Hazel Ashgrove

Hazel Ashgrove is a young autumn dryad with a kind heart, a strong sense of responsibility, and the constant suspicion that she may be doing her job incorrectly. As one of the forest's nature spirits, she helps guide the changing seasons, tend the natural world, and watch over her corner of the woods. Hazel takes those duties seriously, perhaps a little too seriously. She spends an unreasonable amount of time worrying about things that are probably fine, convinced that if she stops paying attention for five minutes the entire forest might somehow fall apart.

Despite her supernatural origins, Hazel has always been fascinated by ordinary life. More than anything, she wants friends, shared adventures, and the chance to be seen as a person rather than a nature spirit. One of her closest friends is Fawn Hartley, who comes from a neighboring part of the forest. The two understand each other well, sharing a gentle, thoughtful nature and a tendency to overthink absolutely everything. Hazel is also friendly with Mira Thistlewhisk and Lena Mossclaw, enjoying Mira's quiet company and Lena's ability to drag her out of anxious spirals before they grow too large.

As an autumn dryad, Hazel's connection to nature is subtle but ever-present. Leaves gather around her feet, flowers bloom when she's happy, and the colors of autumn seem richer wherever she spends time. Unfortunately, the forest also has a habit of reflecting her emotions, which can be embarrassing. A nervous Hazel often leaves a trail of drifting leaves behind her without realizing it. 🍂