Writings of an Owlmoose

Summary: A summoner has the greatest respect for all living creatures.

Notes: Nooj. Auron. Yuna. A kitten. Written by request. Set within the DSHnD alternative universe.

Metadata: Gen. G, 300 words, AU. First posted in June 2006.

Rescued

As Auron walked by the campfire, his conversation with Nooj was interrupted by an odd mewling sound. He turned his head to see Yuna slip something into her pack.

“What do you have there?” he asked, stopping.

“Nothing.” But guilt flashed in her eyes, and Auron did not look away until she gave in with a sigh. “Well, I couldn’t just leave her there.” Reaching into the bag, she pulled out a small bundle loosely wrapped in cloth, then opened it to display a fluffy silver-white kitten, bright green eyes blinking sleepily.

“Yuna–”

“I know, Sir Auron,” she interrupted. “I can’t really take care of her properly out here. But the army might have trampled her if I hadn’t scooped her up and out of the way.” Her voice grew more confident with each word. “I had to save her.”

Auron chuckled under his breath. A Summoner through and through, protecting every innocent life she came across, never mind practical considerations. He glanced up at Nooj, expecting a stern reproach. Instead, Nooj scratched the kitten under the chin with his index finger. The animal yawned, stretched, and started to purr. He pulled away and looked at it thoughtfully. “I hear the supply wagons have been having rodent trouble. Perhaps they could use a cat.”

Yuna smiled with gratified relief. “I’ll go over there right away. Thank you.” She gathered the kitten to her breast and headed for the edge of the encampment.

When she was gone, Auron raised an eyebrow at Nooj. “Rodent problems? Where did you hear that?’

Nooj shrugged. “I didn’t. But they’ll take the animal in. No one in the army could refuse Lady Yuna.”

Auron finally let his smile show as Nooj limped off in the opposite direction. “Not even you,” he said quietly.