-First Magic-
He could feel it again. That strange, prickling feeling in his fingers. He dropped his picture book and waved his hands through the air, not knowing why he was doing it, but enjoying it none the less. It made him feel happy, like something good was going to happen, like getting a cookie. The tickling sensation increased as he flailed his arms wildly about, and then a spark of bright light emitted from his fingers. He giggled; it made him feel warm and excited. However, his joy vanished instantly when his teddy bear spontaneously burst into flames. He fell onto his back in surprise and started wailing, chunky little limbs kicking angrily at the air. A startled squeal came from his mother, who had been sitting on the sofa reading. She darted forward, muttered a word, and the stuffed animal floated into the air before dive bombing into the basin of water she used for cleaning dishes, effectively dousing the flames. He stopped crying and smiled at his mom. The unpleasant, red waving thing that had engulfed Snuffles was gone, and his world had gone back to normal. Now, on to more pressing concerns... "Mommy! Hungy!" His mother smiled warmly down at him and scooped him up into her arms, carrying him into the kitchen, where some porridge was already heating over the fire in preparation for her infant son's considerable appetite. The meal was soon dispensed to the hungry baby, who delightedly ate a few spoonfuls before dumping the remainder on his head, which was lightly covered in soft, dark violet hair.
Laughing, his mom cleaned him off, then scooped the energetic young rascal up into a blanket and dumped him into his crib for afternoon nap. He was soon asleep, after his faked weeping failed to earn him a respite from this daily indignation. His mom snuck back into his room a few moments later and beamed affectionately down at him. The front door could be heard bursting open, the rusty hinges squealing in protest, and the babe's lanky father walked into the room, yawning, his brow beaded with sweat from a hard day's work training the magical division of Grado's army. His wife smiled up at him. "It seems we have another mage in the family, Raphael." The man, who was still in his early twenties, chuckled at this. "What did he do this time, Nicole?"
"Oh, just set Snuffles on fire." She said, rather dryly. She had not found it funny, as she wasn't overly excited at the prospect of a burnt house or a smoldering baby. Raphael laughed once more and put his arm around her shoulders, and she relaxed against him, letting out a contented sigh. "Don't worry, honey. We'll survive for a few years until he can control his magic." She nodded. "I suppose I'll just have to keep a bucket of water handy around the little tyke..." Both parents stood there quietly for a moment, looking lovingly down at their son, who was making tiny noises in his sleep, a smug little smile on his chubby face. Perhaps dreaming of what mischief he would get into next? As one, the two lovers reached forward and gently stroked their child's face.
"I love you, my little one... My Knoll..."