Welcome to Gaia! ::

"I decided... when I was about your age, that I was going to work as hard as I could, so the other kids, kids like you, wouldn't have to worry so much. I like seeing everyone safe and happy. So if I can work hard so you can enjoy your childhood, I'm content." He said before laying down on the ground, arms behind his head. "There's no reason you can't have fun with everyone now." After all, that was why the genomes had searched for a peaceful planet, right? So they wouldn't have to fight and worry like this. "You can have fun while working. You and Kanja had fun gathering plants, right? And you're enjoying yourself now, seeing a place you hadn't been yet, and learning about the plants and animals." He was quiet for a moment, thinking. It was nice that they were able to take their time and learn what they wanted to do now.

"You know, my understanding of our creation was we had to grow up fast, we had to learn to fight, and were sent to war very quickly. I imagine you feel the way you do because that is still a part of who we are. The fact that there isn't a real need to learn fast and go now is... daunting. I felt completely lost before I decided I wanted to protect everyone else's choices."

Argent felt a little bad when she asked about not feeling rushed. He sighed, closing his eye. "The problem is, I... never stopped feeling rushed. Even now, I want to hurry up and do more, be more useful, take some of the burden off of Ghost. He'd probably tell me that I'm already doing more then enough, but if I can just do a little more, help with one more thing... I'm sure you're feeling the exact same." Argent stretched a little.

"It helps to have tasks for myself. I train every day so I can protect you and the others." And so he wouldn't ever feel weak again, like he had when the beast took his eye. "I scout and forage, bringing back plant samples to test, trying to find suitable plants we can start growing." He also made sure he set aside time every day for Ghost, to make sure he was taking care of himself, but Amy didn't need to know that part. "Even now, I know I'm helping in the grand scheme of things, because I'm teaching you and helping you. But... it never feels like enough. Probably really unhealthy to keep thinking this way. Maybe you should set a schedule for yourself too. A couple hours each day where you do things to help yourself grow. Learn a skill, do some studying. But also set aside time to be with your friends You wouldn't want Kanja to think you abandoned him, right?" He teased slightly.

"We are, aren't we?" Perhaps that was why they worked so well together. "I'm glad to hear you're dedicated to your friends, to everyone. It's a good quality." Or at least, he thought it was. Maybe because he was the same.

"You know, if you want to forage and scout, then you should do it. Start by learning what you can about the plants around you. Even before I got to leave the dome, I was able to learn a lot about what was outside the dome by observing." He remembered when he was telling Aren about the things he had observed from inside the dome, about the areas around them. "I wrote some notes about things. I could show you, if you like. Are you more interested in flora or fauna?"

"I really do think you could. And I think you would be good at it. You're passionate and driven. I think this would be a good task to start with. Dedicate at least a couple hours a day to research. Find some plants. Observe what eats them, and how they grow. Test them for toxicity." He was reasonably sure nothing in the dome was outright harmful or poisonous to them. But always best to be sure.

"Even if botany is just a hobby in your pursuit of tea, that's fine. A new beverage like tea would be a nice treat for everyone, and make a lot of people happy."

"It's a pretty good idea." It had taken him a long time before he actually thought about keeping notes himself, so if he could get her started early, great. "Hm... he dries out? I guess he is kind of aquatic. I bet you could find something to help with that. After all, we do have moisturizers and the like. Maybe you should try and find a plant that could do the same thing. There might not be one in the dome, but you could always be on the lookout."

The idea of starting a garden was a good one. "Mmmh, Maybe we should talk to Ghost. Designate an area for the start of our food cultivation. After, of course, we learn what we can grow in controlled environments."

"I would start a research journal, first. Observations and what you learn. Then others can compare what you've learned with what they've learned. But sketching examples is a great idea. I'll give you a copy of what I've learned about the plants so far. I think that would be a good place to start, given your current areas of interest. As for the garden... Well, you will really need to talk to Ghost about that. I have a feeling a small starter garden near the ship will be best. You know, as a test run. If you need help getting started, let me know." He wouldn't mind helping to plow a field, he supposed. It would be an interesting exercise. "But once it's started, it's all you."

"Used to find me intimidating? Oh, guess I'm ruining my image." He grinned. He really was a big softy when it came to those in the dome. He might not always show it, but he cared deeply for everyone. He hummed in acknowledgement when she said she'd tell him what Ghost said. Though he had a feeling Ghost would tell him first. But she didn't need to know that. "That sounds good. Good luck with the garden. I know you'll do great things with it."

He sat up when she said she felt well enough to climb down. He should probably head off as well. Argent climbed down with her, secretly to make sure she didn't fall, then bid the girl farewell, and they parted ways for now.