----- SNIP ----<br/><br/><br/><br/>So - this was the big day?<br/><br/>Maleena had put on her best skirt (certainly not her longest) and a low-cut blouse, combed her hair and cleaned her ears. As a little extra, she had added a small, elegant collar and was altogether a fresh, warm mixture of purple, brown and lavender. She had also pinned down Skuld and licked her companion's ears clean . both in excitement and a wish to make her look presentable for Akira. She and Skuld had both spent the car ride ignoring Doreen's urgent reprimands to behave this time, to give this a chance and to make sure they'd at least not be sent back in the first three days.<br/><br/>Now, finally, they were here. Maleena's eyes wandered over the little garden, up the walls and to the tidy windows. A bird was perched on the stairs, but she knew that birds would soon find safer places to perch at, once Skuld had established her place here. Even though the bird-loving feline meant had no ill intend, sometimes excitement got the better of her. More than one bird - much to Skuld's dismay - had breathed its last breath that way. Maleena's ears picked up the happy hello of songbirds, the rustle of wind among leaves and flowers, and the gnawing teeth of a squirrle which chipped away at a nut. Animals in general seemed to find this place a welcoming home and that, without a doubt, was a good sign.<br/><br/>She elegantly swung her legs completely out of the car and got to her feet.<br/><br/>Was Akira already waiting for them, peeking at a window? Had he forgotten they were due to arrive today? Was there a welcome meal - or Skuld's promised feather? What about the bedsheets... would they really be there?<br/><br/>She couldn't help it - her heart was pounding with so much excitement, she almost forgot Skuld was here with her.<br/>