Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Caesar, a black dragon, feels discontent after the Gray Centaur Clan submits reluctantly to him, preferring red dragons despite knowing Caesar's strength.
• Luna, a young dragon, tries to engage Caesar in a card game, but he's preoccupied with his frustration.
• Caesar decides to hibernate, entrusting the establishment of a new settlement to Hogg and giving Gar new instructions for managing the Gray Centaur Clan.

Character Developments

• Caesar: Realizes the importance of appearance in gaining followers among Underdark races, decides to use this to his advantage.
• Luna: Shows concern for Caesar's mood and understands his frustration, tries to cheer him up.
• Gar (Orc Leader): Given new responsibilities and a change in approach to managing the Gray Centaur Clan.
• Hogg (Gnoll Leader): Gains more influence and trust from Caesar, takes on a leading position among followers.

Significant Themes

• The importance of appearance and perception in gaining followers and respect.
• The challenges of ruling and maintaining power over different races.
• The concept of strength and its various forms (physical, mental, and intimidation).

Character Interactions

• Caesar and Luna: Luna tries to engage Caesar in a game, showing concern for his mood and understanding his frustration.
• Caesar and Gar/Hogg: Caesar entrusts them with responsibilities, showing trust and giving clear instructions.
• Gar and Hogg: They will work together to manage the Gray Centaur Clan, with Gar seeking Hogg's input on decisions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Caesar, a black dragon, falls asleep and begins modifying his body during his slumber.
• He reduces his neck length, strengthens muscles, and reinforces his head with keratin layers and barbs.
• His body shrinks due to the modifications but grows back to its original size and continues growing.
• After two months, Caesar begins another round of adjustments, removing webbing and fins, strengthening muscles, and thickening bones.
• He recolors his scales and changes his eye color, completing the modifications.

Character Developments

• Caesar demonstrates his intelligence and self-awareness by modifying his body during sleep.
• He shows a strong desire to improve his combat strength and appearance, prioritizing practicality over aesthetics.

Significant Themes

• Evolution and adaptation: Caesar's body modifications reflect his desire to evolve and adapt to his environment and combat situations.
• Perfectionism: Caesar's pursuit of the "perfect" dragon form highlights his desire for perfection and his dissatisfaction with his initial appearance.

Character Interactions

• There are no character interactions in this chapter as Caesar acts alone during his slumber.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Caesar awakens after a ten-month slumber, having modified his body to walk upright on two legs.
• He encounters Luna, who mistakes him for Deathwing due to his new appearance.
• Caesar returns to his followers' settlement, where the Stone Crow Clan initially mistakes him for an enemy.
• He learns that the gray centaurs' newborns have been taken away, leading to his displeasure.

Character Developments

• Caesar: He has significantly altered his physical form, becoming more ferocious and powerful. He also shows concern for his followers' well-being and development.
• Luna: She demonstrates a strong bond with Caesar, visiting him often during his slumber. She also shows a sense of propriety, reacting strongly to Caesar's accidental exposure.
• Gar: He has grown more confident and responsible, managing the Stone Crow Clan well in Caesar's absence.
• Hogg: He has proven himself reliable, helping the orcs develop animal husbandry and tame dire wolves. He also shows loyalty to Caesar, recognizing him despite his drastic transformation.

Significant Themes

• Transformation and Adaptation: Caesar's bodily modifications reflect his ability to adapt and change, a theme that also applies to his followers' development.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: Hogg's loyalty to Caesar is highlighted, contrasting with the potential betrayal he could have committed.
• Power and Intimidation: Caesar's new appearance emphasizes his power and intimidating presence, reflecting the respect and awe he commands.

Character Interactions

• Caesar and Luna: Their interaction shows Luna's familiarity with Caesar and her strong bond with him, as well as her sense of propriety.
• Caesar and Gar: Their interaction demonstrates Gar's growth and responsibility, as well as Caesar's approval of his management.
• Caesar and Hogg: Their interaction highlights Hogg's loyalty and reliability, as well as Caesar's recognition of his efforts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Caesar discovers that Gray Centaur children are being kept within the Gnoll Clan to prevent rebellion.
• Caesar orders the Gray Centaurs to raise their newborns themselves for the first three years.
• Caesar inspects the settlements and hunting grounds, considering the Underdark as a potential rear base.
• Darkveil Manticores approach the Stone Crow Clan settlement, seeking an audience with Caesar.

