There was an eerie silence that filled the space around them once their howls fell. Oak glanced over to the female, a smile still on his face. Her own grin had become contagious as they had walked to the pack’s border, and the anticipation was growing even greater. He felt butterflies, though he would never have admitted such a jittery and perhaps feminine emotion. It was the first feeling of honest happiness Oak had been able to recognize since finding Cassia after the disbandment of Crimson Dreams.

The silence was not with them long, for another wolf’s call came to answer them. Oak felt his tail wave behind him as his black tipped ears took in the sound. A buzzing excitement could be felt under his skin, and he resisted the urge to move beyond the borders after hearing the cordial call.

He readjusted the belt around his otherwise naked waist, an idle habit before a figure appeared. His smile widened into a grin and Oak gave the familiar face a wave. Thoughts of those they had left back in Berwick had plagued him since their departure, and yet now he was consumed by an innate desire to join the duel hued woman in the pack that she had created. He had been missing the pack, this he knew for some time. But he hadn’t realized the true nature of his need until they were met by the alphess. He needed to belong.

Oak looked at Cassia to give his smiling approval before heading towards Lilin. Once the gap was closed he spoke to his mahogany companion, Cassia, this is Lilin. The leader I told you about. He paused, happiness unmistakably written on his face. It’s good to see you again Lilin, this is Cassia. He introduced the two females, backwards perhaps and slightly overly excited about the prospect of being among friends and an even the possibility of a new home. He did not even notice the rounding bump of Lilin’s belly. Oak cleared his throat nervously. He was normally far more cool headed then this.

In a similar fashion to Oak Cassia found herself fidgeting with her adornments, though instead of her belt she smoothed her skirt beneath the leather folds of her tasset and adjusted her breastplate. Had her hair not already been tied up with a strip of ribbon she would have likely tied it up. For now, though, her anxiety would have to be satisfied by adjusting her bangs to frame her face. For a wolfess raised in nobility it was hard to ignore the old habits of looking ones best before meeting someone of high social status such as a pack leader. Months without practice had only diminished the routine somewhat and as she was unable to completely primp and prepare herself she was uncharacteristically fidgety.

When an unfamiliar, feminine voice called Oak's name, her sea green gaze shot up to see a bi-colored wolfess beckoning them into the lands. Her russet companion gave her a brief, but reassuring, look before leading the way and Cassia followed one hand at her side the other tracing the carved pommel of her sword to satisfy her nerves. The rest of her form betrayed no other signs of nervousness in fact her visage bore a warm smile to greet this woman who was obviously very happy to see the two of them.

Oak's introduction confirmed Cassia's suspicions and the huntress dipped in a curtsy, once again unintentionally indulging her old habits. "I'm pleased to meet you, Lilin. I've heard wonderful things of your pack, both from Oak and one of your members," she explained, excited to finally meet the leader of this peaceful pack. If Lilin's greeting was any indication then this pack would be a wonderful place to live. Sea green eyes studied the Vinattan leader, memorizing her face and other features before falling on the noticeable roundness of her abdomen. Lilin was to be a mother! Cassia loved the idea of there being pups in the pack. It looked as though Lilin still had a bit further to go in her pregnancy but the anticipation of little luperci to play with and enjoy almost made Cassia giggle, but she managed to maintain a friendly smile.[/html]

Now that the two women had been introduced the male was beginning to come off his excited emotions. His initial hope was that Cassia would enjoy the new pack lands, and that it would be a good fit for his mother, brother and Tayui. His heart said that it would be, but he needed to be certain. Now that hope was growing into a need. He wanted for his good friend to like the pack leader, and feel at home here and as comfortable with Lilin as he had even during their first meeting. Cassia’s reaction was one that Oak could read easily, she too was excited and it seemed to over power any nerves that she might have.

They conversed easily, and the male grew calm and comfortable amongst them. His thoughts were even able to grow clear enough to see that the pack’s alphess was carrying a litter. The rounded belly apparent to any that glanced a bit downward. The tree named wolf realized that there had been quite so time between he and Lilin’s last meeting. It seemed as though things had changed in Vinátta and for the better. Our group is looking for a permanent place to call home, and we were hoping to learn more about your pack. Oak replied, his demeanor much closer to the normal evenness that he portrayed naturally. He was of course still eager to get a look at the pack lands and see how they lives, but the urge to jump out of his skin had diminished.

He gave Cassia another glance, hoping to catch her gaze and hold it for a moment. It had taken them some time to get to where they stood, and the journey had not always been easy. He remember the day by the ocean, and how she had assured him that he was not weak for wanting more then Berwick. Oak did not want to think about how life would have been without her, but at times curiosity played with his thoughts and he envisioned a future that was far less bright then what he now saw through his tore bay eyes. Oak resisted a momentary urge to reach out for the warrior wolfess’ hand as they followed the alphess down the worn path. Not yet breaching that realm of their friendship he only gave a smile and turned the black and brown female.

It looks like you are prospering. He added, his tone light and alluding to the fact that there would be pups in their future.

