot a teasing look at Alex, who stuck his tongue out. "It wants people around more, so we'll have to walk over here ourselves until word gets out and people start visiting again."
    "Mother Greta tells me they're working on a design for a collection box that will take pound coins and dispense paper and string," said Father Stephen. "They've had some success with them at other locations, but this is quite urban and isolated."
    "They're going to work on getting patrols by here more often," said Tiny, "but you know we're always spread thin."
    "More businesses going in will help, too," said Thomas, looking at the abandoned parking lot. "One thing at a time, I guess."
    "Ooh, speaking of which," said Julian, "Are you all coming to the holiday party?"
    "We can't," said Raj, looking hangdog.
    "We're confined to the Temple, today was an exception 'cos you asked for us," added Roger, perking up hopefully.
    "Only because he wanted your labor," said Father Stephen. "Parties are still out."
    They both deflated, and Alex laughed. "Why do I get the feeling there's a story behind that restriction?" he teased.
    There was, and after everyone else assured Julian that they'd at least drop by the party, Raj and Roger took turns telling their tale. It involved a live chicken that had been donated by one of the farms, one of the Mothers in charge of potions training for those so inclined, and a botched batch of student projects, none of which had been compatible with chicken feathers.
    There was much laughter after that, and all of the adults agreed that Raj and Roger had earned their restriction, especially after hearing it would be lifted for family visits on the Solstice holiday itself. They all finished their tea and gathered up the detritus of their work, Julian and Alex taking the cups while the Acolytes took the tools and seed packets away. As they walked home in the gathering dusk, Julian leaned into Alex and then yelped when Horace snuggled down between his scarf and neck.
    "Cold bird?" asked Alex with a chuckle.
    "Cold bird," said Julian, laying a hand over the snuggling lump and sending a bit of energy into him to help facilitate fast warming. "I was thinking, maybe we should do party favours of some kind, like little pots of magical rosemary with bows on, or something."
    "I think that's a generous and lovely idea," said Alex. "You should see if Mary Margaret has enough of everything for you to make a project of it with Nat, I'm absolutely certain he'll want a hand in decorating the pots."
    Julian giggled and pulled him down for a kiss. "Will you be able to make those charms for the pots, that say when to water it and things?"
    Alex thought about it. "Yes, but I'll have to do some shopping, which is fine since I still have to do some shopping for a number of