Character Developments

• Caesar demonstrates his strategic thinking and concern for his followers' well-being by adjusting the Gray Centaur child-rearing policy.
• Caesar shows confidence in his power and willingness to face the approaching Darkveil Manticores.
• Luna struggles to accept Caesar's new form but eventually accepts it.

Significant Themes

• The importance of family and community among the Gray Centaurs.
• Caesar's strategic planning and long-term vision for his territory and influence.
• The power dynamics and alliances among different Underdark creatures.

Character Interactions

• Caesar interacts with Hogg, the gnoll leader, showing appreciation for his work while also correcting his approach to handling the Gray Centaur children.
• Caesar interacts with Luna, showing affection and patience towards her initial struggles with his new form.
• Caesar communicates with the war lizardmen, demonstrating his authority and confidence in facing the approaching Darkveil Manticores.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Caesar discovers that intelligent creatures have richer facial expressions, contrasting with the ugly expressions of Darkveil Manticores.
• Darkveil Manticores, impressed by Caesar's majesty, offer their loyalty. Caesar accepts and they join the Black Dragon Legion.
• News of Caesar's existence spreads, attracting various evil races from the Underdark to join his legion.
• Naigendro, a black knight, learns about Caesar's presence and consults with a Cataclysm Dragon, a rare and evil true dragon.

Character Developments

• Caesar: Shows appreciation for the Darkveil Manticores' loyalty and understands their combat capabilities. He begins to expand his influence by attracting more races to his legion.
• Darkveil Manticores: Initially impressed by Caesar's majesty, they join his legion and prove to be effective in spreading his fame and attracting new members.
• Naigendro: A black knight who learns about Caesar's presence and seeks counsel from a Cataclysm Dragon.
• Cataclysm Dragon: A rare and evil true dragon that conspires with undead and is hostile towards other dragons, including Caesar.

Significant Themes

• The power of first impressions and appearance in gaining loyalty and respect (Caesar's majesty impressing the Darkveil Manticores).
• The expansion of influence and power through reputation and attraction of allies (Caesar's growing legion).
• The presence of rare and evil creatures (the Cataclysm Dragon) and their potential threat.

Character Interactions

• Caesar interacts with the Darkveil Manticores, accepting their loyalty and giving them their first task.
• Naigendro consults with the Cataclysm Dragon about Caesar's presence, showing a level of unease or concern about the growing power of the black dragon.
• The Darkveil Manticores interact with other evil races, spreading news of Caesar and attracting them to join his legion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The undead rulers of the Underdark, led by Naigendro, consider going to war against the Calamity Dragon, who has unified the north.
• The Calamity Dragon, in the form of Kate Angra, decides to visit the black dragon's territory first, accompanied by Naigendro and skeletal knights.
• Caesar, the black dragon, expresses concern about the disorganized nature of his new followers and decides to redirect their internal conflict by starting a war with the southern undead lord.

Character Developments

• Naigendro: Revealed to be a Black Knight, one of the shared rulers of the undead domain. He is warlike and not particularly intelligent, as typical of undead creatures.
• Kate Angra (Calamity Dragon): Demonstrates her strategic and manipulative nature, preferring schemes and deception over direct combat. She transforms into a half-elf to visit the black dragon's territory.
• Caesar (Black Dragon): Shows concern for the disorganized nature of his followers and decides to start a war to temper them and redirect internal conflict.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and territorial disputes in the Underdark.
• The manipulative and strategic nature of the Calamity Dragon.
• The savage and warlike nature of the Underdark's inhabitants.

Character Interactions

• The Calamity Dragon scolds the undead rulers for their reckless desire to go to war, demonstrating her authority and intelligence.
• Naigendro and the Calamity Dragon interact, with Naigendro expressing his surprise at the Calamity Dragon's new form and treatment.
• Caesar discusses the state of his followers with Hogg, his gnoll advisor, and decides to start a war with the southern undead lord.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Angra, a Calamity Dragon in humanoid form, enters the northern territory, finding it peaceful and lacking in shadow elements.
• She is led to meet Caesar, the Black Dragon Lord, noticing his vast following and powerful subordinates.
• Angra and the Black Knight are granted an audience with Caesar in his lair. Caesar offers to take Angra away if she swears loyalty.

