I&#x27;M GONNA DRAW ALL DA GODS!!!

[Ahtsy sat by their lonesome, reflecting on the events of the evening. It was a relief knowing there were still gods, a grove, a world to exist in... They felt bad, thinking about how long Inspekta - er, Hector, now - had kept such complicated feelings bottled up. They hoped that moving forward, he'd be more inclined to seek his friends for help.]

[The artist picked at the black fabric of their sling. They had suffered a fracture in all the action, from the throwing and pulling... It was minor, but it was still enough to put them out of commission for at least a good few weeks; doctor's orders.]

[He let out a stressed sigh - Right about now, he'd already be a couple of tubes of paint deep into a painting, or a couple of pages into a sketchbook, or a couple pounds of clay into a sculpture... Well, you get the idea.]

[After all, what was Ahtsy without their art?]

"Not even able ta do da one thing dat makes me feel betta in times like dese..."

[He picked at the grass with his good arm, pursing his lips. They thought about how everyone got pretty banged up in their own way... It made them feel ashamed of their own self-pity.]

"Da cost a' world peace, I guess..."

[Hunching over more, she sighed, resting her face in her arms, wincing slightly as a bit too much pressure was applied to her bad arm, the pain quickly replaced with frustration.]

"Fer da love a da gods...!"

bidzzyboy

There was hardly a sound as Id moved, hooves quiet against grass despite his movements being awkward, gait unsure. It wasn't planning to stop and talk- not at all. It had somewhere he was supposed to be! Or... was planning to be, anyways.

But that fellow over there, they looked so upset. And there was no time crunch. And... oh, Drain it, it's not like it was important, either.

Id walked toward Ahtsy, careful not to approach from behind. Its stumbling steps led it next to him, and Id plopped himself down on the ground as if she was just another old friend.

"Hi dere. A-are you with tha- th-the, uh..." It pointed at its own hat with a vacant expression. "The- the... dese guys?"

[The artist sat up straighter as the other approached, quickly trying to do away with their mopey appearance.]

"Oh! Heya! Yeah, I am. I, uh... don't exactly recall where I left my hat, though..."

[They winced in embarrassment, rubbing the back of their neck with their good arm. They never did like that particular piece of the uniform...]

"Name's Ahtsy. I don't think I've seen youse around? Er, well, I don't normally see many a da boys around, given I'm always on da move findin' someplace far so's I can paint..."

[He picks at his sling again, a hint of that downtrodden expression starting to come back to his face.]

"Buuuut dat's alls about ta change, I guess... I'm gonna hafta keep ta da Bizzyvan, since dere's not gonna be much paintin' from me for a while..."

[There's no holding back the sigh this time as they stare off into the distance forlornly, a stormy look in their eyes.]

bidzzyboy

A painter! How exciting! Id didn't bother hiding the curious expression that came over him. Painting, art... an artist! It couldn't remember meeting an artist before, but had the feeling they must be a very good thing and that he liked them. Therefore, it must be so, right?

"I'm a new, um... arriv-val. From da Drain, real... recent. Not c-convinced dis ain't a dream yet," he chuckled with mild anxiety in his tone. And then, it was forgotten as he continued chattering away, nerves melting as it moved on. "My n-n-name is... um... Id, now, I think? Y-yeah, Id. Nice t-ta meets ya, A-Ahtsy!"

He inspected her sling with the subtlety of a cat on the kitchen table.

"Ahtsy... name's on point, huh?"

Its smile was more strained and nervous as he visibly cringed over the words that just came out of his mouth.

"I-I mean, it's a cool- a cool name, u-uh- yew gots a broke arm? Das- dat's what's stoppin ya?"

"Yeah... I was da one paintin' mosta dem postas fer da big boss before all o' dis. But, I got myself banged up pretty good in da big fight up at da Spire, n' now I can't paint fer nobody. Not even myself."

[He cringed recalling the recent event... Still stung to think about.]

"Even before da boys scooped me up months ago, I neva had sumthin' loik dis happen. But! It's just gonna take sum gettin' used to till it's gone, s'all."

[Offering a weak smile to downplay his deeper insecurities over the matter, he tried to gently redirect the subject away from himself.]

"Whats yer story, Id?"

bidzzyboy

The... the huh? The what? There was a fight? Id had no idea what this 'big fight' was all about. But surely it was fine. Probably? Maybe.

"My story?" Id sounded as if he'd never thought of such a thing before and was baffled by someone asking. "I, uh... I dunno!"

There was a pause.

"Oh, b-b-but I ain't tryina- tryin tah avoid tha question, see- can't seem t-ta get a grasp on it, my-self. I was... at sea. A sailor. Pr-robably. Bah, I'm sure dat's not important! I'd rather hear bout yew!"

Unfortunately for Ahtsy, Id decided to do the same thing- albeit nowhere near as gently or tactfully.

#bidzzyboy #ahtsy speaks #out of commission!ahtsy

"Whaaat?! So yew don't remembah? Dat sounds pretty important tuh me!"

[He balked, but quickly regained composure, shaking his head and glancing off to the side.]

"...Eh. I won't force youse ta talk about it if yew don't want tew, though."

"My story is a bit of an odd one... I came up in da Drain loike many folks do. Always had an eye fer da ahts, so I dedicated my life to it. Made a bit of a name fer myself - got told by practically everyone I should head to da God Grove and strut my stuff... So I did!"

[She rubbed the back of her neck with her left hand sheepishly.]

"But, I figured if I was gonna spend sum time here, I might as well give myself a goal - ta paint all da goddies! I'm talkin' whole murals fa each one! My magnum plus!"

[They got pretty excited, their eyes lighting up with a certain fire, but it faltered with their next words.]

