Welcome to Gaia! ::

The White Caverns -- an extensive maze of tunnels and ice caves -- lies to the southeast of the lands. There are numerous entrances, but the most commonly used one is beyond the ivory meadows, in a huge gaping cavern besides a moderately-large -- and sometimes frozen -- waterfall. The caverns, icey white and blue, wind their way through a small mountain-range.

Although not all the caverns are freezing cold. Several to the northwest they branch off into the normal dull-gray caverns, leading out into a tiny valley of exotic plants, completely enclosed by high, natural stone walls. The source for this perplexing warmth is easily explained when one enters several shaded areas to the side -- hot springs, numerous ones, bubbling up from the earth below.

Mongoose made her slippery way through the cave, her rosy feet jerking out from under her at every opportunity. Every time this happened, a surprised little giggle escaped her throat, a rare sound coming from this rishlan. The pads on her feet were numb with cold, adding an element of terrifying surprise to the trip; she couldn't even tell if she was slipping!

Then she began to notice a gradual change. The ice was becoming alot more slippery, this time with wet-it was caught up in an eternal process of melting and freezing this part of the caverns. Her head jerked up with surprise. It was warmer! The kitten's sharp eyes picked out the lush green of plants up ahead. "Wow..." she exclaimed on a single note. And that was all it took. 'Goose dashed towards the splendor, water splashing frantically in her wake.

Zim pushed his wings against the cave walls, the path was narrow, but the rocks were not too jaged so his wings remained in tack. Cold air rose from his nostrils as he squeezed through the ending of the narrow path. Turning he awaited his robot in a dog suit GIR. "GIR, we will now make this our base and soon take over the planet!" he yelled, his voice echoing throughout the cave paths.

GIR had his togue sticking out as he walked trhough the narrow passage. His paws scraping against the rubble uneather them. Walking out he sat down and saluted Zim "Yes my master!" As he had spoken his eyes had glown red for a split second before going back to normal. Using his front paws he carfully pulled down the hood of the dog suit revealing a large 'empty' robotic head with glowing blue eyes. He laughed slightly "Burrito."

"Well GIR I'm going to make a plan!" Zim said which was more of a yell. The Yeeshu clammered through the rocks and terran to reach what seemed to be an opening. For a moment Zim could have sworn he saw a shadow in the opening, but looked away believe no one else would be in the cave and climbs, latching himself onto the ceiling.

Mongoose stared into the caverns. Uncertain, she took a step back, away from the entrance, then whirled on heel and fled the scene for the dark cool safety of the unfamiliar plants. The thudding of her heart soon cleared surrounded by their earthy scent, rare things in a frozen world.

"No finda Goose here." she mumbled reassuringly, raising her head to sniff at a fern overhead.

Mongoose rolled on her back, flicking her tail at the offending fern. "Kill'a you!" she growled at it. Thankfully, she was oblivious to the ahtun's presence, and so proceeded to 'kill' the fern, with much wasted energy and no loss at all to the plant.

It was only when she had bounced to her feet did she become aware of Mara, though the plants blocked out the view. In a just moment her voice had dwindled from a playful bellow to a mere whine. "Who's out thur...?"

Ack! Mongoose shrunk back, quivering all over. "Oh...m'sorry, miss! Did'na mean to be rude." she hastily apologized, peering up at Mara with eyes that seemed all pupil. A trembly sort of grin crossed her muzzle. "Just a mongoose a'not thinking."

Ka'e watched as others moved into the her valley. It was not in her thoughts to share it, but she quickly learned she had little choice. The white and black kittened tried to stay hidden as she quickly finished up her afternoon drink from the water.

What do they want? She asked herself.