muddy trails. wet moss. tangled roots. forest fog. wolf tracks. borrowed voices. false trails. wrong turns. chosen paths. ancient chants. bone casting. dried herbs. poured wax. funeral homes. restless spirits. old superstitions, older gods. whispered lullabies. lucid dreams. sleepless nights. long walks. disappearing acts. empty stations. long absences, sudden returns. worn leather. heavy boots. silver chains. mismatched rings. accumulating tattoos. cold hands. burnt fingers. cigarette smoke. overflowing ashtrays. bitter coffee. black tea. half-remembered verses. hunting knives. crooked sickle. rigid rules. loopholes. bargains made, bargains honored. strange manners. unusual reputation. quiet company. guarded affection. rough kindness. long-lasting loyalty.