"Uhh... Dat was da plan comin' in, at least... Befoa I got mixed up wit da boys. Kept gettin' pulled into adventures I had nuthin' ta do wit, just cause of... Well."

[They gestured to themselves, thinking it pretty self explanatory.]

"Dey was a fun enough bunch, though, even if it mixed me up inta trouble more often dan not... Figured there was no harm in havin' a little fun before startin' my mission propah, so here I am! Servin' as a bone-a-fied Bizzyboy!"

[They puffed up proudly, clearly still happy with where they were despite the disruption their position appeared to be in their ultimate goals.]

"So... I take it I should cancel dose print jawbs?"

[Ahtsy's voice pipes up with an attempt at lightening the mood. They look as tired and worn as everyone else, but a defining new feature is the sling cradling their right arm - the one they use to create. A casualty of being thrown and whipped about in the closing of the rift...]

"Don't mean ta intrude too long - I know you problee want some time ta yaself, and I know it's problee already been made clear by now... but I just wanted ta tell ya maself dat none a dis changes anythin' how I feel 'bout ya and da operashun yer runnin' wit us boys."

"I'm jus' glad yer okay - dat we're all okay - now."

( @ahtsy-voyager )

I'm saw-ree ya got hoit 'cause'a me.

Dank yew. I really uh-preesh-ee-eight ya.

"A' course! And don't yew worry 'bout me, I'll be roite as rain in no time!"

[They gave him a grin, albeit it was a strained one - it was going to be hard going so long without being able to do the one thing they were best at; the one thing they spent most of their days doing.]

"I just... gotta find somethin' ta do wit myself in da meantime dat don't involve hand-eye coordinashun, is all. Heh..."

[She... Didn't like thinking about it.]

"Anyways!! Since I joined da Bizzies late, I never did get ta meet dis side a youse. Feels like I'm meetin' a new man!"

I kinda feel like one too. I gots a lotta woik to do.

▷ Hector tilts his head at the bit about hand-eye coordination, thinking about their inner struggle with some guilt.

Well, at least yew can go back to it once youse healed up some, right? Maybe I can help ya figure out what to do 'til den, since I'm tha one who put ya in dis con-dish-un.

[Their tail tip stirs ever so slightly, demeanor lightening some as they looked at their leader with hope in their eyes.]

"Really? Yew'd do dat fer me?"

[And yet, it took just one glance down for their mood to flatten again...]

"I'm, just uh... Nawt too shore'a what use I can have ta yew, or anyone, bein' all tied up like dis..."

▷ Hector put on a stern expression, holding his hands at his hips and jutting his elbows out.

Ay yew, ya don't have ta be useful. Just do what feels right, what feels gewd.

... we can try a bunch'a things, and yew can let me know what ya like.

"O-oh...! Okay..."

[They have been on the grind for a while... Since before joining the Bizzyboys, and most certainly after. It was about time they think about something other than work.]

"Well, I guess if it ain't slack that I gotta pick up, I could take a looksee at sum hobbies..."

[She stuck her tongue out, rubbing her chin in thought... But ideas were hard to come by.]

"Whuff... I just keep circlin' round to creative-type stuff. What do yew like ta do in yer free time?"

Me? Umm... well... Normally I spent all my time just bossin' people around 'n toyin' around on my computahs. I guess now dat I ain't a goddy, I'll prah-bubbly have ta pick up my old hobbies again.

▷ He sticks up fingers as he lists them off.

Readin', writin', fishin', playin' card 'n board games with tha udda bizzies...

[The artist nodded attentively. Those all did sound rather nice...]

[They straighten their posture some, awash with renewed resolve now that they had somewhere to start.]

"Thanks, Inspe-er, I mean, Hector..."

[She cleared her throat to cover up her blunder, heat rising to her cheeks. She wasn't sure if that name was appropriate to use anymore...]

"If it ain't too much trouble, lemme know when yer doin' any a dem group activuhties, yeah? I'd love to tag along."

▷ Hector didn't seem to notice the mishap, in part because he too was used to the over thirty years of being called by the title of Inspekta rather than his actual name. He also didn't really mind in general if people still called him Inspekta to begin with, although he was no longer fully a god.

Ay, no problem - and sure, once I've been around tha Grove makin' my uh-paw-low-gees, I'll see about gettin' some set up for all'a yas who wanna join in. Maybe it don't make up four all the bad stuff I did, but we can still try ta have fun at least, yew know?

#inspektahekta #ahtsy speaks #out of commission!ahtsy #great god grove spoilers

[The artist beamed up at Hector. Even if things were different now, even if there was still a lot of hurt going around... it was nice to be building back that sense of normalcy.]

"Sounds great boss! I'll go and see if I can't scrownge up some good finds ta bring!"

[And with that, they scampered off to do just that, brimming with excitement. This was a much-needed attitude shift... They had set themselves up for weeks of misery, but now they carried a lot more hope for this healing period.]

"Oi! M'not disturbin' yew none if I go n' set up shop over here, right?"

[A voice called out, belonging to a figure just out of view, looking like they were already halfway done assembling their easel before noticing someone else was in the vicinity. They had paused rather awkwardly, already prepared to start packing up at the word.]

( @ahtsy-voyager )

[The red furred fella had turned quickly to the sound of a voice, clearly having been slightly spooked. They had still been on edge after the sight they had beheld earlier- word from those who have seen the rift closed before have told them that it had been... really close.]

[It was a bit frightening to know the end of the world had almost occurred, so it... might be a bit before sudden greetings or similar little things didn't get them all jumpy.]

[Realizing they had been staring for a couple of seconds, they quickly shook their head, tail tucking just so between their legs]

"No... I-I mean..- I mean no as in- as in go on right ahead...! I uh... I don't mind or nothin..."

[Its not like there's much to be distracted from. They're just assessing the damage to their poor gardens. Can't be transplanting any new flowers until the seedlings they've gotten started begin sprouting.]

