About smaller dragons: That makes sense. Also they are probably
inexperienced and tend to underestimate humans.
Also the "we give each other some breathing space" (pun intended
) mentality you propose for the older and powerful dragons gives them a tone of mystery.
"This is the western village in the County; you'll see no sign of civilization western from here for days. Lizardmen inhabit the swamps, orcs and ogres the hills and goblins roam in the plains... who lives in the mountain? *chuckle* If you cross the lands and travel towards the west for 3 days and 3 nights you'll reach the mountain. In the top it is said to be the lair of a mythical creature, large as a castle, breathing fire that molts rocks and master of dark magic. The dragon sleeps in a cave full of gleaming silver and gold. That dragon is the mother of the smaller dragons that plague that area; like Firedoom the dragon slayed by Rodgan the brave 4 years ago... no, I don't know her name. If you think that the dragons you have met are tough, you better avoid her. "