My response to the "Word Challenge Throw Down" on The Heart of Camelot site. The challenge was to write a story from the point of view of an inanimate object, using the words 'laughter', 'apprehension' and 'delicate'.
A Father's Love
I perch at the edge of the small, rough table that sits under the high window. From here, I keep watch over my charge. I was born of a father's love for his newly-discovered son; and while the father keeps his own vigil over the young boy, I am proud to do my part.
I have seen Merlin's eyes sparkle with laughter and I have also seen fear and apprehension in those same blue orbs. I am the only connection he has to Balinor, so I am often to be found clutched tightly against a thin chest when he is upset and seeking comfort. My favourite times are the ones when I am gently cradled in delicate hands while lithe fingers trace my carved wings and whispered secrets fill my ears.
I sit at his side as he pours over his books. I am his talisman. I know the magic that lives in Merlin; I know that his destiny is great and it fills me with awe. But I also see the unsure, sometimes overwhelmed, boy that he is and I wish I could do more to ease his mind.
Still … I am a remembrance of his father and if that is to be my role, then I am happy to embrace it.
A/N: In case it's not apparent, the narrator is the carved wooden dragon that Balinor gave to Merlin in the episode "The Last Dragonlord".