Holiday dragons are a very mysterious breed. They are only seen during winter, and even then it is hard to catch a glimpse of one. They are responsible for the general cheer that spreads during the holidays. In essence, they are the “Spirits of Winter.”

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.

One night in winter, an uncanny cold swept through the valley of the witch. The only sound heard was the snapping of thin foliage freezing stiff in the unforgiving cold. The snow covering the valley lay untouched, because no dragons wished to leave the warmth of their home. But in the darkness, lights like flames burned away at the night skies. So strangely bright were the flames that even the oldest dragons of winter shifted restlessly in their abodes.

When the hour of morning finally arrived, the sun would not rise, but in the mellow blue of the hour rode the witch. No words of reason were told, but upon return she carried two eggs colored of the same bright flames of the northern night.

The first dragon to hatch from the eggs was a proud male with wits of the learned. Composed and fair, his nature warms the heart of many. But like his brother Ymireygr, a somewhat volatile figure appears to run in the family.

The name he received was Mistelteinn, the one who did not swear the oath.