School makes it hard for me to release chapters on schedule. But that is pretty much the problem of every author.
Hiccelsa: I've have chosen to simply have Hiccup's leg restored through magic which I will explain later on. Some people would argue that his missing leg is a defining trait of Hiccup and I would agree. But the the problem is of originality. Much better authors than I have devoted entire chapters to just Hiccup leg. If I make an attempt it would be just wasted effort on my part and a waste of words for the readers.
V0ttak: Hiccup is a not a weredragon but he was hibernating with the other dragons.
Chapter 11: TBD
Despite her initial bravado and fearlessness, Gerda was extremely nervous to meet the Dragon King. Hands slightly shaking, Gerda carried the tools of her trade in a suitcase through the icy mountain. Finally exiting the cavern to a large opening, the next thing she saw nearly gave her a heart attack.
An entire swarm of dragons was surrounding the Dragon King. The dragons hung from the walls, the floor and ceiling. They were closely watching the Dragon King as he animatedly instructed them, but she couldn't hear what he was saying with all the noise the dragons were making. Once Gerda had stepped in, they all turned their heads and gave their attention to the seamstress. The stare of a thousand eyes bearing down on her nearly gave her a heart attack. Gerda could feel her knees shaking, and her heart beating thunderously. The dragons jumped off the ceiling and walls and started to fly around the room. Completely terrified Gerda covered her eyes with her hands but it wasn't enough. She could still hear the sounds of a thousand wings flapping, combined with the deafening sounds of their roars. And then it was silent.
Taking a peek through her fingers, the dragons were all gone. The room was completely empty except for the two figures standing in the center of the room. Standing with his hands behind his back, the Dragon King watched Gerda with a curious gaze. Guarding him was a single ominous looking black dragon. The catlike eyes of the dragon watched her carefully. The pair did not bother to approach Gerda but merely watched her.
"He wants me to approach him," Gerda thought. "Good, at least he has some idea on how to act appropriately." Hesitantly the seamstress slowly approached the Dragon King. Stopping a few feet away, Gerda gave a small curtsy.
"Greetings Dragon King," Gerda said. Looking up she saw the welcoming smile of the Dragon King and all of her fears were swept away.
"I'm surprised Elsa. I thought the first thing you would do this morning was go see Hiccup."
"I don't have the time Anna. There's still a lot that needs doing before the party. And Hiccup doesn't have the time either. He has a lot of work to do with Gerda," Elsa replied. Sitting side by side the two sisters reviewed the guest list. Checking each other's work, they figured out who was present, who was absent, and anything that looked suspicious. The entire palace was scrambling. The maids were preparing last minute guests that have recently arrived, the cooks were preparing a feast and security had been increased with more patrol guards in the city and in the palace.
"I don't understand Elsa, you could have waited for Hiccup last night and came back home in the early morning. But instead you returned from the ice fortress and forced your way into my bed in the middle of the night."
"Hiccup hadn't returned yet and I didn't want to sleep alone," Elsa said pitifully, embarrassed to admit how much she missed Hiccup.
"And now you have this lost puppy look on your face because you want to see him so badly," Anna teased.
"You get that same look every time Kristoff leaves for a week," Elsa retorted.
"And now we're even," Anna replied.
There was a knock at the door
"You may enter," Elsa answered.
A guard came in and gave the queen and princess a smart salute.
"Your majesty, General Grahm is ready to give his report on security. The general would like to know when her majesty will see him."
"I will go see him now," Elsa replied. Getting up from her chair, Elsa briefly turned to her sister. "You can take care of things here right Anna?"
"No problem Elsa, I will see you in a bit and then we can get ready for the party together." Anna said.
With a nod Elsa left with the guard.
"Please stop pinching me madam Gerda," Hiccup said after flinching from a burst of pain. Separating, Hiccup nursed his shoulder.
"You are slowing down Chief Hiccup, you need to keep up that pace," Gerda reprimanded.
"Sorry I didn't get much sleep last night," Hiccup said.
"There is nothing to fear Chief Hiccup. You are learning very quickly. Let's start from the top once more." Gerda said. With her arms out wide and standing tall, Gerda waited to dance once more.
Moving in closer, Hiccup gently placed his left arm around Gerda's waist and clasped her left hand with his right.
"I wish you would drop the honorific madam Gerda," Hiccup said.