"....Ww...wh... What you painting..?'

[Cam had remained a little quiet for a bit, visibly blinking to try and not cry in front of this borderline stranger. Did they even introduce names?]

"Cammie." [The other had said in a little breath]

"M-My name. It's. Cammie. Short for uh. For Camellia."

[And it quickly stretched a hand forward, glancing away with a touch of embarrassment]

"...I-I..."

"...Do... Do you have anything to deal with... with the pain..? I.. I don't think it'd be better than... than anything a doc could provide, but... But I have a few flowers in my home that.."

[A waver to their voice.]

"That help a bit with muscle pains...?"

[Perhaps they were just searching for SOMETHING they could offer... for such a kind, thoughtful thing.]

#wandering-florist #out of commission!ahtsy #ahtsy speaks

"Ahtsy."

[He offered his hand curled for a fist bump in lieu of a handshake, preferring to give their arm a break for now.]

"Dat's real sweet a yous ta offah, hon! I... 'Spose I wouldn't mind seein' what yew had."

[They glowed, hoping it wasn't too obvious they weren't used to random hospitality.]

"Oi! M'not disturbin' yew none if I go n' set up shop over here, right?"

[A voice called out, belonging to a figure just out of view, looking like they were already halfway done assembling their easel before noticing someone else was in the vicinity. They had paused rather awkwardly, already prepared to start packing up at the word.]

( @ahtsy-voyager )

[The red furred fella had turned quickly to the sound of a voice, clearly having been slightly spooked. They had still been on edge after the sight they had beheld earlier- word from those who have seen the rift closed before have told them that it had been... really close.]

[It was a bit frightening to know the end of the world had almost occurred, so it... might be a bit before sudden greetings or similar little things didn't get them all jumpy.]

[Realizing they had been staring for a couple of seconds, they quickly shook their head, tail tucking just so between their legs]

"No... I-I mean..- I mean no as in- as in go on right ahead...! I uh... I don't mind or nothin..."

[Its not like there's much to be distracted from. They're just assessing the damage to their poor gardens. Can't be transplanting any new flowers until the seedlings they've gotten started begin sprouting.]

"....Ww...wh... What you painting..?'

"A-Ahah... yy... yes... Uhm.. You know, I kind of... figured they hadn't been from her... From... From King.. The two of them were far too..."

[It pressed its hands together tightly, a motion to try and emphasize what they were saying.]

"Close.."

[They were a bit fidgety alright- Hard to capture the face when it couldn't seem to keep eyecontact. It would shift to looking into his eyes, then down at their arm, the canvas (what they could see of it anyway) and repeat. It had been distracted from the rest of their job- there wasn't much to do anywho it supposed.]

"...If you.. don't mind me asking, ah- What... what happened to you that left you in.. such a condition..?"

[Ahtsy exhaled exaggeratedly, blowing some of the curls from their face.]

"Oi... What didn't happen...?"

"I was one a day guys present on da Spire dat day... Got tossed about real good up deah. I realized pretty quick dat sumthin' wit righty wasn't doin' all righty while everyone else was busy makin' up and sayin' sorry..."

[He sighed, shoulders drooping.]

"I wasn't even supposeta be deah, is da funny thing. I was headin' to da print shawp wit a new portrait a' da boss, when I got swept up in all da madness..."

[Despite how the situation sounded, Ahtsy didn't appear angry or upset. Rather, perturbed.]

"I don't really see da boys or get updates on things very often since I'm always out creatin'... If I'dave finished dat painting a day latuh, I woulda been in da dahk about da truth a' what happened fer who knows how much longah... Woulda nevah known about how da boss had been feelin'..."

[Another sigh. In the passion of their monologue, they had stopped painting. They resumed with some hastened dabs at the canvas, shaking their head in embarrassment.]

"I-I don't know where I was goin' wit dat... Didn't mean ta dump on yew."

"No no, It-.. It sounds like a lot is on your... on your mind..."

[Cam took a quiet breath, the slightest tremble of their lower lip. Man... It sounded so intense... Truth be told, they're a bit in the dark about the whole situation themselves. Of course they watched the rift close- I don't think anyone wouldn't have or... couldn't have...- But the light sort of stung their eyes, and they couldn't hear all the voices through the heavens-] [But they HAD seen the ascension, Once the rift was somewhat closed, once the light wasn't as blinding. They had seen how King had emerged. And Grandma was right, it was beautiful!] [She was beautiful.]

"I-I've uhm... I've only been... gathering bits and bobs from all the gossip n' stuff coming out... Blokes talk around me a lot, so I pick up the gist."

[Another breath, adjusting their glasses once more- Looked like they were a bit too loose with how they keep touching them.]

"I... I'm sorry about... About what you're going through... it sounds like you're in the midst of all of it. I uh... I don't.. Blame any of yous.... It sounds like yous weren't really aware o' the plan.. And uhm..."

[Quietly an arm came to rub at their arms, trying to weigh their words. Oh, how to put this...]

"It's.... Hard. Hard to believe one'a the Gods woulda... Lied like that..."

[The artist sighed, glancing off to the side in deep reflection.]

"That's real nice a youse ta say... It was pretty hard to hea, comin' from da horse's mouth. Came to find out that some of us knew, some didn't... Loike me."

[They tried to spin their brush skillfully in their right hand...]

"You could say we're real similah in dat regahd-"

[Only to suddenly wince, and drop it. Normally, it was something they were used to doing without a second thought as a sort of absent fidget, but it would seem that trick would have to be relearned.]

"Eheh... ouchy. Um. B-but when I do get info, it's from people-watchin' from whatevah cornah I've tucked myself into."

[They recovered their brush as quickly as possible, trying to pretend it didn't happen.]

