The usual rumble of Zahn's oversized gear door echoes throughout the workshop as it rolls open. Light spills through and is quickly blocked by the silhouette of Zahnrad as he comes in, carrying a large sack over his shoulder. "I'm going to be busy for a bit," he mutters to himself. "Gearing system to design and build and two devices to try and fix." He sets the back down gently and scratches idly at an ear. "I think I need to set up a bed down here for awhile."

"What sort of bed?" whispers a young voice from the rafters.

Zahn's tail immediately puffs out! He backs up into the shadows of some equipment and asks, "Who said that?"

A brown face with bright eyes looks down at the Kadie from the rafters. There are some white smudges of 'war paint' crudely applied to its forehead and cheeks as well. "Shh! I'm hiding from Gunther," the small Akwavi replies, touching a finger to its lips.

Zahnrad crosses his arms in front of his chest. "In my workshop?" he asks, sounding a bit irritated. "Don't you know it can be dangerous in here?"

With a few hops and a backflip that almost turns into a flop, the three-foot high otter lands in front of Zahnrad. "Wot sorta danger?" it asks. The child is dressed in a loincloth and a large amount of painted fur, but there is an unmistakable family resemblance to Emmett Oggton.

"Things that can cause nosy Oggtons to lose fingers," Zahnrad comments and heads back to his sack and starts unpacking it onto the table. He motions towards the gearing at the side that's currently disconnected from the waterwheels. "Those things can crush anything that gets caught in them." He pauses and looks back, asking, "By the way … who are you?"

"I'm Pepper," the otter replies, throwing out her chest. Zahn recalls Emmett sometimes complaining about his little seen 'tag-along' younger sister. She's probably about ten years old. "Can you show me something getting crushed? Can it do nuts and rocks and melons?"

"Ah, you're Emmett's sister. I didn't know you were friends with Gunther," Zahnrad comments and turns to face the child. His eyebrow arches up some, and he adds, "And you want to see things crushed? It's really not good for the gearing to do that. Plus, getting the goo out is gross."

"Really?" the girl asks. The prospect of 'goo' seems to be very enticing to her. "Could you at least show me how to make the gears go? That's worth ten points you know."

"Yeah, I could show you … but," Zahnrad says, "You have to promise not to start them yourself … ever. and, you have to tell me what you mean by points."

"It's a right of pottage," Pepper explains. "Err, or sumthin like dat. Five points to sneak past Gunther, ten points to get into your workshop, another ten if I can figger out how to turn on the gearsies and stuff. It's worth fifty points if I can get into your cabin too. The one with the most points gets a treat from Emmett."

"Heh, is that so? Now, why does Emmett want to get into my cabin?" Zahnrad asks, eyebrow arched.

"Cuz nobody's gotten in before," Pepper says, quite frankly. "After this, I can try for a spying badge. I'm in the Otter Scouts you know."

"Yes, well, I own lots of dangerous things. Have you ever considered that maybe you shouldn't be getting in here?" Zahnrad asks, then shakes his head.

The thought seems to confuse the Akwavi. "Wot? Wotcher mean shouldn't be getting in? Gotta be able to get into places, otherwise what's the point of having places!"

"Yes, but you could get seriously hurt in here," Zahnrad tries to point out. He kneels down to bring himself to eye level with the kid. "And I don't want people getting hurt."

"I'm too clever to get hurt!" Pepper says, puffing up her chest. "I don't go noplace really dangerous, like the Witch house or the Lapi tunnels. Just places that are friendly dangerous."

Zahnrad shakes his head. "You could get killed in here. I wouldn't call that friendly dangerous," Zahn says. "Or lose limbs."

"Seriously?" Pepper asks, and starts to look indignant. "Then it should be worth at least twenty points, right?"

"Yes, seriously," Zahnrad says firmly. "As for points, I don't know. I suppose."

Pepper scratches behind her ear, and says, "It doesn't look dangerous. I mean, you're worth a hundred points, and you don't look very dangerous either."

"Excuse me? Why am I worth one hundred points?" Zahnrad asks, drumming his fingertips on the floor.

"That's for the Seduction badge," Pepper says. "I can't try for that one until I'm more growed up though. Emmett says you're a real challenge, but I don't know why. I think you should put a hammock bed in here. They're fun!"

"A seduction badge? Hah, no one would bother trying that with me," Zahnrad comments and rolls his eyes. "Now, as for a hammock, yes, they are. That's what I have in my cabin."

"I know," Pepper says. "To get the fifty points, I'd have to bring that back as proof."

"Bah, and how did you know?" Zahn asks suspiciously.

