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.

Elmiera prefers solitude to company, and yet her traditional guardian upbringing makes her feel guilty when she doesn't have a weyr to protect.  She has finally found a compromise by appointing herself a guardian to Falgran the Seer—all of Falgran's other bodyguards have lives of their own, and are content to let Elmiera fade into the background unless needed to protect against a threat.  Her only fear is that one day one of Falgran's prophetic fits will result in visions about her own future—not that Elmiera expects to learn about some future catastrophe, but she'd rather have what lies ahead for her remain a mystery.