SHADOW ON THE WALL | o, temp. joining

[HAMMOND]

[align=center][div style="text-align: justify; width: 60%; font-family: georgial; font-size: 11pt;"]There was no reason for him to even consider staying in such a territory. Pulses meant trouble, and as soon as he had gotten his collar and muzzle removed Axle had bailed on the first steps into an assimilated life. The Heeler would never be ready for it, there were too many ifs and buts to staying in a civilization and he would not sit pretty whilst it inevitably crumbled around him. But... what was this itch behind his ears? This little twitch of his tail whenever he thought of the group that had helped him out? Out in the wilderness, Axle had been quick to call it fleas or guilt for his previous failures in helping out those who looked out for him, yet was he that far gone as to ignore the few humane feelings he had left within him? It was honour. They helped when they could've hindered, they were willing to accept him when others would've skinned him and life as a guard dog told him he couldn't turn his nose up at hospitable folk. Don't stay forever the Australian canine told himself, though such convincing was hardly needed with the stupid thing he was about to do. Just enough to repay your debt. Just stop feeling this way... you'll be ok.

Honey coloured eyes opened slowly as he settled on the borders, the first time in which he'd been respectful of another's property. Since his first appearance on the territory, though perhaps faded in time by now, Axle was looking much healthier. The Autumn brought about prosperous weather and flurries of plump prey waiting in preparation for the winter, though even with his newly recovered build a lump of awkwardness still swallowed within the beast's dry throat. He was tough looking for his size, eyes narrowed and expression no-nonsense as he stood against the scent line, but deep down... this was all so new to him. It'd been months since he'd talked to another properly, and to consider living amongst potential snakes and sharks would've seemed asinine for any time apart from the present. The blue merle needed to get his debts paid though, leaving them would do him more mental harm than enduring the bickering of silly groups for a week or so. Silently, Axle settled himself down, waiting for some company before he even attempted speaking out. Perhaps that would be the hardest part of this entire experience, just starting it.