Festival of the Hunt

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The Festival of the Hunt is held in Lithmore on the sixth day of the eighth month. It is a day for the men of the kingdom, of all classes, to show off their hunting prowess, although more than one lady has been known to participate in the hunt and actually win. It arises from times long past where hunters were some of the primary food sources for the local people, and their capabilities to provide were highly regarded. It has since become a more formal and planned event, although still quite happily anticipated.

The licensed hunters gather outside the city gates at dawn. There is great pomp surrounding the initiation of the hunt with grandiose speeches and fanfares. They are then released to begin their hunt and try to bring down as many or as big of kills as possible until the sun reaches its apex in the sky. The game is collected by designated helpers who return the carcasses to the brightly colored pavillion for dressing and cooking near the city gates. While the hunters complete their circuits, the kills are catalogued by judges, the hart being considered the most noble of game, then turned over to be cooked on the numerous spits set up.

By the time the hunters have returned, a large portion of meat is already nearly finished cooking and being distributed amongst the crowds for consumption. Likewise, tables are usually set up with wide spreads of dates, breads, melons and fresh raw vegetables. The organs are reserved to give as gifts to any honored guest attendants, and some meat is given to the dogs who helped with the hunt. Then, once the meats are prepared and cooked, a feast with music and dancing begins, where the entire city comes out to celebrate full stomachs after a long day's hunt.