Pepper shrugs, and says, "Emmett told me."

Zahnrad shakes his head. "Don't you otters have more interesting things to spy on than me?" he asks.

"I haven't tried for my Spying badge yet," Pepper says. "I drew this place from a hat."

Zahnrad snorts and shakes his head, again. "You're cute, kid," he says and stands up, then dusts off his knees. "So, if I help you out, will you help me out?"

"Whatcha need help wif?" the girl asks.

"Well, I was going to ask you to spy on Emmett for me," Zahnrad says with a grin. "Do that, and I'll take you into my cabin." He looks around and says, "but here, I could use some help just getting some panels cut for a new gearbox."

Pepper makes a show of considering the offer, but the way her tail twitches gives her away. "Okay, it's a deal! How do I help?" she asks.

Zahnrad points over to a stack of lumber. "Gather a couple planks from that, about this wide," he asks, showing a distance with his hands. "I'll get the shop running."

The little otter throws a salute and chirps, "Aye aye!" before scampering to the stack and looking for pieces that are close to the right size.

Meanwhile, Zahnrad goes over to a collection of levers. He pulls one slowly and groaning from some of the gearing begins. He gives it a hard pull, and there is a loud BANG as the main gear teeth fall into joint with the drive shafts. Above, belts flap some, then start to move, bringing the various distribution shafts to life.

A somewhat timid knocking comes at the shop door, nearly lost amidst the noise of the machinery.

"Eh?" Zahnrad says, then walks over to the door and opens it. "Yes?"

Outside the door is a familiar looking Lapi doe. Her black tipped ears are held low, though, and her overall posture is on the submissive side of the Lapi norm. It must be Parsley Chalk, apparently on her own without Clover. "Oh, please excuse me, Mr. Zahnrad," she stammers. "If I'm disturbing you I can come back another time… "

Zahn's eyebrow goes up. "No, I'm just working on a few things. Please, come in. It's apparently the day for visitors," he says, sounding amused.

The Lapi steps into the workshop warily, keeping her ears down and clearly disturbed by the noise and activity. Pepper has vanished – probably behind the wood stack, where she can spy and eavesdrop. "You have other visitors here?" Parsley asks.

"Oh, a nosy otter a bit ago," Zahnrad comments with a grin as he walks over to the levers again. He takes a moment to disengage the gearing and the shop grinds to a halt. He turns to face the Lapi and asks, "So, what can I do for you?"

Clasping her hands together, Parsley asks, "Well… it's just… we… that is, Clover and I… lost some clothing at the springs last night and… I was wondering if anyone had found them and maybe brought them here? Your family maintains the hot spring bathing area, doesn't it?"

"Yes, we maintain them," Zahnrad replies, pausing to scratch the back of his neck. "So, you were bathing late at the springs and your clothing went missing? Hm, I haven't heard of anything turning up. Were they important?"

The Lapi looks down and taps her forefingers together nervously. "Not important but… they were good clothes," she says, barely louder than a whisper. "Clover was livid about it."

"I see," Zahnrad replies, considering. "Why hasn't she come asking about them? Did she send you?"

"I thought that I should come around first, before she decides to," Parsley admits. "If I can find the clothes, then she won't get angry again and embarrass us."

"What, is she going to break into my shop looking for them or something?" Zahnrad asks. "Lots of people use the springs. Anyone could have taken them, you realize."

"I know, but if anyone would have come across them while cleaning or something, they'd have brought them here, wouldn't they?" the Lapi asks, finally looking up at Zahn. "I mean, not to here precisely, but to your compound?"

"Probably, but I haven't heard of anything turning up," Zahnrad says, then leans back against the table. "I guess I could ask around," he concedes. "But really, I don't know why you're so worried about Clover. You ought to just sock her when she gets too pushy."

The doe looks shocked! "Oh, I couldn't do that," Parsley says, shaking her head until her ears flop around. "Clover would get really angry then. It's bad enough that she goes down to the catacombs when she's upset, but I'd rather live with that than get her angry."

"Catacombs, eh? What's wrong with them?" Zahnrad asks. "And as for hitting her, yes you could. You need to stand up for yourself more."

"They're forbidden," Parsley says, sounding a bit terrified and even pressing her fists against her muzzle as she says it. "And I'm not like your girlfriend. I don't want to challenge my sister."

"Pardon? My girlfriend?" Zahnrad asks, eyebrow raised.

"You know," Parsley says, lowering her voice as if afraid of being overheard. "Amelia. Oh dear, you won't tell her I talked to you, will you? I don't want her mad at me. We usually get along fine… "

"Who says she's my girlfriend?" Zahnrad asks, curious. "And no, I won't tell her you talked to me. And I don't see why it would bother her if you did."

