Guardian Dragons have large shields on the end of their tails. Although the shields appear to be heavy, they are light, yet nearly unbreakable. Guardian Dragons use their tail-shields, as well as their wings, to deflect attacks and protect others. Often, they will guard the eggs and hatchlings of a nest while others are away. They are generally peaceful, and will not retaliate unless necessary. They have no need to forage or hunt, as they are fed by those they protect.

Dragons are highly-intelligent reptilian creatures that—from a human perspective, at least—appear to live forever. Many different varieties of dragon exist, each with their own unique qualities, habitats, and behavior. Adolescence in dragons is usually marked by the growth of a hatchling’s wings, although not all breeds of dragons grow wings and some breeds have other traits that indicate the beginning of maturation. In Galsreim, dragons and humans coexist peacefully.

Nynaeve is described by most other dragons as a mulishly headstrong character—and they would be correct! But she is also fair-minded, and fiercely loyal to those she loves and considers to be under her care. Before she came to Lanette's cave, she was a Wisdom—equivalent of a Wise Woman in human terms—of a small dragon clan. But when some of the clan's hatchies ran away looking for adventure, Nynaeve followed, intending to bring them back to the clan. Long story short, none of them went back—life had other purposes in line for them...

When Nynaeve met Lan, she did not like him at first, considering him to be too stony and unfeeling. But as she got to know him better, she could not help but fall in love with him. After a long wait they finally became mates, and are now doting parents to two offspring—Maric and Elnore. She adores her mate, and hopes to one day help him rally a dragon army to avenge the massacre of his original dragon clan.