Character Developments

• Angra adapts to her humanoid form and observes the northern territory, assessing Caesar's power.
• Caesar, though powerful, is blunt and straightforward, expecting immediate loyalty from visitors.
• Luna, Caesar's fairy companion, becomes jealous and protective when Caesar shows interest in Angra.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the nature of loyalty among dragons and other races.
• The importance of wealth and possessions to true dragons.
• The contrast between the peaceful northern territory and the chaotic, blood-filled southern territory.

Character Interactions

• Angra and the Black Knight interact with Caesar, with Angra trying to gather information about Caesar's origins.
• Caesar interacts with Angra, initially misinterpreting her as a human due to her humanoid form.
• Luna interacts with Caesar, expressing jealousy and anger when Caesar shows interest in Angra.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Luna and Caesar have a private conversation before lizardfolk enter, diverting their attention.
• Caesar introduces Luna to Angra, the Calamity Dragon in disguise, defying conventional dragon etiquette.
• Naigendro, the Black Knight, leaves to inform his undead followers about Caesar's leadership.
• Caesar and Angra discuss the impending undead attack, with Caesar showing nonchalance and Angra warning him.
• Caesar expresses his willingness to wait for the undead attack, referring to his followers as "little ones."

Character Developments

• Caesar: Shows confidence and disregard for convention by introducing Luna to Angra. He also displays a strategic approach to the undead threat, choosing to wait and observe.
• Angra (Calamity Dragon): Maintains her disguise despite Caesar's suspicion. She warns Caesar about the undead threat and reveals her knowledge of undead creatures' nature.
• Luna: Expresses concern about Caesar's change in behavior and suspects that he has feelings for Angra.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: Caesar's confidence and disregard for convention demonstrate his power and status. Angra's caution and warning highlight the potential threat of the undead.
• Trust and Deception: Caesar's decision to let Naigendro go and his willingness to wait for the undead attack suggest a test of trust. Angra's disguise and Luna's suspicion of Caesar's feelings for Angra also play into this theme.

Character Interactions

• Caesar and Angra: Their interaction is tense yet cordial, with Caesar testing Angra and Angra warning Caesar about the undead threat.
• Caesar and Luna: Luna expresses her concerns about Caesar's behavior and suspects his feelings for Angra. Caesar seems annoyed by Luna's remarks but does not deny them.
• Angra and Naigendro: Though not present together, their actions show a mutual understanding and respect for each other's roles, with Naigendro leaving to inform his followers and Angra warning Caesar about the undead threat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Naigendro, the "Black Knight" and ruler of the undead domain, is introduced. He is a pure undead, a death knight, and holds a strong hatred for all living creatures.
• Naigendro plans to attack the Northern Lord (the black dragon) and his followers to replenish his strength and gain a powerful ally in the form of a corpse dragon.
• The Black Knight begins issuing orders to his undead legion, planning a multi-pronged attack on the Northern Lord's lair.
• Angra, the Calamity Dragon, is left unattended by the Northern Lord, leading her to suspect that he has some issue with her humanoid form. She plans to use this opportunity to poison the black dragon and gain control over him.

Character Developments

• Naigendro: Despite being a pure undead, he shows strategic thinking and intelligence in planning his attack on the Northern Lord.
• Angra: She demonstrates adaptability and patience in her plan to gain the black dragon's trust and ultimately control him.

Significant Themes

• Hatred and prejudice: Naigendro's undying hatred for all living creatures and the Northern Lord's apparent prejudice against humanoid forms drive the plot.
• Power dynamics: The struggle for power between the undead and the Northern Lord's followers is a central theme.

