She struggled to open her eyes, having to break the glue that seemed to seal them shut. White light was all that could be seen at first until shapes and colours began to evolve. Blinking a couple of times, she took in the lush green canopy of the forest. Light was shining through the leaves, giving everything a greenish glow. Quite a bit of time had to have passed, she thought. She estimated that it had to be the next day. With that established, Anaphora began to take inventory of her body for any injuries she may have.

Other than a raging headache, Anaphora seemed to be okay, despite the fact that the last thing she could remember clearly was Sojourn throwing knives at the creature that attacked her. What had happened after that? She wondered.

"And the girl lives," a booming voice came from nearby. Only a moment later, a face popped into Anaphora's view. The light from the canopy kept the face in shadow until her eyes could focus. Anaphora groaned. It was Sojourn.

He smiled down at her, "by the way, you have yet to tell me your name."

She ignored him, annoyed by his chipper personality. Anaphora tried to get up, pressing her hands into the ground to lift her torso. She got to sitting before dizziness, and nausea overwhelmed her senses. Fighting it down, she breathed hard through her nose, determined not to lose the contents of her stomach.

"Woah, there," Sojourn laid a hand on her shoulder, steadying. "That was one big hit you took. That thing sure sent you flying, so you may want to keep resting."

Anaphora grit her teeth before replying, "can't. More will be on their way soon. Its fellows will have heard its pain and may already be here soon. Need to get moving. Thanks for your help, but this is where we part ways."

"Nonsense! It may surprise you but I was kind enough to ensure we were a safe enough distance for the time being." Sojourn talked, his hands flamboyantly emphasizing his words. "Is that the way you thank your saviour? Just a simple thank you?" He sniffed disdainfully as though offended, "I should think you owe me more, my dear."

Anaphora was about to reply when a realization dawned on her. She abruptly tried to sit up, another dizzying wave of nausea passed her. Any sarcastic reply fled her cloudy mind as she shakily asked, "where is Cetus? Please tell me he is okay!"

"Cetus?" He inquired, concern clear on Sojourn's face. "Are you talking about that nasty squawl that you set on me? If so, he is sleeping in that tree you are leaning against."

As if on cue, the furry body scampered down the trunk. He sat on her chest, bird-like feet oddly soft and rubbed his face against Anaphora's. "You awake! I was scared! So happy!" Cetus chattered.

"I'm happy you're okay too, my friend." For once, Sojourn remained silent, sensing that this was a private moment between the two. He had heard about the bonds these creatures were able to create and knew they were a special thing.

Greeting aside, Anaphora tried to sit up once more. The nausea this time had reduced to something bearable. Cetus scrambled up to her shoulder as Anaphora spoke, "well, Sojourn, thanks again for your help, but as I said, this is where we part ways."

She slowly got to her feet, swaying a bit on the way, but was able to steady herself against the tree. It took all her willpower to not fall over. She took slow, deep breaths, waiting out the waves of sickness that threatened her. Anaphora looked around, finding her bag not too far away. The lovely brown mare had also returned and was grazing.

"I'm serious, girl. I think it's best if we stick together. It was not a lie when I said I can help you, and you can help me." Sojourn raised his eyebrows, a small grin tugged at the corner of his lips.

By now, Anaphora had her bag in her hand. She turned to Sojourn, staring at him. The gashes on his face had already started to heal, and though they weren't deep, unless they had treatment, several would scar. If she took him on as a partner, Anaphora thought, he could prove to be useful. He had already saved her life from a shadow creature, proving he could handle his own. He also brought up a good point about having someone to watch her back, although she had gotten injured because he was distracting her. Another thought crossed her mind; he would just keep following her whether she wanted him to or not. Sojourn had already proved that and seemed determined.

Anaphora sighed, sticking out her hand, "name’s Anaphora. This little guy is Cetus. Now, I'm assuming that no matter what I say, you'll follow me, so you're not leaving me much of a choice."

Sojourn grinning, grasping Anaphora's outstretched hand.