Going Home (A Poca and Esme fanfic)

[poca]

Title: Going Home
Rating: PG to PG-13 (just to be safe)

[[Authors' Note: This fanfic includes cannon and non-cannon characters. Future sections have been edited for adult content. To see the full story, you must pm us with permission and be 18 years or older. No exceptions! Please enjoy and leave comments.

Snugglehugs from Pocahontas and Esmerelda]]

Part I

Chapter One

Pocahontas looked around her suite for the final time, checking that she had not left anything behind. Her shoulders were wrapped in a deer hide to ward off the cold morning air and her long hair was braided down her back. She had been staying in the park for months and now she was finally going home. It was a bitter sweet time, as she missed her people so much, but knew that her new friends had become as dear to her as her own tribe. If only she didn’t have to live so far away from all of them.

The Indian took a deep breath, the scent of fresh linens and stale hotel air filling her nose. That was the memories that she was keeping with her. Gathering together the last of her belongings, the Indian princess closed the door and locked it. Her hand lingered on the doorknob a moment more before she turned and went down the hallway. Leaving her room key with the staff, Pocahontas made her way down to the water, where her canoe waited for her.

This canoe was new to her as her old one had smashed upon the rocks when she had gone camping with Jane and Esmeralda. As much as she missed her old friend, the first one she had ever made, this new canoe meant more than words could tell. Esmeralda had been so crushed by the disaster that night; she had vowed to help the Indian make a new canoe. Pocahontas was proud of her friend’s loyalty and soon taught her all she knew about carving a canoe. The gypsy had learned very quickly, being used to making things in her own culture. Pocahontas had to admit that Esmeralda was as close to a Powhatan maiden as she had ever seen in this park and was glad that her new friend was coming back with her.

Pocahontas stored her baggage in the rear of the canoe, tying it down so that it would not fall out if an accident happened on the journey home. The Indian thought this was doubtful, as both she and Esmeralda were prime canoers by this point and the Indian was very familiar with the waterways that lead down to the park. Now all she had to do was wait for her best friend to arrive.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Esmeralda tidied the area where she and Djali had slept their last night in the Worlds of Disney. She packed the few things she owned, and placed them in a backpack. Being homeless and without a horse wagon, she did not own more than what she could carry with her at all times. And the things she owned were mostly things that came in handy when she lived outdoors all year.

After making sure everything was neat and clean, and they hadn't forgotten anything, like putting out the camp fire or such, Esmeralda soon left the area, Djali in tow. This was the day when she would follow Pocahontas back to her tribe. She was glad she had been capable helping Pocahontas with making a new canoe. She felt guilty about crushing the old canoe. Hopefully that would never happen again.

She made her way to the place she knew her friend would be waiting for her. Djali bounced eagerly up and down beside her, impatient to see Pocahontas again.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Pocahontas double checked the welfare of the canoe and the maintenance of the oars. She had made an extra in case something went wrong. Her keen ears picked up the tell tale sound of hoof beats and she looked over her shoulder. Appearing first as a little speck in the distance, Djali the goat bounded towards the Indian, his little feet moving as fast as they could carry him. Pocahontas laughed as the goat knocked her to the ground and eager began to lick her face. She had become accustomed to this greeting and had prepared herself for the goat’s tackle, making sure that there was a nice patch of grass behind her to land on.

“Hello little one,” she said, scratching his rump in a way the goat found most relaxing. “Are you ready for our big adventure?” They had left him behind the last time and Pocahontas didn’t know how well the goat would react to the canoe ride back to the Tidewater region.

Esmeralda gently approached the Indian princess, laughing when she saw Djali knocking her to the ground and licking his face. Djali's tiny tail was wagging happily, and Esmeralda noticed that Pocahontas had been smart enough to land on a soft patch of grass, so she didn't get hurt by Djali's eager greetings.

"Hey, Djali, when you are done with Pocahontas, it is my turn! As much as I love you, Poca, I will be content with hugging you, though."

She helped Pocahontas back on her feet, and gave her a gentle hug.

Djali bleated happily, dancing around her legs as Pocahontas hugged Esmerelda. He rubbed her thigh, eager for more attention, but Pocahontas was too occupied for all that, so he decided to lie in the grass.

"Good to see you again, my friend,” said Esmerelda as she released Pocahontas. “Djali has been ready for this adventure for a long time. He started nagging me already when we went to bed last night, and kept on nagging all night. And this morning by sunset, he ran off with my blanket to make sure I got up on time."
Djali heard his mistress' words and gave her a sheepish smile from his place in the grass. Esmeralda went over to the canoe, and placed her little backpack among the other things.

"I hope I don't wreck your canoe again," she smiled. "Though I liked helping you make this one."

Pocahontas smiled at the gypsy’s comments on the canoe. She knew that the previous disaster was a mistake and had freely called it that. Esmeralda had just been learning how to canoe and the river had gotten the better of them. On the upside, they had spent the night in the jungle getting to know one another. The more she learned, the more Pocahontas respected the gypsy. They were so much alike a stranger would say that they had been separated at birth. At times, Pocahontas thought this comment to be right and always treated Esmeralda as a sister. She had lost her mother at such a young age, in Esmeralda she was getting that time back.

“I just hope he doesn’t jump out of the canoe,” said Pocahontas, tickling Djali behind the ears. Once everything was secure, the two women pushed the canoe to the edge of the river. “Do you want to be in the front or back?”

Esmeralda smiled over at Pocahontas. The better she learned to know the Indian princess, the more she loved her. Not the same way she loved Kovu, of course. For her Pocahontas was the sister she had always wanted, but never had. Now she had the time of her life, enjoying having a new sister. She was surprised to see how much Pocahontas and she had in common. Only Pocahontas knew how to control a canoe . . . Esmeralda smiled and sighed, even if Pocahontas had told her that was just an accident. She hated ruining other people's belongings.

When Pocahontas expressed concern that Djali might jump out of the canoe, Esmeralda laughed.

"Don't worry. I have told him that Mrs. Sparrow is coming here to swim today. He will not even attempt to try jumping into the water."

She lifted Djali and placed him in the canoe, where he laid himself down, afraid that Mrs. Sparrow might see him. Esmeralda chuckled from laughter. "You see? As for me, I will sit where you want me to. I am not picky. I am just happy you want us to come with you. Thank you for inviting us."

Pocahontas laughed when Esmeralda mentioned Mrs. Sparrow. She was a darling old woman, very caring, and . . . a talking head. The Indian remembered well her first meeting with Teague’s wife and it still creped her out. When Djali settled into the bottom of the canoe, Pocahontas placed herself in the front. This way she would be better to navigate them through the rough spots and see the river ahead. She waited for Esmeralda to join her before setting her oar in the water and pushing off from the bank. She knew that the first part of the river was very smooth, allowing them ample time to adjust to being on the river again.

Esmeralda laughed too, ruffling Djali's fur gently. He bleated happily and rubbed his tiny head lovingly against her hand. She climbed into the canoe, and placed herself in the back, and grabbed an oar. Then she started paddling, just like Poca had taught her. She hoped she would be capable of keeping this canoe from crashing.

“So Esme,” Pocahontas called back, using the nickname they had often used with each other. “Have you heard anything of home lately? How is your father? He is quite the prankster, but he has a good heart.”

Esmeralda sat calmly in the canoe, paddling and enjoying the view at the same time. The gypsy replied to Pocahontas's question with a smile.

"Last I heard of my father, he was quite well. Right now he has a crush on Nani. I wonder how Captain Shang will react when he finds out. After all, Nani is his wife. I hope my dear Papa will come to his senses. I love Nani as a sister. But she is a married woman. Papa must learn to respect that."

Pocahontas shook her head when she heard about the gypsy king’s perusing of Nani. One could hardly blame him as the Hawaiian girl was a catch.

Esmerelda continued on, chuckling with laughter. "Papa may seem like a prankster, but behind that merry mask of his, is a warm, brave and daring gypsy king. Papa will stop at nothing when it comes to protecting his people. It is he who has taught me to fight for what I believe in. I had a wonderful childhood, with as much love and freedom an orphan child could ever dream of. Papa was protective and gentle, but at the same time he allowed me to have fun. I have never missed my real parents, because Papa gave me all the care I needed."

Pocahontas’s face fell as Esmeralda spoke of her father. “He sounds wonderful,” she said quietly, the rhythm of her paddling slowing down. “I haven’t seen my father in so long. I just hope he is there when I return.”

She took one hand from the oar and touched her mother’s necklace. She could not bear to lose both of her parents. She had never married and was in no condition to lead her people. But she knew that one day that would be her duty.

Esmeralda watched Pocahontas touching her mother's necklace, and her eyes softened. She had lost her own mother in the most gruesome way when she was only six, and she understood what Pocahontas felt right now. Her eyes softened and she spoke in a tender voice to the girl that now was as close to her as any real sister could be. She listened to Pocahontas, and watched her face and body language. She smiled gently as she replied.

"Your father will be there, Poca. Don't you worry about that. I don't think he will leave this planet before he sees you happily married and surrounded by children. Personally, I would love to babysit yours and Kenai's children when you and Kenai want to have a romantic moment. Your people will love him. He is a wonderful man, and you deserve to be happy. Marry from love, Poca-kins, not from duty."

Esmeralda knew that as Clopin's daughter, it was her who one day would be the Queen of the gypsies. She would have to marry one day too, to make sure to keep the gypsy tribe alive. She sighed. Zephyr and Penny, as much as she loved them, were not gypsies, and would not inherit the crown. Esmeralda had to marry a man of the gypsies, or one that looked like a gypsy. Only one man had managed to capture her heart, and Esmeralda was not willing to give herself to anyone else.

Pocahontas looked back at her best friend and touched her hand in appreciation. It had always been her fear as a child that her father would die in battle far away and that she would never get to say goodbye. After her mother’s death, her father became more distant, perhaps associating his daughter with his dead wife. Pocahontas knew that he still loved her, but he was gone so often that the Indian maiden had to treasure every moment she had alone with the chief. When her father could not be there, she had taken Grandmother Willow as her confidant and now Esmeralda as well.

“You always know the right thing to say,” she praised, patting the gypsy’s hand. “You will be a great leader one day.” She paused and blushed at the idea of marrying Kenai and having children with him. “I don’t know how my father will react to my engagement to Kenai. He’s not from out tribe so it may come as a shock. I don’t know whether I should tell him until I bring Kenai with me. And I do love him, more than anything, and I would be happy all my days if he was my husband. I would love to take Kenai back with me one day. I know that my people will take him in instantly. They will do the same with you, don’t worry. It may take some time, but I know you will love my tribe.”

Esmerelda smiled by the thought of Pocahontas's tribe, eager to get to know them. "I look forward to meet them, Poca. And I know I will love them, just as much as I love you."

Drawing her eyes back to the surrounding river, Pocahontas scratched Djali’s back, making sure that he was still alright. As the canoe continued up the river, the Indian began to teach Esmeralda some of vital things about her tribe. She instructed the gypsy about their daily routine, basic words of her language, and about the different social stations in the tribe. As a royal guest, Esmeralda would be expected to know as much as any tribe member, but would also be exempt from the majority of the reticule that those of lower status would endure. The last thing that Pocahontas wanted was for her friends to get hurt.

[poca]

Chapter Two

The air was feeling chilly, and the river water was sloshing against the outside of the canoe. The first rays of the morning sun fell on Esmeralda’s face. She still felt sleepy, and didn't want to open her eyes just yet.

Djali was already up. She heard him shifting in the canoe, and she tensed her body, ready to reel him in, if he should fall in the river. Djali sniffed on her hair, and licked her face lovingly, but she wanted to sleep just a little bit longer. She didn't react to his licks, pretending to be fast asleep, and the goat sighed and allowed her to sleep. He knew that the girls, eager to reach the camp, had been paddling until late last night. When he had fallen asleep in the canoe, they were still paddling. After giving her a lick on the cheek, Esmeralda heard that Djali moved over to Pocahontas.

Pocahontas was curled up in the front of the canoe, her ebony hair falling gracefully over her face and shoulders. The movement of the river had rocked her to a much needed sleep. Thankfully they were in a smooth area that could allow the canoe to float at its own will. Her hair smelled lovely, like forest and wild flowers. Djali leaned over her and gave her a loving lick in the face.

The Indian could feel Djali’s curious sniffs on her skin and the loving licks that he gave her. Giggling, she reached out and scratched the animal’s ears as she sat up. Noticing that Esmeralda was feigning sleeping, she smiled and turned back to the river.

She had just reached for her canoe paddle when the bottom of the boat hit the shore. The canoe gave a jolt and the river water sloshed. Looking back to see if Esmerelda was alright, Pocahontas recognized where they were.

Esmeralda giggled and sat up when she heard her friend was awake. She dipped her hands in the river, and filled them with water, then washed the sleep out of her face. She also took time to brush her long raven curls until they shone like silk. She smiled when she noticed Djali had found a comfortable spot by Pocahontas’ side, and gave her friend a sparkling smile.

“We have made good time,” Pocahontas told the gypsy. “The village isn’t far from here. We could get there by midday. Perhaps we should stop and eat something before we go on.”

Searching her packs by her feet, she retrieved a couple of ration packs that she had made up before leaving the park. They had dried fruits and salted pork. She had also included some of the strange snack food that she had discovered in the park, like licorice and candies. For water, they had plenty around them.

Esmeralda helped herself to some dried fruit and salted pork. She noticed Djali's pleading look, and she smiled and gave him some of her fruit as well, before she scratched his ear lovingly. Djali was lying between the girls, with his head in Pocahontas's lap and stretching his tiny hooves against Esmeralda's thigh. The girl grimaced laughingly by the feel of a sharp hoof into her thigh, but she didn't say anything. She knew that Djali wanted to show he was attached to both of his favorite girls.

