29 Unity, 6107 RTR (8 Jun 2004) Olivia gets jumped by Gunther on her way home from the Millers. He continues to accuse her of being a 'horde' and suggests there is only one way to prove him wrong…
(Gunther) (Olivia) (Stonebarrow) (Sylvania)
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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.

Olivia finds the way across the dam rather uneventful; unlike riding the basket was. There's no swaying, no creaking, no ominous popping sounds, even. It's actually quite a view from the walkway. The water that rushes down and through the waterwheels sprays up a fine mist in which light sparkles and reflects in a multitude of colors.

Olivia looks this way and that as she crosses over the dam, enjoying the sight of the water way down below. She hums a little as she walks, looking forward to going home after a long afternoon traveling to and from the Millers'.

The day seems to just be cheery and peaceful after such an exciting morning. Unfortunately, she doesn't seem to notice a shadow creeping up over one of the waterwheels. Something seems to be riding it … and eyeing the Skeek. The silence is suddenly broken by a blood curdling scream and the shadow launches upward and over Olivia. It, Gunther, lands with a thud in front of her. He's covered in river muck and slugs. He's also once again brandishing his spear at her. "Hah, I caught you, this time. Fooled me once with that bit about visiting the Millers, but not this time!" he declares.

Startled almost out of her wits, Olivia performs a neat little straight-up-and-backwards jump away from the slug-covered Kadie. "Gunther!" she gasps out, clutching her chest with one hand, "You about gave me heart failure! What do you want, for me to fall off the walkway? I told you, if you kill me I will come back as a ghost and haunt you!"

Gunther sets the butt of his spear against the walkway and looks rather pleased with himself. "A fate deserving of an invader," he says matter-of-factly. "You're on the walkway; you must be here to sabotage the dam."

Olivia gives Gunther an exasperated look. "I am not going to sabotage the dam! If you'll turn around and look behind you, you'll see that several Millers are helping me to bring hemp fibers across this bridge and load them into Ducky's cart." She points over his shoulder at the apprentices quickly disappearing into the distance, although she notices that one or two have stopped to gaze at what all the fuss is about.

"Ah, you've recruited others through your wily evil ways," Gunther says and snorts, apparently unconvinced. He eyes her, considering something. "You have to give me better evidence then that," he says and grins evilly. "If you want to prove you're not up to no good … you've got to be my date tonight to dinner tonight. Zahn's got a date with Amelia, or so I've been able to determine from what Mother has mentioned to me.  And, I happen to know on good authority dating is nothing more than a way to keep an eye on someone and make sure they're not up to something. It has nothing to do with romance, whatever that is."

Olivia runs a critical eye over the Kadie boy, covered in muck and slugs as he is and comments, "No wonder you have no idea of what romance is, If this is how you ask someone out on a date! At any rate, I am kinda hungry after all that's gone on today so I may just take you up on that. I just hope your mother makes you wash up before dinner… "

"Are you saying there's something wrong with the way I look?" Gunter asks in a huff.

From ahead of them, a call is heard. "Are you all right, Olivia?" one of the Millers' apprentices asks. "I'm fine, I just got a surprise visit from Gunther Kettenrad," Olivia calls back. A loud snort follows this announcement, then the apprentice says, "C'mon, Gunther – how many times do I have to tell you that hordes are not gonna attack a dam all the way out in the middle of nowhere! Sheesh!"

Olivia stifles a laugh at this last comment of the Millers', then thinks briefly about Gunther's question. "Yes," she says shortly.

"That's what they want us to think! It's a trap, I tell you! As soon as we let our guard down, wham! We'll be neck-deep in pansy-poodles!" Gunther retorts. he then looks back to Olivia and asks, "Well, what's wrong with it? I look no worse than most of the otters."

Olivia blinks at this, then smiles. "Well, you've got me there. And at least you don't stink of fish. But I still hope your mom makes you wash up! That's just not good table manners at all!"

Gunther lets out a long-suffering sigh. "Well, all right. At least I won't be alone with Zahnrad and Amelia, bleh," he says and makes a face. "Dinner is tonight when the sun begins to go down. Don't be late or next time I'll introduce you to the mascot of the dam… "

Olivia slides past Gunther – carefully, to avoid getting any slugs on her overalls – and grins at him over her shoulder as she hurries to follow the Millers'. "Yeah, right! You told me that the basket is the only way to get across the dam, so why should I believe you about a dam mascot? But in any case, I won't be late! See you later, Gunther!"

"The basket is the only real way to cross the dam! Walking is soooo boring!" Gunther calls out after Olivia. He cackles gleefully and bounds up one of the waterwheels. He rides it around, and around, and around as Olivia fades into the distance.

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GMed by Jared

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