Inside the Kettenrad Workshop
The inside isn't any more normal by any stretch of the means. Gearing and axles crank and groan throughout the workshop. All are powered by a large central gear linkage connected to a feeder axle on one of the waterwheels. Aside from just the general din of the gears, odd puffs and hisses can be heard as seemingly random intervals as one of Zahn's latest grand inventions is probably finding its way to a grand parts pile as it rattles itself into oblivion. Belts also crisscross throughout the rafters, transferring power from one side of the shop to the other. Still, all things given, the workshop is in relatively decent order. No unruly piles of paper stacked in corners or puddles of goo to step in. In the corner sits a desk and drafting table, which currently has a small stack of detailed plans for some sort of new flying machine.

It's a day after the adventure of being under a powerful spirit mage spell. Amelia has still been suffering flashbacks from the experience. Occasionally she sees afterimages of people, or sometimes they appear younger or older. And at its worst, she sees movement out of the corners of her eyes; specters of the past. Today she's back at the Kettenrad compound and has found Zahnrad's front door open. The shop is busy, but Zahn isn't readily visible. This seems to be a trend whenever she visits.

The girl steps inside carefully, making sure to check above her head for anything that might be swinging, dropping or flying towards her. "Zahn?" she calls out. "Are you in here somewhere?"

"I'm down below," comes Zahnrad's voice. During the necromancer's attack, Amelia had learned of the once abandoned network of tunnels beneath the compound. So, presumably, he's down there.

Amelia has to search a bit to find the trapdoor (she was a bit rushed last time, and wasn't paying close attention) but finally finds and looks down into the tunnel. "What're you up to down there?" she calls down.

"Using this as a makeshift secret workroom. Feel free to come down," Zahn calls out from somewhere below.

Amy climbs down, and wonders just how 'secret' the place can be. "Who are you trying to keep it secret from?" she asks once she reaches the floor.

Apparently, Zahn has been somewhat busy down here. He's widened the immediate area and re-enforced the walls and ceiling. All around the room are cloudy plates of glass with multiple candles behind them, the cloudiness diffusing the light and makes each plate seem to glow. Upon each plate is a complex and intricate transparent diagram. "Nosy people who don't need to know about what I was loaned," Zahnrad says from a cobbled-together desk. He peers at a nearby diagram and scribbles something on the paper before him, then sets aside his quill. "What brings you here today? Not that I'm complaining you came; I always welcome your visits," he says.

The girl seems momentarily entranced by the backlit diagrams, then blinks and says, "Oh, I needed to ask your advice on something. You see, I've been invited to become an honorary Wingnut, and I need to find a guide to help me prepare for the ceremony and such… "

Zahnrad sits there staring at Amelia. After a bit, he blinks and says, "Pardon? I'm not sure I heard that right. Did you just say honorary Wingnut?"

"Yes, it's what Deirdre wanted to talk to me about," Amelia explains. "And of course I accepted, I mean… it's a pretty rare and important thing, isn't it?"

"Wait. Deirdre wanted to talk to you about that? The Deirdre. The one who you hate, Deirdre," Zahnrad says slowly, looking rather unconvinced.

"I don't hate Deirdre," Amy says, defensively. "She just… doesn't like me much. But that's not the point, really. I need to choose a guide to sponsor me, or whatever, and see that I don't get into trouble. And I wanted your advice about that."

Zahnrad rubs the bridge of his muzzle. "I, well," he says, looking rather confused about what to say. "This is unheard of. Never has anyone from the Blacktail clan been offered that. In fact, I can't think of anyone save for a couple of Millers who were offered that, and that was a generation ago."

"But it's normal for apprentices to go through, right?" Amelia asks. "Deirdre said that you were Gunther's guide, even."

"Oh, the ceremony, yes. Every born clan member goes through it," Zahnrad replies with a nod. He then rubs the bridge of his muzzle again at the mention of Gunther. "I've been trying to forget about Gunther and that."

"Anyway, I was wondering if maybe your mother would like to be my guide?" Amy asks quickly. "I mean, you're pretty busy now, and your dad is on the Council and has extra stuff to deal with… and I trust your mom."

"I can't imagine she would refuse. Were you wanting me to ask her for you?" Zahnrad asks. "And, don't worry about it bothering me you didn't want me. I would have had to refuse, anyway."

"You would have?" Amy asks. "And I can ask her, I just wanted to make sure you thought it would be okay."

"Well, part of the guide's role is to be a mentor. That wouldn't exactly be easy for me to do, all things considered. It's kind of hard to be kissing and grooming someone one moment, then having to be an authority figure the next," Zahnrad says sheepishly. "Parent to child works, siblings work, boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife just doesn't. It causes … friction."

