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Hugging her gift box carefully against her chest, the young squirrel woman stared the beautiful, green doors of a local bed and breakfast. She sighed, unsure if she should knock. But then again, where else would she go? She looked behind her just in time to see a human passerby sneer at her. He pulled a water balloon out of his pocket and threw it hurriedly at her, missing by only inches. She shuddered and knocked on the door rapidly. If this was how conservative gaians acted against her kind, she didn't want to know how the assertive ones did.

There was no answer, however. Sensing others getting close, she frantically knocked again. She knocked so hard, the door swung open, having been unlocked all along. Though mildly startled, she darted inside into safety and closed the doors behind her. It may have been deserted, but she truly felt sheltered and relieved. Sighing heavily, she sauntered over to the couch and lied down, putting the gift box down next to the seat.

'Home sweet home,' she thought happily, her weary eyes starting to close. 'At least for now.' She almost drifted off into dreamland... until--

"Hey! What are you doing here?!" a voice boomed.

The lady squirrel yelped and stood, bumping into the form of an authoritative figure. The figure who's voice had startled her. That figure was that of a tall and strong tiger; a couple heads taller than her. The lesser squirrel quaked in fear, but continued to stand in respect.

The tiger crossed his arms. "You can't be here without an invitation."

"I'm s-s-s-sor..."

"I've had enough of strays like you coming in here and taking advantage of..." He paused, quirking an eyebrow at her tearful eyes. He normally wasn't one to be swayed easily, but he could see this girl meant no ill will. He sighed and rolled his eyes at her naiveness. "Okay, okay. Pull yourself together." He laid a heavy paw on her shoulder, making her flinch. "Next time, you better read the plaque outside the house. I'll make this one exception-- you look like you need some sleep."

The lady nodded frantically and wiped her tears away furiously, embarrassed for her frailness. "Thanks. I'm sorry I didn't read the rules. I'll be more careful next time. But there were these guys who were chasing and making fun of me! They wanted to take my box and this was the only place that--"

"Alright, I see your point; no need for the sob story." He walked over to the front desk and picked up a lovely fountain pen. "Now," he began as he dipped the pen in ink. "What's your name, girl?"

She cleared her throat, trying to remain composed.

"My name is Zuleika, sir..."