RoseBud

His mother and father had named him Rosebud. It was his name, that they had lovingly crooned as they nuzzled him. His best friends, as he grew up, were also shaded in red and pink. Though they, they called him Bud. It wasn't until he started growing a bit older that he realized how.. delicate his colors were. Beyond his den, it seemed like most dragons of his hue were girls.

At first, it was confusing. The first time he'd spoken to an outsider and they'd assumed he was a girl it was.. kind of awkward, to be honest. But over time, he'd grown comfortable with himself. At least at home.

He liked flowers. He liked sunrises and sunsets. He had no interests in fighting. He was truly a wizard with animals, big and small. His clan, of course, loved him. Outsiders were often puzzled by him. Sometimes, even aggressive.

He generally kept his love of soft fabrics and colors like his own restricted to his clan den. Today, though.... Today would be the first day he would strut out in public as he was meant to be.

And he was meant to be fabulous.
~~~
"And a brave beauty... Rosebud!"
~~~
Rosebud's heart stopped as he realized that that orb wasn't over Shiya's head. It wasn't over Tethys' head. It was over his head. His head. he froze up for a moment. Never in his wildest.... okay, maybe in his widest dreams... actually in his pretty normal dreams, but they were still DREAMS! Dreams... He'd been told, once, by a little bird (and several mice, actually) that a dream was a wish your heart makes, when you're fast asleep.

He clutched his pearl closer, rolling it lightly to pinch a toe against the ground. It twinged. This wasn't a dream. This was a dream come true! A tail swept behind the young pearl catcher and shoved him forward a step or two, and then, then he was in action. the first step almost ran, before he caught hold of himself, and his dignity.

And with that, he stood on the stage with all the other finalists. One paw slowly caressed his pearl, as he swept his cloak out to pool neatly around himself. He could see his family. His mother. His father. His best friends. his clan mates. The friends he'd made at the ball tonight. Many others. Strangers. Acquaintances. All gazing up at them. At him.

He cheered for each other winner as they were announced. And GOODNESS, they were all so beautiful. He could hardly believe he stood among them. Even for a moment.

His name was called. His name was called. An honorable mention... He was.. he was a brave beauty! His heart felt like it was swelling in his chest, as he puffed himself up taller, blinking away the tears in his eyes. Tears of joy. He could see his family.. . everyone.. cheering for him. This was the best day ever, he decided...

His smile was on his lips for the rest of the night, even as he walked off the stage. The smile never faded, even as he cheered and applauded all of the other girls as they won their prizes. he held no resentment. He was honored to have stood among them, even for just a few moments. And that would be a joy he'd carry with him forever.

Clothing wishlist: violet lei, twilight cape, pearly bracelets/wingbangles/violet flower crown/ sakura flowerfall