Zinfandel

There were so many like him. Countless Nocturne hatchlings, all clamoring over each other in the market square, desperate to stand out to one of the passing shoppers. He had been warned by the clan who hatched him- there were more like him than there were clans to feed them, and his prospects for finding a home were poor (especially with those deep blue eyes). He'd have to appeal to just the right dragon if he didn't want to end up serving the deities like so many others would. He was trying to remain hopeful, but the reality of the situation was beginning to sink in. The sheer masses of hatchlings all begging to be noticed, and only a handful getting a passing glance. Meanwhile, he could hear the voices of auctioneers calling out prices- the hatchlings with the most desirable colors garnered attention from many buyers, all of whom wanted them for their clans.

Beginning to feel hopeless, he became scared he'd never find a home. Waiting amongst all those desperate hatchlings- it all seemed to be too much. Time passed, dragons looked and looked away even quicker. Their faces went by in a blur. But one dragon did stand out. The young Snapper was impossible to miss on her approach; bright scales dressed by gaudy silks ensured she'd be seen from a mile away. He saw her peering into the pen, and dashed about in a bid for attention. He watched her chat briefly with one of the sellers, presumably asking about his colors and health. There was an exchange of coins and then finally, to his shock, he found himself being picked up and placed in the Snapper's satchel.