"I can see that," Amy says. "Is your mom busy right now? I mean, I don't know what she does around here when she's not… being a mom."

"Oh. Well, heh. I guess you wouldn't know much about Wingnut women, would you? They're not very traditional most of the time; they do engineering work right alongside the men as needed, even those who marry in from other clans. My guess is she might be overseeing some work at the dam. I fitted in the new gearing system for the most part and I think Dieter is working on the wheel. I can't finish till he does. She's probably out there checking the measurements and the like," Zahnrad says. The Kadie still looks a bit in a daze, sort of like being told your real mother was a frog, or something.

"Oh, is it safe for me to go look for her there?" Amy asks, and looks around the workspace a bit more. "Do you have the magic-metal tools down here too?"

Zahnrad points to a crate in the corner. "Yes. I didn't feel safe leaving those out in the open," he admits. "As for safe, well, uhm, if you're going to be part of the clan anyway, I don't see why not. I just, wow. They didn't mention any of this to me."

"Well, they weren't sure I'd accept," Amy notes.

"But still. I wouldn't have been upset either way. I mean, I like you for you, not your clan affiliation. How has your clan reacted?" Zahn asks.

"I haven't told anyone yet," Amelia admits. "I was going to talk to Roy about it. He's our historian and mechanic, and I was going to invite him to be my clan witness anyway… "

Zahnrad nods. "This is … really big, you know? It's not like our clans have been even that friendly for a long time. When some found out I was friends with you I got a lot of grief about it. To have invited you in shows an incredible amount of trust, not to mention … a chance to try to mend," he says.

"I don't think my own clan will have a problem with it," Amelia says. "Nobody has said anything about my seeing you, and dad supported Jonas Chalk when he suggested bringing your father into the town council to take the vacant Wingnut seat… "

"Your clan is more forgiving than mine is, then," Zahnrad admits. "I mean, it's not like you're switching clans or anything; but you just get access to everything we have like any other clan member."

"If we got married, how would it have been any different?" Amy asks.

"Well, it would have depended on which clan the couple decided to merge with. I mean, I could have changed names to a Blacktail, you know. Not that such happens very often," Zahnrad notes. "But anyway, it's showing that they trust you, outside of any emotional relations to a member. They trust you as you. Even if we broke up, you would still be a member."

"Well, it's really nice to be officially trusted," Amy admits, rocking on her heals. "I'll go ask your mom. I figure if she could raise you, guiding me won't even be a challenge to her."

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?" Zahnrad asks.

"I don't blow myself up," Amy notes, grinning.

"I don't get into fist fights with Clover Chalk," Zahnrad retorts and sticks out his tongue.

"Oh, those aren't anything to worry about," Amy says, waving a hand. "I mean, it's not like I'd get hurt!"

"No, you wouldn't. But, it can cause clan issues which can be almost as bad," Zahnrad points out. He then motions for Amelia to come over.

Swishing her tail, Amy comes over to the desk.

Zahnrad motions for Amelia to lean down…

Grinning, Amy leans down over the desk. "What is it?" she asks.

Zahnrad cups his hand under Amelia's chin, then leans forward and kisses her. "Had to get in my last rebellious kiss of a notorious Blacktail," Zahn remarks, grinning. "Why, after this I won't be such a rebel. I'll have to double my efforts of trying to blow myself up… "

Amy blushes and then giggles. "Not a rebel? You've got a secret stash of ancient tools and plans and stuff," she notes.

"Oh, no. This is expected of a Wingnut," Zahnrad replies and leans back and winks. "If we didn't have secret labs full of dangerous stuff, they would wonder."

"Hmm, I guess I still have a lot to learn about Wingnuts," Amelia says, still grinning. "I'm sure your mom can fill me in on all the little details."

"You already have an advantage. You could sit in an empty secret room and you would have a lab full of dangerous stuff; you," Zahnrad continues. "I'm sure she can too. You said you wanted her because you trust her? I know she trusts and likes you. She's very, ah, encouraging of our friendship."

"I don't carry that much dangerous stuff with me," Amy notes, then adds, "Although having someplace indoors to work on my herbs and potions wouldn't be bad." She taps her chin in thought.

"Wait. You still work on potions? I thought you gave up on being a witch," Zahnrad asks. "And you don't have to carry much dangerous stuff, you are dangerous stuff." He grins.

"I still make the useful stuff," Amy says. "Headache powder, liniments and poultices, and some other things for Isolde. And I dabble in sweets too."

