Dorsal Dragons are so named because they have large fins along their backs that can be raised and lowered at will. They use these fins to regulate body temperature; they raise them to cool off when they become overheated. The bright colors on the fins double as a means of attracting mates.

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.

Mersulerk has always dreamed of flying, but his wings are not for that purpose. He envies his mate, Kezer, who is a ridgewing dragon and brilliant at flying. He wishes he could fly with her, but he is too big for another dragon to carry him. A terrae dragon could lift him easily, but the only one he knows is a girl and has even less flying ability than he does. He does not resent Kezer's skills, but admires her and only wishes he could join her as she shoots through the skies with all the beauty and grace and athleticism any dragon could ask for.