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.

Ephraim was the obvious favorite of the caretaker's wyer. He was always leading the hunts and he had the most freedom. Yet, he was not happy. "I am the favored one," sighed Ephraim one windy, dark-cloud day, "I should be hunting. The caretaker does not force me to stay within the stable." Ephraim could not get the one thing that he wanted most. The one he loved, Schutzatte, had no care for him. She had eyes only for the silly storm-bringer, Templest. "I need a mate," he whispered to himself. Then, just as the first drops came down, he turned his enraged face to the skies and roared for all to hear, "I NEED A MATE!" Just as his caretaker raced over the ground to comfort him, he fell to the ground, sobbing and nearly unconscious. His final words were quietly whispered, "I need a mate..."