"Da boss is real sawrry though... Nevah seen more remorse in a man's eyes than I did dat day. He's prahmised ta change fer da better - even turned down his own godhood. If dat ain't sacrifice, I don't know what is."

[They took a couple steps back, gaze flickering between the canvas and their subject, nodding satisfactorily.]

"Just about finished, by the way - feel free to catch a look-see."

[Cam seemed to winced when they had noted just how uncomfortable the other had been- it was rather sad to see... to think all of this might have been avoidable in the end.]

"I suppose... I.. I really hope he holds true to that promise... Can't do much more damage since hes... like us now, though, so uhm.."

[A sigh]

"I'll try not to worry too much about it..."

[Then, they gave a slight tilt of it's head once it was prompted to come over. Setting down their bag of wilted petals, they began to walk over from their spot.]

[And as soon as they caught a glimpse..-]

"..!!!"

[They had been rendered speechless, a clear glisten in their eyes, a sparkle, at just... how beautiful it was. More beautiful than, in their opinion, their own arrangements.]

"That's... that's absolutely incredible..."

[The glisten turned visibly into little pricks of wetness, it taking a paw to wipe at the corners of their eyes]

"I have... I have nothing t.. It's wonderful..."

#wandering-florist #ahtsy speaks #out of commission!ahtsy

"Aw, shucks. I was just capturin' what I see."

[Ahtsy rubbed the back of her neck bashfully, glowing from the florist's reaction. It was watching folks light up at their work, seeing the emotions they provoked that they loved most. It's what made it all worth it, in the end.]

"I likes ta show people that they're a woik of aht, whether they knows it already o' nawt. 'Cause sometimes people fohget. So, I take it upon myself to immortalize all da beauty dat I see."

[They take their brush to peck at the piece here and there, making tiny corrections as they saw fit.]

"Not bad for a healin' ahm..."

"Oi! M'not disturbin' yew none if I go n' set up shop over here, right?"

[A voice called out, belonging to a figure just out of view, looking like they were already halfway done assembling their easel before noticing someone else was in the vicinity. They had paused rather awkwardly, already prepared to start packing up at the word.]

( @ahtsy-voyager )

[The red furred fella had turned quickly to the sound of a voice, clearly having been slightly spooked. They had still been on edge after the sight they had beheld earlier- word from those who have seen the rift closed before have told them that it had been... really close.]

[It was a bit frightening to know the end of the world had almost occurred, so it... might be a bit before sudden greetings or similar little things didn't get them all jumpy.]

[Realizing they had been staring for a couple of seconds, they quickly shook their head, tail tucking just so between their legs]

"No... I-I mean..- I mean no as in- as in go on right ahead...! I uh... I don't mind or nothin..."

[Its not like there's much to be distracted from. They're just assessing the damage to their poor gardens. Can't be transplanting any new flowers until the seedlings they've gotten started begin sprouting.]

"....Ww...wh... What you painting..?'

"A-Ahah... yy... yes... Uhm.. You know, I kind of... figured they hadn't been from her... From... From King.. The two of them were far too..."

[It pressed its hands together tightly, a motion to try and emphasize what they were saying.]

"Close.."

[They were a bit fidgety alright- Hard to capture the face when it couldn't seem to keep eyecontact. It would shift to looking into his eyes, then down at their arm, the canvas (what they could see of it anyway) and repeat. It had been distracted from the rest of their job- there wasn't much to do anywho it supposed.]

"...If you.. don't mind me asking, ah- What... what happened to you that left you in.. such a condition..?"

[Ahtsy exhaled exaggeratedly, blowing some of the curls from their face.]

"Oi... What didn't happen...?"

"I was one a day guys present on da Spire dat day... Got tossed about real good up deah. I realized pretty quick dat sumthin' wit righty wasn't doin' all righty while everyone else was busy makin' up and sayin' sorry..."

[He sighed, shoulders drooping.]

"I wasn't even supposeta be deah, is da funny thing. I was headin' to da print shawp wit a new portrait a' da boss, when I got swept up in all da madness..."

[Despite how the situation sounded, Ahtsy didn't appear angry or upset. Rather, perturbed.]

"I don't really see da boys or get updates on things very often since I'm always out creatin'... If I'dave finished dat painting a day latuh, I woulda been in da dahk about da truth a' what happened fer who knows how much longah... Woulda nevah known about how da boss had been feelin'..."

[Another sigh. In the passion of their monologue, they had stopped painting. They resumed with some hastened dabs at the canvas, shaking their head in embarrassment.]

"I-I don't know where I was goin' wit dat... Didn't mean ta dump on yew."

"No no, It-.. It sounds like a lot is on your... on your mind..."

[Cam took a quiet breath, the slightest tremble of their lower lip. Man... It sounded so intense... Truth be told, they're a bit in the dark about the whole situation themselves. Of course they watched the rift close- I don't think anyone wouldn't have or... couldn't have...- But the light sort of stung their eyes, and they couldn't hear all the voices through the heavens-] [But they HAD seen the ascension, Once the rift was somewhat closed, once the light wasn't as blinding. They had seen how King had emerged. And Grandma was right, it was beautiful!] [She was beautiful.]

"I-I've uhm... I've only been... gathering bits and bobs from all the gossip n' stuff coming out... Blokes talk around me a lot, so I pick up the gist."

[Another breath, adjusting their glasses once more- Looked like they were a bit too loose with how they keep touching them.]

"I... I'm sorry about... About what you're going through... it sounds like you're in the midst of all of it. I uh... I don't.. Blame any of yous.... It sounds like yous weren't really aware o' the plan.. And uhm..."

[Quietly an arm came to rub at their arms, trying to weigh their words. Oh, how to put this...]

"It's.... Hard. Hard to believe one'a the Gods woulda... Lied like that..."

