The Village Gardener

Village Gardeners are gardeners who routinely tend to the plants around The Village. Their uniform also includes a gardening tool belt with various tools and implements which are used frequently during work hours.

## Dialogue

**Can you tell me anything about this place?** - *It's very quiet here, it's good for the plants. They tell me it's good for the plants.*

## Day 2

I then went exploring The Village and walked near one of the garden sheds. I look around at all the flowers and bushes, and notice all the little statues dotted around in various places - some appear to be just decorative items but others seem to be mannequins for some kind of surveillance camera.

I see one of the gardeners tending to the soil around a hedge, but he doesn't seem to be too interested in me; he just keeps on going until he finishes his work. I managed to get his attention.

"Good morning." I said. "I'm new here and was just wondering if you could give me some information about The Village."

He gave me a tepid reply: "I know little, as I keep my tongue still. It's good work, that. Helps keep me focused on the plants"

The gardener then went back to pruning some bushes, barely giving me any notice and turning his back.

"Yes, I know," I said with a smile. "But any information would be appreciated."

"Information?" he said, clipping leaves and twigs. "Why do you want that?"

"I'm just curious."

He dropped his pruners and walked up to me and poked me on my chest so that he could get my attention; he then looked at me with a suspicious eye:

"The Village is in the mountains - and we're safe, and we're safe because no one asks questions." He said with a tone that indicated he wasn't telling me much more than he needed to; if anything at all. "There's no crime here!" he exclaimed with pride in his voice. "Not even murder!"

"That seems to mean a lot to you." I responded. "Maybe you could elaborate...?"

"It means everything to us." He replied with a tone of finality.

"What is this shed for?" I asked. "It looks quite big..."

The gardener gave me a knowing look and just shook his head, implying that I shouldn't ask any questions about it: "You're asking a lot of questions for someone who doesn't even know how to wear their bracelet correctly - that's rude around here!" He said with a pouty tone.

"I apologize." I responded, as I put on my bracelet and held it up smiling. "I am new here, and I am sincerely trying to adapt." I added with a feigned smile that would make a politician proud.

The gardener looked at it admiringly, switching to a very loyal tone towards The Organization.

"I appreciate it, Number Six. I apologize for being rude and all, just have to be careful around strange types."

"It's no problem, I understand the hesitation. What can you tell me about The Village?" I asked as I smiled at him.

"As much as you can see is as much as you can know."

I tried my hardest not to show that I was disappointed by this answer; after all it wasn't like I didn't get the hint: I really shouldn't be asking too many questions about The Village... or so they think... but still... it would be nice to know more about this idyllic place which apparently doesn't have crime of any kind!

"Thank you!" I said as I pressed my palms together in gratitude. He was going to walk away, but suddenly another question entered my mind.

"How did you get that job, by the way? Watering plants and such."

"Oh, well... The Organization saw my talent and provided me with a job...they're good at that. If you're looking for something, then there's always something good on the vacancy board in the Labor Exchange" he said as he walked away leaving me feeling like an idiot for asking such questions - but still feeling compelled to find out more about this place!

## Disposition and Flowers

If your disposition is high enough, often by tipping, you can receive lavenders from Gardeners, as well as directions around the town, as well as certain rumors and gossip they've heard.

## Items

* Garden shed key
* Walnut Whip