Five - Tarka

I grabbed the ripped dishrag from my washbowl and started wiping down what I had left of my supper on my small eating table. It really wasn't that dirty, but it made me feel somewhat productive so I didn't stop myself. Maybe I could earn a living cleaning huts. Who am I kidding? Everyone is suspicious of each other; no one in my tribe would trust anyone to clean their huts for them.

I needed to find SOMETHING worthwhile to keep me occupied. This moping around has been going on for long enough.

I looked at myself as I braided my long dark hair down my back.

"Your hair is the most beautiful out of anyone else I know." I stared back at him in my mirror while he stroked it with his own beautiful claws. I let a smile escape. 

"I think it's coarse and not worth taking care of."

"I completely disagree. It is like the Nebesa Falls; radiant, heavenly, lovely. Also like you. I would very much like to take you there someday."

"In your dreams," I threw my comb at him with a smirk. He caught it with that one-sided crack of a smile he had. 

If only I had said yes!

~

I slid on a heavy jacket over my clothes, for it was cooler today in the Viridi jungle than in recent days. I was running out of papayas, which were my favorite fruit, and needed to go to the market. I slung my satchel over my shoulder, and climbed down from my hut. It was not too far a walking distance, only about a ten minute walk. The brisk breeze sent chills through my scales, but it was a welcoming sensation.

I had reached the marketplace just in time for the afternoon rush. I took my time, taking small and slow steps through this sacred place. I passed by the apple cart and stopped.

I grabbed what I thought seemed to be the best looking piece of fruit in front of me. 

"Looks like I've found the best looking one, too." I looked up to match a face with the masculine voice. Sure enough, I met a pair of mischievous green eyes, already set on me. Shaggy black hair almost covered both of them. 

I didn't know how to respond, so I didn't. My introversion got the better of me. I walked past Impish Eyes nonchalantly. I found myself stopping at the tent where they sold the papayas, examining one and then putting it in my basket. I felt like I was being watched, so I turned around, and there he was again. 

"Don't you have anything better to do than to follow around girls? You know that could be taken in a really bad way."

He chuckled. "The girl's got some fire. And what might this flame's name be?"

"Tarka. Just Tarka."

"Ahh. Just Tarka. Lovely name. It just rolls off the tongue. Juuusssstarrr-kaaaah." 

I rolled my eyes and tried to pay the owner of the papayas, when Impish Eyes cut in. "I'll take care of that for her." The owner raised his eyebrows, but said nothing. I gave the intruder a questioning look. He then gave me the biggest cheesy grin I have ever seen anyone give me. It was the first time someone smiled at me in months. 

"So now that you know my name, might I know the name of the gentlelizard who paid for my fruit?"

"Damian. Just Damian." 

"Hmm, lovely name. Just rolls off my tongue."

~

"Miss, hello, you want something?" The papaya tent owner looked at me.

"Oh, sorry. I'll take 4."