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