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.

The clan was in shock when a small crimson egg appeared on the snow-laden ledge outside the cave two days after Christmas Day. It was not an ordinary fire dragon egg—it was shot through with a single stripe of gold, and a sprig of holly rested underneath it. The dragon within was something only heard of in myth—a rare embodiment of the spirit of Christmas itself, of pure generosity and giving.

  Artemis Thuwed was a gift to the clan, but only she knows what hands placed her here; when asked, she simply smiles and gives a single word—'Dreamer'. Besides this secret she keeps, she's not in the least cryptic. She has a heart as golden as her horns, and is always at the ready with an uplifting word or a surprise gift when she spots a dejected dragon. With her undampened spirit and eternal optimism, some say she is descended from one of the legendary dragons of TJ.

  Artemis Thuwed certainly made the Christmas season of 2009 one to remember.