"Absolutely not Chief Hiccup, our positions have been established and must be maintained at all time. This is especially true for the party tonight so it is best that you starts practicing now," Gerda said. As they danced Gerda looked up to Hiccup's handsome features while Hiccup simply smiled back at her. Gerda was by no means ugly but she paled in comparison to Elsa. Despite not being Elsa, Hiccup gave her his undivided attention. Gerda was the master of secrecy, discerning the truth out of others was her game and yet, staring into his precious emerald eyes, it felt like her soul was being laid out bare. His undivided attention overwhelmed Gerda, forcing her to pull away from his gaze, blushing, in fear of being trapped forever. Left slightly out of breath, Gerda was in disbelief.
The Dragon King was simply too good to be true. It had only taken him five hours to memorize the backgrounds of over forty guests. Hiccup claimed that geography and people were some of his strong suits but it was still impressive.
He had an aura of pure confidence that was not born out of arrogance but out of sheer confidence in his own ability. The confidence to come out on top no matter the situation meant that he did not need pitiful tactics such as fear and control. Instead it allowed for his character and pride to be flexible. It allowed for a lowly seamstress such as herself to be able to tease Hiccup and for him to do nothing but laugh it off. But off course, push too hard and the backlash would surely be severe.
Much like Queen Elsa, Hiccup was intelligent, observant and had foresight. But Elsa would lose confidence in herself in high pressure situations. Hiccup was the perfect person to stand by her side. Supporting Elsa when she loses confidence and stumbles. And if Elsa were to fall, Hiccup would be there to pick her up and carry her to the top.
"Madam Gerda is something wrong? Hiccup asked. Their dance was finished but Gerda was lost in thought until she heard Hiccup's voice.
"Not at all Chief Hiccup. In fact, it is quite the opposite. You have managed to complete the dance with perfection. I need to make some adjustments to your suit then we can go through the dance a couple more times."
"That's great. I am going to us some food," Hiccup said as he turned around and walked away.
Gerda watched Hiccup walk away with great intent. Watching every part of his body move, Gerda was filled with glee. Her wish had finally come true and she couldn't be happier.
Elsa stared at her reflection on the glass door. On the other side of the doors was the upper gardens and welcoming party, where the guests have already started to gather. Hiding away a loose strand of hair, Elsa liked how her light pink dress looked on her. Gerda did a spectacular job on her dress once again. The material felt smooth and durable yet light on her. She was very grateful her ice heels were not cracking from all her moving around, ice felt amazing to walk on. When most people were sloshing around in puddles of sweat insides their boots and heels, her feet remained cool. Anna, who was standing next to her, was also looking at her reflection. Elsa liked how Anna had chosen to wear the same dress that she wore on her coronation day, it looked good on her. The green colored dress with a brown bodice and that had a sprinkle of emeralds encrusted on the center. Her hair was done up into a side braid and her happiness just flowed out of her. and she walked across the room. Despite all of this, Elsa couldn't shake the impending doom that she was feeling in the pit of her stomach
"Calm down Elsa, you look like you are about to melt," Anna told her. Together the two sisters walked out across the gardens which was properly decorated to hold Hiccup's welcome party. The guests that have already arrived and were chatting among themselves, eager to meet the Dragon King. And by the looks of it, the party was shaping up to be magical. Anna had certainly done her research. For all of yesterday, Anna was in the library picking out dragons from different cultures for Elsa to copy. In addition, using her creative talents, Anna drew up a glamorous platform for which Hiccup will perform on.
"Of course I am nervous, what happens if something goes wrong? Hiccup and his dragons haven't practiced at all. What if an accident happens? I only dropped off Gerda to meet Hiccup this morning. We have been learning about the court etiquette and foreign relations our entire lives. Hiccup has had one day. There is no way he has enough time, he is going to end up embarrassing himself and or offend someone."
"You are being a pessimist again Elsa," Anna whined.
"Now I know why you were hesitant to introduce me to Hiccup. Hiding him away in that ice fortress so you could keep him all to yourself. My Queen is certainly a selfish one." A voice said from behind.
"Hiccup?" Elsa said slightly confused. Turning around, Elsa finds her head seamstress in a tasteful but reserved purple dress. "Gerda you are back already? Why aren't with Hiccup teaching him?"
