A pen-and-ink picture of the wood on Grimbleton Hill, with a lit cottage among the trees

The Wood

The Slow Clan

Nothing under the trees hurries, so neither do they. They are the oldest Murkmares and the most patient, and they will wait a week for one sleeper to roll over.

Morning sign

Creases on your cheek. They press bark to your face all night, and the pattern stays until lunch.

Custom

They never take their hats off, so moss grows on the brims. The mossiest hat leads.

Home

Under tree roots.

Drink

Dew from a toadstool, with a beetle.