Crescendo

Matilda and Alfred were taking some time away from the clan, enjoying a carnival that was in town. Together they walked among the raffle tents, where bright banners and loud voiced hawkers proclaimed the wonders that could be yours, with some luck and a few coins.

They came finally to a tent where the raffle was just ending, the prizes were being handed out. Though beautiful, the prizes were of no real interest to Matilda, until she happened to look at the secondary prizes. They were a clutch of newly hatched tundras and mirrors, five babies all the color of the sun. Usually she passed by these raffles wordlessly, but this time she couldn't help but comment on the beautiful tundras. She moved on with regret then, wishing that she had come upon the tent in time to enter.

It was to her great surprise when she was approached later on, "There is one baby left, he's a mirror, but he's yours if you want him."

Before Matilda could even answer, Crescendo interrupted. "But I AM a tundra. I don't know why I look like this!" There was sadness and confusion in the little dragon's eyes and Matilda knew that he was meant for her clan.

"Don't worry little dragon. Your home is with us and your body will soon match your heart." Before the day was out, Crescendo had a name, a breed change, and a beautiful new friend.

From misery came happiness, so much happiness that he could barely contain himself. It was from this happiness that Crescendo found his voice. Warm and deep he started every day with a song on his lips, greeting the sun with such happy music that the whole clan found an excuse to wander past his cave at some point during their morning. Every evening his low, soft lullabies sent the hatchlings to peaceful sleep.