"That's because he doesn't need any more of my teaching. Honestly that man is far too smart for his own good," Gerda said as she took a walk around Elsa to take a good at her design.
"Yup, the two of you will definitely be the hottest couple at the party."
"Did Hiccup say when he is going to show up?" the queen asked taking a step back from Gerda's uncomfortable gaze that shimmered like stars.
"Hiccup said he needed to get the dragons ready. Although he didn't say exactly when, the show will be starting soon. He also told me to tell you not to worry," Gerda said as Hiccup and Gerda both knew that Elsa would be a ball of nervousness.
A servant came walking by with drinks and Gerda quickly grabbed two glasses of wine. "Drink, it will calm your nerves." Gerda instructed.
Without hesitation, Elsa grabbed the drink and took it down in one go to the surprise of Anna and Gerda.
"I haven't seen this kind of nervousness in a long while," Anna commented, slightly worried. "I would like to try and help you Elsa but unfortunately I have to go find Kristoff. Gerda please take care of Elsa for me," Anna said as she took off.
"Hiccup is not here yet. I need to go up and talk to everyone," Elsa said to Gerda and leaving the seamstress behind as well. The guests naturally turned their gaze to the Queen of Arendelle as Elsa approached the platform. With a curious look they wondered where the Dragon King was or any dragons for that matter.
Suddenly a thunderous roar that Elsa easily recognized was heard that echoed across the capital city. Everyone looked up nervously as they were about to see dragons for the first time in their lives. Looking up herself, Elsa frowned. Out of all the things she could control naturally as the Snow Queen, the weather clouds was something that was out of her hands. The overcast night blocked the moon and stars which darkened the sky and made it impossible to see the dragons.
Looking back down, Elsa could already see some grumbles of disappointment within the crowds. But the sound of hundreds of dragons roaring above them was heard causing everyone to look up once more. What she saw completely amazed her. It seems Hiccup wasn't lying when he said tonight would be the night everyone would remember.
The darkened clouds began swirling ominously. Suddenly as small gap opened up in the cloud and a beam of moonlight broke through. The moonlight shined down on all the spectators from the gardens. Slowly, the moonbeam widened until the whole palace was lit up. Down in the city the children were in awe by the beautifully sight of the palace that shined in a world of darkness. However, the city of Arendelle was not forgotten. Slowly more and more beams of moonlight broke through the clouds and lit up the city. The clouds began to clear above the city until the entire capital city of Arendelle was blessed by the moon goddess' gaze.
The night skies were filled with dragons and together they started to swoop down. As the dragons flew down they playfully shot blue, green, red, and orange balls of fire at each other. The night sky was quickly lit up with colorful lights. One by one, each race of dragons flew down over the audience showed off some of their key characteristics. From the fire infused and powerful wings of the monstrous nightmare to the aerial and deadly precision of the Nadder.
Elsa tried to find Hiccup and Toothless but they were nowhere to be found. Elsa was looking in the wrong place. More roars are heard but this time, the sound came from below the palace. A large cloud of green gas emerged from below the palace and flew straight up. The green gas quickly climbed to the sky before turning its head towards the upper gardens. Crashing down into the platform, the green gas quickly disseminated across the ice platform.
The gas slowly cleared up to reveal Hiccup and a group of dragons standing on the ice platform. Elsa didn't realize she was holding her breath but once she saw Hiccup she let out a sigh of relief. Even though it was only three days since Elsa last saw him, it felt much longer to her then that and now the mere sight of him left her completely breathless. Standing at the forefront was Hiccup dressed in black.
Traditionally, the noblemen wore a white suit. The color of white represented the purity of their blood and the status of their power. In sharp contrast Hiccup wore a black suit. Combined with the fact that Hiccup was standing on the elevated platform, looking down on them, told the whole story.
Unlike the nobles, Hiccup did not need his bloodline to demand respect from others because he simply took it. With his absolute power, respect from others was simply given. He was nothing like them, they were nothing compared to him. He is the Dragon King, whose origin was as dark and mysterious as his suit. In front were people who represented some of the most powerful kingdoms, but he stood above all others with power that was immeasurable and incomparable.
Having a penchant for style and flare, Hiccup wasn't doesn't done yet. Directly behind Hiccup was Toothless, his wings fully sprawled out making it look like Hiccup himself had wings. The moon was shining radiantly behind Hiccup and the other dragons onstage. Ironically, it made Hiccup feel magical to Elsa, like he belonged in one of her books that she read as a child.