#wandering-florist #ahtsy speaks #out of commission!ahtsy

[The artist sighed, glancing off to the side in deep reflection.]

"That's real nice a youse ta say... It was pretty hard to hea, comin' from da horse's mouth. Came to find out that some of us knew, some didn't... Loike me."

[They tried to spin their brush skillfully in their right hand...]

"You could say we're real similah in dat regahd-"

[Only to suddenly wince, and drop it. Normally, it was something they were used to doing without a second thought as a sort of absent fidget, but it would seem that trick would have to be relearned.]

"Eheh... ouchy. Um. B-but when I do get info, it's from people-watchin' from whatevah cornah I've tucked myself into."

[They recovered their brush as quickly as possible, trying to pretend it didn't happen.]

"Da boss is real sawrry though... Nevah seen more remorse in a man's eyes than I did dat day. He's prahmised ta change fer da better - even turned down his own godhood. If dat ain't sacrifice, I don't know what is."

[They took a couple steps back, gaze flickering between the canvas and their subject, nodding satisfactorily.]

"Just about finished, by the way - feel free to catch a look-see."

dadocisin

"Say, doc... Exactly how long does a broken ahm take ta heal...?"

( @ahtsy-voyager )

…Uh, it deep-ends on da type of fracture ?

how’d ya break it ???

#dadocisin #ahtsy speaks #out of commission!ahtsy

"By helpin' ta close da Rift wit da boys...?"

[They shrugged sheepishly, tail curling around their ankle.]

"When all was said n' done, my foreahm was hoitin' like Drain... Couldn't even move it. Got patched up on site, but I was only given dis sling, a pat on da back, and told ta see a real doc... Which is you."

"Oi! M'not disturbin' yew none if I go n' set up shop over here, right?"

[A voice called out, belonging to a figure just out of view, looking like they were already halfway done assembling their easel before noticing someone else was in the vicinity. They had paused rather awkwardly, already prepared to start packing up at the word.]

( @ahtsy-voyager )

[The red furred fella had turned quickly to the sound of a voice, clearly having been slightly spooked. They had still been on edge after the sight they had beheld earlier- word from those who have seen the rift closed before have told them that it had been... really close.]

[It was a bit frightening to know the end of the world had almost occurred, so it... might be a bit before sudden greetings or similar little things didn't get them all jumpy.]

[Realizing they had been staring for a couple of seconds, they quickly shook their head, tail tucking just so between their legs]

"No... I-I mean..- I mean no as in- as in go on right ahead...! I uh... I don't mind or nothin..."

[Its not like there's much to be distracted from. They're just assessing the damage to their poor gardens. Can't be transplanting any new flowers until the seedlings they've gotten started begin sprouting.]

"....Ww...wh... What you painting..?'

"A-Ahah... yy... yes... Uhm.. You know, I kind of... figured they hadn't been from her... From... From King.. The two of them were far too..."

[It pressed its hands together tightly, a motion to try and emphasize what they were saying.]

"Close.."

[They were a bit fidgety alright- Hard to capture the face when it couldn't seem to keep eyecontact. It would shift to looking into his eyes, then down at their arm, the canvas (what they could see of it anyway) and repeat. It had been distracted from the rest of their job- there wasn't much to do anywho it supposed.]

"...If you.. don't mind me asking, ah- What... what happened to you that left you in.. such a condition..?"

#wandering-florist #ahtsy speaks #Great god grove spoilers #out of commission!ahtsy

[Ahtsy exhaled exaggeratedly, blowing some of the curls from their face.]

"Oi... What didn't happen...?"

"I was one a day guys present on da Spire dat day... Got tossed about real good up deah. I realized pretty quick dat sumthin' wit righty wasn't doin' all righty while everyone else was busy makin' up and sayin' sorry..."

[He sighed, shoulders drooping.]

"I wasn't even supposeta be deah, is da funny thing. I was headin' to da print shawp wit a new portrait a' da boss, when I got swept up in all da madness..."

[Despite how the situation sounded, Ahtsy didn't appear angry or upset. Rather, perturbed.]

"I don't really see da boys or get updates on things very often since I'm always out creatin'... If I'dave finished dat painting a day latuh, I woulda been in da dahk about da truth a' what happened fer who knows how much longah... Woulda nevah known about how da boss had been feelin'..."

[Another sigh. In the passion of their monologue, they had stopped painting. They resumed with some hastened dabs at the canvas, shaking their head in embarrassment.]

"I-I don't know where I was goin' wit dat... Didn't mean ta dump on yew."

"So... I take it I should cancel dose print jawbs?"

[Ahtsy's voice pipes up with an attempt at lightening the mood. They look as tired and worn as everyone else, but a defining new feature is the sling cradling their right arm - the one they use to create. A casualty of being thrown and whipped about in the closing of the rift...]

"Don't mean ta intrude too long - I know you problee want some time ta yaself, and I know it's problee already been made clear by now... but I just wanted ta tell ya maself dat none a dis changes anythin' how I feel 'bout ya and da operashun yer runnin' wit us boys."

"I'm jus' glad yer okay - dat we're all okay - now."

( @ahtsy-voyager )

I'm saw-ree ya got hoit 'cause'a me.

Dank yew. I really uh-preesh-ee-eight ya.

"A' course! And don't yew worry 'bout me, I'll be roite as rain in no time!"

[They gave him a grin, albeit it was a strained one - it was going to be hard going so long without being able to do the one thing they were best at; the one thing they spent most of their days doing.]

"I just... gotta find somethin' ta do wit myself in da meantime dat don't involve hand-eye coordinashun, is all. Heh..."

[She... Didn't like thinking about it.]

"Anyways!! Since I joined da Bizzies late, I never did get ta meet dis side a youse. Feels like I'm meetin' a new man!"

