Her focus was broken when Lilin announced their arrival in Jordheim and the mahogany maned wolfess looked to see not buildings but small hills. Was it Vinattan practice to live in underground dens? Her second scan of the hills revealed the answer to her question and Cassia could not help but smile. The wooden doors and windows that dotted the sides of these 'hills' indicated a type of architecture that utilized a much more natural approach than simple beam and timber or stone construction. The homes were built into the earth itself. The Calidus girl had never seen such homes before. The fact that she would be able to live in one almost forced a giggle from her, but she contained it with an amused smile.
Lilin led them to one house in particular where she proceeded to present Oak and herself with several gifts; one carved necklace for each of them, several freshly tanned hides, and a bottle of wine. The Virding explained each gift in kind as Cassia and Oak humbly accepted the gifts. Almost immediately upon receipt of the necklace, Cassia hung it around her neck, her fingers tracing the carved, hammer-shaped, pendant. Lilin explained that the hammer was to represent Mjolnir and Cassia's jaw dropped for a brief second. Thor! The Vinattan's worshipped the Nordic gods! It all made so much sense now that the huntress honestly felt stupid. The name of the town, Jordheim, should have been a clue to the Norse culture of the pack. Cassia scolded herself inwardly for the mental lapse only to hear Oak recite one of the details about the tales of Mjolnir that Lilin had apparently educated him about in their previous meeting.
Oak seemed quite stunned with Lilin's generosity. Cassia too was unfamiliar with the concept of giving gifts to the new members of a pack, having been raised in a culture where it was required for those seeking citizenship to present lavish gifts to the leaders to even be considered. Lilin's gesture was truly wonderful in that regard. She had been extremely hospitable and welcoming to them and Cassia could already tell that she, Oak, and the rest of their group were going to love it here. Echoing Oak's sincere gratitude Cassia dipped in a small bow before she spoke, "Yes, thank you Lilin." There was no need for a long statement of gratitude for the exceptional generosity that was shown to them. Oak had recognized it and she had mirrored him in kind. In instances such as this, it was not the number but the sincerity of one's words that mattered in conveying their message.[/html]