Cassandra had spent the eight hour drive from London in anxious anticipation. Not for her herself though. For the family she was going to play a part in creating; for the married couple back in England and the child they were hoping to adopt. While adoption law wasn’t necessarily her forte, it was something she was passionate about. So, when a truly deserving couple appeared asking for her help since they were unable to afford the rate of the local adoption lawyers, she had of course obliged. The woman didn’t get into law for the money, although it was a perk, but to level the playing field and bring justice to those who deserved it.

Driving up, the orphanage itself was a sight to behold, located worryingly near the sea. It wasn’t pristine but it was still grand. The magic could be felt from the bottom of the winding driveway. “Wow.” She couldn’t help the statement falling from her mouth as she parked her car directly in front, getting out and taking the time to fully acknowledge her surroundings. The smell of salt water tickled her nose as the breeze picked up her hair.

The breeze from being so close to the sea was chillier than she expected for a summer day. Cassandra reached back into her car to pull out a studded leather jacket she kept in there for such occasions. She knew it wasn’t the most professional look but it was more comfortable than the goosebumps covering her arms. This was more of a reconnaissance mission than a formal client meeting anyway. The couple she was working for were both magical – as most clients of Cavanaugh & Slagle were, and they were looking forward to sharing their home and lives with a magical child as well. A short list of magical orphanages and foster homes had brought her here. Amongst other places. The others had been impressive in their operation but the tours left little to write home about.

She could feel the difference in the atmosphere of this place as she made her way to the front doors. Cassandra opened them, letting herself in, unsure if she should knock on a place of business despite how much it looked like a real home. Standing in the center of the foyer she felt like it was quiet – too quiet…and she couldn’t see anyone coming to greet her. “Hello? I have an appointment.” She called out, her feet nervously moving her around the room. The blonde was looking at everything; she never could stay still for very long. It didn’t bother her too much that there was no one there to see to her yet, as it was a good excuse to do a little snooping. Other than being a little dusty, however, there was nothing out of the realm of normal to be found. After a couple minutes she had taken a seat in a chair, ankles crossing as she did so. She was a lady, after all.

She distracted herself with her phone for a while until she could hear the light sound of footsteps, still a distance away but more noise than there had been before. The woman looked up in anticipation of someone coming to finally greet her. Rising to stand, she adjusted her jacket and tucked her phone away. It was a philosophy of hers to always make a good first impression, no matter the circumstance. She smiled as the footsteps came closer, light blue eyes making one last sweep around the room before meeting with those of the other woman that had appeared.