I kinda feel like one too. I gots a lotta woik to do.

▷ Hector tilts his head at the bit about hand-eye coordination, thinking about their inner struggle with some guilt.

Well, at least yew can go back to it once youse healed up some, right? Maybe I can help ya figure out what to do 'til den, since I'm tha one who put ya in dis con-dish-un.

[Their tail tip stirs ever so slightly, demeanor lightening some as they looked at their leader with hope in their eyes.]

"Really? Yew'd do dat fer me?"

[And yet, it took just one glance down for their mood to flatten again...]

"I'm, just uh... Nawt too shore'a what use I can have ta yew, or anyone, bein' all tied up like dis..."

▷ Hector put on a stern expression, holding his hands at his hips and jutting his elbows out.

Ay yew, ya don't have ta be useful. Just do what feels right, what feels gewd.

... we can try a bunch'a things, and yew can let me know what ya like.

"O-oh...! Okay..."

[They have been on the grind for a while... Since before joining the Bizzyboys, and most certainly after. It was about time they think about something other than work.]

"Well, I guess if it ain't slack that I gotta pick up, I could take a looksee at sum hobbies..."

[She stuck her tongue out, rubbing her chin in thought... But ideas were hard to come by.]

"Whuff... I just keep circlin' round to creative-type stuff. What do yew like ta do in yer free time?"

Me? Umm... well... Normally I spent all my time just bossin' people around 'n toyin' around on my computahs. I guess now dat I ain't a goddy, I'll prah-bubbly have ta pick up my old hobbies again.

▷ He sticks up fingers as he lists them off.

Readin', writin', fishin', playin' card 'n board games with tha udda bizzies...

#inspektahekta #ahtsy speaks #out of commission!ahtsy #great god grove spoilers

[The artist nodded attentively. Those all did sound rather nice...]

[They straighten their posture some, awash with renewed resolve now that they had somewhere to start.]

"Thanks, Inspe-er, I mean, Hector..."

[She cleared her throat to cover up her blunder, heat rising to her cheeks. She wasn't sure if that name was appropriate to use anymore...]

"If it ain't too much trouble, lemme know when yer doin' any a dem group activuhties, yeah? I'd love to tag along."

"Oi! M'not disturbin' yew none if I go n' set up shop over here, right?"

[A voice called out, belonging to a figure just out of view, looking like they were already halfway done assembling their easel before noticing someone else was in the vicinity. They had paused rather awkwardly, already prepared to start packing up at the word.]

( @ahtsy-voyager )

[The red furred fella had turned quickly to the sound of a voice, clearly having been slightly spooked. They had still been on edge after the sight they had beheld earlier- word from those who have seen the rift closed before have told them that it had been... really close.]

[It was a bit frightening to know the end of the world had almost occurred, so it... might be a bit before sudden greetings or similar little things didn't get them all jumpy.]

[Realizing they had been staring for a couple of seconds, they quickly shook their head, tail tucking just so between their legs]

"No... I-I mean..- I mean no as in- as in go on right ahead...! I uh... I don't mind or nothin..."

[Its not like there's much to be distracted from. They're just assessing the damage to their poor gardens. Can't be transplanting any new flowers until the seedlings they've gotten started begin sprouting.]

"....Ww...wh... What you painting..?'

"Ehh, somethin' simple... Arm's been locked up in a sling fer a while, so I'm tryna' keep it from collectin' dust... So ta speak..."

[They tossed an awfully familiar red beret some distance away carelessly, then rolled their right shoulder a couple times, wincing a bit.]

"Should be fine... Yeeah. I'll... Be aight."

[They muttered, mostly to themselves, before rummaging through their bag of art supplies.]

"Ay, how's about a portrait? Can't guarantee it'll be my best work given my condition, but I'll still give it my all!!"

[Cam wasn't entirely sure if it had heard him right near the end, the slightest bristle of surprise trailing down their spine]

"E-Eehh?!.. a... a portrait? Y...you don't... mean of me, do ya..?"

[They glanced away a bit- it was rather hard to tell if they were embarrassed or not, considering their complexion was already red to begin with.]

"Ohhhh... Oh I.. I don't know... Id... Gee, I'd feel awful bad if y' hurt y'self more painting a... a picture of me..."

[A surprising first encounter to be sure... was this fella busking? They didn't have any coin on them at the moment... And since the bulk of their flora died, no gifts of that sort neither.]

"I'd.... have nothing to exchange right now..."

"Don't worry 'bout it! Consida it a gift!"

[Ahtsy was already framing the florist with squared-off fingers, his tongue stuck out and an eye shut in concentration.]

"Paintin' folks was kinda my thing before I got lumped wit da Bizzyboys. And while I love da big boss - Rift incident and all - I've been drawin' da guy fer months. Yew'll make fer a nice change-a pace!"

[Picking up a lightweight sketching pencil, they flexed their fingers around the wood to test their grip. Muscles were still tight alright, but it was to be expected...]

"Yew just keep doin' yew! Won't even notice I'm here, I swears it."

[Camellia had definitely been shocked. Just... a complete act of kindness. Despite the slight air of anxiety about being a good muse, there had definitely been a light pep to how they carried themself now.]

[They were oh so flattered! Just before, they had expected their day to consist of quietly yanking up drowned flowers and trying to save what they could. Now, however, they've been chosen by this stranger to be their next painting! There was definitely a new glimmer of joy behind those round lenses of theirs now!]

[So in response, Cam quickly nodded to the other. Their tail began to swing a bit more playfully behind them too when they turned to continue what they were doing previously.]

[Ahtsy let her muscle memory take over, her hand gliding across the canvas as she went through the process she had practiced and perfected her whole life. Her arm was more fatigued than it normally would have been, but with enough breaks it wasn't enough to stop her.]

