one foot | p, axle | in front of the other

[HAMMOND]

[align=center][div style="text-align: justify; width: 60%; font-family: georgial; font-size: 11pt;"]The cold weather had never been a friend of Axle's. It wasn't that a break from the smoldering heats he was used to was bad, but his fur was coarse and short, even with its protective properties there was only so much chilliness it could protect the Australian breed from. It had been one of the first few things he noticed when slumbering in the territory, being so used to finding shelter in burrows meant that resting out in the open with erratic weathers had not been pleasant. The wildlife was noisier as well, even more invasive than he'd expected, with a fair share of insects using his warmth as their own little sleeping bag. Hesitant to make a den anywhere near the camp, instead opting to just curl up in random places in the territory, Axle had had enough of his own skepticism and made the conscious decision to check out the cars. Compared to magical things like powers, the male was more accustomed to the metal beasts that used to tear up this overgrown land, even if they were close to the town that familiarity might help him settle down.

A nice idea in theory at least, the Blue Heeler made his way towards the last known direction of the abandoned vehicles (if they'd somehow been driven away he'd eat his tail), the spring in his step burdened with weariness. Even with his body's reluctance to get up and go, Axle hadn't taken too long to reach his destination, nose wrinkling in satisfaction. They'd have to be searched first, lest he wanted to accidentally lay on a snake or other venomous being, but it was a sacrifice he was willing to make if he didn't have to sleep on the life-infested floor no more. Slowly the canine approached one, ears and head erecting instantly as he swore he heard shuffling. Gaze focused, the male would slowly lower his head as he prepared to strike at whatever being had made its home within the backseats of a car. Closer and closer he crept, like some wild predator, only stopping once a flash of ebony fur entered his vision. A cat... it was just a cat, one that lived here.

Heart still racing with adrenaline and exactly one to initiate conversation, Axle backed away from the female, instead hopping onto the back of one of the trucks around the area. He presumed the rickety clunking of metal would be enough to draw Ophelia's attention should she wish to know who was foraging close to her, and though keeping an ear out to make sure she wouldn't sneak up on him, Axle's eyes had gone towards the trunk. Paws scuffling as if pawing at dirt, he seemed prepared for any threat that could've come from him disturbing the peace.