This is part 3 in a series in which Chaos-Two is searching for a gardener (or multiple).

Part 1 is here --> Job Interview: The Sentinel

Part 2 is here --> Job Interview: Oliver

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.

@Diot

Diot as usual spent most of his time in the trees, exploring and tending to the native life of Eridanus. Though this time around he was scouring the forest floor, tending to lush bushes and fruit bearing foliage. Plant life that assisted both him and the lessers who lived within the Maw of Mosses-as well as any passing gembounds too but not too many passed on through much to his sorrow. Now don't get him wrong, he could live alone with his plants just as he had for many cycles- but his recent adventures outside the Maw of Mosses led him to realize there was in fact other gembounds still alive and well. And while he still saw others who were in fact friends of his, their timing and visits led for a lot of time alone for the marmoset...and at times he still felt so very alone like the plant life he surrounded himself with.

It wasn't until a voice shot through the foliage, a question- a simple hello. Someone was here! And- looking for a gardener?...Well wasn't that convenient; maybe the plants had finally learned to speak after all these cycles after all! Ha, wouldn't that be something! He climbing up a neighboring vine, hopping onto a tree for better purchase. Green gaze flickering around to the abundance of life that was scattered along the forest floor- though this time he was looking for a gembound; one who speaks. It evidently didn't take him long, they were much larger than the lessers in the area- and were something he had never seen before. Regardless Diot was eager to greet them and welcome into this domain of plants. So he called down to them, eye unmoving but a calm smile on his face.

"Hello, and welcome! I'm somewhat of a gardener-I tend to the plants and lessers here. Do you need help?"

It was all true, Diot was if anything humble. But he was eager to help those in need whenever he came across them. As soon as he spoke up he made his way down from his high observing perch. Still remaining somewhat in a neighboring tree now, but safely upon a lower hanging branch due to this gembounds robust size. Better for maintaining eye contact yknow! Still he sat perched now in the open, tail dangling off the branch as he watched them with a large and curious gaze. Small plant life sprouting now around him and the path he took to get there and a soft and welcoming smile upon his face.

@V-Chaos-Two

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."

@Diot

Evidently this stranger was nice enough to not attack on sight, and they were kind enough to introduce themselves! What more could Diot ask in a new friend- well actually a lot but that wasn't important right now. V-Chaos-Two though was such a unique name that Diot couldn't help but ponder the meaning, were they named that- or was it simply something they chose for themselves. Regardless Diot hummed, hands clasping together before himself in focus with a calm and half lidded gaze. Diot listened, he always did- though he knew little of this place called Chaos Forge, let alone the area of Draco. But they too were a medic, and one in need of help in order to grow a garden all their own.

Diot was more than happy to assist, though there was a few words- and ...way of wording that had the marmoset a bit curious. Master? Protective environment? Was he to move from his home? Surely they could travel to and from yes?...Just how far away was Draco... Granted he'd be more than happy to lend a hand, especially to a gembound in need regardless of creed in most cases-but...to leave Eridanus indefinitely?..

He inhaled, slowly blinking at the gembound before him. He would learn a bit more, he had concerns- and after all is it not best to ask what the job would entail? Especially when it concerned benefits and expectations.

"If it is a gardener you seek I am gifted in plant magic, I care for Eridanus and the life that dwells here. I too am fairly versed in healing of wounds and earth alike."

He hummed and smiled, eyeing their gem tusks for just a few moments. That stone...he'd seen it only one other time...hadn't he?...One palm extending to rest on a knee as the other raised just below his chin.

"You say you can offer a stable and protective environment for my effort...would this require me to leave my home and the Maw Of Mosses? Could I not commute within reason? And I will be honest- I have not heard of Draco- nor The Chaos Forge?...Is it far?"

He blinked, slowly and full of interest. He wanted to help- he wanted to help all he could to be honest; and well he had quite a few people he helped here. Perhaps they could work something out. Multiple gardens would be best, especially if he could commute. He could carry plants from all over- the more the merrier in most case!

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."

@Diot

He wouldn't have to always live there, well that was good news! A temporary place to stay would be the best though. Especially when V-Chaos-Two explained how long the travel would take from here to there...and he hummed knowing this was possibly based only on their personal time...Diot though was quite small in comparison- but he was fast so perhaps the times would be similar in the end. Either way Diot was sure he could find a way to trim the time a bit, one way or another. Though he wouldn't mind a long journey to and from, would give him plenty of time to map his routes and take note of the indigenous fauna and flora through the different rooms too!

