(no subject)

[dethorats]

Title: Figurehead
Rating: G
Media: Fic
Pairing/Characters: Merry, gen
Word Count: 300
Prompt: Beginnings



The sawdust smells and the sawmill’s whine followed Merry as he threaded through the lumberyard. Piles of finished planks were stacked pyramid-style all around, narrow paths winding between. The blueprints rustled in his hand, along with his receipt. He couldn’t help but smile, satisfaction suffusing him. It felt good to have come so far and he would be even happier when his order of white oak arrived. For too long had he gone without hammer, plane and saw in his hands, filling them with trays and laundry instead. But his plans had finally met his expectations and the master had only laughed, grinning as he said, “Finally. Go build your ship,” and hustled him out.

It would be a small craft, ideal for a family, a hand or two, but he’d designed it to be light, swift, and strong. A caravel that would dance on the waves and flirt with the wind, bring about the joy of sailing while sturdy enough to survive the storms. The master’s wife was with child and if he worked on his off days, perhaps he’d have it ready once the babe was four. He would make it bright and as airy as safely possible, something pleasing to a child. Merry daydreamed, absent with thoughts of the future, and he practically walked into the massive block of oak.

His design lacked only a figurehead. He had thought to leave it to the master but, as he stared into the grain, perhaps his ship should bear his stamp even there. It would be untraditional and even more whimsical than the norm but it seemed fitting. Right there in the lumberyard, Merry whipped out a pencil and added the graceful, curving arcs to his blueprints. The last thing he drew was the smile he planned to carve.

Comments

[drakyrna.livejournal.com]

Forgive my high-pitched squealing, but EEEEEEE!

I really love this, mostly because it shows us a look at Merry that I actually never considered--it fits so well in fact that I almost feel like I've missed something ALL THIS TIME (which is very probably true in my case).

And of course, I love how whimsical it feels with that added touch of importance because this is Merry's dream here and he's not just doing it for himself, but for his family. So lighthearted and adorable! Gah! Love it.

[printfogey.livejournal.com]

This is soo sweet. I really like seeing human Merry... wish it could be done more often (I wonder if he'd be aware of Water 7 and the Galley-La?). And then there's a melancholy feel because we know the people who it was intended for never got to use it. But it stille wound up the happiest ship possible!