While the Cat's Away... [Attn: Drin Johan Albaer]

[Bella]

Gareth lifted his pale eyes briefly to the young man in the Drin's uniform and smiled slightly before turning his gaze back to the cat. "If you had the choice, would you walk down a dark hallway without light?" he asked rhetorically. "To Heal, I need to know what may be wrong. The weave is directed by me to fix what ails, but I best know what ails first."

Since neither Nat nor Johan were channelers, they could not be aware of the fact that Gareth was channeling. Nat bit her lip, but then forced herself to stop because it didn't seem fitting her rank. She worried that the cat might be injured or ill, too much so to be cared for.

"I see no grievous injury or ailment," Gareth said after a few moments. "A few minor things I can tend, and otherwise undernourishment and dehydration. With a little care, she should be healthy and hale again soon." He continued petting the cat for a few moments, sending a Healing weave flowing through it and then he stepped back. "Food and water, small bits at first to let her body accustom to it."

"Looks like I have myself a cat," Nat said. She grimaced playfully, looking sidelong at her momentary companion. "I wonder if pets are allowed in the Ji quarters..."

[Cat]

Johan

If it came down to choice, Johan knew that he would always choose to walk down the dark hallway, because darkness was a great cover, always hiding you from sight, but he knew, also, that that probably wasn’t the point the Asha’man had been trying to make. It was better to know in situations like these just what you were facing, as proved by the rest of the man’s words. Johan certainly wished that he knew what he was facing, and that he could actually see the One Power.

He released the breath he hadn’t realised he’d been holding, and jumped at the Ji’val’s words, before tearing his gaze away from the Asha’man. His nerves hadn’t yet faded. He didn’t think they would fade until he left the building. They probably, actually, fully fade until he left the Tower. He’d felt anxious since arriving at Hama Valon.

“I…” He frowned slightly, trying to recall what she had said, forcing his attention back. “Yes. I mean, I’m sure you can. There’s an Accepted who keeps birds. Birds of prey, so… so why not a cat?” He paused, wondering if he should not have taken her words so literally, his cheeks turning red, and then hurried on. “How do we know it hasn’t got an owner already? Maybe an Aes Sedai lost their pet…”

[Bella]

Natlya hadn't considered that... She had assumed by the poor state of it that no one cared for it and it had simply been a stray who wandered in and gotten stuck, which might still be the case. But it might also be true that the owner simply did not know where it was and had been unable to find it.

She doubted that a Gaidin would have a cat... In the long term, it didn't really seem to fit. And if they did, she figured she would've heard, so if the young cat had an owner, it was likely to be a channeler. Anything from that quarter would be unlikely to be heard by her.

"Good point, Johan," she said and then looked at Gareth. "Asha'man, have you heard of anyone looking for such an animal?" He shook his head. She bit her lip for a moment. "With all due respect, but could I ask that you put the word out? I have few contact among the channeler ranks..." She pressed her lips together for a moment, hoping that she didn't overstep.

The large Yellow smiled slightly. "I will do so and let you know. Your name, Ji'val?"

Nat let out a breath of relief. "Natlya Cade, sir."

"Then, Natlya, I will let you know if i hear anything. In the meantime, perhaps you can care for her until she is hale again." He reached out and scratched the cat's head, who squirmed a little in Nat's hold.

"Yes, sir," Nat said.

With that, he turned and got back to work. They were clearly dismissed and she turned to Johan. "I guess I should go to the kitchens and see if they have scraps for me. You don't have to come with me if you don't want to..." She realized that she had probably taken up a great deal of his time already, though she had appreciated his help.

[Cat]

Johan

The concept of anyone having a pet was something that Johan struggled to even comprehend, because, in his mind, it was just another mouth to feed, but, if it was someone’s pet, then it was better that they were reunited. He wasn’t completely heartless, and he wondered for a moment if he should also help by asking around. He didn’t know very many people, but he’d found that word spread quickly in the Tower. If he mentioned it to one of his fellow students during a lesson it was more than likely that half the Tower would know by the afternoon. It was a small thing, yes, but hopefully it would get noted. Couldn’t call him a coward, then.

With that in mind, he watched as the Asha’man left, letting out another breath of relief, and straightened just a little as he turned his attention back to the Natlya. He couldn’t say that he particularly fancied accompanying her to the kitchens, and not just because it meant spending more time in the presence of the cat. The last time he had been to the kitchens, he had stolen something, and he was slightly paranoid that they would recognise him on sight. He didn’t want to return there any time soon. He couldn’t risk it.

“I would love to…” he started, feeling like that was the right thing to say, because he didn’t want to look like he was eager to get away. “But I have classes, and I’ve been late enough times as it is. You… You’ll have to tell me if you find its owner, though. I…” He paused, hesitating for a moment before quickly ploughing on. “But I’ll also try to ask as many people as possible. About the cat.”

[Bella]

Nat offered him a small smile. She had noted that he didn't seem terribly...comfortable, though whether it was her or the cat or just his personality, she could hardly say. Although he was polite about it, he seemed eager to be away and she was not going to hold him around any longer than she already had. It just seemed rude.

"I will," she promised. "Thank you for your help, and good luck to you, Johan."

OOC: Oh so pithy. But finished! Thanks!