The house seems small and cosy on the outside – more a cottage really, with white walls and a red tiled roof. A small sign on the door proclaims:

Inside is a big cluttered room filled with bookshelves, a squashy red couch and a huge wooden desk. Behind it sits a tall freckled girl with dark hair who smiles happily at you as you stand uncertainly in the doorway.
"Oh, I was just filling out an application form. Come in, come in. I'm Caitlin. I assume you've already heard of ShanTarr?"
You nod, sitting on the couch and unbalancing for a second as the cushion deflates beneath you. "Yes. A friend recommended it for anyone interested in… unusual creatures."
"Well that's definitely us," Caitlin says briskly, neatening a stack of papers, "Just to give you a very quick rundown, that door over there," – she points to a perfectly normal looking door surrounded by shiny brass plaques – "leads to wherever you want to go. Best not to think about that part too much, it's a bit confusing. By making use of the thousands of habitats available to us, the Sanctuary offers a home to any creature in need of one. Don't make the mistake of thinking this is a zoo however. The creatures who live here are for the most part as intelligent as you or I. Sadly money is necessary for our upkeep and so in return for a small donation we offer the chance to tour ShanTarr and learn more about our creatures."
You smile and nod throughout this speech, already fishing around in your pockets for money. Caitlin smiles and takes it from you, making a small notation in a book and then directing you towards the door.
"Just knock on the right plaque three times, then open it. Don't be surprised if you meet one of the Wardens, they're always wondering around feeding or talking to someone. Some even live in there permanently. When you want to come back, just go through the door again. It'll be where you came through."
"Thankyou very much."
Slightly nervous, you move to the door and study the plaques that surround it.

Background image from Boogiejack.com. Signs made at FlamingText.com. Guestbook animation from The Animation Factory. Cartoondolls created by Jarecu here. Website and storyline copyright to Jarecu.