Seasonal Dragons take on the characteristics of the season during which they are born. Thus, eggs that are laid in spring match the pink flowers and green buds of spring, and those that are laid in the summer grow to depict the bright green of the forest trees and the yellow of the sun. Eggs laid in autumn display the bright colors of leaves falling from trees, and those that are laid during winter take on the appearance of the icy snow.

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.

Toshiyu is the oldest of the spring dragons and acts as an unofficial leader for their little group. Although the family does not bother distinguishing dragons by breed, especially since many have taken mates from other species, they do sometimes feel the need to be with their own kind. On these occasions, Toshiyu is lumped with the responsibility of taking care of the springs.

Like many of his siblings, Toshiyu has a rather testy relationship with his father Jievaras, who is a strong and somewhat cruel vine dragon. Even though he is his son, Toshiyu needs to be wary in approaching his father, lest he be devoured.

However, the cave mistress once took Toshiyu into her confidence and revealed to him the secret of marshmallows, which his father adores. A little gift of the soft sweets soon placates Jievaras's murderous intentions and father and son can hold a conversation without incident.