“We can make a stop before we arrive at the village,” the Indian said to Esmeralda, turning around so that she was facing her friend. Djali looked at her with his undeniable eyes and Pocahontas gave him a piece of fruit. “I would like you to meet Grandmother Willow. She has been my best friend since I was a little girl, well one that wasn’t human. We can see her now or later. What would you like to do?”

"I look forward to see your village," the gypsy replied. "You have told me so much about your tribe that I feel I know them all already. But at the same time I am afraid to make mistakes, say wrong words or accidentally insult someone. I would love to meet your Grandmother Willow. Any time you want to meet her is fine with me. I will follow you where you go."

Pocahontas nodded. “I know that you are nervous, but that will ensure a disaster,” she counseled gently. “You are a wonderful person, very respectful and a gypsy princess, besides. Just do as you see others do and follow your instincts. No one will cause you too much pain with the chief’s daughter as your best friend.”

"Thank you, Poca. You are a wonderful person too. No wonder half the Worlds of Disney is in love with you. And the other half is women and most of them consider you among their best friends. Not once have I heard anyone speak ill of you. I am proud of having you as my best friend. In fact - I consider you more like a sister now."

Pocahontas gauged the skies critically. She was worried about possible rain. Perhaps tomorrow would they could visit Grandmother Willow. There was so much that she wanted to share with the old tree spirit. “Well the village is close so why don’t we continue on for today. We can go exploring tomorrow once you have settled in.”

Esmeralda lifted her gaze and watched the dark clouds about her. The sight of them, and the chill in the air, told her that the rain would soon be pouring down. She gave her friend a warm smile. "You are right, my friend. The rain will pour down any moment now. I look forward to meet your Grandmother Willow soon. From what you have told me, I love her already."

The river flowed by them as they reached the wider river leading to the Powhatan village. The girls could see the smoke rising from fires and a line of men along the bank fishing. As they came closer, huts could be identified among the trees.

Esmerelda studied the huts with interest. They were nothing like the huts she had seen in Europe. The way the men were fishing was also different. In Europe, the fishers along the River Seine had been standing alone by the riverbank, as if they were fishing just for the solitude.

Pocahontas smiled widely, her heart pounding like a roaring waterfall. She gave a shrill cry of excitement, which was soon answered by more. She was finally home!

[poca]

Chapter Three

With Esmeralda’s help, Pocahontas moved the canoe into a shallow cove by the village and leapt out into the water. She took a moment to feel the water around her legs, the first touch of home in a very long time. Once the canoe was secured on the bank, she helped Esmeralda unload their supplies. By this time there was a large group gathered on the banks, tiny children tugging at their mother’s dresses or straddling their father’s shoulders.

Heart beating, but also with a smile on her face, the gypsy stood by Pocahontas's side, ready for her first meeting with the Powhatan tribe. She noticed a lot of women and children at the riverbanks, and smiled warmly. She had always loved children. Most of the children, and some of the women, smiled back to her.

Djali clambered out of the canoe and onto the shore. The girls watched with a smile as he joined a group of children, who began petting the goat’s rump and pulling on his ears. He bleated happily and wagged his little tail. Pocahontas knew that Djali would have to be watched closely so that he wouldn’t cause too much mischief and be prepared for dinner. Esmeralda smiled to one of the children, a little girl, and lifted her up on Djali's back. Djali started strutting around proudly, pretending to be the little girl's pony. He was moving carefully so she wouldn't fall off. Esmeralda kept an eye on both of them, ready to intervene within seconds if the child should fall.

Pocahontas searched around for her father but he was not there. Perhaps he is in council, she thought to herself.

“Wingapo everyone,” she said to her people. “I have brought with me a friend from the far land. She is called Esmeralda and this animal is her goat Djali. She is a princess among her people and both are dear companions to me. Treat them with the same respect that you would my father or myself.”

With hammering heart, Esmerelda noticed Pocahontas introduce her to the tribe. She smiled and tried to look friendly, even if she felt a bit nervous right now. She was afraid something might go wrong, or she could insult someone . . .

"Wingapo," she said softly. "I thank my friend Pocahontas for her kind invitation, and it is an honor for me to be here and meet the famous Powhatan tribe I have heard so much about. I look forward to meet each and every one of you, and I hope we will be friends."

The Indian looked around when she heard the familiar sounds of her old friends. Meeko scuttled from the mass of villagers and leapt into Pocahontas’s arms. He nuzzled her face and purred with delight. Pocahontas laughed and began to cry, kissing her old friend and holding him as tightly as she could. There was a buzz of wings and Flit landed on Meeko’s head, chirping with as much excitement as the raccoon. Pocahontas raised her hand and stroked the hummingbird’s back, smiling as he nuzzled against her fingers.

“Oh I have missed you so much,” cried Pocahontas, sitting up with Meeko on her lap. Flit soared around her head a couple times before landing on her shoulder. “You have been looking after each other just like I told you.”

Djali watched how the Indian princess hugged her animal friends, and there was undeniably a pout on his face. Esmeralda nudged her goat warningly, and he tried to smirk instead.

Setting Meeko aside, Pocahontas’s heart leapt at the sight of a familiar face. She cried out in joy and jumped to her feet. Speaking rapidly in her native tongue, she rushed into Nacoma’s arms and held her tightly. The woman hadn’t aged at all but Pocahontas could feel that she was expecting another child. She could see the joy and excitement in Nacoma’s eyes, but also a certain sadness.

“What is the matter?” she asked softly. Pocahontas watched her old friend closely, worried by the news that she carried.

Esmeralda noticed Pocahontas embracing an Indian woman, who had to be Nacoma. It looked like the woman was expecting a child. She seemed happy to see Pocahontas, but at the same time sad. Esmeralda wondered what could have caused the sadness in the woman’s eyes.

Pocahontas saw Esmeralda had joined her. She took the gypsy’s hand and led her over to Nacoma. “Nacoma, this is Esmeralda,” she said. “She is my new friend from the far land. Esme, this is my old friend Nacoma. We’ve been together since childhood.”

Nacoma looked at Esmeralda, her eyes dark. Her eyes drifted down to the hands that linked her with Pocahontas. Nacoma’s throat tightened with sadness, from her long months of missing her best friend, and the betrayal that this new stranger brought.

Esmeralda watched Nacoma, and could see in her eyes that this Indian girl didn't like her, or welcome her. Esmeralda had been chased long enough to know hatred when she saw it. Still she kept her smile and greeted Nacoma in her own language.

"Wingapo, Nacoma. I am Esmeralda. It is nice to meet you. I hope we will become great friends."

Though I doubt it. You don't keep an open mind. Not like I do. Where I see an opportunity to meet a new friend, you only see enemies. I have met people like you before, but for Poca's sake I will be strong and bear with your weakness.


“You must come with me,” Nacoma said to Pocahontas, taking her other hand and leading her through the crowd. She led Pocahontas to the chief’s hut, a light smoke column rising from the hole in the roof. As for the stranger, Nacoma would rather she stayed behind with her goat.

A devilish glimpse of humor appeared in the eyes of the gypsy girl when she watched Nacoma take Pocahontas away.

A jealous little thing, are we not? I will not bend for you in this. I am a guest of your tribe - a friend of the Chef's daughter. Poca wanted me to meet her father. I have not come all this way to be declined.

Djali looked over at the gypsy and grinned. Then they both followed Pocahontas and Nacoma, entering the hut of the chief, as if it was the most natural thing of the world.

[poca]

Chapter Four

Pocahontas brushed aside the hide covering the doorway of the hut and waited for her eyes to adjust to the dim lighting. The medicine man Kekata sat near her father’s bed, his long white hair framing his ancient face. When he spotted the visitors, he stood up slowly, a root wood cane helping him along.

“It is good to see your face dear Pocahontas,” he said in his gravely voice. “Your father is in much need of your presence.”
Pocahontas looked past her old friend and saw her father lying on his bed and choked out a sob. Kekata placed a comforting hand on her arm as he passed them to the hut door. There was now no barrier between her and her father’s sleeping body. His left leg had been bandaged heavily and the familiar scent of Kekata’s herb medicine drifted from the bed.

Esmerelda entered the room after Pocahontas. She noticed the regal looking man on the bed and knew this was Pocahontas’s father. Her keen nose caught the scent of herbs. Being an expert in healing with herbs and plants herself, and also quite complicated operations, like removal of bullets and arrows, Esmeralda smelled the air, trying to find out what the herbs were. She could sort out a lot of herbs she knew - and others that she didn't know. She had brought her own rich arsenal of herbs and plants with her. She even had herbs and plants from Europe, that didn't exist in this new world.

She went over to Kekata and gave him a polite curtsey. This was a man she wanted to get to know better. She felt they had a lot in common - like interest for herbs and plants, healing and curing. She wondered if he would like to try the wand she had received from Merlin. He would probably master it better than she did, she thought with a teasing smile in Djali's direction.

"Wingapo, Monsieur Kekata. I am Esmeralda, a gypsy from Paris in France, Europe. The goat is my best friend Djali. I have come with my friend Pocahontas to meet the legendary Powhatan Tribe. It is my hope that I also will be good friends with their wise medicine man, and that you and I can exchange recipes, herbs and plants. I used to take care of sickness, wounds and injuries among my own people, so when I am here, I will offer to assist you in your work if you should need help."

Esmerelda looked over at Pocahontas' father, then looked at Kekata again, lowering her voice.

"What is wrong with him, Monsieur? Is there anything I can do to assist you in curing him? My people know many secrets, and we are not unfamiliar to the use of magic."

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Esmeralda,” replied Kekata softly. “It would be good to learn what others do with herbs and healing.”

Pocahontas left the others and knelt down beside her father, unable to look at him and staring at the dirt floor next to her. She touched her mother’s necklace around her neck and closed her eyes.

Please don’t take him, she whispered in her mind. I still need him Mother. Allow him to stay on this earth a while longer.

Pocahontas looked down at the ring on her finger and thought of Kenai. She wanted to tell her father about her engagement, for her father and future husband to meet, but now that seemed like a distant dream. Why hadn’t she returned sooner? Why had she abandoned them for so long?

Djali was by Pocahontas' side, trying to comfort her by rubbing his tiny head lovingly against her and licking her. He loved her just as much as he loved his mistress Esmeralda. And if anything ever happened to his mistress, there were no doubt in Djali's faithful little heart where he would want to stay instead. He looked up at Pocahontas with all his love for her showing in his mild brown eyes.

Pocahontas gave the goat a thankful scratch on the belly before turning back to her father. It had been so long since she had seen him and even longer since she looked at him, really looked at him. She could see the scars of wars and long winters on his face, the wrinkles running like trails in a fresh mud. His eyes were closed, yet she remembered the love and wisdom they often showed. His hair was sleek along his face and his chieftain headdress showed the power of his people.

Esmeralda placed a gentle hand on Pocahontas's shoulder and spoke mildly to her.

"Your father will not die, Pocahontas," she said. "Not if I can have a say in this matter. There are many ways to prolong a human life. My people know at least half of them. Let me help you to try curing him."

Wiping away tears, Pocahontas smiled. Esmeralda was so sweet and determined to help. It would be good for her to study under Kekata.

Suddenly Nacoma’s enraged voice broke the quiet. “How dare you!” she cried in a hushed voice. She had great respect for the chief and did not to wake him. “You come to my people and suggest we cast witchcraft on our chief! We have already suffered the abuse of the people across the great water and our chieftainess-to-be brings more danger upon our heads! They with their fire sticks and now you bring evil magic. I will not see my chief cured by a witch like you.”

Esmeralda had seen hatred in the eyes of Nacoma from their first meeting, so for her the outburst was no surprise. She turned to the Indian woman and watched her, remarkably calm, allowing her to finish her shouting. It was not the first time she was accused of being a witch, and it would not be the last. Even Merlin himself had said she had the soul of a witch. But if it was up to Esmeralda, this witch would join the forces of good. She looked warmly over at the old chief again, and her warm heart flooded with a compassionate urge to help.

"I see," she replied calmly, with an innocent face expression. "So if someone brought magic that could save your chief, you would not allow them to help him because the help was not as traditional as you are used too? You claim to respect your chief, and still you would want him to die?"

Pocahontas rose to her feet and turned on her old friend. “Stay your tongue!” she ordered in her people’s language. “You will not speak to a royal guest that way. She only wishes to help and you treat her like a murder. It is my father’s health that is at stake. It is my decision whether to accept her help, not yours!”

Nacoma stood in silence, staring at her old friend in shock. Esmerelda watched Pocahontas stand up, defending her, and smiled. She knew that Pocahontas would never allow anyone to disrespect her. Esmeralda had hoped she wouldn't get into trouble on her first day here, but this woman rubbed her the wrong way. She wondered how long she would be capable of putting up with it before her hot gypsy temper flared. After a moment, she bowed her head and retreated out of the hut. Pocahontas felt bad for her words but knew that she had no choice.

Old Kekata shook his head and turned to Esmeralda. “You must be careful, young one,” he warned in a whisper. “There are those that are steeped in tradition and will not take kindly to quick changes. I would only offer help when asked.”

When Kekata whispered to her, Esmeralda smiled and bowed respectfully to the medicine man. She had known this man only for seconds, and already she loved him as if he was her father. He seemed like such a nice and gentle man, and she would feel honored to study under him.

"Thank you for your kind warnings, Monsieur Kekata," she whispered back. "I will heed your advice. I hope for the sake of the chief however, that it will not take long before I am asked to help him. I would feel honored if you could take upon you to have me as your student for the time I am here. I will work hard and fast, and to my uttermost to make you proud. I am only 16 years old, and I still have so much to learn. I feel that here in your presence, I can learn a lot about magic and healing. I would be proud to have you as my teacher. I have brought with me herbs and plants from my own country, and everything I own is to your disposal, if you can use it in your work of healing the sick and injured. I would also offer you my wand, if you feel comfortable with the use of it."

