Dragons are creatures with nearly unlimited life spans. They can survive for long periods of time, and no one has found a dragon that has died of old age. Adolescence 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. Once they hit adolescence, hatchlings change quickly, maturing to their full forms in only 2 years.

Dragons don't communicate with each other verbally, but they will growl to scare off predators and frighten prey. Young dragons will emit an extremely high-pitched squeal when they are frightened. To communicate, they use telepathy with each other and to speak to other creatures.

Gray dragons are the masters of the skies. They are excellent fliers and land only to rest and eat. In addition, they have full control of the weather. They are very hot-tempered and easily angered. They will attack any human that bothers them, conjuring strong winds and dangerous lightning.

As his abandoned egg lay rapidly cooling, Hematite knew in his tiny, infant heart, it was over. Then, just in time, he was moved  placed in healing warmth,  heard the most beautiful sound -- a voice, full of tender care. The words were unknown, but the loving tone soothed him to sleep.

Each morning he waited for her,  she always came. Each night he would nestle into the warmth of her hand against his egg  listen to her songs.

When he hatched, he knew instantly that she was no dragon - too soft, too pale,  an odd smell - but she loved him,  he thought she was the most wonderful thing ever.

Soon, he was too big to sleep on her bed, or to follow her about her odd cave,  when his wings grew, he couldn't resist the sky. But even as he played in the clouds, weaving through the lightning bolts, he was aware of her below, watching him,  the lovely sound of her laughter rang out above the wind  rain, full of pride for him.

Other humans were nasty things - always throwing their sharp sticks,