It is a tradition amongst some rural, Wiccan/Pagan covens to hold a special hunt on certain festivals, held in the open air, away from prying eyes; a coven member will be nominated as the quarry, this is usually the newest male member, or if it is an open celebration, a male, family member or guest may be asked. Male hunters will also be nominated to chase down the quarry within a specified time, once the quarry is captured and returned, the feast begins. I don't know if this is common to all covens, but a forfeit can be put in place, if the quarry is not captured within the given time limit, the hunters are not allowed to eat meat at the feast. Symbolic to a hunter's failure; to some male psyches this can be seen as a humiliation, particularly if the quarry is a skinny, short, lesser male (such as myself lol). This is a fun ritual to participate in, one of good cheer and friendship; but it could so easily be more.... This is the first short story I have written in a looooong time, and the first I have posted online. Enjoy.
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