After the Frog Festival, Amelia Blacktail brings an oak branch to Zahnrad Wingnut's workshop to be lathed into a new staff. The noise and various spinning gears and moving belts of the place have the Kadie cowed, but she managed to work the lathe for a bit under Zahn's supervision, until a drive belt fails.

Zahn then takes Amelia's measurements so she can have better fitting clothes made, and the two discuss Zahn's wish to be a famous airship designer and who it conflicts with the general desires of his family and the effect on his social life.

Amelia offers to come and help at the dam if the predicted storm hits.