Ayu



Ayu is a supporting character and animal companion in Lingon and the First Survivor. She is a garamaug originally from Wistania, then conscripted in the Minsan Army during the Minsan Invasion where she served with envoy Masset Loci. After Masset's death from redsight, she accompanies Lingon and Alaija as their companion and Alaija's protector.

Physical Description
Ayu has a brown coat with a thick off-white stripe down her spine, top of head, and snout. She is extremely strong with large paws and a floppy tongue. For the majority of Last Survivor she is wearing a Minsan vest until Lingon takes it off before the final act of the novel.

Biography
First Survivor introduces Ayu as she travels with Masset Loci, an envoy for the Minsan Army. She is able to smell Alaija while Lingon is trying to distract Masset, but is called back before she can uncover him. Later that night, Masset - now with redsight - attacks Lingon and is killed. Ayu spends that night lying at the river at the point from where Lingon disposes his body. The next morning, Alaija befriends her and names her Ayu after the sound of her howl.

Ayu primarily comforts and protects Alaija throughout the story, including attacking Minsan soldiers who shoot at him and guarding him while Lingon has hallucination and violent bouts from the effects of his ajmastone. Ayu seemingly abandons them after being confronted by Minsans in the burning city of Dazal, but she returns with Wistanian reinforcements to rescue them just in time.

At the Dazal refugee camp, Alaija is able to teach Lingon how to gain Ayu's trust, and Lingon takes off her Minsan vest. During the final battle of the novel, Ayu attempts to protect Alaija from an approaching redsight, but is quickly torn in half and killed.

Personality and Traits
Ayu is an extremely intelligent and loyal companion with superior speed and strength. She is able to detect threats and quickly respond to them either by quick attacks or through intimidation.