The Great Hunt

I have been sitting at home and patrolling for far too long. Attempting to push the memory of my fallen friend from my mind, so as not to feel the pangs of sadden come over me. No luck though.
 
Out on my patrols with the Knights of the Elks, (I feel more at home and at ease among the soldiers) I was told by one of my patrolling comrades told me about a custom that happens during this time of the year. A massive hunt is set underway, and the person who brings back the largest game wins the honor of Lord of the hunt., then there is a great feast to ring in the harvest months. Apparently this signifies their god's blessing.... We do not have this custom in Yashiro, but I thought I would try my hand at this, since I plan to start a new life here.
 
3 days I spent hunting game, not really my forte, but I made an honest attempt, not one to shy away from a challenge. I was starting to get discouraged and thinking that by now, the other hunters have bagged their prizes and I would surely lose. On the fourth day, I saw him. A massive stag, the biggest I have ever seen. There was a little light as the moon shone down above us from the darkened sky but the silver fur of the stag seemed to have a glow of its own. Something in the air felt different, it felt as though I was not the only soul peering into the night at this incredible creature. I almost felt as if Takamochi, himself was there with me, helping steady my breathe.
 
I took my aim and fired, I know I hit it because it immediately took off... suddenly the presence with me urged me to give chase. My tiredness, Gone. I have never felt a rush like this when having to kill for food, again not really my forte, but this was different. It was primal, it was spiritual. I did my best to search for the beast, tracked it as best I could, also not my forte. But again, luck or the gods or perhaps Mochi from the spirit world brought me to the felled creature., struggling on the ground.
 
Another change in momentum, another new feeling. One of mercy, compassion. The beast knew what I was there was do, and it seem to want it. I thanked the immense beast for the incredible chase, for it's sacrifice, I would make this quick and painless, my wakazashi gave the beast a the quick release it deserved I waited and I swear, I felt this creature's spirit leave, what an aura. I will take care never to forget this creature nor this night, He will be honored and remembered in my home.
 
I returned to accept victory and title of Lord of the Hunt. Now the feast begins, and all are happy with my prize, everyone expects a good harvest and blessings from their gods. None of that really matters to me, but experience has given me much to think about, mostly on my thoughts of revenge.
 
Revenge against the fould thing that has Mochi's body. Revenge is our way, the Yashiran way, the Samurai way, but now it may be more than revenge, now it may be to restore the natural order of things. I have much to think on.