Daylily -- Growing Pains

"Daylily?"

"Daylily, can you hear me?"

It's the middle of the afternoon when I peel my eyes open and squint at the sun, groaning as I push myself up out of the grass. Did I... fall asleep? No, that can't be right. My head feels all hot and groggy, and it's not from the sun, nor from the mysterious candles flickering at the ends of my horns. Did I hit my head on something? As I consider my options, I notice another Pouflon standing just to my right. Do I know them? They seem unfamiliar.

"Hey, do you feel alright? You have some kind of lump on your head," they ask, stepping a little closer to get a better look at my now apparent injury. Their antennae curl slightly, and their expression sours. "It doesn't look too good."

I sort of glare at them, backing up so they're not so close to me.

"I'm sure I'm fine. I don't know who you are, and my big sister says I can't be friends with just anyone," I reply, shaking out my coat.

They look a little sad. "I was just passing through and found you knocked out here. You could've been seriously hurt with no one to help you back home. Just... watch yourself next time."

"You don't need to tell me what to do," I murmur, puffing up, "but thank you I guess. I think I can find my way home from here... uh... what's your name?"

Their expressions shifts into something more content, warmer. "My name is Toxous. I'm glad you're okay. Here, take this, I think it should keep you safe."

Toxous hands me a tiny stone with a symbol carved into it. I can't exactly figure out what it is. Seems pointless.

"Erm... alright. See you later."

They're already gone by the time I finish my sentence. What a weirdo.