"But, she was talking to you the other night in the Tavern," Parsley says, "and last night, I could hear you both in the other bath… "

Zahn does his best to not look shocked. "I'm not sure what you're talking about with the baths," he says, looking around. "As for the tavern, I talk to lots of people."

"But she kissed you before she left the tavern," Parsley says, as if grasping at straws. "And Amelia never does that! I'm sure Clover didn't see though. Am I really mistaken?"

"We're friends. The status of which is … vague," Zahnrad says and shrugs. "With Amelia, you're never quite sure of anything. Anyway, why the concern about her knowing you talked to me? I rather doubt she'd think you were interested in me."

The rabbit blushes, and tugs her ears down with her hands. "Oh no, it's just… like you said. You can never be sure with Amelia, and it's better to be cautious than concussed."

"Why are your ears red?" Zahnrad inquires, eyes narrowed.

"Because I'm just a silly doe," Parsley says, looking at her big feet. "I blush when I realize I'm being stupid. I guess I'm just imagining things again. Clover tells me I have too much imagination and too little sense. And she's always right."

"No, she isn't," Zahnrad says and pats Parsley's shoulder. "You don't give yourself enough credit. I presume what you … heard makes you think I'd know what happened to your clothes, eh? Afterall, why come to the shop instead of the main compound?"

"I thought you would be able to find out more… discreetly," Parsley says. "It's very embarrassing. We had to jog all the way home in our fur, past the Rootrunner's fields and some of our own shepherds."

Zahnrad quirks a grin. "So, that was you two," he says.

"You heard already?" Parsley gasps, turning red enough to show up under her white fur.

"Saw," Zahnrad says offhandedly. "I was up early heading to the castle to do some work."

Parsley covers her muzzle with her hands, and stares wide-eyed at Zahn. "How much did you see?" she asks from behind her hands.

Zahnrad shrugs slightly, saying, "A pair of fuzzy butts in the distance. Not much, really. Nothing to be embarrassed about."

"So you didn't see our birthmarks then?" the doe asks, still talking through her hands.

"No. Why? Can a birthmark actually be embarrassing?" Zahnrad asks, then waves his hand. He then reaches over and tries to lightly tug Parsley's hands from her muzzle. "And you need to stand up for yourself more, really. Holding your hands like that makes you look weak."

"I don't want Clover's position though," Parsley says. "And our birthmarks are what set us apart. They're the only things that make Clover and I physically different, so if you didn't see them then you can't really say you saw me or Clover this morning."

"I saw two people," Zahnrad points out. "So, it doesn't matter, does it?"

"Well, as long as you can't say it's definitely us it's okay," Parsley says, staring at her held hands. "I mean, you know it was us but… ah… it doesn't matter, no."

"Anyway, maybe they got caught in one of the filter traps used to get hair out of the springs," Zahnrad says and runs his hand through his hair to comb it back after letting go of Parsley's hands. "I'll check around. Stop by in the morning, and maybe I'll have found something. Can't promise anything, though; depends on if there's anything to find."

Parsley sighs in relief, and gives a little bow to Zahn while rubbing her hands together. "Thank you! I'm sure I can keep Clover from doing anything rash for that long, at least."

"What would she do?" Zahnrad inquires, curious.

"She'd be loud and impolite," Parsley says, sounding nervous once more. "I'm sure she'd complain, and make it sound as if it was your family's fault somehow for letting it happen. Or else she'd accuse someone and get into a big fight or… she'll just upset people. Between the two of us, she got all of the ego, I think."

"I'd just let Gunther deal with her, then. I'd tell him she was a marauder; he does want to try out his spear, afterall," Zahn says with an evil grin.

"Oh no, that would definitely end badly," Parsley says worriedly. "I'll call Emmett. He can calm Clover down, if wandering through the catacombs doesn't take the steam out of her."

"Ah yes, Emmett, your boyfriend. I suppose he can," Zahnrad comments and nods. "Anyway, I'll look, as a favor to you."

"A favor to me?" Parsley says, looking surprised. "I'll be sure to repay you for your kindness then, Mr. Zahnrad," the doe vows, and gives another little bow.

"Heh. Careful, I might ask for a tour of the fabled warren," Zahnrad says with a grin. "And yes, for you. You've been polite and concerned. Plus, you don't give Amelia a hard time. And, it's Zahnrad, or Zahn. Mister makes me feel old."

"Um, alright… Zahn," Parsley says, and has to cover her muzzle again while she blushes. "I don't know if I can bring you into the warren, but if you need anything just ask for me. Or if you get lonely or something."