Pocahontas felt great pain about Nacoma’s outburst. “Nacoma only said what she felt,” she explained to Esmerelda. “After the arrival of the settlers, we have retreated further into the old ways, afraid of being hurt again. They killed some of our bravest warriors, Manotake and . . . Kocoum. It is only natural that she would be suspicious of you. But I know your good heart, dear Esme and I would ask you to help my father in any way you can. But for the sake of my people, please let no one know of your involvement with witchcraft. I fear that there are too many others like Nacoma.”

Esmeralda placed her hand gently on Pocahontas' shoulder and looked warmly into her eyes. There were no signs of anger in her voice when she spoke. It was not Pocahontas' fault that Nacoma was short-sighted and blinded with hatred.

"Poca, you don't have to explain. Not to a princess belonging to a people that are being chased and swiped away from all over Europe. I did not come to this world as a settler, but as a refugee. My old world is in flames, after Frollo set Paris on fire to find me. To assure my beloved people could live in peace, without fear of being arrested, tortured and murdered, I had to leave.
If I ever return to Europe, the chasing after my people will start again. I am leading the fight for justice for my people and for others like us, from this new world. An underground resistance movement that fight for human rights. It is my hope it will spread all over the world, and that we all one day will be capable of living side by side in peace, and mutual respect."

Esmeralda smiled and turned her emerald gaze to the injured old man. She knew already that herbs and plants alone was no longer enough to save him. She would be forced to use magic to cure this man. It would scare some of Pocahontas' people, but she could not let their fear stop her from saving a human life. She knew that Pocahontas’s still needed her father. Pocahontas was her best friend, more like a sister to her. And for Pocahontas's sake, she would risk everything - even to be burned at the stake for witchcraft.

Without a word she placed her belongings on the floor, and started packing up her entire arsenal of herbs, plants, and amulets. She took the time to speak lowly to Kekata and Pocahontas - explaining what each herb, plant and amulet could be used for. She sent someone to fetch water from the river, and when the water arrived, she started brewing a tea that would give more strength to the heart and soul of the old man.

To spare the rest of her people from seeing the ceremony, Pocahontas ordered two warriors to guard the door of the hut and allow no one entrance. She knew that Kekata could be trusted to keep this secret and she hoped that Nacoma would keep her peace. She knelt by her father’s side, clutching his hand, afraid that this would be the last time he would be alive if things went ill.

"This is some herbal tea,” explained Esmerelda, “to give him strength. Please make sure he drinks it all. Now, with your permission, I will perform my so-called witchcraft. I say so-called because this magic is only used to do good, while witches normally are accused of belonging to the forces of darkness."

She gave the tea to Kekata, who smelled the herbs and nodded with approval. While Kekata placed the cup of tea on the Chief's lips, and helped him to drink, Esmeralda took her most powerful amulet from the arsenal and studied it. It was a brown leather pouch, tied in leather strings to wear around the neck. There were a lot of mysterious signs carved in on the pouch. Esmeralda knew that the signs had to be smeared with blood from a virgin to be as powerful as it could be. And the knife she used to cut herself had to be blessed by all the four elements of Mother Nature: Earth, Wind, Fire and Water.

Esmeralda lifted a silver dagger from her belt. Silver - a representative of the hidden fifth element of Mother Nature - stone, or metals that came from stone. She held the dagger in the air, while she in the tongue of the gypsies called all good spirits to assist her in her work and help her cure Pocahontas's father.

As soon as she felt she had the attention of the spirits, she threw the dagger so it landed with its blade in the earth floor of the hut. This granted her the assistance of the Spirit of Earth. She now took the knife and threw it into the air. The knife span around three times before it landed elegantly in her slender hand. This granted her the assistance of the Spirit of the Wind. She lifted the dagger once more, and held it over the fire, until the dagger started glowing. This granted her the assistance of the Spirit of the Fire. She took a mug of water, and let the water fall on the glowing blade. The dagger stopped glowing, and there were hissing sounds from water hitting hot metal. This granted her the assistance of the Spirit of the Water.

When Esmeralda had called the spirits she needed to save Pocahontas's father, she lifted the blade and cut her left hand, left - because the human heart was on the left side of the body. She let her blood fall on the leather pouch, and made sure that each drop of blood landed in the mysterious signs carved into the pouch. As soon as the blood landed in the signs, the signs started glowing with a mysterious light.

Pocahontas watched as Esmeralda preformed the healing ceremony, surprised at how much the young gypsy knew. When Esmeralda cut her hand, Pocahontas cried out in concern, reaching towards her to stop her. Esmeralda hung the now glowing amulet around the neck of Pocahontas' father, and placed the mysterious signs near his heart. She mumbled the formulas necessary, then prayed to the spirits and to her own God to save the man's life.

Pocahontas looked over at her father’s face and began to cry. She rested her head on his arm, her hands still clutched around his strong one. Over the gypsy’s prayers, Pocahontas joined her in her native tongue. Her tears fell upon her father’s skin, the rough texture of his hand stroking her cheek. She breathed out as her father began to wake, his fingers moving beneath her own. Pocahontas looked up and her mouth opened in shock.

Her father was awake, a smile on his ancient lips, and his eyes laced with tears. Standing beside him was a shadowy figure, her ornate dress billowing on a faint breeze. The woman looked down at her daughter with a smile and nodded. She then turned to the chief and touched his face lovingly. She whispered to him in the Powhatan language before fading into a mist once more.

Pocahontas looked at the place where her mother once stood and turned to her father. The old chief was smiling and a calm peace was present on his face. Upon seeing his daughter’s face, he whispered in a faint voice.

“Welcome home, dear child.”

Pocahontas let out a sob of happiness and hugged her father tightly. Now she truly felt like she was home.

[poca]

Chapter Five

He had seen her leave the park with her friend and a goat, and now his heart was restless. He knew he would not find peace until she was back with him again. He didn't shout, or call for her, because like him, she too was a free spirit, to come and leave as she pleased. Instead he followed her, ready to protect her from whatever danger she may meet on her dangerous journey. Hidden in shadows, he watched her leave the forest, and with a tear in his eyes he knew these forests would never be the same if she didn't return to him.

When she paddled the canoe further and further away from him, he felt his soul leave his body with every soft splashing sound from her oar. His heart hammered, and he quickly made up his mind. He couldn't let her leave on her own - he had to be there with her. She might be angry at him for protecting her like that, but if anything happened to her, he lost his one sole reason for living. She was his everything, his one true love, his Pocahontas.

He ran through the forest, his feet barely touching the ground, until he found his own canoe. He didn't bother to pack; he could live on what Mother Earth would give him. But he couldn't live without Pocahontas. He could see her long, dark, soft hair in front of him as he pushed his canoe onto the river and sat down. Her beautiful eyes were watching him, at least in his mind, as he spent days and nights paddling after her, protecting her and her canoe when she slept, and making sure the canoe stayed in safe waters while she was resting. He knew he would never tell her a word about how much he looked after her. For him it was as natural as to breathe. She was the one woman he had given his heart to.

He followed the canoe back to Pocahontas' village. From a distance he saw the two young women and the goat leave the canoe and greet the other women of Pocahontas's tribe. Nacoma arrived on the beach, and he saw her taking Pocahontas's hand and leading her towards the largest hut. He smiled. Now he knew where Pocahontas had her home. When the women had left the beach, he paddled to the shore, hiding his canoe in the bushes.

He ran his fingers through his hair, and tried to brush off his clothes a little, before he entered the village. Men, women and children were looking curiously at him when he made his way to Pocahontas' hut. On his way up, he was almost run down by Nacoma, who seemed upset about something. He wanted to ask her what was wrong, but she disappeared before he got time to speak. When he finally arrived at the hut, he saw it was guarded by two brave warriors. He smiled and spoke to them.

"Wingapo, my name is Kenai. I have come to seek the lovely Princess Pocahontas of the Powhatan tribe."

The guards replied sternly. "The Princess Pocahontas ordered us to guard this door. Nobody is allowed to enter."

Kenai tried to peek inside the hut, to find out what was going on in there, but the guards blocked the view. Kenai sighed. He had been refused to enter.... but would she be willing to come out to him? He had to try. He raised his voice to call on her, softly and audible at the same time.

"POCAHONTAS!"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Esmeralda had noticed Pocahontas ordered two warriors to stand guard on the outside of the hut while she did the healing ritual. She smiled to herself as she worked. It wasn't bad to know the Chief's daughter, when she happened to be interested in healing. She wondered how many Indian women who studied medicine. She had to ask Pocahontas about that later. Kekata seemed very wise, and she looked forward to get to know him better. Hopefully she could learn a lot from him. She promised herself to study hard and make him proud of her.

During the ritual she had kept her mind open, willing to seek the spirits who could help her heal Pocahontas's father. Because of this, Esmeralda didn't notice the faces of Kekata, Pocahontas or Pocahontas's father. Neither did she notice if anyone was spying on her. All her attention was focused of healing the Chief of the Powhatans. After she had done everything she could, she breathed out, mentally exhausted, and her raven curls were clinging to her forehead. Esmeralda turned her head and gave the old Medicine man Kekata a tired smile, while speaking lowly, so she didn't interrupt the happy reunion between Pocahontas and her father.

"I have done what I could do to help your Chief, Monsieur Kekata. I only pray it will be enough."

She looked shyly up at the medicine man, afraid he would be angry with her for meddling into his affairs. She held her breath, waiting for his reaction to her work.

Kekata had watched the gypsy perform the spells of healing, amazed and horrified at the same time. He did not recognize the language she spoke and was fearful of the chief’s health. But when the chief woke and greeted his daughter, the old medicine man relaxed and smiled faintly. He offered a bandage and ointments for the woman’s cut hand.

“Your methods may be strange to me,” he told the gypsy woman, “but you have a good heart and would not harm our people. For this I am grateful that Pocahontas returned when she did and brought you along.” He paused and examined the chief’s wound. Although not fully healed, it was a good deal better than it was before. “Our leader is strong and thanks to your medicine, he will walk among us in little time.”

Esmeralda smiled and gratefully accepted the bandage and ointments from Kekata. While he helped her bandaging her hand, she beamed with joy by hearing that the chief would get well. She was glad she had been capable of helping - but she had a suspicion this would not have turned out so well, if Kekata hadn't been as skilled a medicine man as he was. She felt a deep respect and friendship for him.

"I thank you for your kindness Kekata. I hope we can be great friends, and learn from each other. I feel I have much to learn from you. You are a man of great wisdom."

He turned to Esmeralda and bowed, a deep sign of respect, before rising to his feet and leaving the hut. She bowed back with the same respect he showed her, maybe a bit more, since he was many times her elder. She smiled as she watched him leave, and decided that she would give him some of her European herbs and amulets of choice as a token of her friendship.

As the hide swung aside, Pocahontas heard the guards speaking outside. Disregarding it, she turned to her father.

“Father, I wish you to meet my dear friend Esmeralda,” she said, smiling at the gypsy, gratitude beyond any words sparkling in her eyes. “She comes from across the great water, from France. It was with her help that you were healed.”

The old chief looked at Esmeralda, taking in her appearance and finally smiled. Djali bleated and nudged his tiny head happily against the Chief's hand. He already loved Pocahontas' father as much as he loved all his family members. “Oh, this is Djali,” prompted Pocahontas, giggling when her father stroked the goat’s head. “He is another friend of mine.”

Esmerelda studied the old Chief with glittering eyes . . . and maybe her witch soul sensed a woman standing by his side, though invisible to others. She felt a strong friendliness from this spirit . . . and from the man who right now studied her face. She curtsied deeply to him, a deep sign of respect.

"Wingapo. It is an honor to finally meet the famous Chief of the Powhatan tribe," she smiled. "Pocahontas has told me much about you. And I can see that everything she said is true."

Suddenly there was some noise on the outside and Esmeralda turned her head watchfully, prepared to defend her patient and his family with her life if necessary. Djali bleated and Pocahontas noticed the conversation outside was becoming heated. She heard her name being called out and got to her feet. Brushing aside the hide, she saw one of the guards had tackled a man to the ground, while the other was watching the door with his spear pointed at the intruder. There was something familiar about him.

On the outside Kenai was certain his last hour had come when the guards tackled him to the ground - and all because he tried to sneak past them and into the hut where he knew his beloved Pocahontas was. Didn't they know that nothing could keep him apart from her?

"Your toothpick won't keep me away from her for long," he said to the guard that held a spear against him.

“What is the meaning of this?” Pocahontas demanded in her native tongue. “Who is this man?”

“He says that he knows you,” replied the guard on the ground as he got the stranger on his knees and bound his hands. “He calls himself . . .”

“ . . .Kenai!” gasped the Indian girl as she saw the pendant around his neck. “Release him immediately,” she ordered the guard, who did so without argument.

Kenai got back on his feet and rubbed his neck. There was a bruise over his right eyebrow. But nothing of this mattered anymore for right in front of him - like a vision of divinity - was Pocahontas. Kenai looked at her and lost his breath - she was more beautiful than he had remembered, and he wondered if it was her for real this time - or if he was daydreaming again.

"Poca," he said, his eyes and voice filled with love.

Pocahontas hurried to the Inuit’s side and brushed the dirt off his clothing. “Oh, I am so happy to see you,” she said, launching her arms around his neck.

She heard him cry out from pain and immediately released him. He blushed, embarrassed. Why did he always have to ruin such magic moments with his clumsiness?

