[Shitai Maimomu]

Although Ume isn't sure, she shrugs with one shoulder as she takes up the other end of the beast. "Hopefully not."

The trek back to the woodsmen's village is slow and littered with small detours to actually drag the giant thing back. Ume worried about the quality of the pelt considering how they were traveling with it, wondering if they ought to have had a sled on hand. Regardless, it gets back in pretty much one piece, and the woodsmen seem more elated for its death than worried about its value. "A feast!" Ume crinkles her face in disgust and looks to Katsuo, thankful they share the sentiment.

Much to their chagrin, Ume and Katsuo are tasked with assisting the butcher in skinning and chopping. Ume doesn't have a problem with the gore, but looking at the pink and red gristle beneath a layer of flesh and fur, she can't quite stomach the thought of eating it.

Unfortunately, that's just what they'd be doing.

There is a party booming through the small village, a large bonfire at the center of the commotion home to dancing drunks and lusty maidens, all of whom carried celebratory furs and headdresses. One man wearing the head of a bear atop his crown attempts whisking Ume into a dance, but it's short lived before dinner is served; a hearty stew, full of carrots, potatoes, an assortment of herbs, and thick cuts of rat meat.

Cringing, Ume thanks the host and drinks from the bowl.

She's pleasantly surprised to find it tastes almost like chicken.

---

Katsuo Jokyū | 259
Post 16/15
EXIT.