"Why are you blushing again?" Zahnrad asks, amused. He then blinks and asks, "Er, what do you mean by getting lonely? You're not implying uhm … nevermind."

"Emmett isn't my boyfriend," Parsley whispers. "Clover just makes me come along. But he's nice, and fun to be with."

"Well, er," Zahnrad says, trying not to look embarrassed. "I wouldn't ask for that. I don't well. Haven't, er. Ahem. I'm not like that."

This time it's Parsley's turn to embarrass someone. "Alright, but if you decide to be more than just friends with Amelia, and want to practice or anything… " she says, trying not to giggle.

Zahnrad puts his hands over his face. "I've had similar suggested before," he says, groaning. "Wouldn't that be weird?"

"I'm a Chalk and a Lapi," Parsley says, and shrugs. "It's encouraged by my people."

"Well, true," Zahnrad replies. He laughs and shakes his head, "But, any such … well, would need to be cleared with Amelia. I wouldn't want her mad at me, would you?"

Parsley shakes her head! "Oh no, I wouldn't want her mad. Or Clover either. If she asks me, I'll tell her there's nothing between you and Amelia, otherwise she might get ideas."

"What sort of ideas?" Zahnrad asks suspiciously.

"She can be pretty nasty," Parsley says with the voice of experience. "Clover's broken up a few relationships to take down rivals in the past. They were all in the family though. But she doesn't like Amelia."

"Eh, I can take care of myself. And her, if I have to," Zahnrad says and waves around the shop. "Shouldn't anger an engineer, or everything you touch could become a trap, you know. But thanks."

"I'll let you know if Clover ever plans anything against you or Amelia then," Parsley promises. "Or let Emmett know, so he can warn you. He's usually really good at keeping Clover in line, but he can't be there all the time."

Zahnrad nods, "All right." He considers something, then adds, "And if she ever gets an idea of messing with my airship prototypes … I'd suggest you talk her out of it. I will kill her if she touches them, and I mean that."

"Oh, I doubt she'd ever think of something like that," Parsley says.

"Well, if she does … some things are sacred, you know?" Zahn says with a shrug. "I'm not violent… but that would do it."

"It isn't her style, and she wouldn't know what to do anyway," the doe assures Zahn. "No, Clover goes after people's emotions and pride. It has to be something that leaves her dominant. It wouldn't be aimed at you anyway, but at Amelia."

"Well, I can fight back in ways that aren't physical too, if she messes with Amelia," Zahnrad says and grins. "I could cut her pride … if required. But I'd really rather not. I have other things to deal with."

"Best if you didn't try to, really," Parsley says, somewhat apologetically. "It isn't safe for men to get involved in female rivalries. But, maybe nothing will happen anyway? Clover could just forget about Amelia, or decide she's her best friend or something. She sometimes comes back from the catacombs with a slightly different personality, for some reason."

"Hmm, interesting," Zahnrad comments, then shrugs. "Maybe she's possessed or something." He glances back at his workshop and says, "I should probably get back to work."

"Oh, right, sorry again for interrupting" Parsley says, becoming a timid bunny again. "And thank you for looking into things for me, I really appreciate it," she adds while backing towards the doorway.

Zahn reaches out and pats Parsley's shoulder again. "Well, thanks for stopping by. Nice talking with you," he says and smiles. "You'll have to describe the catacombs sometime."

"I've never been to them," Parsley says as she steps outside. "I'm not bold enough to break the rules, and they scare me anyway."

"Eh, fear's mainly in the mind and silly," Zahnrad says idly. "Have a good day."

As the Lapi waves and jogs off, the voice of Pepper remarks from the lumber stack, "Lapis are crazy, aren't they?"

"Quite strange," Zahnrad comments. "Have fun spying?"

"Oh yeah!" Pepper says, sitting on top of the lumber with a plank held across her lap. "Lots of juicy stuff, too! You've got a soft spot for Amy, and Clover is nuts, and stuff!"

Zahn sighs and roll his eyes. "Amelia is my friend," he insists. He walks back over and starts up the workshop again. "And I expect you to keep all of that to yourself."

"What'll you give me to keep mum?" the little otter asks, like a cute mercenary.

"Trying to blackmail me?" Zahnrad asks. "I could lock you in the back and feed you scraps, you know."

Pepper sticks out her tongue, then says, "Show me how to work your saw then, and let me keep a bit of the cut wood?"

"Oh, that works. And here I was going to offer my hammock," Zahn replies with an amused grin. He heads over to a set of levers and eyes them, then eyes the interconnects. "Now, which one is it… "