Turpentine Dragons are named for the oil that covers their scales. This oil resembles turpentine in odor and is mildly toxic; it will not kill but it burns to the touch and will cause illness in anyone who ingests it. Turpentine Dragons roam in large packs, often stealing food from larger dragons, though they are able to hunt for themselves if necessary. Many other breeds consider Turpentine Dragons to be pests, so they primarily breed among themselves.

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.

She first saw him on a bright summer morning. The wind was high and the sun new and strong, as Erye Falconwing, prince of Tan Ridgewings, leapt joyously into the sky. Afairea saw him then, unaware of any audience. She was that he was young and strong and wild. And beautiful and free.

From that day on she loved him.

For several years she watched, too young and shy to say anything. But one day, after several years, Afairea finally tried to approach Eyre. If she could just make him see how much she cared...

But once Eyre understood her purpose, he refused her coldly, and threatened to attack her. What was worse, he told her she stank.

Crushed, Afairea retreated to a dark crack in the wall of the mountain, cursing her fate as a turpentine. Now she waits. Not for Eyre, but for someone who will love her for who she is. Her nestmates no longer find her an object of scorn, but of pity. Now they call her Amhain Afaireoir, or One-Who-Waits.