[As they wrapped up their sketch and began prepping their pallete, they couldn't help but wonder about the flighty figure coming to life under every stroke of their brush. So, contrary to their promise, they spoke up.]

"Yew got a story, pal?"

[His voice was light and cheery, as he dabbed at the platter of paint in his left hand, mixing together some custom shades for the occasion. He peeked over the sides frequently as he color matched the scene, using it as an opportunity to eye the other's progress on its own botanical task curiously.]

[Another little twitch to their tail, but they were more accustomed to this person's presence now. His interjection wasn't nearly as surprising as his first greeting. Still, Cammie took a second to process what he meant, trying to pick nice words but not too many as to not bother the other.] "I... Ohh..."

[Eyes trailed to a bag of plucked weeds, petals and florets. Not too long winded now...]

"I dunno, I... I suppose I'm just a simple landscaper... A.. A florist." [They rub their gloved paws down on their overalls, mucky water slightly tinging the minty blue fabric] "I do a little bit everywhere, but... I do most of it.... here." [It wrings its paws together quietly] "... It's how I worship in a way... There were a lot more before... Before the floodings. Gosh, Half the flower beds were made of arrangements that could not handle that amount of water, Lots got washed out so... I'm trying to do what I can." [A sigh, Bringing a digit up to push their glasses back up the bridge of their nose.] "I don't blame the Miss, though... It was a rather cruel letter. I'd never blame her for such... Never."

[...Then it cleared it's throat.] "T-Too much..?"

#wandering-florist #ahtsy speaks #Great god grove spoilers #out of commission!ahtsy

[Ahtsy was absorbed in Camellia's words, so much so that their last two caught them off guard.]

"H-huh? Nawt at all! It's real nice a' ya to be woikin' so hawd to bring back da Cove's formah glory."

[They dabbed the end of their tail against their pallete, using it as a rather untraditional textured brush to add the grass. (That, and their arm was needing a break...)]

"Yew must be a followa a' Miss M and King, den. Real nice gods, dose two! I'm lookin' forward ta puttin' dose pretty mugs down on some paper."

[They had taken a fine-tipped brush (notably, with their left hand) to add tiny leaves and petals, leaning in close with an eye squeezed shut and their tongue stuck out. The thought of the letter the elder god had received - forged by their spiraling boss - gave them pause, however, and their form faltered.]

"Yeah. Those lettahs sure were... Ah... Somethin'..."

[They resumed their work flow, but their face was twisted with remorse. They didn't even play a role in what happened besides making all those posters for Inspekta, but that just made them feel like even more of an accomplice to it all.]

"Oi! M'not disturbin' yew none if I go n' set up shop over here, right?"

[A voice called out, belonging to a figure just out of view, looking like they were already halfway done assembling their easel before noticing someone else was in the vicinity. They had paused rather awkwardly, already prepared to start packing up at the word.]

( @ahtsy-voyager )

[The red furred fella had turned quickly to the sound of a voice, clearly having been slightly spooked. They had still been on edge after the sight they had beheld earlier- word from those who have seen the rift closed before have told them that it had been... really close.]

[It was a bit frightening to know the end of the world had almost occurred, so it... might be a bit before sudden greetings or similar little things didn't get them all jumpy.]

[Realizing they had been staring for a couple of seconds, they quickly shook their head, tail tucking just so between their legs]

"No... I-I mean..- I mean no as in- as in go on right ahead...! I uh... I don't mind or nothin..."

[Its not like there's much to be distracted from. They're just assessing the damage to their poor gardens. Can't be transplanting any new flowers until the seedlings they've gotten started begin sprouting.]

"....Ww...wh... What you painting..?'

"Ehh, somethin' simple... Arm's been locked up in a sling fer a while, so I'm tryna' keep it from collectin' dust... So ta speak..."

[They tossed an awfully familiar red beret some distance away carelessly, then rolled their right shoulder a couple times, wincing a bit.]

"Should be fine... Yeeah. I'll... Be aight."

[They muttered, mostly to themselves, before rummaging through their bag of art supplies.]

"Ay, how's about a portrait? Can't guarantee it'll be my best work given my condition, but I'll still give it my all!!"

[Cam wasn't entirely sure if it had heard him right near the end, the slightest bristle of surprise trailing down their spine]

"E-Eehh?!.. a... a portrait? Y...you don't... mean of me, do ya..?"

[They glanced away a bit- it was rather hard to tell if they were embarrassed or not, considering their complexion was already red to begin with.]

"Ohhhh... Oh I.. I don't know... Id... Gee, I'd feel awful bad if y' hurt y'self more painting a... a picture of me..."

[A surprising first encounter to be sure... was this fella busking? They didn't have any coin on them at the moment... And since the bulk of their flora died, no gifts of that sort neither.]

"I'd.... have nothing to exchange right now..."

"Don't worry 'bout it! Consida it a gift!"

[Ahtsy was already framing the florist with squared-off fingers, his tongue stuck out and an eye shut in concentration.]

"Paintin' folks was kinda my thing before I got lumped wit da Bizzyboys. And while I love da big boss - Rift incident and all - I've been drawin' da guy fer months. Yew'll make fer a nice change-a pace!"

[Picking up a lightweight sketching pencil, they flexed their fingers around the wood to test their grip. Muscles were still tight alright, but it was to be expected...]

"Yew just keep doin' yew! Won't even notice I'm here, I swears it."

[Camellia had definitely been shocked. Just... a complete act of kindness. Despite the slight air of anxiety about being a good muse, there had definitely been a light pep to how they carried themself now.]

[They were oh so flattered! Just before, they had expected their day to consist of quietly yanking up drowned flowers and trying to save what they could. Now, however, they've been chosen by this stranger to be their next painting! There was definitely a new glimmer of joy behind those round lenses of theirs now!]