Zahnrad huhs. "That I didn't know. I do have to warn you that if you want a secret shop, you have to pretty much build it," he says. "It's expected of members." He then considers something and rubs the bridge of his muzzle again, saying, "And I see what I'll be helping do in the near future… "

"Well, I don't need anything really really secret," Amy says, laughing. "I don't know that I'd really be able to use a workshop. I don't know how to make things."

"You could learn, you know," Zahnrad points out. "Honestly, we could probably just do some minor work on one of these underground tunnels for you if you wanted a place."

Amy shakes her head, and says, "No sense planning on that just yet, there's plenty of real work to do around the dam first. And it would be better for me to build something myself."

"Careful what you offer. They'll take you up on it," Zahnrad notes. He then reaches forward and taps Amelia's nose, "And speaking of which, you should go talk to my mother." He then grins and adds with a wink, "And don't worry, we won't make you bleach your fur gray or something."

"Hmm, that's another thing I'll have to ask her about," Amy mutters to herself, then spins around and clambers up the ladder. "Seeya later, Zahn!"

"Seeya!" Zahn calls out. The Kadie then returns to working on whatever he was working on earlier.

---

The Mint Dam
The dam is an impressive structure that almost looks out of place when compared to the relatively backwater town of Stonebarrow. It's existed for generations and is currently under management through a joint effort of the Akwavi and Kadie clans (notably the Wingnuts). It spans a good sixty feet and is composed of earth and timber. The top is lined with three equally spaced waterwheels. One of the wheels powers the various Wingnut workshops that reside near the base of the dam. Another wheel powers the various mills that produce paper and other such items requiring milling, such as flour. The third wheel is for general use and powers many various places in the nearby town that require mechanical power. A menagerie of gearing, drive axles, and catwalks also line the top of the dam, interconnecting the wheels and providing service access to them.

After a short jog, Amelia finds herself at the base of the Mint Dam. She can see several people working up on the dam structure. One of them sure looks like Elsa Kettenrad, except that she's wearing work clothing instead of the more typical dresses many Kadie women wear.

Amelia begins to make her way carefully up the mostly-repaired walkway, trying to avoid any spots that look unstable. Once she's close enough, she calls out, "Mrs. Kettenrad?"

Elsa looks up from a pile of diagrams and waves to Amelia. After setting some wood on them to keep them from blowing away, she walks towards Amelia. "Miss Blacktail," she says, "What brings you out this way today? If your father wants to know when the repairs will be complete you can tell him it's on schedule and will meet the dates that were given last council meeting."

"Oh, I'm not here on anything official… err… sort of," Amy says, suddenly feeling a bit nervous. "It's about the offer to become an honorary Wingnut. I was wondering if you'd want to be my guide for it?" she asks, a bit quickly.

Elsa watches Amelia as she quickly goes through the question. "Ah, I see," she replies and motions for Amelia to follow her. She goes over to a makeshift bench and sits down, then pats the spot next to her.

Amy sits down and folds her hands in her lap, and tries to keep her tail from betraying her nervousness.

"Now, before I can answer your question, I need you to answer a few of mine," Elsa says with a smile and rests her hands in her lap. "First off, why me?"

"Because… I trust you, and look up to you," Amy says, rocking her feet. "And… you can teach me how to be a proper Wingnut woman, and stuff… " she says, starting to falter.

Elsa reaches over and puts one of her hands onto Amelia's. "Relax, deary. The first part is really what I needed to hear. The key to a good guide is someone you trust. It doesn't have to be the smartest, most well known, or most skilled person," she says. "Now, for the second question; why did you accept the offer?"

Amy blinks, and says, "How could I not? I mean… it's something really special! It's like… " The Kadie has to resort to waving her hands a bit now. "Like… getting a medal from everyone… " she finally says, not being able to come up with anything clearer.

"Yes, but just being offered something doesn't necessarily mean that person would really want it. Some people accept things out of a sense of duty," Elsa says and watches the rather animated Kadie. "So, did you accept just because of what it is, or do you also really want it?"

"I like the people here," Amy says, after thinking about it. "I want to help, and if this will let me do that better, then I want it."

Elsa considers the answer and sits quietly for a bit, her eyes never leaving Amelia. "Well, Miss Blacktail, I'm afraid I have to accept the request, then. I will be your guide," she finally says.

The Kadie girl relaxes a bit, her tail calming down. "Thank you, Mrs. Kettenrad. Is there anything I need to know right away?" she asks.

"That you just accepted an offer to join a clan of crazy people?" Elsa says, smiling a bit playfully. "But in all seriousness, you should know the offer wasn't really related to your association with my son, if you've wondered that. Also, you won't be required to be marked in any way. In the older days, members were actually branded with a clan mark. That little procedure was abolished some time ago. It can still be done if the member wishes it, but I can't imagine why any would."

