OLIVER BLACK
BORDER COLLIE - MALE - 14 MONTHS - TANGLEWOOD

Life had not always been pleasant or fair to Oliver.  He had learned early on in his youth that the world wasn't the kind of place his mother had told him about, and that good things didn't always happen to good people. And for better or worse, Ollie considered himself mainly good. He wasn't a perfect person by any means- he had trust issues and a short temper, and was probably a bit more naive then he needed to be- but he wasn't an evil or bad in any capacity. The brown-eyed boy always tried to be polite to others and to always be honest. He believed in working hard and taking care of the people he loved,  even if these latter two practices weren't something he'd been able to practice for a while. Being on your on had that affect though. Anyways, the point being was that Oliver had come to know that the world was an arbitrary place, one that lacked the magical things called karma and that God,  if he did so exist, didn't just give things to people. You were on you own in life to make your choices and live with them, and Ollie knew now that he had to make strategic choices and hope for the best if he was going to make it.

So what was his first major choice in this new chapter of his life? A home, obviously! He had been by himself for a while now despite being the sort who was quick to try and befriend the people he liked, but that had been easier with his friend around, back before.... well, he prefer not to go into detail. All that needed to be known was that hi's friend had held a lot more confidence and a stronger sense of judgement when it came to meeting others. But Oliver couldn't be alone forever. He wanted friends and a family, a community to be a part of, and so joining a clan was inevitable. It had just taken him some time to work up the nerve to get the joining over with.

He was here though, ready and waiting, seated quietly on the Tanglewood border. His paws were muddy from the trek through the swamp and had reached firmer ground near the scent lines, which he was grateful for. He was excited to be there and to be leaving his self imposed solitude behind, but he was nervous as well. There was nothing special about him that made him a desirable member. He could hunt, was very fast, and was definitely willing to pull his weight in whatever way he could, but to look at he was as average as they came. His blue merle fur in its neat border collie pattern clung to a body of average size with no impressive mutations. While he had a healthy build to him he wasn't a ripped soldier or a stealthy spy. He was just willing candidate, and he could only hope that was enough.

"SPEECH

mikolaj hadn't been nearly as enthusiastic beginning this... new chapter of his life. it was more out of the necessity to prevent him from getting swallowed by his nature than any actual drive for a new start or family. friends was even questionable at that. there were very little he trusted here though that was simply from his own deeds. no one here actually gave off a feeling they would stab him in the back. which was why he probably stayed in the first place...

there was really no explanation as to why mikolaj had been so close to the border that day at that time. he couldn't think of anything else to do but squander his time away from the harsh rays of the sun. it was by pure coincidence he came across oliver, and approached the collie with no intent of a welcoming or polite greeting.

a rumbling grunt was the only greeting his gave before he opened his jaws, voice raspy and accent thick through his english. "tanglewood… friend or foe?" dark colored eyes looked the male up and down before assessing he was not a threat. too... soft.

"SPEECH"

OLIVER BLACK
MALE - BORDER COLLIE - 14 MONTHS - TANGLEWOOD

He wasn't sure what kind of people would come to meet him out there on the border, but he knew he couldn't let that influence him. In the end it really only came down to one important ultimatum- was he going to be alone for the rest of his life? For Oliver, the answer had been a clear and resounding 'No'. And that meant that it didn't matter how dangerous it could be, because if it was that important to him than he'd have to face it sooner or later regardless. Better to get it over with right away then spend his time in a forced solitude that would only make him miserable. Besides, Ollie had done his research. He may not have been the strongest or smartest person around, but in most instances he wasn't what you'd call an idiot. Naive sometimes, sure, but not a complete fool. Really he'd had to viable options for a home, being both Tanglewood and a place known as Elysium.In the end he'd decided that this would be his first attempt though, for as welcoming a place as Elysium was he wasn't sure if he would ever be useful enough to them in their desire to see justice met. But Tangloewood, a place of community and innovation, he could contribute to that well enough. Or at least he hoped that was the case, for while he looked perfectly cheerful and confident sitting there on the border, the truth was that Ollie wasn't at all sure of himself or what he had to offer anyone else.

All of these things were put to the test though when the first member of Tanglewood began their approach. The sable canine was easy to spot thanks to his dark fur, and Ollie couldn't help but take note of how much bigger they were than himself. The body language they wore was aloof and curt, and this was offputting to the boy, who'd been hoping for a warmer welcome. He was encouraged by the fact that this was a domestic canine though, like himself. While he was aware of the cariety of powers that others could possess in this world there was a part of him that naively believed his chances were better against someone of his own species than against something like a dragon or a massive hybrid. And in theory a part of this may havbe been true. While Oliver was no trained soldier and while he lacked any grand experience when it came to a true fight, but there was a strong sense of self preservation that wouldn't let him go quietly into the beyond when confronted. More than anything in life, Ollie feared the unknown circumstances of death.

Still, he tried to remain optimistic and it wasn't in his nature to appear cold toward somebody without a reason. For this reason alone he pushed aside his uneasiness and let a polite smile tug at his lips as the stranger came to a halt a few steps away and spoke to him. Ears would prick forward at the curious accent, trying to hear the words beneath the thick layer of culture placed over them. They came easily enough though, and he straightened up a bit and allowed his tail a gentle wag as he replied. "Friend!" he'd pipe up quickly, not wanting the other to take his silence as uncertainty. "I'm here to join, actually. My name's Oliver."

His tone was perhaps the exact opposite of Mikolaj's, his tone polite and outwardly friendly while trying to match at least a bit of the formality the other had spoken with, even if he wasn't so blunt on his end. Wide eyes would watch the other hopefully, expectantly, hoping that they'd be able to tell him that there was a place for someone like him in the clan.



"SPEECH