SOLVED. "Effumeimei" and her stone creature? Fantasy Book - Desperate!

[Melissa]

Years ago, my dad picked up a second hand audio book halfway through a cross country drive. Turns out the book was a second in a series, so we had no idea what was going on. Furthermore, the recording was kind of cheesy so it became an instant joke in my family and is a very cherished memory. None of us can remember what this book was called.

The protagonist is named 'Effumeimei' (no idea how to spell it since it was an audio book) and she is accompanied by a living-stone type creature that she must protect. I remember the opening scene being on board a ship headed somewhere in this fantasy world. I believe the stone creature communicated telepathically with Effumeimei. The cover featured our heroine (dark hair, pretty, perhaps east asian descent?) holding her friend/pet (amorphous creature). I want to say it was a newer story (90s or newer?)

I wish I could remember more, if I do I will update this post. This would mean a lot for my family so I appreciate any help that is available. Thank you.

EDIT: My sister seems to remember a mousy wizardly character as another companion that was not very much help.

[Melissa]

This was solved on another forum asMelting Stones