Sometimes, spirits resemble their origins more clearly than others. The dogwood spirit of Huttontop Woods is a gentle, shy thing that keeps to itself and sings softly on bright nights.

They say a walker and his faithful dog often rested in Huttontop after long jaunts. When the time came, the hound was laid to rest in a favourite grove of dogwood; the very same grove the spirit is most likely seen in.

As the spirit formed and grew, its likeness matched not only its origin plant, but the echoes of good times and long days in the sun, of long legs and soft fur.

Nearby villagers complain about wandering dogs of their own, disappearing for the day to play in the forest, but with the spirit watching over things, I think they’ll be fine.