"I have missed you more than words can say...." he whispered and looked deeply into her beautiful eyes. He wanted to hold her in his arms and kiss her, but it would be foolish to do so in front of these armed and dangerous guards.

She lightly brushed the hair out of his face. When she did, he quickly turned his head, kissing the tiny hand caressing his face. Pocahontas smiled when Kenai snuck a kiss on the palm of her hand. Although they had shared kisses before, there was a certain protocol that her station in the tribe required. She didn’t want to offend her people by disobeying the traditions of courting. First she would have to secure the blessings of her father.

“I am sorry for this,” Pocahontas apologized. “My father has been ill and we were worried for his safety. Please come and meet him.”

"I would love to meet your father. I have something to ask of him."

He took her hand gently and allowed her to lead him into the hut. Pocahontas smiled slyly at Esmeralda and tickled Djali as the goat came to meet them. The little grey animal wagged his tail and rubbed against Kenai’s leg till the man paid attention to him.

“Look what followed us from the park?” she said to Esmeralda teasingly.

"You mean we didn't manage to get rid of him? And here I was paddling for dear life . . . " Esmeralda replied playfully.

Pocahontas looked down as Meeko joined the greeting ceremony, sniffing Kenai’s leg in search of food. When Kenai bent down to pet him, Meeko shrieked in terror and scrambled up onto Pocahontas’s shoulders. The Indian princess laughed as Meeko nuzzled her cheek affectionately.

Kenai found an apple in his pocked and used his knife to cut it in tiny pieces. Then he portioned out the apple to Meeko, Djali and Flit, making sure they didn't start stealing food from each other. Every time he offered food to Meeko, he "accidentally" touched Poca's silky hair, or her soft skin. His heart beat faster by the feelings he got from touching her like that, and he quickly realized he had to stop - before he forgot why he was here.

As they passed the gypsy Esmeralda, a gush of wind filled the room, causing Pocahontas's long wonderful silky hair to float in the wind - and into Kenai’s face. He closed his eyes, feeling each strand of her hair against his face as a caress. He savored the lovely smell of her hair, thus bracing himself to face Pocahontas' father - the chief.

Esmeralda smiled when she noticed Kenai. It was her, with a discreet questioning look in the direction of Pocahontas's mother, had caused the gush of wind through the room. And now after the incident with the wind causing Pocahontas's hair to caress Kenai's face, causing him to blush, Esmeralda looked at the couple with humor glittering in her eyes, and couldn't help but tease Pocahontas about Kenai's blushing.

"Wow, Poca, you weren't joking when you sang about painting with the colors of the wind...." she said with a teasing glance at Kenai's flushed face, this of course causing Kenai's blushing to deepen.

Pocahontas gave her friend a confused look before turning to Kenai. He was blushing in embarrassment and Pocahontas gave him a look of admiration and encouragement.

“Father, I have another friend I wish you to meet,” she told the old man gently, moving back to his side. “This is Kenai of the Inuit tribe. He is a mighty warrior among his people.”

The old man gave Kenai a small smile, his eyes darting to his daughter critically. Pocahontas blushed and looked down, sneaking her hand with Kenai’s ring behind her back.

Seeking in his belongings, Kenai found the gifts he had brought with him for Pocahontas's father and for Pocahontas herself. These gifts were tokens of his true feelings for Pocahontas, and also a proof that he was capable of taking good care of his wife and their future children. Kenai had loved Pocahontas for quite a while, and the whole time he had dreamed about the lovely Indian Princess, he had made presents, hoping they would be in taste of the Powhatan chief.

Now he placed the gifts before the chief, before placing his right hand over his heart and bowing respectfully. This was a token of deep respect in his tribe. He looked into the eyes of the chief, and spoke calmly, but more serious than he had ever been in his life.

"It is an honor to finally meet Pocahontas' father. I have heard great words of you and of the Powhatan tribe. Please accept these humble gifts I bring as a token of my love for your daughter, and put me through any test you like to let me prove my love for her."

Kenai looked over at Pocahontas after his speech to the chief. The mere sight of her beautiful features, made him certain he had made the right choice. There wasn't and would never be a woman he would love as much as he loved her. For him, she was the only one.

Even Esmeralda was mute after these words. The seriousness of the young warrior, his open love for Pocahontas, brought tears into her eyes. She was greatly touched. She looked over at Pocahontas, wondering what she felt about this declaration of love.

The Indian princess watched in silence as he presented her father with traditional gifts of his people. She held her father’s hand as Kenai spoke, trying to communicate through that simple touch how much the man meant to her. When Kenai finished his speech, Pocahontas looked at him with tearful eyes and nodded in approval. She had never seen him so strong and serious. She had always known that he loved her, but to face her father with such determination, there was no doubt that he would be a wonderful life mate for her. Pocahontas looked at her father for his reaction.

The chief simply stared at the boy, his bare chest rising as he breathed. “It is customary in my tribe to greet the chief with warm welcome, rather than propose to rob him of his only daughter. Although you seem to have known my daughter long, I know nothing of you, and although you are from another powerful tribe that does not entitle you to my daughter’s hand. You understand that such a union would make you chief when I leave this earth?”

He paused and closed his eyes. Pocahontas looked at her father, worried both for his health and for Kenai’s position. Taking a wet cloth from a nearby water bowl, she dabbed his face to cool his skin. The chief cracked open his eyes and looked at his daughter.

“My little Matata,” he said quietly. “You have grown before my eyes and yet I will always see you as my child. I can see in your eyes that this stranger is important to you so I will give him my permission to stay. But I will not permit any courting until I know he is worthy of my daughter’s hand.”

When he spoke to the chief, Kenai’s voice was calm and respectful, yet his face showed determination. He would not back away from any challenge to win Pocahontas's dear hand in marriage. For her, he would die a thousand deaths. All this was written in his face when he spoke.

"I am willing to provide you with any information you want to know about me, and go through any test you will put me through to prove to you that I am serious about my feelings for your lovely daughter. I am not here to rob you of your only child. If Pocahontas was my wife, I would have allowed her all the freedom she wants, to come and go as she please.

I have no reason to believe that a marriage to me would make her love her father less. I am aware that such a union will make me chief when you leave this world. But for the sake of your daughter and for the love she feels for you, I hope that will not happen for a long time yet."

Pocahontas could see how tired her father was and set the cloth aside. She kissed his forehead delicately before getting to her feet. “We should let him rest,’’ she told the others. “Come, I will see that you both have housing.”

[poca]

Chapter Six

Esmeralda looked over at the chief with concern. She rummaged through her herbs and plants, seeking for medicine that could help the chief regain his strength. She started mixing some herbs, into a medicine that could make the chief stronger. Then she offered them to him, with a polite bow.

"Your Majesty? I have mixed this medicine for you. Take a teaspoon of it every day, mix it into hot water and drink it. It may help you to regain your strength. I hope you soon will get well, Your Majesty. I thank you for your kind hospitality, and will do anything in my power to help you."

She gave him a heartwarming smile and left the room after Kenai and Pocahontas. She heard Pocahontas speak about housing, and she wondered if she would live with Pocahontas, or if she would be put up in a house by herself. As for Kenai, she was almost certain he wouldn't be placed in the same house as Pocahontas. She wondered if Kenai would manage to stay away from Pocahontas for long.

A small gathering of villagers had assembled around the chief’s hut, waiting for news on their leader’s condition. Pocahontas gave the two guards a sour look as she passed them and they dropped their gaze immediately. Turning to her kin, she opened her arms wide as she had seen her father do when he spoke.

“Please, my people,” she told them. “Do not worry. My father has been healed and will be among us again very soon. Until that happy time, go about your lives as you normally would for he is in no immediate harm.”

Kenai stood next to her, tall and proud as she spoke, and when he heard her sweet gentle voice, she appeared to him to be the most wonderful woman in the world. One day she would be a magnificent queen, and he hoped that he would be here by her side when that happened, so he could protect her and keep her safe from harm.

Knowing there was little else to say, Pocahontas led her friends to the communal huts of the young warriors who were not yet wed. This would be where Kenai would stay. She paired him with a young warrior, Chogan, who she knew would help him during his visit. She was worried that some of the older men would treat Kenai cruelly, sizing him up, and she didn’t want to see him hurt. Unfortunately, initiation ceremonies like that were too common among the male tribe members.

Kenai was a bit worried when he noticed how all the young men looked at Pocahontas. They also stared at Esmeralda and each other, and he knew that he had to keep an eye on the two young girls, to prevent them from getting nightly visitors. That way, he might catch a glimpse of Pocahontas himself. He immediately liked the young warrior Chogan, and the feeling seemed to be mutual. He noticed that Chogan looked at Esmeralda, and something dreaming came into the eyes of the young warrior. He was even blushing. Kenai had no idea if the young gypsy girl loved anyone. She was very private with her personal life. He hadn't seen her flirting with anyone special.
Kenai knew how other warriors used to treat newcomers. That was common among warriors in his tribe as well. Kenai smiled. If they tried anything, they were up for a surprise. He was strong and knew how to defend himself. And he felt that Chogan would help him in case of trouble.

Taking Kenai’s hand, she pulled him close. He caressed the soft skin of her hands gently with his thumbs when she whispered to him, and his brown eyes expressed the endless love he felt for her.

“Do not despair, my love,” Pocahontas whispered to him. “My father will learn to accept you soon enough. He worries about me too much. After my mother’s death, I’m all he has so he is protective.”

"Poca, you know what I feel for you. I will die a thousand deaths for you. Do not worry for me, my love. I can protect myself, as well as I intend to protect you. As for your father, he will get used to me. We just need to give him some time to realize I will not steal you away from him. After we marry, you will still be his daughter."

He gave her a warm smile and whispered to her.

"I can't wait until I see you again. From the looks on the faces of the young men, I believe you and Esmeralda will have nightly visitors. But I will try to protect you from harm, my sweet. By the way, I think the gypsy made quite the impression on young Chogan."

Pocahontas was well used to the attention of the warriors. In her mind, there was no thought of romantic attraction, but of reverence as she was the chief’s daughter. She knew that a couple of the older warriors had pleaded to her father for her hand, Kocoum among them before he died, but thankfully nothing had been approved of. Her heart belonged to Kenai and she would never betray him.

Kenai's attention was focused on one woman only. The beautiful Pocahontas was standing right in front of him, making his heart beat faster than ever. His brown eyes glittered when he looked at her, and he had to stop himself from reaching out a hand and caress her long, soft silky hair that smelled lovely of pine forest.

"I know you are protected, my love," he whispered back, his gaze revealing the burning love he felt for her. "Still I would feel more calm if I could protect you myself. If anything happens to you, I lose my entire reason for living. You are my entire world, Pocahontas."

She smiled when Kenai expressed his worry and, on the pretense of whispering in his ear, sneaked a kiss on his cheek. “You worry for nothing my love,” she told him. “My hut is well guarded at night and I have weapons to protect myself if I need it. The chief’s daughter was not raised as a defenseless flower, after all.”

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes when he felt her soft, warm lips on his cheek. He was filled with a lust to hold her in his arms and kiss her passionately. A few more breaths made him calm again and he whispered to her.

"You shouldn't do that, my love. You have no idea what it costs me to have you this close - and then not be allowed to touch you. But if this is what it takes to win your dear hand in marriage, I will deal with it."

Her words calmed him down, but only a little. If he only could come with her, and protect her from the young warriors himself. He smiled warmly, knowing she would never betray him, just as little as he would ever betray her.

Pocahontas gave Kenai a sly smile and purposefully drew her hand from his shoulder at an agonizing slow pace. She knew the affect she had on him and the effect she felt from that knowledge. Oh, she had spent many nights dreaming of the day they would wed and she could give herself to him completely.
Kenai closed his eyes and took another deep breath, forcing himself to not touch her. Not now. First he had to show her father he was worthy of Pocahontas's love, so he could win her hand in marriage. Taking her in his arms and giving her all his love was not the proper way to do that.

When he pointed out Chogan’s infatuation with Esmeralda, Pocahontas looked at the young warrior. He instantly turned away when he saw he was caught. Pocahontas smiled to herself. Although young, Chogan was a fine warrior and high ranking among the tribe. Esmeralda was like a little sister to her and the princess knew that such a match would be an appropriate one. But Esmeralda was a free spirit and would never tie herself down to a man like Chogan.

Esmeralda smiled when she saw Pocahontas and Kenai speak to each other. She thought her two friends were so beautiful together. She hoped they would be allowed to marry each other. In Esmeralda's heart there was no doubt that Poca and Kenai were made for each other. A match made in heaven, she smiled. Again she could see Kovu's beautiful, green eyes in front of her, and she sighed dreamingly, not noticing the young warriors staring at her.

Once Kenai was settled in, Pocahontas took Esmeralda back to her hut. Esmeralda followed her, not noticing the stares the young male warriors threw in her direction. Her gaze was dreamily, as if her thoughts were far away. There was something wondering in her eyes. She was thinking of Kovu again. He had made quite the impression on her during their first meeting, and now she couldn't forget him again. She wondered if he remembered her still, or if he noticed she was gone.

Pocahontas noticed the dreamy gaze in her friend’s eyes. Leaning closer, she linked arms with Esmeralda and whispered in her ear. “Thinking about a particular feline?” she teased. She loved both of her friends and wished that fate had not been so cruel to separate them.

Esmeralda woke up from her daydreams when Pocahontas linked arms with her, and teasingly asked if she thought about a particular feline. Her cheeks flushed and she couldn't help but laugh.

"Oh, Poca! Is it so obvious? It's crazy. I can't stop thinking about him. I see his eyes in front of me whether I am dreaming or awake. I have never felt this way before. What would he say if he knew?"

