Chaos-Two had a gardener, now they needed an assistant. Oliver would be teaching them to be a proper medic, as well, so he'd most likely need to have someone to help him tend to the garden, too. And while they searched, they needed to find something Oliver might like in return for doing so, and for this assistant gardener, too.

"Food?", they said aloud, "No, Oliver has his garden, why would he need food? Protection, perhaps, everyone needs protection from something."

That was an option. Perhaps the Forge, within reason, could provide something else for them. That would have to be discussed with Vargas, however.

They brushed aside branches and hummed, searching through the trees. Oliver had spoken of a group of gardeners here, right? Then this was the best place to find a gardener.

"Hello?", they called out into the trees, standing in a clearing and looking around, "Is anyone out there a gardener? I wish to speak with you if you are!"

Not the best strategy to shout into the woods, but better than searching aimlessly.

Chaos-Two looked up at the sound of something coming through the trees, magic at the ready should they need to react. But they were pleasantly surprised by the golden monkey that appeared instead, making the trees and plants all around flourish in his wake.

He was perfect too.

"In a way," they said, and nodded their head in greeting, "I am V-Chaos-Two, I come from the Chaos Forge in Draco. I am a medic and I am looking for a gardener to assist me in growing a medicinal garden for my uses. I already have a gardener, but I would like two in order for them to help one another."

The valkhound tilted their head, looking Diot up and down curiously. Diot had hands, which was wonderful for pulling up weeds, and had plant magic, too. Not only did Chaos-Two find a teacher, but an assistant as well!

"I can offer a stable, protective environment for your effort," they said, "Or, within reason, anything you want. Though that will have to be discussed with my Master."

Chaos-Two shook their head, "No, you would not have to live there. I've recruited another to assist, but I don't expect either of you to live there all the time. A temporary place to stay could be built but that is up to you. As long as you return enough to properly maintain the gardens, that should be sufficient. But as for distance... it is quite far. I suppose a schedule could be made for both of you in order to ensure at least one gardener is present at relevant times in order to care for the garden."

They looked up at Diot, curious. There were some who did not know of the Forge. Lucky for them, they supposed, seeing as the Forge was best avoided if you could.

"It takes a few days to traverse from here to there," they said, "And as for the Chaos Forge... we are a group doing the bidding of those outside the caves. We follow the Creator's will."

That was a sufficient explanation, right? So long as Diot didn't ask continuous questions, then this ought to be a short endeavor. Good.

"We can leave immediately. We will have to go to Canis so I can tell the other gardener to join us in Draco, and you and I can head there," they said, and then frowned, "Or... we can leave when you wish. Is there more you wish to discuss? More will be explained when I present the two of you to my Master. I'm certain he will be pleased."

Chaos-Two immediately tried not to wince. If Diot brought plants from a source Chaos-Two couldn't confirm, they feared that tampering could occur. So that was a definite no.

"I'd like all herbs and medicines to remain within the garden," they said, "I cannot rely on your return for medicines, especially in an emergency."

That was a diplomatic enough answer! Good job, Chaos-Two.

"I don't know what the 'Rot', is. It sounds unpleasant," they said with a frown, wondering what kind of group would name themselves after something so awful. Rot was just decay and the decomposition of things, and often smelled.

"I've never been outside of the caves. Very few ever have if they were created here, I think," Chaos-Two said, "I can't say more, you can ask my Master, Vargas, if you want. I don't know if he'll give you the answers you're looking for, or any at all."

They tried not to think back on their recent... 'talk' with him. The disappointment, the scolding, the yelling. If they didn't have to, they wouldn't ask him anything.

"The Chaos Forge seeks to assist the caves," they said, "But that is all I can really tell, you. Any other questions can be answered by Master Vargas. But I can assure you that we mean the caves no harm, as long as its residents mean us no harm, at least. But isn't that true for anyone? If you're attacked, you defend yourself."

Chaos-Two was relieved. Diot seemed... well, seemed nice! Perhaps Diot and Oliver could become their allies, too, in their endeavor to try and manipulate Vargas into someone less... well, Vargas. Perhaps in time, they could try and teach Vargas to even be a little caring.

"Thank you," they said softly, looking down, "As childish as it sounds, I hope that we can be friends. I don't have many, even within my group, so perhaps we can get to know each other."

They smiled warmly and cleared their throat, "So... with our rather drastic size differences- apologies, I'm obnoxiously tall, I know- I think it would be best if you were to... hitch a ride? I'm not sure how else to put it without being insensitive."

They shrugged helplessly and turned, giving Diot the perfect place to perch on their shoulder.

"My quills aren't venomous but they still hurt, so if you need to hang on, use my sling," they said, "Do you need anything else before we head off? I'm certain we can talk more on the way."