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.

Descended from a long and prestigous line of dragons, Shimmering was given away as an egg in order to preserve the lineage and to ensure that the bloodline would continue for eternity. A shining egg, brighter than the moon itself, was given to the caretaker Rhea. She hatched the egg and raised the shimmering silver hatchling to adulthood, then introducing him to his to-be mate. Love was immediate, and they produced an egg with their first mating.

Shimmering's mate, Wolf-Rayet, is very much entranced by him, but is decidedly less family-oriented than he. As a result, he has, out of compulsion to continue his line, began having trysts with other dragons from time to time. Wolf-Rayet, though pained by this, lets him continue, as she would rather not have to raise so many of her own hatchlings. Besides, his love of her is too great—no matter how many times he leaves, he comes back as faithfully as the tides.

Their relationship is flawed, but it works for them.