All eyes were on Hiccup as he took out a metal cylinder. And with a click fire started coming out of the rod making everyone gasp in amazement. Slowly he waved the fired over his head starting from the left and then to right and the dragons danced along with it. Down in the city the citizens and children of Arendelle we're not forgotten as dragon danced and flew above the streets. The performance entered its grand finale with the dragons swarming around Hiccup. With Hiccup in the middle the dragons formed tornado that reached the night sky. The tornado of dragons began shooting fireballs in an unintelligible manner and the night sky grew brighter and brighter until it was too bright to see. In a blinding flash dragons the began to return home as quickly as they first appeared leaving only Hiccup left on the center stage.
"My name is Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third." Hiccup said. "I am the Dragon King, and the last known living Viking. I would like to thank all of you for coming to my welcome party and I'm excited to meet all of you. And finally I would like to extend a personal thank you to Elsa, Queen of Arendelle for allowing me to stay in her backyard and organizing this wonderful party.
With his introduction over, the crowd politely clapped. Elsa was elated, the party is going so well so far. Seeing Hiccup walk down from the platform, Elsa moved to congratulate him on his spectacular performance. But before she could even get close to Hiccup, he was suddenly flocked by a group of women. Not understanding what was happening, Elsa was left dumbstruck.
Despite being a prideful woman, councilor Mia Seranov had to admit and knew when she was wrong. She had her personally reservations about so readily trusting a man who suddenly appeared from the sky. In her opinion, Arendelle would be much better off if the Dragon King stayed away from Arendelle. But after a spectacular performance that she had just witnessed, who wouldn't have second thoughts? Seeing her Queen in confusion in the corner of eye, she decides to go give some guidance to her as repentance.
"It's seems he has made quite the first impression on the women." Mia commented to Elsa as she walked up to her queen's side, to watch the spectacle alongside Elsa.
"What is going on?" Elsa said, unable to comprehend what she was seeing in front of her.
"If you don't understand even this much, then you still have a long way to go as a woman my Queen," Mia started to explained, "They are attracted to his power and after a performance like that who can blame them?"
"But look at them. There practically falling over each other just to touch him." Elsa replied still confused. "Whenever I put on a performance with my ice powers I have never gotten this sort of reaction. "
"Your ice power and his power are inherently differently on one simple fact. His power can be shared while yours cannot. For you to be standing by his side. Would that not make you the Dragon Queen? Would that not give you the ability to command the dragons yourself? On the other hand, your ice powers are yours and yours alone. Would standing by your side automatically make a person the Ice King? No it would not. Watching Hiccup perform, they saw themselves on that stage, something that others cannot do whenever you are on the stage. Combined with his looks and uniqueness and you have yourself the most desired man in the world."
Listening to Mia, Elsa could feel the cogs rotating into place as she was slowly understanding. The look everyone was giving Hiccup right now was the exact same look Elsa had been given before. The first time she mounted on top of her dragon with everyone watching, the times she commanded the dragons and the time she walked up to them without fear. Amazement and desire. The wonder of commanding their own dragon. But this reason alone was not enough to excuse them. Watching one of them brush her hand at the back of his hair and others flaunting their bodies to him. Elsa could feel nothing but unending hatred towards them all.
"But Hiccup chose me! Why are they even trying?" Elsa said, her voice a little high and on the verge of screaming."
"Well that's because you are standing here. Like a jealous little girl, who is too scared to compete with the other women. If you were a true full-fledged woman you would be stomping over there, ready to direct your blind fury at any woman who dares try to take what is rightfully yours. In addition, he is over there surrounded by women, when he should be here, standing by your side the moment he finished his speech. You have neglected to properly train him, leaving him vulnerable to others, failing to have him inescapably wrapped around your fingers, to be completely obsessed with only you. I repeat once again Queen Elsa, your shortcomings as a woman is the reason why they are trying.
"You didn't have to make so painful," Elsa mumbled as she rubbed her arm in hurt pride from Mia's harsh words.
"This is your first time at courtship, is it not your majesty? You have never been truly interested in men or playing this game. Normally you would have time to learn, and have a couple of relationships before settling down. But I imagine you don't want plan on losing this one. So it is best I be harsh and for you to learn quickly.