[So in response, Cam quickly nodded to the other. Their tail began to swing a bit more playfully behind them too when they turned to continue what they were doing previously.]

#wandering-florist #out of commission!ahtsy #ahtsy speaks #great god grove spoilers

[Ahtsy let her muscle memory take over, her hand gliding across the canvas as she went through the process she had practiced and perfected her whole life. Her arm was more fatigued than it normally would have been, but with enough breaks it wasn't enough to stop her.]

[As they wrapped up their sketch and began prepping their pallete, they couldn't help but wonder about the flighty figure coming to life under every stroke of their brush. So, contrary to their promise, they spoke up.]

"Yew got a story, pal?"

[His voice was light and cheery, as he dabbed at the platter of paint in his left hand, mixing together some custom shades for the occasion. He peeked over the sides frequently as he color matched the scene, using it as an opportunity to eye the other's progress on its own botanical task curiously.]

"Oi! M'not disturbin' yew none if I go n' set up shop over here, right?"

[A voice called out, belonging to a figure just out of view, looking like they were already halfway done assembling their easel before noticing someone else was in the vicinity. They had paused rather awkwardly, already prepared to start packing up at the word.]

( @ahtsy-voyager )

[The red furred fella had turned quickly to the sound of a voice, clearly having been slightly spooked. They had still been on edge after the sight they had beheld earlier- word from those who have seen the rift closed before have told them that it had been... really close.]

[It was a bit frightening to know the end of the world had almost occurred, so it... might be a bit before sudden greetings or similar little things didn't get them all jumpy.]

[Realizing they had been staring for a couple of seconds, they quickly shook their head, tail tucking just so between their legs]

"No... I-I mean..- I mean no as in- as in go on right ahead...! I uh... I don't mind or nothin..."

[Its not like there's much to be distracted from. They're just assessing the damage to their poor gardens. Can't be transplanting any new flowers until the seedlings they've gotten started begin sprouting.]

"....Ww...wh... What you painting..?'

"Ehh, somethin' simple... Arm's been locked up in a sling fer a while, so I'm tryna' keep it from collectin' dust... So ta speak..."

[They tossed an awfully familiar red beret some distance away carelessly, then rolled their right shoulder a couple times, wincing a bit.]

"Should be fine... Yeeah. I'll... Be aight."

[They muttered, mostly to themselves, before rummaging through their bag of art supplies.]

"Ay, how's about a portrait? Can't guarantee it'll be my best work given my condition, but I'll still give it my all!!"

[Cam wasn't entirely sure if it had heard him right near the end, the slightest bristle of surprise trailing down their spine]

"E-Eehh?!.. a... a portrait? Y...you don't... mean of me, do ya..?"

[They glanced away a bit- it was rather hard to tell if they were embarrassed or not, considering their complexion was already red to begin with.]

"Ohhhh... Oh I.. I don't know... Id... Gee, I'd feel awful bad if y' hurt y'self more painting a... a picture of me..."

[A surprising first encounter to be sure... was this fella busking? They didn't have any coin on them at the moment... And since the bulk of their flora died, no gifts of that sort neither.]

"I'd.... have nothing to exchange right now..."

#wandering-florist #ahtsy speaks #out of commission!ahtsy #great god grove spoilers

"Don't worry 'bout it! Consida it a gift!"

[Ahtsy was already framing the florist with squared-off fingers, his tongue stuck out and an eye shut in concentration.]

"Paintin' folks was kinda my thing before I got lumped wit da Bizzyboys. And while I love da big boss - Rift incident and all - I've been drawin' da guy fer months. Yew'll make fer a nice change-a pace!"

[Picking up a lightweight sketching pencil, they flexed their fingers around the wood to test their grip. Muscles were still tight alright, but it was to be expected...]

"Yew just keep doin' yew! Won't even notice I'm here, I swears it."

"Oi! M'not disturbin' yew none if I go n' set up shop over here, right?"

[A voice called out, belonging to a figure just out of view, looking like they were already halfway done assembling their easel before noticing someone else was in the vicinity. They had paused rather awkwardly, already prepared to start packing up at the word.]

( @ahtsy-voyager )

[The red furred fella had turned quickly to the sound of a voice, clearly having been slightly spooked. They had still been on edge after the sight they had beheld earlier- word from those who have seen the rift closed before have told them that it had been... really close.]

[It was a bit frightening to know the end of the world had almost occurred, so it... might be a bit before sudden greetings or similar little things didn't get them all jumpy.]

[Realizing they had been staring for a couple of seconds, they quickly shook their head, tail tucking just so between their legs]

"No... I-I mean..- I mean no as in- as in go on right ahead...! I uh... I don't mind or nothin..."

[Its not like there's much to be distracted from. They're just assessing the damage to their poor gardens. Can't be transplanting any new flowers until the seedlings they've gotten started begin sprouting.]

"....Ww...wh... What you painting..?'

#wandering-florist #out of commission!ahtsy #ahtsy speaks

"Ehh, somethin' simple... Arm's been locked up in a sling fer a while, so I'm tryna' keep it from collectin' dust... So ta speak..."

[They tossed an awfully familiar red beret some distance away carelessly, then rolled their right shoulder a couple times, wincing a bit.]

"Should be fine... Yeeah. I'll... Be aight."

[They muttered, mostly to themselves, before rummaging through their bag of art supplies.]

"Ay, how's about a portrait? Can't guarantee it'll be my best work given my condition, but I'll still give it my all!!"

(((Out of Commission!Ahtsy is still going to be a thing for a while, but I'm still going to engage in mixed timeline shenanigans where they aren't injured for the helluvit hehe)))

#mod speaks #(((it'll officially end when all interacts for it reasonably wrap up)))