As the conversation turned to their reasons for travelling to the area Oak was the one to explain their intentions. As the huntress and the woodsman moved to follow Lilin deeper into her homeland Cassia thought she saw Oak glance her way but she turned too late to see it. He hesitated for a moment, though almost imperceptively, which puzzled Cassia. Had he intended to do or say something? No point in speculating, it obviously had not been important enough for him to linger on it. It was not her place to press him. They had more important business to tend to, which the warrior wolfess was going to enjoy as much as possible.[/html]

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Oak looked to the Soulstorm woman, listening intently on her voice and following her down the path. It was already enchanting, and unlike another place he had been before. His own anticipation no doubt formed that judgment, but he had a grand feeling that told him that there was something different about the Vinátta pack.

He nodded at the wolfess’s question, My mother, brother and a friend named Tayui. We all have been living in Berwick, but we knew that it would not last forever. They were pack wolves, that Oak and his family could not deny. They needed something more then just a selfish existence that being a lone wolf could instill. Oak was more then just feeding himself, he needed to live for the pack. He knew Cassia was the same. And if he saw Vinátta as a place where they all could prosper then he would beg his mother to join them.

Their number almost made his jaw drop, he had never lived among so many. Then you could use another huntress and hunter to help you feed them. He looked back at Cassia. The pair had begun to perfect the art of hunting in a small group, and their talents could no doubt benefit the pack as a whole. His brother Cypress was knowledgeable in the ways of crops, and tending to hives of bees. And his mother and Tayui would bring experience and wisdom to the young alphess. They would all play their roles and do their part.

Tail waved behind him as she spoke of accepting them into their extended family. He looked to Cassia. It was what they had wished for, and he could hardly believe the instant generosity Lilin extended. That sounds like a good idea. He paused only to continue with, If we see it fit, after that time I will return to Berwick and speak with my mother, Tayui and my brother Cypress. He looked back to the alphess, a smile on his face. Thank you Lilin, your hospitality is very generous.

The thought of seeing Colibri's knowledge at work around the pack lands excited the cinnamon wolfess. The idea of seeing flowers and other plants so well cared for was stimulating to say the least. Cassia would have to make a point to seek out the timid horticulturist to see more of her handiwork.

Oak was quick to list the members of their party who lingered in Berwick at Lilin's inquiry and the mention of the tree male's mother left Cassia sending a quick prayer up to the heavens that this pack would suit Anu. She hoped with all her heart that Vinatta could be a home for all of the Berwick loners and she knew Oak would be hurt if his mother decided not to join them.

When Lilin revealed the possibility of the pack expanding due to their numbers the cinnamon girl smiled excitedly. The familial belonging that seemed to permeate the ideals of this pack was just the sort of life she and Oak were longing for. If it was truly as wonderful as Lilin proclaimed, of which Cassia had little doubt, then they would feel right at home. Oak's comment about the necessity for an additional pair of hunters followed by his turn to look at her made her blush in an unusual display of timidity. It was true that she and the tree named male were quite the deadly duo when it came to hunting game, but for some reason the thought of Oak being so proud of their success made her shy all of the sudden. Under Cassia's instruction Oak had also become an even more formidable warrior with his axe. In bare-fisted combat he was also improving, already a fair match for herself, though he would not admit it. They would be a formidable addition to the pack's defenses as well if ever the need to fight for Vinatta arose.

Lilin was so kind and generous already that when she again told the pair that she would eagerly welcome them into the pack and even offered them a choice of the available homes. Oak was the first to express his gratitude by Cassia quickly followed, "Yes, thank you very much Lilin. I think we'll really like living here. I know I already feel at home," she exclaimed, a beaming smile shining on her face as she continued to follow the Virding.[/html]

They walked together through the new pack lands, Lilin pointing out things that were particular land marks of the pack. As she mentioned the Sacred Grove Oak paused in his step, eyes looking out into the woods. There was nothing different about it even though the trees looked relatively the same as any other. But into the beyond they had not yet explored, he felt that there was something quite unique. It called to him, perhaps in the way the orchard called to his mother. The male curbed his desire and turned his focus onto the Virding, having a true interest in their gods made it easy to be redirected.

The pregnant female led the two newcomers on towards what Oak could only describe as the center of the pack’s life. It was like a town, one much like that they had had in Crimson Dreams. And yet it was very different. It was not made of houses with foundations planted above the ground, but they are built into the earth itself. Domes covered with dirt and sod, with small doors that seemed to be the only thing that defined the mounds as houses at all. Oak smiled, and looked around with great curiosity.

When Lilin appeared with the gifts the tree-named wolf could not find the words to explain his gratitude. Though he had only been a part of one pack in his life he did not believe the customs that she extended were common placed among the general wolf population. Oak nodded when she asked him about Thor’s hammer, The one with the oaken handle. he spoke with confidence. He remembered his lesson of the god well.

The once-Dreamer and now newly dubbed Vinattan absorbed the information that she gave, the name of her mate and fellow leader as well as the tradition that she extended to them in the giving of gifts and the location of their home if he or Cassia needed anything. What else could he say to her? The customs had left Oak speechless and he knew only to give her thanks once more. Thank you Lilin. He spoke with a genuine and sincere tone, his face told the story. He did not know what else to say.

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]