Character Interactions

• Naigendro and his undead legion: They interact with respect and obedience, reflecting the hierarchical structure of the undead domain.
• Angra and the Northern Lord: Their interaction is minimal in this chapter, but Angra's thoughts reveal her plans to manipulate the black dragon.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Caesar realizes that taming the evil clans into a unified army requires war and bloodshed.
• The undead army, led by the black knight Naigendro, arrives at the northern territory's edge but does not attack immediately.
• Caesar observes the undead army, estimating its numbers and composition.
• The black dragon lord decides to attack first, under cover of darkness, and assigns tasks to different clans.

Character Developments

• Caesar: He understands that forging a true legion from the evil clans requires them to endure war and bloodshed. He chooses to attack the undead first to test his army's mettle.
• The evil clans: They demonstrate their ability to strategize and coordinate when given tasks by Caesar. They show initiative in planning their roles in the upcoming battle.

Significant Themes

• War and bloodshed as a means of forging unity and discipline among the evil clans.
• The importance of intelligence and strategy in warfare, even among non-human races.
• The differences between human and undead warfare, with undead focusing on sheer numbers rather than tactics.

Character Interactions

• Caesar interacts with his clan leaders, assigning them tasks and observing their ability to strategize and coordinate.
• The clan leaders interact with each other, working together to plan their roles in the upcoming battle.
• The lizardfolk leader and the burrowing worm leader volunteer to deal with the undead's outer sentries, showing initiative in the face of Caesar's challenge.

Summary of "The North-South War (VII)"

Key Plot Points and Events

• Caesar observes the undead legion from a distance, planning to let his forces handle the battle first.
• The Black Dragon Legion, led by Caesar's various monster clans, attacks the undead legion under the cover of night.
• The undead legion, commanded by Naigendro, responds to the attack, aiming to encircle and trap the Black Dragon Legion.

Character Developments

• Caesar shows strategic prowess and patience, allowing his forces to engage first to test their capabilities.
• Naigendro demonstrates tactical understanding, planning to wear down the Black Dragon Legion through numbers and encirclement.
• Nero, the leader of the canine demon clan, showcases his formidable strength and fearlessness in battle.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The battle highlights the power struggle between the undead and the Black Dragon Legion, with each side attempting to gain the upper hand.
• Strategy and Tactics: Both Caesar and Naigendro employ strategic and tactical thinking to outmaneuver their opponent.
• Strength and Fear: The battle showcases the raw power and fearsome nature of the various monster clans, as well as the undead's relentless and unyielding nature.

Character Interactions

• Caesar and Luna: The black dragon and the little one share a moment of interaction, with Caesar revealing his altered body to Luna.
• Caesar and his forces: Caesar allows his forces to engage first, showing trust in their abilities and a desire to test their combat prowess.
• Naigendro and his forces: Naigendro commands his undead forces, demonstrating his understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, and how to best employ them in battle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The largest war in history is taking place in the Underdark, with undead creatures led by Naigendro facing off against a coalition of monsters led by Caesar.
• Two more monster clans, an orc tribe led by Gar and a gnoll tribe led by Hogg, join the battle, stirring the situation.
• Caesar decides to enter the battle himself to inspire his followers.

Character Developments

• Angra, a half-elf and the Calamity Dragon in disguise, reveals her backstory to Caesar, mixing truth with lies.
• Caesar, the Black Dragon Lord, feels disappointed in Angra for not fully pledging herself to him and loses interest in her story.

Significant Themes

• The intangible concept of morale in warfare and its impact on the outcome of battles.
• The differences between commanding elite soldiers and living, emotional creatures.
• The theme of truth and deception, as Angra tells Caesar a version of her past that is not entirely accurate.

Character Interactions

• Caesar and Angra discuss her origins and the ongoing war, with Caesar showing initial interest in her story but eventually losing interest.
• Caesar decides to enter the battle to inspire his followers, with Angra offering to accompany him and use her enhancement spells.
• Caesar warns Angra about the dangers of the battlefield and the need for caution, but she fails to fully understand his meaning.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Black Dragon Lord (Caesar) reveals his true form, shocking Angra and the battlefield.
• Caesar uses his wings to create a powerful gust of wind, indicating he can fly without relying on magic.
• Caesar begins decimating the undead legion with his dragonfire, targeting high undead.
• Caesar lands among the undead, inspiring his monster followers and rallying them to fight.
• The Black Knight Naigendro leads the undead knight order in a charge against Caesar.