The Indian princess giggled at Esmeralda’s reaction to being caught daydreaming. She hugged her best friend tightly. “I know what you mean,” she said, nodding. “I feel the same way about Kenai when he is gone. And I know that Kovu cares about you too. Have you ever talked with him about it?”

Esmeralda smiled and hugged her best friend tightly, blushing when she spoke about her feelings for Kovu. None other than Pocahontas knew about her feelings so far . . . unless Kovu had seen it in her eyes when she looked at him.

"Kenai feel the same way about you. You should have seen how he looks at you when you're not looking at him," she smiled. "No, I haven't told Kovu about my feelings yet. I was afraid he would run away screaming. Poca, I'm a gypsy. The most persecuted people in Europe? An outcast. How can he care about me?"

Pocahontas looked at Esmeralda in shock when she confessed her fears of talking with Kovu. “Darling, you are thinking with your brain too much,” she told her. “You must trust your heart and do what you believe in. I thought that was what all gypsies believed. Kovu is no different than you, my dear. You have put him on a pedestal. Never forget that he grew up in a harsh environment and was a trained killer.”

Esmeralda blushed when she heard Pocahontas's words about Kovu. She knew he was a trained killer, but that didn't make her love him less. In spite of what his mother had taught him, he had a noble soul. And she had fallen in love with him already when they first met.

"I know, Poca," she smiled, blushing. "You are right of course. My people indeed taught me to think with my heart. And usually I do. I just wonder what Kovu will say if he learns about my feelings for him. I don't know what he feels about me. He has never said anything. Not yet. If I knew what he felt, I might dare trying to flirt with him. But I don't want him to think that I am playing with him. My feelings for him are much more serious than that."

After the fight with Nacoma, Pocahontas felt it better than the gypsy remain as close to her as possible. As bad as the men were at pulling pranks, the women were arguably worse.

Esmeralda was relieved to be with her best friend. Even if she hadn't been involved in a direct fight with Nacoma yet, she felt the hatred from the young woman, and knew there would be a fight sooner or later. For Pocahontas's sake, this was a situation Esmeralda would try to avoid as far as she could.

“Well, welcome to your new home,” Pocahontas said, collecting some extra pelts for Esmeralda to use. “Are you hungry at all? What would you like to do now?”

She helped Pocahontas preparing the beds for the night and smiled over to her.

"Thank you. I am up for anything you want to do. If you are hungry, we could eat a little. And I am very excited to meet Grandmother Willow and the rest of your tribe. I will follow your every lead. You know much more than I about what there is to do here."

[poca]

Chapter Seven

After they had finished setting up her hut for the night, Pocahontas decided that it would be best to take Esmeralda out among the tribe. Hiding her away would only cause more of a fuss. She wanted to talk with Nacoma and find out if there was any way to amend the rift that she had created.

Nacoma was sitting with several other tribal women near the cooking fire, making preparations for the coming meal. Pocahontas greeted them properly and took a seat beside Nacoma. The woman acknowledged her but did not say anything else, a clear agitation in the way she worked.

Esmerelda followed Pocahontas's example and greeted the women properly. Then she sat down on the other side of Pocahontas, not certain how Nacoma would react to her presence here. For the first time in her life she wished she had been a man. In a decent fight, she might stand a chance. With rumors and backstabbing, she was defenseless, since she would never use those methods to win a fight.

Among the other women, Pocahontas could feel the tense atmosphere. It was if she no longer belonged to her people. She had been gone so long, had misses so much. She didn’t know if she would ever feel truly home here again.

“So Nacoma, I am sure that things have changed since I was gone,” she said, gesturing to the woman’s pregnant belly. “I see that you and Huritt have been happy together.”

Nacoma nodded, but didn’t speak. Pocahontas looked around at the other women, but none of them would explain. She had never felt so alienated by her own family. Perhaps it was a mistake to return, she thought. With a sigh, she got to her feet and walked away. Right now she needed guidance, a friendly face. She needed Grandmother Willow.

While Pocahontas spoke to Nacoma, Esmeralda looked away, not wanting to embarrass the Indian woman further by meddling into her personal affairs. While turning a way, her emerald gaze fell on the river. She noticed a child in a canoe. Suddenly the canoe tipped over and the child fell into the water. The child started screaming, and Esmeralda quickly noticed the child couldn't swim.
With the quick reflexes she had developed as a trained dancer, she got up on her feet and ran fast as a wind down to the river, throwing herself in the water. She had to duck to find the child, but she got hold of him, and swam towards the shore. Back on land, she cleared the child's airways from water. Soon the child sat up, and looked around him. By the sight of Esmeralda, his rescuer, his tiny face lit up in a smile, and he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her. Esmeralda smiled and hugged the child back, making sure he was okay.

After getting the child up on the shore and make sure he was alive, and his airways cleansed of water, Esmerelda felt a warming hide around her shoulders. She looked up and gave Pocahontas a grateful smile. The indian had followed Esmerelda to the water, snatching a drying hide from a nearby hut. She had watched worriedly from the shore as the gypsy paddled back to the shore with the child in her arms. As soon as they were safe, Pocahontas tossed the hide around both of their wet bodies. Esmerelda tried to rub some warmth into the body of the child.

Pocahontas smiled at Esmeralda, nodding. The gypsy was on her way to acceptance in the tribe. Suddenly, they heard the terrified cries of the mother, Aniu, as she rushed to her son’s side. She was sobbing and talking rapidly in her native tongue.
Esmeralda smiled when she watched the reunion of mother and child. Then the mother hugged Esmeralda and kissed her face in appreciation, and Esmeralda returned the hug, a bit shy, but smiling in happiness that she had been capable of helping the child. She was still smiling when Aniu brought her son with her back to the village.

“Are you alright?” Pocahontas asked her friend. “That was very brave of you, Esme. I don’t think you will have problems with anyone anymore. Naantam is one of our youngest warriors. His family is in your debt.”

Esmerelda turned her attention to Pocahontas again and smiled warmly.

"Thank you, Poca. I am unharmed. And I am glad the child seems to be unharmed as well. Naantam is already a warrior? It seems you teach your children to defend themselves just as early as us gypsies. Naantam is a very beautiful name. I am glad I could help him."

Pocahontas smiled when Esmeralda expressed interest in Naantam’s name. Perhaps she would seek Kekata’s help in christening her friend with a Powhatan title. After the events of the day, no one would refuse her that right.

“Yes, he is one of the youngest. We teach our men to fight from a very early age. It is necessary to survival in this land. But he will not go into battle until he is older. For now his training is used for hunting and protecting the village.”

Esmeralda listened to Pocahontas's words with interest and nodded. She knew it was necessary to fight for survival.

"The situation among the gypsies is the same. I was four years old when I learned how to defend myself with a dagger. As soon as I was long enough to hold a sword, I went over to sword fighting. Both our men and our women are taught how to fight. We don't have a village to defend. The closest thing we get to a home is the Court of Miracles. The way there is among the best kept secrets of Paris. Nobody knows the way there that has no business there. Papa will hang those who accidentally find their way there. Not of cruelty, but to prevent treason."

The gypsy looked over at Pocahontas again, with a smile in her face.

"I am still very curious about Grandmother Willow. Do you think she will receive visitors today?"

“Grandmother Willow would love to meet you, Esme,” Pocahontas told her friend as they walked back to the village. Perhaps Kenai would like to come as well. I would love to get her blessings on our future union.”

Esmeralda smiled when she heard Pocahontas' words about Grandmother Willow. She smiled and looked over at Pocahontas again.

"Hah - you should have seen how Kenai stares at you. He would follow you to the end of the world if you asked him to. He loves you. I have no idea what Grandmother Willow will say about Kenai, but I am sure she loves you and will wish what is best for you."

[poca]

Chapter Eight

They had barely entered the ring of huts when Pocahontas heard Kenai’s voice. There was a large crowd around the warrior’s huts, mostly men and a few women. Pocahontas spotted Nacoma nearby, who was watching the group with disgust and fear. Pocahontas gave Esmeralda a worried look and hurried towards the group.

Pocahontas pushed her way to the front of the crowd and was shocked to see Kenai with the two other warriors. Immediately she understood what had happened. By the customs of her people, she could do nothing. This was the way such arguments were settled. If one or more warriors sought a particular girl, they would fight and the winner would be allowed to approach the father about his daughter’s hand. If Kenai lost, he would have no choice but to step aside, regardless of the pact they had made to wed.

Kenai was on his guard, awaiting the first challenger to attack him. When the attack finally came, Kenai threw himself to the side, and managed to wrestle the attacker down to the ground. Pocahontas turned her face away. She rested her head on Esmeralda’s shoulder, unable to watch her love become injured, or worse, loose.

Esmeralda wrapped her arms protectively around Pocahontas as the fight went on. She understood what the young woman was feeling right now. Esmeralda would have felt the same if Kovu was under attack. She loved him dearly and would rather die than to see him injured. She whispered words of comfort in Pocahontas's ears.

"Don't worry, Poca. Kenai is a strong warrior, well used to take care of himself. Oh look, a left hook - well done Kenai! He loves you and will do anything for the right to be your husband.”

Very soon the sounds of fighting stopped and the crowd around them gave a collective muttering of intrigue. Chancing a look, she was relieved to find Kenai uninjured and the warrior bowing out in defeat. The man stomped his hands in the grass, to signalize that he gave up. Kenai released him and prepared to meet the next attacker.

Esmerelda was clearly vocal about who her favorite warrior was. “Yay, he wrestled down the first man!!! Now the second. Go on Kenai, you can do this!!!"

The second challenger stepped forward, much bigger and stronger than the first. Pocahontas watched with fearful eyes as the two men stepped closer. Her love for Kenai and her protective instincts told her that she had to do something. But how could she betray the customs of her people? On the other hand, how could she deny her own heart?

Suddenly a voice rang out in the village, proud and powerful. All movement stopped and heads turned in the direction of the speaker. Noble Kekata stepped forward, one hand on his walking stick, the other raised high in the air.

“Enough,” he cried. “We will not settle this in such a way. This young boy is a guest among our people. Show respect for his customs as he has to ours. Allow him to proceed in his own way. The chief will decide this matter when he is fully healed.”

Further mumblings from the crowd, but no one dared challenge the old medicine man. The spectators ran away when Kekata arrived, of respect for the authority of the medicine man, and only Kenai and Chogan stayed behind. Chogan stared dreamingly at Esmeralda and did not take his eyes of her. Esmeralda, who got her heart occupied by a certain lion, focused her attention on Pocahontas, pretending not to see the young warrior. She didn't want to encourage him when she could not return his feelings.

Pocahontas rushed from the sidelines into Kenai’s arms and took his face in her hands to see if he was alright. She could feel the presence of the strong warrior and turned to look at him. The second challenger glared at Kenai, fists clenched, but did not speak. Kenai returned the look, ready to defend his rights to Pocahontas. There was a threat in the challenger’s face but the man did not act upon it, merely turning and disappearing into the still dispersing crowd.

"I owe you thanks, brother," Kenai said to Kekata, bowing as a token of respect for the old man. "Those men were speaking of visiting Pocahontas and her guest tonight, and I felt the urge of defending the honor of the fair Princess. I hope I did not break any laws of your tribe by doing so. Even if I did, I will stand for what I did. I can't allow any harm to happen to Pocahontas. Not as long as I am alive and can protect her."

Kenai looked over at the Indian princess while he spoke, and his heart was full of love for her. If he could, he would have taken her in his arms right now, hold her close, and assured her that he was unharmed.

Kekata simply bowed and left the area.

“You must be cautious of the other warriors,” Pocahontas warned Kenai. “Aranck is powerful and you mustn’t anger him further.”

Kenai took a deep breath, then he held his strong arms protectively around her. He drowned himself in her gaze and whispered to her.

"Don't you worry, my love. No matter how strong or powerful the other warriors are - if they try to hurt you in any way, I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe from harm. You know that I love you more than life itself."

Pocahontas nodded, still shaking by what had just happened. “We should get you out of here for a while. Esmeralda and I are going to visit Grandmother Willow. Please come with us.”

He smiled warmly. "I will be honored to meet your Grandmother, my fair Princess. I will follow you when ever you want me to."

[poca]

Chapter Nine

Pocahontas navigated the canoe between the hanging branches of the willow tree. The familiar scent of wet wood and sweet flowers filled her nose and she closed her eyes. Meeko chattered excitedly in her lap as Flit zipped by to scout ahead. Pocahontas looked back at Esmeralda and Djali. Kenai’s canoe was following them close behind.

As she pulled the canoe onto the shallow bank and helped the others out, Pocahontas looked around. Everything was exactly as she had left it. Smiling in excitement, Pocahontas made her way to the old tree stump that floated out in the water. Joining Meeko, the Indian pushed her long hair out of her face.

“Grandmother Willow,” she called. “I need to speak with you.”

Immediately the wind began to blow and the long tresses of the willow tree swayed hypnotizing. A ray of light fell on the tree trunk as the caring face of Grandmother Willow appeared. The old woman’s wrinkled face smiled at the sight of her indian princess.

“Oh, it is indeed a pleasure to see you again, my child,” said the tree spirit. “And friends as well,” she added, seeing the others. “It is not often that my Pocahontas brings visitors.”

Pocahontas blushed. “These are friends of mine from the far land,” she explained. “This is Esmeralda and her goat Djali. They are from Paris. And this is Kenai, from the Inuit tribe.”

Esmeralda, Djali and Kenai followed Pocahontas to Grandmother Willow. They all greeted the old tree spirit with deep respect. Esmeralda liked the old woman immediately. She looked so warm and friendly. Esmeralda didn't have a grandmother, she didn't even know who her real parents were. But if she had a grandmother, she would love for her to be like this old woman.

