Thanks to all readviewers! Kestral: I have to credit Lewis on that one—Jadis says that line in her tale of the end of Charn, I have merely borrowed it.


Prompt: Narnia was just created, and the Animals are few. What did one of the Animals do in those first days?


She hummed as she worked, a deep throaty alto. Many leaves and branches had been twisted and bent in the winds of the world's first thunderstorm, just last night. Today's tending would be a longer prospect than usual, but she did not mind. With a careful grip, she gradually straightened each shining branch. With the lightest touches, she delicately turned each glittering leaf back in line with its fellows. She was tall, but the trees of gold and silver were still growing, and she foresaw that this task would eventually require assistance.

Up tramped her husband, marching to water as they did twice a day. "Oh, my dear. Is this truly necessary? They are made of metal; surely they do not suffer as would the dryads' forests."

"Ah, but they are a piece of the Beginning, the source of their majesties' crowns, and ought to be properly cared for. Besides..." The She-Elephant blew a playful snort at her husband. "I enjoy it."