Character Developments

• Caesar demonstrates his power and strategic thinking, using his presence to inspire his followers.
• Angra shows concern for Caesar's safety and offers her assistance.

Significant Themes

• Power and its influence: Caesar's display of power inspires his followers and instills fear in the undead.
• Leadership: Caesar's actions rally his forces and turn the tide of the battle.

Character Interactions

• Caesar and Angra: They communicate briefly, with Angra warning Caesar about the undead knights and offering her assistance.
• Caesar and his monster followers: Caesar's words and actions inspire his followers to fight more fiercely.
• Naigendro and Caesar: The Black Knight leads the undead knight order in an attempt to stop Caesar.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Caesar faces Naigendro and his undead knights, assessing their capabilities.
• Caesar uses his acid breath, but the undead army builds a defensive barrier and wraiths consume the acid.
• Caesar engages in close combat, destroying an undead knight and crushing its energy body.
• Angra enhances Caesar's damage against undead creatures, enraging Naigendro.

Character Developments

• Caesar demonstrates his formidable combat abilities and strategic thinking.
• Naigendro shows his leadership and resourcefulness in commanding the undead army.
• Angra reveals her true allegiance, enhancing Caesar's abilities against undead.

Significant Themes

• The power and vulnerability of undead creatures, particularly their reliance on armor.
• The strategic use of magical abilities and enhancements in combat.
• Betrayal and shifting alliances.

Character Interactions

• Caesar and Naigendro face off, showcasing their respective strengths and strategies.
• Angra betrays Naigendro, enhancing Caesar's abilities and infuriating the black knight.
• Caesar and Angra work together, with Caesar questioning Angra's true identity.

Epilogue (I) Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Black Knight Naigendro commands undead knights to attack Caesar, the Black Dragon Lord, from all sides, exploiting his inability to attack enemies behind him.
• An undead knight mounts Caesar's back and attempts to strike him down, but Caesar counters by twisting his neck 180 degrees and incinerating the knight.
• Angra, a Calamity Dragon in disguise, seizes the opportunity and attacks Caesar, injecting him with various toxins and curses.
• Caesar, however, remains unaffected and captures Angra by the neck, lifting her off the ground.

Character Developments

• Caesar demonstrates his unique ability to twist his neck 180 degrees, surprising and shocking Naigendro.
• Angra's true form and intentions are revealed as she attempts to curse and poison Caesar, but she is ultimately captured.

Significant Themes

• The theme of deception and hidden intentions is prominent, with Angra's true nature and motives being concealed until her attack on Caesar.
• The story explores the concept of unexpected abilities and weaknesses, as Caesar's unique neck movement and Angra's curse abilities are both revealed and challenged.

Character Interactions

• Caesar and Angra's interaction is tense and confrontational, with Angra attempting to gain the upper hand and Caesar ultimately subduing her.
• Naigendro and the undead knights' interaction with Caesar is one of strategic combat, with Naigendro attempting to exploit Caesar's perceived weakness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Caesar tears off his wounded flesh, demonstrating his control over his body and accelerated regeneration.
• Angra, the Cataclysm Dragon, panics and attempts to escape but is swiftly killed by Caesar.
• Naigendro, the Black Knight, surrenders along with his undead knights after realizing their defeat.
• Caesar orders the undead to cease their attack, ending the war between north and south.

Character Developments

• Caesar: Shows incredible self-control, healing ability, and disregard for the usual dragon rules, further cementing his status as an atypical dragon.
• Angra: Dies due to underestimating Caesar and choosing close combat over spellcasting.
• Naigendro: Realizes the futility of their plan and surrenders, demonstrating pragmatism and lack of honor.

Significant Themes

• The unpredictability and danger of Caesar, who does not adhere to typical dragon behavior or rules.
• The futility of underestimating one's opponent, as seen in Angra's demise.
• Pragmatism and surrender in the face of certain defeat, as shown by Naigendro.

