Welcome to Gaia! ::

Anxiously the good Professor waited, as his little friend dug around in the remains of what was once, long ago, used for a personal transport of some type. While salvaging what he could from it, he had seen the edge of something, tucked into a storage box, built into the transport. It's contents were hidden from view, but if his suspicions were indeed correct, it might be exactly what he had been searching for, these last several months. As the gotling climbed out of the wreckage, a small book could be seen, carried in it's mouth. Setting it before the professor's feet, he took a step back smiling his disturbed little smile, proud of his accomplishment. With the utmost care, the professor flipped the pages of the book with his hoof, looking closely at the multitude of maps held with in. "My dear fellow, this book is remarkedly well preserved! We may finally have found what we need, to truly start our quest for the maiden!"

Started by the sound of approaching foot steps, Geardo looked into the brush to see a figure approaching. A big one from the sound. Knowing that the Professor would be completely lost in thought until he was done decoding what ever the odd book he had retrieved, Geardo decided to check things out. Carefully the little Gotling made his way towards the approaching footsteps, ensuring he made enough noise that he would not surprise who ever they belonged too. The faint ringing of bells could be heard as they came closer. Geardo briefly considered if he should try to take the bells for the Prof. Then again Geardo only ever briefly considered anything. Soon the demented little fellow was rushing to the bell sound, intent on stealing the drape the big herla wore.

Noticing their reaction, Geardo stopped and stared at them a moment. Only for a moment though, before pulling a scrap of fabric from his pouch and setting it down, trying to scribble a picture of the bell in the dirt. Surely though would be willing to trade. Or he would just try to steal it again. Surely the Professor would reward him if he could get such a prize. Trying to appear as friendly as possible, but only managing to look more demented in the processes he bayed loudly, in what he hoped was a friendly manner.

Deftly avoiding the paw, Geardo decided they weren't up for the trade, and took back his bit of cloth, sticking in his pouch while he ran back to the professor. For his part, the Prof was just closing up the odd little book with a determined smile on his face. In his head he was already making plans for what he would need for his journey, and determining a load plan for his cart to ensure he could carry it all. The fact that most people under going a journey wouldn't need multiple pressure tanks, or a mini furnace was completely lost on him.

Seeing Geardo approach, he realized that he had wandered off for a second, then realized that he was not alone as he returned. "Why we have visitors do we? I'm sorry, I won't be able to chat long I'm afraid. I simply must prepare for a trip."

The Professor took no notice of being called odd, being used to such labels being applied to him. And he did have to confess, he tended to land well outside the median for what is considered normal and what not. But, not one to be rude, he elaborated. "If my theory is correct, then I have discovered the location of one of the guardians largest citadels. The home of the Maiden Chicago, who seems to have been responsible for a good number of there ancient machines. While I doubt even the good Maiden could have survived their fall, no doubt many of her amazing works were left behind. The things we could learn by studying their designs! The thought is positively exhilarating!"

For his part, Geardo did try to look impressed, but really, he only hoped that there would be fun things for him to play with, and the Prof would be able to make him new toys. His eyes lost focus a bit as he thought of some of the fun things the Prof had let him do in the past, and his smile grew uncomfortably large...

The Professor pondered this for a moment, while taking this new comer into account. His long fur and sturdy appearence did make him ideal for such an adventure, and an extra set of hooves could always be useful... "I welcome you join me, though I should warn you that the way may be perilous, and we might discover that our quest is in vain. The ancient citadel would have fallen before our histories began, so there is no telling what may remain of it. But if you have the mind to follow, then I shall be glad to lead the way. Isn't that right Geardo?" He asked his little friend.

Geardo's attention snapped back to the present, and he nodded vigoriously, despite having no idea what had just been discussed. Noticing the little foxlet watching him so intently, he once again tried to smile in a non threatening way, though the efforts were wasted. Sensing that the Professor was preparing to leave soon, he quickly ran off, attempting to snatch every wire and scrap of metal, and taking them to the Professor cart for the trip.

"Good show my good, err, Sergei was it? It seems it is getting late, and I always find it best not to leave for a long journey until proper preparations have been made. Would you and your friend like to accompany us back to my work shop for the evening, so we can further discuss our plans." The Professor said, smiling, and nodding in the rough direction of his home. In his mind he was already developing a list of what various necessities they would need. Rope, cabling, his tool kit, an electric lantern or two, an assortment of various lengths of wire, a couple air tanks, and a few scraps of leather, at least. The ice sled could be refitted with wheels to carry it all, though skis should be held on to as well. On and on the list grew.

For his own part, Geardo was watching the interaction between this odd buck, and his foxlet companion. Or the Foxlet and his odd buck companion. It wasn't really clear which one was truly in charge. It was clear that if they would be joining them on this trip, the little foxlet would have to be kept in line. And he would have to teach them which things were useful, and which ones were not. It was important to maintain his position as the professors number one minion after all.

Startled to see the larger herla pushing the cart with his head, the Professor quickly took the reins, and began to pull the cart back to his home, taking little notice of the foxlet inside. "Hmmm? My shop? It's a place where I store all my materials and inventions until I find them a good purpose and home. It's not much, but it's a place to return too when I've been away for a while. Do you have a place you call home friend?" He asked, as he deftly navigated the cart. The cart, for it's part was almost perfectly balanced, and axles as close to friction free as he could make them with the materials he had found, so as long as the ground wasn't too steep, very little force was needed.

Walking behind the Prof, Geardo eyed the little Foxlet, Kirill, who seemed content to be carried in the cart. Clearly, he was not accustom to being part of a team. There was little fear that the foxlet might replace him as the Professors favorite. The bigger one, Sergei on the other hand seemed used to working hard. He could be an asset, so long as he kept to his place. The trick woul- something shiny! losing his train of thought entirely Geardo ran off to pick up a small scrap of metal from the underbrush. It wasn't much, but it was very shiny, so that was a good sign. Taking it over to the Professor, he showed it to him, waiting for the Professor to decide it was worth while. After he got a brief nod, he tossed it into the back of the cart, with a look of smug satisfaction.