Disclaimer: I don't own Jane And The Dragon, Jane And The Dragon is a copyright of Martin Baynton.

Author's note: This is a Christmas present for Niagara14301, I'm writing it now since I may not be here for Christmas.

Preparing For Christmas Part 1

One day in Kippernia Castle, 13-year-old Pepper was cooking breakfast in the kitchen, when 13-year-old Jane walked in.

"Breakfast sure smells delicious, Pepper." Jane said, taking a whiff of what her friend was cooking up.

"It will be delicious, Petal," Pepper said to Jane. "the royal family is in for a delightful treat."

"As are we, I'll bet." Jane said.

"That's right, Jane." Pepper said.

Suddenly, Jethro "Smithy" Junior came into the kitchen from his hammock, he had a red satin handkerchief in his left hand.

"Hello *achoo*, Jane, hello *achoo*, Pepper." the 15-year-old blacksmith said to the girls, sneezing into the handkerchief.

"Smithy, I think the dust from the forge is making you feel sneezy, here, let me get you some water from the pump." Jane offered.

"Thank you *achoo*, Jane." Smithy said.

Jane went straight to the pump to get a glass of water for her sneezing friend.

"Smithy," Pepper recommended. "I think you should go back to bed."

Jane returned from the pump with Smithy's glass of water.

"Here's your water, Smithy." Jane said, handing the cup to her blacksmith friend.

The blacksmith took the cup of water, "Thank you *achoo*, Jane." he said again.

Smithy went back to his hammock with his cup of water in hand.

After Smithy left the kitchen, Queen Gwendolyn entered the room.

"Pepper," Queen Gwendolyn asked. "may I please have a word with you?"

The young cook turned to face the queen, "Yes, your majesty?" she asked.

"It turns out that our blacksmith is terribly sick," the queen told Pepper. "do you think you could give him an extra portion at breakfast?"

"Yes, your majesty." Pepper said to Queen Gwendolyn.

Queen Gwendolyn then went off to wake up the rest of her family.

After the Queen of Kippernium left the room, Rake, the royal gardener entered the kitchen, carrying a big and heavy basket of vegetables from his garden.

"Here are the vegetables for the midday meal you wanted, Pepper." he said, setting the basket down.

"Oh! Thank you, Rake!" Pepper exclaimed, giving her boyfriend a big hug.

"Anything for... for... *achoo* you, Pepper." Rake said with a sneeze.

"Bless you, Rake." Jane said.

"Thank you, Jane." Rake said.

Jane felt Rake's forehead, "Ouch! Goodness, Rake! You are as hot as Dragon's fire!" she exclaimed.

"But, Jane, I feel perfect *cough cough*." Rake protested.

"Oh no, you are not fine at all, Rake," Jane said firmly. "you have come down with the same ailment that Smithy has! You should really go lie back down!"

"Okay, *achoo* Jane." Rake said returning to his own hammock.

"I shall bring you an extra portion of breakfast too, Rake!" Pepper called.