Absolute best choice when wanting to lean into an animal companion. Do you already have a design in mind for the dragon? I can see a drake or kirin working quite well for the forest origin.

Beautiful lad! Might I ask what subclass he is/will be?

The lead up to a new campaign is always exciting! Hope we get to hear of your party's adventures.

Here's the full design reference page with some notes and details (+her old design from last year)