The sun reached the horizon, fighting to illuminate the forest. The light fell across Tamia's face, stirring her from a pleasant dream of better days.

Taking a deep breath, she blinked her eyes open. She stiffened.

Elyn's face was inches from her own, relaxed and peaceful in sleep. Tamia flushed, gingerly removing a carelessly flung arm from about her waist.

Sliding from under the blanket, Tamia stretched, studying the world around her.

A sparrow darted from tree to tree, calling in its high, urgent voice. The night's rain collected in puddles, fed by the dripping foliage.

Tamia raised her face, closing her eyes and savoring the sweet morning air.

In that moment, she was at peace. Surrounded by life, her mind blissfully blank.

Living in the now.

For the first time since leaving the cottage, Tamia felt a smile creep across her face.

"Good mornin'! Did ya sleep well?"

Tamia started. She had almost forgotten Elyn was there.

"Well enough." Her words were clipped short, devoid of all emotion.

Elyn appeared not to notice.

"So. What are we having for breakfast?" Elyn avioded her gaze and started to gather wood.

Tamia watched him work, his tail deftly picking up wood and delicately placing them in the night's firepit.

He kept his head down, and soon had a fire roaring.

"What do you want of me?" Tamia burst, eyes accusing.

Elyn looked up, a expression of innocent honesty on his face.

"Nothing, Tammie, but to be able to travel with someone as charming as you." Elyn grinned cheekily, his tail thrashing about him.

"After a year of solitude, your company is enough to brighten my otherwise bleak existence."

Tamia studied him, eyes searching and doubtful.

"To be honest, I do not know where to go. I have to find someone... but I have no idea where to start." Tamia sighed, and turned away.

"I might be able to help you there. Who is it you are you lookin' for?"

Tamia rounded back Elyn, eyes bright.

"First, I need answers."