"Wingapo, Grandmother Willow," she smiled with a deep curtsey. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you. My friend Poca always speaks of you with love in her heart, and looking at you, it is easy to see why. Every word she has said about you was true."

Djali bleated and went over to Grandmother Willow, looking up at her with curiosity in his big, brown goat eyes. Then he smiled and rubbed his head lovingly against her tree trunk.

Kenai bowed deeply to the old tree spirit and smiled as well.

"Wingapo, Grandmother Willow," he said, his voice was warm and respectful. "I am glad to finally meet you. Pocahontas has told me all about you, and I already love you like a family member. I am Kenai, and I have come to ask for Pocahontas' dear hand in marriage."

A sparkle entered the woman’s eyes from Kenai’s words. She glanced over at her princess and smiled. She raised one of her vine fingers and moved it over to Kenai, using it to examine his appearance. She ran it through his hair, under his chin and around his arms. Kenai stood tall and proud when Grandmother Willow examined him, afraid that he would find no mercy in her eyes. It was bad enough that Pocahontas' father did not seem to accept him. He didn't want to risk turning Pocahontas' grandmother against him too.

“Things seem to have changed since we last talked, dear child. If I recall, you went on your journey to get over the loss of Master Smith, and yet you return with another beau. He seems to have a good heart and is handsome too. I am happy for you.”

Pocahontas was pleased when Grandmother Willow accepted Kenai. It was nice to know that someone was on her side, particular someone as close as the old tree spirit. Now if only she could get Nacoma to see her side of things . . .

When he heard her kind words, Kenai relaxed and smiled. "Thank you for your kindness, Grandmother Willow. I will do all I can to be a good husband for Pocahontas. I love her more than life itself," he said seriously.

Pocahontas dropped her gaze at the mention of John Smith. It is true that his sudden departure had sparked her adventurous journey to the park, but to be reminded of it was painful. She still cared about John, but not in the same way. He was an important part of her life and that would never change. But Kenai was her future now, of that she was sure.

Esmeralda listened to Grandmother Willow's words about John Smith, and she remembered what Pocahontas had told about him. When Pocahontas bowed her head in pain, Esmeralda wrapped her arms around her, and pulled her into a hug.

"Sometimes the best cure for a broken heart is to find a new love," she said quietly. "It is my hope that Kenai will be capable of making you so happy that your old memories won't cause you so much pain."

Pocahontas felt Esmeralda’s comforting hug and smiled thankfully. Her words were helpful and brought peace to the Indian’s heart. She hoped that Kenai would not be too cross with her for her weakness.

She turned to him, wanting to hear what he had to say.

Kenai noticed the pain in Pocahontas' beautiful eyes by the mentioning of Captain John Smith. He too knew about Pocahontas's painful love story, and hoped that one day he could help her through that pain by giving her all his love. He did not want to replace John in Pocahontas's heart, but he hoped to be capable of easing her pain, and to make her future a bright one. He promised himself that he would do his best to be a good and faithful husband for her.

A tear rolled down the Indian’s cheek as Kenai took her into his arms. For a moment, he held her close and whispered in her ear. "Poca, my love, if there is anything I can do to ease your pain, you know I will. For you, I could walk to the end of the world and back again...." There was no mistake about the tenderness in his voice, and his heart was filled with love for her.

Esmeralda watched the couple and couldn't help but let out a cheerful remark to Pocahontas. "There you can see for yourself! I TOLD you he loves you!!!"

She felt the passion of his words and laughed at Esmeralda’s joyful comment. Pulling away, she looked at his face, studying his beautiful eyes. She knew that she could lose herself in those dark orbs. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she kissed him deeply. Here among friends, alone in the dense forest, she had no fear of anger or danger. The scuffle of earlier disappeared from her memory at the touch of his lips. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest and knew that Kenai could feel it as well.

The outside world no longer existed as they held one another. Words were useless now, they could see in one another’s eyes and touch what they future was to be. After what seemed an eternity, she pulled away and hesitated in opening her eyes, not wanting to lose that wonderful moment.

Kenai watched his beautiful Indian Princess as a teardrop trickled down her face. He gently wiped it away with his index finger before taking her in his arms, holding her close and protectively.

"A face so beautiful should not be ruined by tears," he whispered and kissed her softly, deepening the kiss she had given him. He could feel her heart beat, and his own heart was beating in the same rhythm as hers. He tightened his grip around her during their kiss, passionately, but also careful not to hurt her.

He ran his fingers through her long, silky hair, before he finally broke the kiss. He looked deeply into her eyes and whispered tenderly to her. "I love you more than life itself, Pocahontas. If you are not sure of anything else, you can be sure of that. There is nothing I wouldn't do if you asked me to do it."

Esmeralda smiled when she saw the love scene between Pocahontas and Kenai. She wanted Pocahontas to be happy, and now Pocahontas finally had found the love she deserved.

Suddenly a dull throbbing echoed in the trees, shaking the very earth, and they all froze. Pocahontas listened and her eyes went wide. “The drums,” she said to no one in particular. “They mean trouble. We shouldn’t be here.”

Esmeralda had really bad feelings of this, and Kenai was used to drums from his own tribe. As soon as he heard the drums, he gave Pocahontas a quick kiss and rushed back to his canoe.

"I'll meet you both at the camp, my love," he said. He grabbed his oar and started paddling as fast as he could; ready to help the Powhatan tribe against any enemy.

As Kenai disappeared, Pocahontas stood where she was, watching his canoe vanish between the long tresses of the willow tree. When Kenai had left, Esmeralda followed Pocahontas with a cheerful smile and a glimpse of humor in her eyes.

"I know he can't replace John Smith in your heart, Poca, but you gotta admit he tries," she teased, commenting on Poca's flushed face.

After he was gone, the Indian princess got control of her body again and returned to her own canoe. Esmeralda followed soon after and they raced towards the village. The gypsy was anxious for what had happened when they were gone. She didn't want to see the camp on fire, or the sweet innocent children and women taken as prisoners.

"I hope we will get back in time....." She said worried. "Why do they sound the drums this time? War? Fire? Illness?"

Pocahontas shook her head at the gypsy’s questions, fearing the same as her friend.

“To my knowledge,” she said over the roar of the water. “We are not a war with anyone. But I have been gone for some time.”

"You have been away for a while though. Could something have happened when you were gone? If there is something I can do to help you, I will do whatever I can," she said.

As the landscape drifted by, Pocahontas thought back to the night the Masawomicks had attacked her village and killed her mother. She could hear the screams in her head, the dull thud of arrows striking earth and human flesh, the lifelessness of her mother’s face. Tears dampened the princess’s face but she did not wipe them away, allowing them to fall across her skin, hot and angry.

I don’t know what I can do, she said to herself, but still I know I’ve got to try. Oh, eagle help my feet to fly, mountain help my heart be great! Spirits of the Earth and Sky, please don’t let it be too late!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The canoe raced through the water, and only shortly after Kenai, they arrived to the village. Kenai was waiting for them, helping them to hide the canoes. Then he placed his hand on Pocahontas's shoulder.

"Allow me to go first, to see what is wrong," he said. "I do not wish to put my future wife in harm's way. Trust me, my love."

He smiled warmly to her, remembering they had to keep their love secret to the tribe members. Then he turned around and walked quickly up to the village. The first person he met was Chogan, and he called out to his friend as he approached him.

"I heard the drums and came as fast as I could," he said. "What is going on?"

Esmeralda was standing with Pocahontas, watching the village with hammering heart. There was no sign of smoke, and so far everything was quiet. So why was the drums sounding? She waited anxiously to hear the news.

Pocahontas joined Kenai and Esmeralda on the shore near the village. She felt Kenai’s hand on her shoulder, listened to his words, her heart pounding with admiration and fear. As he rushed off, Pocahontas wished she could be fighting at his side. She knew that he had no doubt of her ability to defend herself, but it was out of love that he held her at bay. She knew this was the way things were among his people and respected that.

From their distance, Pocahontas saw Kenai had met up with Chogan. The young warrior spotted the women and waved them closer. But as they approached, Pocahontas could see that a great scuffle had broken out. Clear lines were marked in the dirt and several huts showed damage of some kind. Cooking areas were upturned and the contents spread on the ground.

“What happened Chogan?” she asked the warrior.

“I am glad that you were not here to witness this horror,” said the man, panting a little. His bare torso was glistening with sweat and had a few minor cuts across his skin. “It was so unexpected that we were all caught off guard. Remember the warrior that Kenai was scuffling with earlier, Aranck?”

Pocahontas nodded, her eyes wide in fear.

Chogan swallowed and shifted uneasily on his feet. “Well, it seems that he took his defeat to heart and was maddened by it. I saw him enter your father’s hut, a clear purpose in his stride, and reappear moments later. There was a maddened glow in his eyes and he shouted that he would soon rule the village. He was storming through the village when we received news that the chief had been attacked. When we tried to catch Aranck, he fought us and disappeared in the forest. We have been hunting for him ever since.”

Esmeralda's face paled when she heard the news Chogan told.

"Good Lord, no!" She whispered, tears in her emerald eyes. "Is the chief very severely injured Chogan? I see you are injured as well. I can help Kekata taking care of the wounded warriors later if you allow me to. But first, I need to see the chief. If he is hurt, I wish to help Kekata to take care of him."

Kenai's face paled with anger when he heard what Aranck had done. He turned to Pocahontas and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"If Aranck has done this to your father, I will force him to take responsibility for his doings. I will go after him. Those of the warriors who wish to follow me are free to do so. Do not be afraid for me, my love. I will return to you. Nobody can part me from the woman I love. Not even death."

As Kenai prepared to leave to hunt Aranck, Pocahontas flung her arms around his neck and held him close. Just the feel of his strong body close to hers, his breath upon her skin, the feel of his hair as she thread her fingers through it. If something was to happen to him, oh, she wouldn’t know what to do.

Kenai felt a strong heat build up in his body as he wrapped his strong arms around her slender body and held her tight. Her skin felt so soft and warm against his, and he ran his finger through her soft and silky hair. Under the pretense of whispering something to her, he ran his warm lips across her neck, kissing her collarbone. He longed for the day he could hold her in his arms as his wife, and give her all his love, all his passion. For him, there would never be any other women than her.

“Please be safe,” she whispered against his neck.

"Do not fear for me, my love," he whispered passionately, holding her tightly. "I love you too much to leave you. No matter where I am, or what I do, I will always return to you."

She pulled away, looking deep into his eyes. After a moment, she reached up and untied the blue necklace from her throat. She looked at the smooth shells, the necklace her mother wore when she was wed. Placing it in his hands, she covered it with her own.

“If this holds any power, I want you to have it,” she said softly.

He sighed when she pulled away from him, drowning himself in her lovely eyes. No girl had as lovely eyes as Pocahontas. They were like the desert, and every time he looked into them, he could feel the heat, the passion she was hiding. He hoped the day soon would come when he legally could show her his passion in return. He looked warmly at her when she offered him her mother's necklace, knowing how much that necklace meant for her. He kissed her softly on the cheek, and hung it around his own neck, hiding it under his clothes, close to his heart.

"Thank you, my darling. I know how much your mother's necklace means to you. I will guard it with my life."

Kenai noticed that some of the other warriors had joined him. They too wanted to find Aranck. Kenai smiled in gratitude, and together with the men, he left the camp. He noticed tracks in the soil, and from the size of the feet, it had to be Aranck. Kenai started following the tracks, running fast and quietly between the tree trunks. In his tribe they were skilled warriors. Good to follow tracks and to stay hidden to not alert the prey. Now he hoped he could stop Aranck before more people got hurt.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

After Kenai left the village with a few warriors, Pocahontas hurried to her father’s hut. Chogan raced after her, catching her arm and pulling her to a stop. “You father is wounded, but still lives. Do not worry for him, Pocahontas. Allow Kekata to tend to him.”

The indian princess could see the concern in the warrior’s eyes, but was angered by his presumption to stop her. “I will see my father,” she told him harshly. “If he is to die, I will be at his side.”

Yanking her arm from the man’s grip, she continued to her father’s hut. The guards were on the alert but did not refuse her access. Perhaps they recalled her anger when they had attacked Kenai. Entering silently, she saw that Kekata was kneeling at her father’s side. The old man looked up as she came in. Her father had been severely attacked but had put up a decent fight of his own by the shape of his hut. The animal hides had been tossed about and the dirt floor had been stirred up. His war club was lying by his bed and his headdress was knocked across the ground.

Esmeralda rushed after Pocahontas into the hut and looked around. The sight of the injured old man and the signs of struggles made her tears trickle down her cheeks.

"My God, such bestiality. Who can do this to a sweet old man like your father?"

She sniffled and wiped her tears away angrily. This was no time for tears, but for action. Quickly she found all her herbs and plants, and placed them by the bedside of the old man. She helped Kekata laying the old man on the bed, then they washed his wounds with water and a cloth.

One of the warriors brought her water, so she could heat water and make a healing brew for the chief. Again she used all her knowledge to find the right cure for the old man. She could hear the old chied struggle with his breath when she worked with him, and she did what she could to clear his airways. She mumbled every spell, every prayer she could think of while she was working.

This time she placed more than one of her amulets on different places of his body. Amulets for healing, amulets for protection. She used everything she had. The entire night she was working by the side of Kekata, never resting, never eating or drinking. All her concern now was for the old man in the bed.

Pocahontas lingered in the background as Esmeralda and Kekata tended to her father. As the gypsy began her healing spells, Pocahontas sat huddled in the corner and wept. How could she have brought this pain upon her father? It was her fault that Aranck had attacked him because he wanted Pocahontas for his own. Was it not enough to lose her mother, but now her father? She prayed that Kenai would be alright as darkness faded on the village.

By the break of day, when the first sunrays fell through the tiny window, the old man finally opened his eyes and whispered.

