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.

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.

Shielded Young had developed a shyness from other dragons ever since she was a young hatchling.

The fear started when Shielded Young's mother, Katha Ruby, rolled over on the young hatchling, as a wild and dangerous caveman entered the cave, hunting for food.

Katha Ruby had hurt her young to protect them, of course, but Shielded Young could not understand.

She only knew that her own mother had injured her, if not almost killed her.