Celebrations (Rocky)
After the hunt, we start to slaughter the aurochs, cutting along their bellies from mouth to anus, to remove their hide and then chopping up the meat into large chunks.
We set up camp at the edge of the grasslands whilst we're doing that, surrounded ourselves with numerous fires that will keep animals away. Still a wolverine, or two, take their chances and get pass the fires, and try to make off with some of our meat.
Their furs make wonderful hoods for children.
Willow puts a whole leg on a spit over a central fire, so we can smell it roasting as we work.
Once most of the aurochs have been cut up, we start to slice the meat into small bits, which are put on sticks to dry.
It's hard work, and oh so hot, but when we see the blood dry up in the meat so we can pack it in our backpacks, its well worth it.
It takes ages though.
We stop halfway for dinner.
The leg of auroch, which is wonderful.
Willow has made a stew with the wolverine meat, filled with wild carrots and onions, and even a little grain to soak up the liquid and make it thick.
We sit around eating, and talking, laughing.
Someone passes around a bladder of Boozing, though we are warned to only drink a little, we still have lots of work to do.
Still, it's a good time.
Me and the other hunters.
Together.
Enjoying our food, that we killed ourselves.
And savouring each other's' company.
And because of what I did, saving Willow from at least a life changing injury, and probably death, I'm the hero of the night.
I feel brilliant
Life is so good.
I smile as I imagine the crowds cheering me as we get back to the summer meeting.
My parents are going to be so proud of me.
