Twenty-Three - Tarka

For being creatures that live in trees, Viridians are very clean people. None of them like to get their hands too dirty, so to speak. I, however, was not like most of my people.

I had forgotten how to have fun by myself, let alone with another person. Especially with someone I'd only just met recently and really didn't know anything about. What was it about this Palkin? He was not terribly handsome. He was humorous to a point. Why does he remind me so much of Damian?

Maybe he would be a good replacement . . .

After somewhat snapping back to reality, I realized just how covered I was in mud. There was a small patch of hair on both of our heads that wasn't muddy. I giggled from deep within my belly like a little girl at the sight of him. I must've looked pretty funny to him, too. Laughter really is the best medicine for a depressed spirit like mine. Not being able to climb trees because of my shoulder really stunk. I guess I would have to adjust. No matter.

Alden wiped his face off as best as he could, but didn't get much off, forgetting that his hands and arms were also covered with the earthy brown stuff. "I would ask if we could find the river again, but what if Mother Beasty comes back?"

"Yeah, I wouldn't suggest trying to trek back up there. Let's see if we can find a lake or maybe the river will wind down towards us. Besides, even if we can't wash up, we could use it as a good camouflage."

"Good idea, Tarka."

The way he said my name made my stomach almost hurt. Something flew around inside of me like the pesky mosquitos we get around the hut in the summer months. The last time I felt like this was with Damian.

"NO, Tarka! You're not giving away your heart to this guy that you barely know." "But you could get to know him." "And something happen with him too?! No way. You're crazy." "Do you want to spend the rest of your life alone? Then get over it."

I love having bipolar thoughts.

As the two of us walked on down the way with the mud beginning to dry and crust on our skin, I noticed there was more wildlife near the river that I had never noticed around the village. It was more refreshing out here away from the trees than I had learned from my parents.

We found a light at the end of the day in the distance. Maybe Tristram is trapped there, we both thought. We reached the camp and crawled around in the tall grass, trying to find him. With him nowhere in sight, we crawled to what seemed like the back of the camp and hid behind some thicker trees.

Alden, still trying to keep as silent as possible asked, "You don't think they would've killed him already would you?"

I shook my head. "They would want to question him and possibly torture him before they did that."

"Where do you think he is then?"

"That's a good que-"

My heart seemed to leap into my mouth as I was looking around us, for in the tree branch above us sat a very large man staring at us. Alden was quick to put his hand over my mouth to keep me from making noise. The large man came down from the branch as quietly as possible. He crouched down by us and grinned.

The fear in my heart turned to joy. "How did you escape?!" I half-whispered.

Tristram grinned even bigger. "I'll explain in a minute. Boy, am I glad to see you guys!"

Alden raised his eyebrows. "You seem a little TOO excited to see us. What all happened to you?"

"I feel like I should be asking you two that question. What on earth are you covered in?"

"Earth," Alden and I stated at the same time. Tristram chuckled. "We had a run-in with a furry beast and her baby, and it didn't go over so well."

"Well, I'm sorry I missed out on the fun. I guess I should tell you all about my grand escape now."