It was true that Elsa had nobody to blame but herself. If she were to lose Hiccup to another woman, it would be because she was hesitated, too scared to further their relationship and distanced herself when they got close.
"Excuse me your majesty, Councilor Seranov may I have a word with your queen in private please."
Turning around the two are surprised to find a stunning raven haired beauty. Elsa and this newcomer shared many similar qualities, Tall with a full body figure, beautiful eyes, and an aura that seemed to glow. Unlike Elsa however, this woman wore her hair down with flowing locks down her neck and with a dress that left nothing to the imagination. Her shoulder strap black dress left her upper back wide open. And at the bottom there were slits at the sides so that it gave glimpses of her flawless long legs every time she moved. The woman's beauty rivaled Elsa's but was a darker and seductive version of Elsa.
"Not at all, I was just about to leave," Mia replied putting on a fake smile. Turning her body to Elsa, "If you will excuse me my Queen I have some business to take care of, in case I don't see you again, I wish you a good night."
Moving closer, the older female hugged Elsa. Normally Mia was never for one for public affection, but in this case she had her reasons.
"Be very careful Elsa," Mia whispered, taking advantage of the closeness of their hug to talk to Elsa next to her ear. "That woman is nothing but trouble."
"I will, I am well aware of her reputation," Elsa assured her substitute mother figure.
The women waited until Mia was out of sight before continuing their conversation.
"Greetings your Majesty, my name is Jessica D'Orlan from the Eastern Kingdom of Damita," She introduced herself while giving a small curtsy.
"Welcome Jessica D'Orlan to the Kingdom of Arendelle, I hope you are enjoying your stay and the party.
"I am your majesty, but if we could go somewhere more private," Jessica said. Gesturing around their surrounding area, Elsa took a moment to look around to see practically every hot blooded young male looking in their direction. Elsa suddenly found herself extremely uncomfortable and trapped with nowhere to go.
"It would appear our combined beauty has left the men in a catatonic state." Jessica commented. Her hands resting on her cheek looking innocent but knowing full well what was happening. "I think the shrubberies at the side of the gardens will suffice."
With a nod Elsa followed the women, the words of caution that Mia gave her still ringed in her head. Practically every person has heard of her infamy and her beauty that was renowned across the continent. Her Father the Duke of D'Orlan and Fleet Admiral of Damita is one of the richest men in the world. And she being one of the most prized women in the world besides Elsa.
Although war was something she wanted to avoid, a trade embargo would be far worst. The duke of D'orlan had enough influence to stop all trade from flowing into Arendelle. But her father's power was not what Elsa is worried about. Every man she comes into contact with her, was left in a pathetic state and became obsessed with her. Willing to offer anything and everything for her hand in marriage. And after taking everything, more lined up to get their chance. As the ambassador of Damita, she visited various kingdoms and used her charms to sow chaos wherever she went.
A woman on the same level as Queen Elsa who she could not touch out of fear of angering her father and Damita itself. If Jessica was here in Arendelle, then she must be up to no good.
"I'm surprised you wanted to talk to me, it is after all a party for the Dragon King Hiccup," Elsa asked as she followed Jessica deeper into the gardens where the bushes were high, shielding them from unwanted eyes.
"Oh I do want to meet him, but he is bit preoccupied at the moment. I'm sure I will get my chance to meet him at some point. In the meantime, this is a perfect time to show my admiration for you," Jessica said.
"Admiration for me?" Elsa asked.
"But of course, I'm not an idiot like some of the people at this party who believes the official statement Arendelle sent out. A lost Viking with an army of dragons seeking refuge? As if, more likely he threatened to destroy Arendelle unless he got your hand in marriage. That nice guy act he is putting up might everyone but certainly not me." Jessica explained as she took a seat on the bench.
Brushing a loose strand of hair with one hand, she pats the side of the bench inviting Elsa to sit next to her. Not wanting to make things awkward Elsa complied. Seeing the queen sit next to her, Jessica gave a dazzling smile before continuing their conversation.
"I have always admired you. To be ruling an entire kingdom by yourself is not a simple task. And now under threat, you are able to keep calm even though you have to sacrifice yourself to keep Arendelle safe. You are truly an inspirational ruler."