"Pocahontas...."

[poca]

Chapter Ten

The forest darkened around him, but Aranck's trail was easy to follow. Obviously this was not a man that was used to do his own hunting, or he would have thought of covering his track when he moved around in the wilderness.

The landscape around them changed. They were out of the forest, and came closer to a moutain area. Kenai was standing on a big rock, looking down at the landscape below him.

Suddenly he noticed a tall, muscular man moving in the landscape. It was Aranck. From the way he moved, Kenai could tell that the chief had defended himself well. Aranck was wounded too, though not as bad as the chief. He was limping, and it was clear to Kenai, that Aranck was not available to get far in that condition. From the top of the rock, Kenai called out as loud as he could:

"ARANCK!!!"

The man in the tall grass below him startled and whirled around. There was a fiery glow in his eyes.

"YOU!"

Aranck lifted his weapon, ready to fight.

Kenai looked around him for a defensible position and the location of the other warriors. He could not find them in the dense undergrowth. It appeared that he would have to face this problem on his own. Aranck was charging at him, his tomahawk raised high. Kenai understood that the warrior was stronger than him by many times, but he was also wounded and slow to react. The Inuit boy would have to use that to his advantage.

Leaping down from his rock, Kenai got his spear ready. Aranck swung his arm down and Kenai barely had time to get out of the way. He popped Aranck in the face with the staff of his spear, electing a cry of pain from the Powhatan. But he wasn’t going to go down that easily. Aranck grabbed Kenai by the arm and twisted it behind his back. Kenai noticed that his opponent had his legs spread out and began kicking back at him as much as he could. He could tell by the howl of agony that he had managed to hit Aranck’s injured leg.

The two fell to the ground, Aranck dragging Kenai with him. There was bloodlust in Aranck’s eyes now and he pulled out a knife, his tomahawk forgotten on the ground. Before Kenai could react, the blade was crossing his throat.

“I wonder if the princess would want you?” Aranck crooned, “now that you are kneeling at my mercy!”

Kenai hissed as the blade touched his skin but it did not penetrate the skin very deep. Aranck had only managed to get one cut in before the other warriors arrived. Chogan aimed his bow and caught his former comrade in the shoulder. Aranck jerked back in pain, releasing both Kenai and the knife. Chogan hurried to Kenai’s side, a look of concern on his face, while the other warriors guarded the guilty man.

“Are you alright, brother?” asked Chogan, helping Kenai to his feet.

Kenai opened his mouth to answer, but was struck by the name the young warrior had placed on him. Brother? He knew that was a term of endearment and acceptance in the native tribes. He had never expected to be granted with the title so quickly. He was so shocked that he forgot about the throbbing pain in his arm and the blood running down his neck.

“You’re bleeding,” Chogan pointed out; bring the injuries back to Kenai’s attention.

Kenai ran a hand across his throat and found that it was covered in blood. Chogan quickly offered him a bandage and helped Kenai cover the wound. Reaching around his neck, Kenai felt the ties of Pocahontas’s necklace and took off the jewelry. His eyes went wide when he saw the knife marks in the blue stones. They had protected him from the worst of Aranck’s blow.

“I will have to thank Poca when we return to the village,” he said to himself as he tucked the necklace into his pocket.

By that time, the other warriors had bound Aranck’s hands and dragged him to Kenai. The Inuit warrior looked at the man in disgust, wanting nothing more than to kill him right then and there. To think of the harm Aranck had caused the chief physically, and the emotional trauma that Pocahontas had gone through. Kenai picked up Aranck’s knife, fringed in his blood now, and his tomahawk.

“Keep your hands off those, you outsider pig,” roared Aranck definitely. “You think that you have the right to take our princess away and become our leader. Hah, you are not worth the space you take up. I would sooner kill myself than fight for you!” Crazy eyed, Aranck swore under his breath and spit at Kenai’s feet.

Kenai knew that Aranck was baiting him, wanted to get him angry and do something drastic. “This isn’t my punishment to give,” he said to the prisoner. “I will leave this to Pocahontas to decide. It is she that you have hurt the most. Let’s take him back to the village.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The other warriors took Aranck between them and led him back to the village. Aranck seemed to know he was defeated, or maybe he was too wounded. At least he made no more attempts to escape.

In the hut, Esmeralda had been waking all night, striving to cure the old chief. By the break of day, he finally opened his eyes and whispered "Pocahontas....."

Pocahontas sat huddled in the corner, her long hair blocking her face from view. She had been sitting there all night, worried sick about her father and about Kenai. She hoped that her mother’s necklace would help bring him strength. It always had for her. The girl looked up when she heard her father whisper her name. She hurried to his side and took his hand, memorizing the texture of his hands against hers in case she never had the chance again. She gave Kekata and Esmeralda a tearful smile, thanking them for their loyalty and compassion.

Esmeralda looked over at Kekata and smiled. The chief was out of danger now... unless he was attacked again. She had to ask Pocahontas if they could have guards outside the hut, to take care of the chief. Before she could open her mouth to ask, there was loud sounds outside the hut, and Esmeralda looked over at Pocahontas.

"I think it is Kenai and the others. And from the anger in their voices, they have found the man who attacked your father. It sounds like Kenai want you to decide the man's destiny."
Esmeralda stood up as well, ready to help, just in case some of the warriors were wounded.

The old chief looked at his daughter’s face and smiled. His eyes drifted down to her neck and Pocahontas could see the concern at the absence of her mother’s necklace. Pocahontas squeezed her father’s hand reassuringly, prepared to explain, when Esmeralda informed her that the hunting party had returned. The woman’s face went cold and she kissed her father’s hand before rising to her feet. She bowed to Kekata and gave Esmeralda a hug before leaving the hut. Esmeralda smiled and left the old chief in Kekata's care, while she followed Pocahontas to the outside of the hut, ready to assist her with the wounded warriors.

In the early morning, a light mist crawled along the ground of the village. Tribe members, alert to the return of the warriors, filed out of their huts to see the guilty man brought forward. There was a low grumble among the crowd and many angry faces. Pocahontas tensed when she saw Aranck bounded and dragged towards her. Kenai was at the head of the procession, a thick bandage around his neck.

“Are you alright?” asked Pocahontas, taking his hand gently. Kenai winced and Pocahontas could see that his hand was bruised. Now that she examined him more, he carried his arm very gingerly. “You should let Esmeralda look at that,” she told him.

Esmerelda took him aside, and gently started taking care of his wounds. She released the bandage and revealed a very ugly cut wound. After cleansing the wound with water, she had to stitch him up. Kenai didn't make a sound when she worked, and she had to admire his courage.

Pocahontas then turned to the other warriors, who were crowded around Aranck to prevent escape. “I must thank you, my brothers, for capturing this man. We will hold a feast in your honor as soon as can be arranged. By then we will be celebrating something even more important,” she added, eyes falling on Aranck. “Why have you brought this vile creature before me?”

“Kenai ordered that be returned alive, my lady,” piped in Chogan meekly. “He wished you to pass judgment on his crimes.”
Pocahontas looked over at Kenai, an expression of deepest gratitude on her face. Kenai watched Pocahontas while Esmeralda was working with his arm. Even now he had strength enough to admire the beauty of the Indian Princess, and the royal way she behaved taking care of Aranck.

“You made good judgment,” she told the Inuit. “To die in battle is a death to honorable for a traitor. There is no honor in his heart and so he will be punished accordingly. Take him from my sight,” she ordered to the other warriors.

Aranck’s eyes widened as his punishment fell and he cried out viciously, straining against the men that held him. “I only acted in the benefit of the village! Our chief is weak if he allows this outsider to marry his only child. She is worthy of a better match, one that will carry on the traditions of our people. Our people will be doomed to famine and disease under this boy! I curse you both and the children you bear!”

Kenai watched how Aranck was led away to a hut, where he would have to be trapped for a while. His captivity consisted on being chained to a pole in the hut, being denied sleep or a comfortable seat, and be without food and water for a while. This was only the beginning. By the light of dawn, they would tie him in the desert, pour syrup over him, and allow the ants to crawl over him.

Esmeralda smiled when she watched Aranck being led away. And from the looks Kenai sent Pocahontas, she knew that Pocahontas would get secret visitors later.

Esmerelda went over to Chogan and looked shyly up at him.

"Are you hurt?" she asked with a smile.

Chogan was surprised by the gypsy’s concern and replied sheepishly. His English wasn’t that good and his accent was very thick. “I am fine, thank you.” He kept his eyes towards the ground and his hands clasp behind his back. He had never met anyone that had treated him so kindly.

Esmeralda smiled and looked over at Chogan. He didn't look bad, and he had a sweet way of speaking English. It didn't matter for her that his English wasn't that good. Her English wasn't that good either, and the French accent of hers was impossible to get rid of. Her emerald eyes looked quickly over his body, as if she was scanning him for injuries. Being trained to take care of sick or injured gypsies, Esmeralda always knew when someone was wounded. And her keen instincts told her that Chogan was hurt, but that he didn't want to admit it. She smiled teasingly and looked up at him again, her emerald eyes glittering in the sunshine. She spoke softly, but determined to him.

"Awwww, come on now, Chogan. Don't you think I am a better healer than that? Where I come from, a child could see you are injured. Come on now, show me the wounds, and I don't take no for an answer."

She knew she could take time to heal his wounds. Inside the hut, she smelled tea from the plants she had prepared for the chief, and knew that Kekata had followed her instructions to the letter. Esmeralda smiled. She loved to co-operate with the wise old shaman. She learned a lot from him, and she had the feeling that he enjoyed their working together as much as she did.

She also knew that the chief would need sleep after the tea. Kekata was there with him. He had gotten some sleep during the night, since Esmeralda had told him that she was younger than him and didn't need as much sleep as he did. So now he was waking by the chief's side with renewed strength.

Back in the chief’s hut, Pocahontas was explaining to her father what had happened with Aranck. The old chief seemed pleased with his daughter’s decision and smiled at her. She took his hand and held it as the man drifted to sleep, trying very hard to recover from his many wounds. Pocahontas assigned two warriors to guard the chief’s hut, allowing no one but Kekata, Esmeralda or herself to enter for any reason. She wasn’t going to take any chances on his condition getting worse.

Once her father’s safety was assured, Pocahontas joined Esmeralda as she took care of Kenai. She watched as the gypsy sutured up his wound and was amazed by the boy’s patience. She held his hand limply in her own and rested her head on his arm. She was tired, so very, very tired, but would not allow herself to rest. Looking back up at him, she saw that her mother’s necklace was not around his throat.

“Where is my necklace?” she asked worriedly.

Kenai smiled, which turned into a slight grimace as Esmeralda continued to stitch up his wounds. He patted his pocket with his good hand and Pocahontas removed her mother’s necklace. She saw the scars on the stones and instantly understood. Holding the necklace in both hands, she pressed it against her chest and wept, horrified by Aranck’s brutality and grateful that Kenai had been spared.

Pocahontas had looked tired earlier. Esmeralda knew she had been awake all night, worrying about her father. Now that her father was safe, Esmeralda thought Pocahontas could need some rest. Granting her best friend some privacy to rest, Esmeralda took care of the wounded warriors that had been with Kenai and battled Aranck.

Once she was sure that Kenai was alright, Pocahontas went about preparations for the ceremonial feast. It would be held the following night.

Kenai smiled in gratitude when Esmeralda had finished suturing him, and stood up. He placed his hand on Chogan's shoulder and spoke teasingly to his friend.

"Let the squaw take care of you, brother. She is a great shaman in her own world. And she's not too bad to look at, no?"

He grinned and left Chogan alone with Esmeralda, while he went to look for his Pocahontas. It was close to nightfall when all of her chores were completed and Pocahontas returned to her hut alone. The new moon guided her way and splashed upon the dirt floor. As the Indian princess gathered her blanket in her arms, she paused. There was another scent in the air, one that did not belong there.

She wasn’t alone.

[poca]

Chapter Eleven

Pocahontas’s heart began to race when she felt the presence of another person. She was alone and unguarded. Esmeralda had reminded behind to take care of the other warriors and those that remained unharmed were too far to help her now. Her first thought was of Aranck. Had he managed to escape his capturers and was seeking revenge, or worse? The warrior had managed to injure her father after all, so he was not to be underestimated.

She could hear the person’s heavy breathing and her own hitched in her throat. Her eyes quickly scanned the gloom for anything that she could use to protect herself. Her eyes fell upon a clay water pot on a high shelf, but before she could reach for it, or even move, the figure was behind her. She opened her mouth to call out as the man’s arms captured her from behind, but as the man spoke, his face nuzzled into her hair, Pocahontas’s fear turned to relief and she sighed contentedly.

"Darling Pocahontas, I have missed you so much....."

The hut of the Indian Princess had been unguarded, and with a sly grin on his face, Kenai had snuck inside and hid in the shadows, waiting for her. He had only hoped that Esmeralda wouldn't feel the need of sleep for a long time yet. He was afraid to ambush the wrong girl in the darkness (especially a girl with Esmeralda's temper).

“I have missed you as well,” she replied softly. “But you should not be here. There is enough talk in the village as it is.”

She knew that she could not give in, that her common logic had to win out, but it was very difficult to think logically now. She could feel his hard body behind her, the kisses that he left upon her skin, and the fire that his hands left in their wake as they held her. But she didn’t care. She wished to burn. After all the pain and worry, she knew that Kenai would always be there, that he would always love her and that he would never harm her.

Kenai held his arms tightly around Pocahontas, pressing his body against her. His lips were gliding over her soft, warm skin. He kissed her neck passionately, allowing his tongue to glide over her collarbone. His heart was racing in his chest, and he was certain that Pocahontas would notice. He knew that they had to be careful, and he wanted to be a gentleman and wait until their wedding night before he gave himself to her completely. But it was torture to have her so near, to enjoy her beauty, and not be allowed to touch her. He loved her so much, and there was nothing he wouldn't do to bring a smile to her beautiful face.