Amelia nods, and then remembers something. "Oh, speaking of marks… uh… is there any problem with having a design dyed into one's fur?" she asks.

Elsa considers that. "No. What you choose to do with your body is up to you," she says. "Why do you ask? I wasn't aware you had anything like that done."

"I haven't," Amy says. "But someone has offered to do it for me, I was thinking about it. A surprise for Zahn."

Elsa's brow goes up at that. "Well, I won't inquire about what you and my son do together," she says with a slight smile.

"Oh, we don't do… anything… umm… " Amelia starts to say, then just get embarrassed. "Are there any special preparations I should make for the ceremony?" she asks next, quickly changing the subject.

"I was young once, deary. I don't have to ask," Elsa notes, then lets the topic change. "Well, you need to decide on a date and let us know, for one. For two, you do need a clan witness from the Blacktails to come. I presume you will bring your father?"

"Actually, I was thinking of our clan historian," Amy says. "Daddy… well, I'm his little girl, and when he's around… that's sort of what I become," she admits. "But Roy Blacktail is more… well, Wingnutty, just not as creative."

Elsa nods. "Ah. A shame, no chance for me to encourage your father to help with you becoming my future daughthr in law," the older Kadie teases.

"Oh, I don't need a lot of encouragement," Amy admits, her tail swishing.

Elsa's brow goes up again. "Well, then I suppose when you're ready for that, you'll just tell my son to ask you. Men need help with those sorts of things," she says. "Now, Roy … that name is familiar. "Ah, he's the one with the mohawk and likes to stick a rock to the side of his head."

"Yeah, that's Roy," Amy says. "Although the hairstyle isn't out of choice, really."

"Really? I figured he did it to be different," Elsa admits. "Though, I haven't spoken with him or really know him."

"He's a bit shy ever since his accident," Amy notes. "But he's read a lot, and knows how to use tools and understand machines, and sorta smells like a Wingnut most of the time… and this is an historical event, so it seemed appropriate to have the historian there."

"Well, I hope we won't frighten him, then. Compared to most other clans we are a bit on the odd side," Elsa admits. "And far be it for any of us to question the behaviors or appearance of others." She then has to add, "And I didn't know we had a particular smell."

"Well, it's just the grease," Amelia notes. "And sometimes smoke. That can linger for some time."

"Ah, right. You have been living with my son and he does have a tendency to blow things up. He does tend to smell smoky," Elsa agrees. "Speaking of which, do you intend to continue living with Zahnrad? I'll need to know so I know where to find you."

"Oh, umm," Amelia starts, and scratches her head. "Most of the time, I suppose. I still have things I have to do back at my Clan's orchards and such, and certainly can't move my things into Zahn's cabin at the moment."

"Okay, well, just let me know when you can where you'll be," Elsa replies. "Most anything else you will need to know will be said at the ceremony itself. Most of it covers accepting to protect our secrets, declare your commitments to the clan, and so forth. Hmmm, do you have a nice dress? There's the usual banquet afterward and everyone is expected to try and look presentable. I have enough of a challenge there to get Gunther to not come in warpaint."

"I have the dress I wore to dinner," Amy says. "Or should it be something fancier? Deirdre mentioned that there'd be special clothing for the ceremony, and I was to bring the measurements for myself and my guest… "

"No, that dress would be quite fine. As for measurements, you do need to provide those when you pick your date. We have to size some robes to properly fit your curves," Elsa replies with a nod. "Also, do you mind wearing anything on your tail?"

"My tail?" Amy asks, curling the appendage into her lap. "I suppose not, so long as it isn't too heavy," she says.

"Oh, no, nothing heavy. Just a small charm that denotes your primary clan of Blacktail. Speaking of which, I'm not sure we have that particular clan charm. I will have to check," Elsa says,

Amy looks at her deep black tail, and asks, "Wouldn't my tail itself count as a Clan charm?"

"Sort of. It's a matter of tradition, though, to wear something. I'll check to see if that can be left out," Elsa replies. "Is there anything else you need to know? I should get back to work soon."

"Do I need to bring any weapons?" the girl asks for her final question.

"No. I will make sure Gunther won't cause any chaos, even if it requires locking him in a box," Elsa deadpans.

"Oh, I might be able to keep Gunther busy," Amy says, grinning. "Now I just have to take care of this business with the Khatta lady, and I'll be ready for the ceremony."

Elsa stands and brushes off her legs. "All right. Well, welcome to the clan. The rest is formality," she says. And after a moment, adds, "I hope you're up to the challenge."

"I hope so too," Amy says. Although which challenge she doesn't make clear.