Disclaimer: I never have claimed the Santa Clause as my own, however, I do claim Narcissa as my character. The plot I will also claim.
Chapter One: The Retirement of a Guardian
The Legendary Figures had long known of the Animal Guardian's retirement. The old lion had complained ever since the start of the New Year to Mother Nature, but she neglected to do anything. Narcissa remembered the great guardian well; for he begged her to take his place. Being a shape shifter, she had the gift of animal tongues, and loved to care for her best friend, a wolf named Silver. She knew that Mother Nature would one day turn to her to take over the old guardian's position in the Council. And today was that day.
Narcissa was definitely not ready for a council of any sort. She lived alone with the animals that resided in the forest, in a cabin covered in ivy. She cared not for the company of people, and preferred to be left to her own devices. In a way, you could say that her heart was black and covered in never melting ice.
Yet, when with the animals, one could observe that she was something more than a stiff minded iceberg. She loved to care for the animals that came and kept her company, and loved to run with her pack of eight wolves who accepted her as a mortal sister. They brought her food, provided her with protection, and literally raised her back from the dead when she ran from home as a young woman.
So she really wasn't surprised to hear a knock at the door, and a pleasant, flowery voice saying "Narcissa, it's me… Mother Nature… Can we have a word?"
Narcissa sighed, and answered the door. "Come in," she barked, and held the door open for the council head. Silver walked over to the Legendary Figure, and whined softly. Mother Nature reached a hand down to stroke her softly, and sat down on a chair across from Narcissa.
"Would you care for some refreshment, Mother Nature?" Narcissa asked with a slight smile.
"Water would be fine, thank you," Mother Nature said, and took the glass offered to her. Narcissa picked up the green tea that had been brewing on the stove. She took a tentative drink, then laid her glass on the coffee table, curiosity taking its course.
"Now then, let's get down to business… Why are you here? And for what purpose must I comply with as to my shape shifting abilities?" Narcissa said with a sudden drop in mood.
"As you know, Aberforth is retiring from the post of Animal Guardian in the council. To be blunt, I would like you to come to the North Pole with me, and take over his duties. You can return home after the start of the new spring in March, and return the next winter for the next council meeting. I would really appreciate your experience."
Narcissa choked on her green tea and gasped, "Whoa, I didn't expect you to call me to work this year! What? Is the old geezer really that impatient for his retirement?"
"I suppose so…But I really need your help. Besides, if you remember when you were younger, the council led you to find your surrogate family-"
"Yes, well, you neglected to mention that Jack Frost almost killed me without a second thought! When my drunk father first threw me out, it was in the dead of winter, right in the middle of a blizzard he was cooking up. I almost died of hypothermia, and he thought it was hilarious…" Narcissa said with a sardonic chuckle.
"And he would have suffered the consequences for his actions had you died. But I am sure he has long forgotten that, and he wouldn't recognize you." Mother Nature said with a concerned, pleading look. Narcissa sighed, and drained the glass of green tea in one gulp.
She set her cup on the table, and continued, "Will my quarters be private, and will I be permitted to leave and return as often as I please?"
"You will be well protected, and your quarters will be private. You may also take Silver with you, if that leaves you more comfortable," Mother Nature said with a smile.
She drained another glass of green tea, and nodded," I will go with you"…
So, what do you think? Please reply, and give me any constructive criticism that you can:)