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.

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.

Nathura is a very proud dragon, her self-awareness being born of her breed's illsutrious history. She takes her role as a Guardian very seriously and though as yet nobody has attempted to harm any of Ysaedda's dragons, she is constantly on the look-out for danger and is always ready to protect those she loves. Though still young, she has aquired a great maturity of thought and logic. However, she can occasionally be very impulsive, acting solely on instincts she does not fully understand. Nathura has found a mate in Belazael, long reputed to be cold and uncapable of feeling love.