Lunar Heralds are deeply attuned to the two moons of Valkemare, Aurax and Cirion. Strictly nocturnal, they draw energy from moonlight and will only hunt when the moons have waned. When breeding, the amount of moonlight the parents receive from each moon will determine the color of the egg produced. When a Lunar Herald is struck by direct moonlight, an illusion of multiple wings may appear. Witnessing a Lunar Herald’s illusory wings is commonly believed to be a sign of good fortune.

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.

Love Means is the leader of a small band of motley nocturnal dragons who commemorate the summer solstice by going ankle- to chest-deep in Lake Hauro. The summer solstice is the longest day of the year in their region and begins the portion of the year when nights get longer. According to Love Means, the longer and longer nights "are there to make up for the loss of dark" that happens every summer, and the way to celebrate the "lost dark" is by wading in Hauro and performing rites during the night, especially when both moons shine brightly. Between the winter and summer solstices, the dragons do not meet at all. It's a tradition Love Means and his close friends and ancestors have followed for as long as he can remember, and he will continue that tradition for as long as he lives. He and his group call themselves the Waders of the Lost Dark.