"Ummm thank you," Elsa is at a loss for words. No woman besides her sister has ever complimented her in such a way. Most women she ever met were women who were older than her who treated her like a child, and the younger ones who were jealous of her and always trying to point out her flaws.
"Being a Queen and now being married to a tyrant must be a lonely life. That's why I wanted to talk to you, to offer you my friendship. If you ever need my help please don't hesitate to ask." Jessica said offering her hand out.
"Pardon my ignorance Lady Jessica, you are not what I expected." Elsa commented as she reaches her own hand out but Jessica quickly pulled back her hand before.
"The rumors surrounding me are all lies. Lies from spiteful men whom I have rejected. I thought you of all people would understand my plight."
"I'm sorry for judging you based on rumors. I'm not very good at making new friends," Elsa quickly apologized. "And you are right, I do understand what you have to go through. It used to happen to me all the time."
Reaching out her hand to Jessica this time, Elsa hoped that she would accept her apology. With a bit of hesitation Jessica did accept Elsa's apology.
"Before Hiccup, every so often I would get suitors that would come stomping into my palace declaring me a goddess. But the moment I kick them out, I am suddenly a witch and devil incarnate," Elsa said.
"I've been called a devil incarnate since I was fourteen," Jessica proudly declared with a big smile.
"My father was busy talking with a new trade partner and I was tasked with entertaining a thirteen-year old snot nosed brat," Jessica said. Her hands scratching wildly at her hair as the memory frustrated her to no end. "Five minutes into the tour of my home, the pampered brat declared that he wanted me like because I looked pretty. The brat acted like I'm some object that his rich daddy can buy. I told him that I was going to rip his eyes out and shove it down his throat."
"Well did you?" Elsa asked, while trying to hold her laughter.
"He ran off crying, but it happened many times in my head," Jessica said. Her hands tensed in front of her as she imagined the man's head and her hands choking him by the throat. Elsa couldn't hold her laugh any longer.
"It's not funny. How can you be laughing." Turning around to direct her anger at her. Elsa thought she could see her eyes flash red giving validity to previous rumors.
"It's because I understand and know the feeling perfectly which is why I am laughing."
"Honestly it's as if all the men I meet are brainless beasts" Jessica said with a huff as she sat back down next to Elsa. Turning to face Elsa with a small frown and pity in her eyes, "But then again maybe I shouldn't be complaining."
"Hiccup is not all that bad." Elsa said quietly.
"But that's all an act though. He is acting all nice and getting along with everyone right now but at some point he will snap and reveal his true nature. I've seen it all before, take it from me Elsa, I have seen men like this many times before in my travels as a diplomat. Actions speak louder than words. The dragon king can't threaten an entire kingdom and still be a nice guy. If I get a chance to meet him. I promise you I will be able to figure out what he is hiding, what he is planning, and if he is the perfect match for you," Jessica said.
"Can you really do it?" Elsa asked, "Can you really figure out his true nature if you got to meet him."
"I've never been wrong before. As the daughter of the Duke of D'Orlan; I, Jessica D'Orlan am willing to put my name on the line," Jessica declared.
Elsa wanted to trust Hiccup, but now with Jessica's words, she was having second thoughts. If she was still having doubts, then she couldn't dismiss them so easily. Elsa still needed to talk to Hiccup to find out for herself but maybe it was already too late. Maybe she was already trapped in Hiccup's sphere of manipulation, unable to discern the truth from his words and actions. But maybe an outsider would be able to. Elsa was hoping that Gerda would be able to do it but it seemed that her seamstress was completely enchanted with Hiccup. Elsa needed someone who couldn't be easily influenced by Hiccup's lighthearted and charming character. Of course Elsa didn't really trust Jessica either, they had only just met. Their friendship forged from shared lives. But Elsa couldn't see the harm of them meeting each other either.
Getting up from the bench Elsa straightened out her dress. If Gerda was to see her masterpiece get wrinkled she would go insane. Holding her hand out to her new friend, Elsa gave her an inviting smile.
"Come on, I think we've been hiding for long enough. I think it's time you meet my sister and my future husband to be."
Only two more chapters left until the end of the first half. School is messing up my release schedule but I will definitely publish the last two chapters before the end of the year. Thanks to all that reviewed last time and a thank you as usual for Colonel Pepper for helping me write this chapter.
I need a name for this chapter, any suggestions would be great.