Though there was...well a rather large mention on what The Chaos Forge does that- well piqued his interest. The Creator's will? Outside the caves? Before Diot could think on this much longer let alone speak up, his new acquaintance was already ready to leave- stating they could head out immediately, provided Diot himself was ready too. Ah-like whiplash though with the mention of Canis. He was familiar with that room, though he hadn't heard of that room in- well more than a handful of cycles to say the least. Everyone he had known who held ties to that room had come and gone like new growth beneath the leaf litter of Eridanus's bushes...

He hummed a bit, adjusting his position. The hand below his chin falling slowly to rest atop the tree branch he sat upon. Fingers tapping over the bark lazily in both thought and memories. Small clusters of sulphur shelf began to flourish beneath his touch. Perfect orange and golden disks growing outward in greeting to those around. Memories of family trickling in till he slowly blinked through it with a soft reassuring smile focusing on V-Chaos-Two again.

"I can travel, perhaps a temporary shelter for both the other helper and I would be sufficient- especially if we take shifts to care for what you desire to be grown. I could also grown the very same plants here- if they desire life in the Maw Of Mosses of course- can bring some back with each journey too."

He continued to smile, closing his eyes with a soft exhale.

"So they are a group- similar to The Rot? And-well others I've come to know over my time here- or well...those I've know who were in them."

He takes a moment, thinking.

"Though I did not know there- was an outside to these caves...though- considering I haven't explored it in it's entirety...that's not surprising I suppose. Do you know what It's like?"


@V-Chaos-Two

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."

@Diot

Diot nodded along, he didn't mind that what medicines they wanted to be grown for their use had to be grown and tended to there. Made his job easier to be honest, carrying knapsacks of various herbs on such a long trip might get a bit tiring especially if something were to go array along the way. Also some sprouts tended to be a bit more fragile than others; so perhaps this was for the best. Diot could only smile and agree.

Their reaction to The Rot was usual in his experience. The name often confusing some gembounds, others seemed to roll more easily with it.

"Perhaps it is, but it is not my place to judge."

He hummed still listening to V-Chaos-Two, fingers tapping over the beautiful mushroom formations that grew so closely nestled to him. Though he spoke about never being outside the caves, though to be fair he wasn't exactly expecting them to have left the caves themselves...granted it would of been a wonderful experience to satiate his curiosity on the subject but that could most certainly wait. Though it was a bit curious to learn that few ever have-granted...they did say...that they think...so perhaps they really didn't know.

"I suppose that will be a question I could ask of Vargas, provided if they feel so inclined I'm sure."

Diot though could only nod along, a soft smile on his face that only grew softer the more V-Chaos-Two explained. It was nice to know The Chaos Forge sought to assist the caves- though... how and with what well that remained to be seen but... if they had pure intentions he was sure he could happily lend a hand. He was a simple gembound with simple needs, he wanted to help...and he also wanted companionship. The two usually went hand in hand, so this was right up his alley. This was a promising new page in his life, and he was quite excited for it- despite how calm and mellow he seemed to be.

"Well if you seek to assist the caves than we have the same goal! And most mean no harm, maybe some- bristling personalities but that's how life be."

He smiled, eyes closing and the corners wrinkling with sudden expression as he clasped his two hands in front of himself in a celebratory clap.

"I suppose any of my other questions would be saved for your- Master, Vargas-yes?"

@V-Chaos-Two

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."

@Diot

Diot focused perhaps a bit more intensely on V-Chaos-Two when they spoke up about hoping to be friends. He could feel his heart ache, that intense emotion to comfort and help an individual who- seemed just as kind and alone as he was. Perhaps it was the fate of the caves that they'd meet, they after all seemed quite pleasant to talk to and rather honest. He smiled, watching them now with a soft gaze.

"I'm sure we will be wonderful friends."

Though when they began to be a bit delicate about their obvious size difference he couldn't help but find it endearing. Smiling and giving a small chuckle, soft and throaty in tone; he focused on V-Chaos-Two with a smile.

"You are very kind, do not worry I am quite aware of my size; I've hitched a ride on many a gembound in my time. Do not fear, you are not being insensitive."

His tone was soft and reassuring, one hand gently motioning in the space before himself for a few seconds before patting his own chest, presumably over his heart. He meant well and did his best to reassure. Though he took a few moments before speaking up again, glancing over the mushrooms that had sprouted and flourished not too long ago. Grabbing one for a quick snack before stopping and glancing back at V-Chaos-Two; one palm outstretched with some mushroom in hand.

"I don't think I'll be needing anything from my home- I believe we are all set to go-But! Before all that, would you like a snack before the journey?"

There were evidently lots of mushrooms to take from all over the bark around him, but he still wanted to make the gesture; ever caring with a smile on his face. Regardless of V-Chaos-Two's choice, Diot would wait appropriately before hopping onto them and perching on their shoulder; ever ready for this new chapter to begin.

@V-Chaos-Two