Character Interactions

• Caesar vs. Angra: A swift and brutal battle, ending with Angra's death.
• Naigendro and Caesar: Naigendro surrenders to Caesar, marking the end of the war and the undead's resistance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Caesar and his forces enter the Undead Domain to transform the Cataclysm Dragon, Angra, into a dracolich.
• They travel through the Underdark, encountering various undead creatures, and reach the deepest Shadow Pool for the transformation ritual.
• The Cataclysm Dragon's corpse is submerged into the Shadow Pool to begin the transformation process.

Character Developments

• Caesar: Shows no remorse or respect for the fallen true dragon, Angra, and plans to use her corpse for his own gain.
• Naigendro: Reveals a deeper understanding of the Undead Domain's ecosystem and expresses surprise at Caesar's treatment of Angra's corpse.

Significant Themes

• The value and disposal of true dragon corpses.
• The ecosystem within the Undead Domain.
• Caesar's ruthlessness and pragmatism.

Character Interactions

• Caesar and Naigendro: The Black Knight leads Caesar to the Shadow Pool and expresses concern about the transformation process, while Caesar remains resolute in his decision.
• Caesar and the orcs: The orcs accompany Caesar to the Undead Domain, primarily serving as transporters of Angra's corpse. They remain vigilant due to their distrust of undead.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Caesar transforms Angra, the Cataclysm Dragon, into a skeletal dragon, a process that takes 100 cycles of light and darkness.
• Caesar orders Naigendro to count the soldiers and investigate every clan sheltered by the undead in the south.
• Caesar enters Black Dream and finds two trophies: bronze and black jade. He chooses the bronze one first.

Character Developments

• Caesar feels regretful about killing Angra but doesn't show it.
• Luna is happy about Angra's death, which Caesar finds concerning as she's usually inclined towards goodness.
• Caesar gains a new breath weapon, lightning, after claiming the bronze trophy.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of Caesar's actions: he feels regret for killing Angra, and Luna's joy at Angra's death raises questions about her values.
• The rewards and consequences of Caesar's actions in Black Dream: he gains a new breath weapon but also faces challenges and losses.

Character Interactions

• Caesar and Luna chat about Angra's death, with Luna expressing happiness and Caesar feeling guilty.
• Caesar interacts with Naigendro, giving him orders and acknowledging the risks of transforming Angra.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Caesar receives two new rewards from Black Dream: Lightning Breath and Edict: Dustless Land.
• He tests Lightning Breath, finding it to be a basic bronze-tier reward.
• He struggles to understand Edict: Dustless Land, eventually discovering it creates a breeze centered on him.
• Caesar decides to test Edict: Dustless Land on captured creatures (Deinonychus, gnolls, undead) and Luna, but nothing happens to them.

Character Developments

• Caesar shows caution and responsibility in not testing Edict: Dustless Land on Luna or his loyal followers without understanding its effects.
• Luna demonstrates her keen perception, noticing a change in her magic flow during Caesar's test.

Significant Themes

• The unpredictability and mystery of Black Dream's rewards.
• Caesar's growing understanding and acceptance of Black Dream's unscientific nature.

Character Interactions

• Caesar interacts with his followers, issuing orders for them to capture test subjects.
• Luna and Caesar have a brief exchange, with Luna showing curiosity about Caesar's new invention and later noticing the effect of Edict: Dustless Land on her magic.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Caesar discovers a new ability, "Edict: Dustless Land," which seems to cause a brief magical stagnation.
• They test the ability repeatedly with Luna casting spells and Caesar observing the effects.
• The cooldown for the ability is approximately six hours.
• Caesar wakes Luna at midnight to test the ability again, dispelling her spell "Dancing Lights."

Character Developments

• Caesar shows interest in testing and understanding his new ability, demonstrating his analytical and persistent nature.
• Luna, despite being woken up, cooperates with Caesar's tests, showing her loyalty and understanding of his seriousness.

Significant Themes

• Curiosity and Learning: Caesar's desire to understand his new ability drives the chapter's events.
• Loyalty and Trust: Luna's willingness to help Caesar despite being inconvenienced highlights their growing bond.

Character Interactions

• Caesar and Luna spend the day together, playing cards, eating, and testing Caesar's new ability, showcasing their camaraderie.
• Luna teases Caesar about his card game skills and his past, revealing their comfortable relationship.