Another sigh slipped from her lips as the man pulled her closer, every beating of his heart pounding against her back. His lips continued to move along her shoulders, up the sides of her neck, and along the side of her ears. The Indian Princess whimpered, all thoughts of dignity disappearing into the darkness. She wanted to be in his arms, to hold him as tightly as she could, to show him with all her being that she was his. Kenai smiled, knowing they were sharing the same fever, the same longing to be in each others arms forever.

Pride be damned. Pocahontas spun around in his arms, and kissed him full on the mouth. He returned her kisses passionately, pressing her body tightly to his. That was a mistake. He was even more heated, and a quiet moan escaped his lips. He pressed her harder to him for a moment, his body tensed, and burning with desire.

Pocahontas drunk in every touch as if it was water in a dry desert. It had been so long since she had felt the love of a man, one so full and deep. Her thoughts returned to her mother’s necklace, how it had save Kenai’s life. It must have been a sign from her mother that she approved of their union. Now if only the rest of the tribe would be as understanding.

Pulling away with a gasp of air, she touched her forehead to Kenai’s. She was already beginning to quake and her flesh was hot as ever. Gathering her voice, she looked into his eyes.

“We must be careful,” she told him, a lust in her voice that she could not get rid of. “My people are on the alert now. One bad decision and everything will be ruined. We cannot have them turn on you now, I could not bear it.”

"I know, we must be careful...." he gasped. "I promised your father that you would be.... untouched.... on your wedding day." His eyes told a different story than his mouth. They were burning with lust, and his heart felt like it was on fire.

“But I know a place where we will be safe. Meet me at Grandmother Willows’ glen in a half hour.”

"I will meet you there, my love," he whispered.

He didn't dare to kiss her again, because if he did, he would give in to his feelings for her. And THAT would be a terrible mistake, even he realized that.

He left the hut, and after a little round to his own hut, to pick up a blanket, some food and water, and a little present for Pocahontas, he left the camp and hopped into his canoe, paddling towards Grandma Willow's glen.

Pocahontas took her deer hide blanket and a satchel filled with food and drink. She would stop and see Esmeralda first, to let the gypsy know that she would be alright for the evening. She knew that Esmeralda would understand and cover for her. Wrapping the hide around her body and putting the satchel over her shoulders, Pocahontas entered the cool night air and made her way to the healing hut.

Little did she know that she was once again being followed.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Nacoma had been standing in the shadows fuming with fury. She had kept an eye on this... gypsy.... from the time she had arrived. Not only had she tried to help the chief with witchcraft, but she had bewitched Kekata, Pocahontas, and most of the other persons here to like her! Was she the only one who saw the witch in this girl? She went over to Pocahontas’ hut to explain how she felt, but was shocked to see Pocahontas in the arms of a man! The man left, and Pocahontas left the hut right after.

Nacoma marched after her, grabbing her arm and turned her around. She was so upset that she shook her friend. "Are you completely out of your mind? First you drag a witch in here, and now you are kissing a stranger? What if your father finds out?"

Pocahontas leapt in fright when she felt the hand grab her, her fears of Aranck still very real. But the face that greeted her was more frightening than anything Aranck could do. Nacoma was livid; Pocahontas had never seen her so angry. She knew her friend had seen everything so denying her actions wouldn’t help at all. She listened to her friend’s concerns, wishing that she had made Kenai leave sooner.

“I brought Esmerelda here because she is my friend. I wanted her to meet my people, for her to become a part of our family because she has none. As for her witchcraft, she has saved my father’s life twice now. If she is doing what is best for my people, I don’t care how it is done!”

Her words about Kenai would be harder to explain away. “Nacoma you know that I would never do anything to dishonor my people but I will not hide my feelings about Kenai. I love him and nothing anyone can say will change that. I have talked with my father and he approves of our union. I am sorry that you do not feel the same way.”

Hurt by her friend’s words, Pocahontas turned away without another word and continued on to the healing huts. There she found Esmerelda and Kekata. Esmeralda was in the Chief's hut, discussing medicine with Kekata. The two of them had gotten to know each other much better while they both were fighting to save the chief, and they respected each other like colleagues. Right now, Esmeralda had spread all her amulets across a table inside the hut, and explained to Kekata what the amulets could be used for. She had also given him some of her herbs, and told him how they could be used, and for what sickness. At the same time she kept an eye on the chief, and kept herself near him, if he should wake up and need anything.

Lingering in the doorway, Pocahontas caught Esmerelda’s eye and motioned her to come closer. She didn’t want more enemies among her own tribe.

“I will be away tonight,” she told her friend softly. “Please keep my absence as quiet as you can, particularly from my father. We don’t need more panic among the village.”

Giving the gypsy girl a quick hug, Pocahontas hurried down to the river and pushed her canoe out into the water before anyone could stop her. She knew full well that she was betraying the customs of her people but her heart told her to continue on.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Nacoma stared angrily after Pocahontas when the princess left. She knew that they were different already in the childhood, but now the differences between them were more clear than ever before. And somehow she blamed the French gypsy in the chief's hut for Pocahontas's change. Her eyes narrowed and she growled with anger.

"I will get you for this, witch!"

She started walking quietly over to the chief's hut, peeking in through the window. She saw the gypsy and Kekata inside. They were seated by the chief's bed, with a table between them. On the table were many amulets with mysterious signs, and herbs and plants. Nacoma gasped.

"I knew it, she is a witch!"

She saw Pocahontas entering the hut and ducked, not wanting to let the princess see her. Pocahontas whispered in Esmeralda's ear and left, and Esmeralda returned to her work, smiling secretly. Nacoma narrowed her eyes.

It used to be me who shared Pocahontas' trust, witch!
Nacoma leaned against the window then froze. She was not alone. Someone was standing behind her. Someone had detected she was spying on the chief and his family.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Chogan had noticed Kenai leave their hut in a hurry, a strange smile on his face. He knew that the young warrior had promised himself to their princess, Pocahontas. Lucky man, Chogan had admitted. There was not a warrior in the village that didn’t want to try their hand at winning the maiden’s hand in marriage. Not only was her physical beauty amazing, but who ever she chose as a mate would become chief.

But he also worried about his new friend. Kenai was still new in the village and after the earlier problems with Aranck, Chogan didn’t want to see the Inuit boy doing anything foolish. After Kenai left the hut, Chogan had followed him to the edge of the village. He got into his canoe and disappeared into the darkness. Curious, he hurried back towards Pocahontas’s hut.

He passed the healing hut as he went, noticing Nacoma was also roaming in the late evening.

“What are you doing?” he asked her sternly.

[somechick]

Omg, this is exactly what I call a CLIFF HANGERR!
Who the heck's taunting Pocahontas?! -snuggles Pocahontas- D:
GAH! I wanna play Kenai, now....

<3 EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! I adore this. Update when you can!

[poca]

Part II

Chapter Twelve

Pocahontas entered the glen near Grandmother Willow. She could see the long tresses of the old willow tree swaying in the breeze, the only betrayal of life. She looked around for signs of Kenai but could find none. Wrapping the hide blanket tighter around her shoulders, Pocahontas dropped her satchel at the base of the old willow and climbed across to the stump. Grandmother Willow was either asleep or knew the quiet time that the two wished to spend together. For this courtesy, Pocahontas was very grateful.

Kenai had been waiting for her for so long.... the forest had been quiet and peaceful, but it felt like he had the blessing of this strange place to do what he was here to do this night. He heard the soft splashes of oars in water, and he knew that the love of his life was here.

His heart was racing in his chest when he saw her radiant beauty. She was so young, and yet so determined. Maybe that was one of the many reasons he loved her so much.

She looked around when she heard footsteps and a voice call her name. Kenai arrived and made his way towards her. He placed a blanked on the ground, offering her to sit. It could be cold tonight, but he would try his best to keep her warm. He looked deeply into her lovely eyes with color like the desert, bathed in a golden light. He caressed her long dark, silky hair.

“Are you sure we should do this?” he asked her, taking her hands.

“Yes, my love. I know that we will be happy together and I want to show you how much I love you.”

“You know that nothing would make me happier,” said Kenai, “but what about your people? I may not know your customs that well, but am sure that they would want their princess . . . pure when she weds. I can wait as long as it takes.”

Pocahontas looked at their intertwined hands and thought. Kenai’s words made sense. But then she thought back to their brief encounter in the hut and her body quaked. She wanted him so badly, not just as a friend, but as a lover. She had been alone for so long that the mere physical contact meant more than any words could.

“I know you are right,” she consented, “but surely you must have thought about it?”

“Only every time I breathe,” he blurted out but then winced when he realized how tactless that had been. “I mean, well, I never thought that a girl like you would even notice me. I’m not exactly A-list material like you.”

Pocahontas giggled and touched a hand to his cheek. “You are more than worthy of me. You are a great warrior and a tender heart. I have seen the way you work with the other warriors. They are coming to love you and will follow you into battle without a second thought. So stop all this negative talk and kiss me,” she ordered, her lips inches from his, eyes shinning in the dark.

When she wanted to kiss him, he placed his lips on hers, kissing her deeply, passionately. Pocahontas wrapped her arms around Kenai’s neck, deepening the kiss. The heat is his body was a fire that could not be stopped by anything but her love. She lay back on the blanket, bringing him with her. The presence of his body on top of hers was maddening, and yet the sweetest touch that she had ever received. She rested her head back and closed her eyes as Kenai allowed his heated kisses rain over her face, her neck and her chest. The passion in his kisses increased to the unbearable. She let out a moan of contentment but he pulled away, looking down at her. Her eyes met his and she knew the effort it took him to stop.

"Poca, darling, I... I can't," he whispered, his desire for her so strong that he was trembling all over his body in a feverish attempt to save her honor. "I promised....."

Kenai was still trying to catch his breath, to make the fire in his body calm down. With a beauty like Pocahontas so near him, it wasn't easy. But for her sake, he had to try. He didn't know the laws of her tribe, but if they were like the laws in his own, a girl could be severely punished for not being a virgin on her wedding night. For Kenai it didn't matter if Pocahontas was a virgin or not, but he didn't want her to feel ashamed before her father on her wedding day.

“I know,” she told him. “I know.”

She could feel tears of regret welling up in her eyes and she turned on her side, her back to him. “You must be ashamed of me,” she cried. “Throwing myself at you when I know I shouldn’t. You have more willpower than I do. I’m so sorry.”

Kenai's heart was breaking with each tear that fell. He reached out his hand, stroking Pocahontas's hair gently. He leaned over her, kissing away her tears softly.

"I don't have willpower, Poca, my love," he whispered hotly into her ear. "You have no idea how much it cost me to stop. I only stopped because I feared you might be punished if you are not pure on our wedding night - which I hope will come soon.”

His voice was warm and tender, and he lifted his hand, caressing Pocahontas's long, dark hair gently. The indian’s tears slowed when Kenai stroked her hair. She couldn’t help but smile when he kissed away the wetness on her cheeks. Just knowing that he was there, so close, made her feel better and made her feel safe.

"I am not ashamed of you, my love. I never was and I never will be. You are the love of my life, the only woman I will ever be with. I love you, Pocahontas."

She turned over on her back, looking up at him, eyes sparkling.

“I have a feeling that our wedding will be soon,” she told him. “Once my father is well again, everything will be settled.”

"I hope we will get married soon as well, Poca love," he said warmly, his voice revealing how much he loved her. "Each moment away from you is torture."

She sighed as Kenai pulled her into his arms and kissed her. She wrapped her deer skin hide over her bare legs to ward off the cold. “Do you want to return to the village?” she asked. “Or we can stay here for the night? Esmerelda said that she would cover for me.”

He smiled gently.

"I have brought with me everything we need for a night in the wilderness, you and I. Now that you know you are safe with me - as long as you promise not to touch me, because that will break down my resistance - I would love to spend the night with you."
He smiled and kissed her forehead.

"But if you rather want to return, I will follow you back to see you safe. I will go everywhere you want me to, my love."

Pocahontas’s eyes were getting heavy. After such a long day of emotional ups and downs, she needed her rest. She breathed in the sweet musky scent of Kenai’s clothes, never feeling so comfortable as she was in his arms right now.

“I don’t think it will hurt,” she muttered sleepily. “We are safe here and it would take so long to return to the village . . .”

Kenai wrapped his blanket around her, keeping her warm, as he tenderly caressed her long, dark hair.

"You need rest, my love," he whispered in her ear. "Go to sleep now. I will keep watch over you, protecting you from harm. Nothing can happen when I am here to take care of you. Sweet dreams, my princess."

He rested his back against the tree trunk, his dark eyes piercing the night. He was ready to defend his princess against any danger that might happen.

[poca]

Chapter Thirteen

Nacoma startled and whirled around. Before she got the time to think she had blurted out.

"I was NOT spying on Esmeralda!"

She spat out the name of the young gypsy girl, her eyes clearly showing how much she hated the her. She clenched her fists and muttered.

"She is a witch, Chogan! And she is in there, with our chief! I wish there was some way I could stop her evil deeds. I will kill her!!"

Chogan was taken back by Nacoma’s outburst. He had never known her to be this vindictive towards anyone.

“Why are you so against Esmeralda?” he whispered. “She has helped our people and she seems friendly. Besides Kekata was with her all the time and he would have seen if she was doing anything wrong?”

Nacoma looked up at Chogan her eyes widening in surprise.

"What she has done?" She gasped, her eyes flaming with fury. "What she has done? Her people have taken our country from us, piece by piece, chased our people away and let them starve, killed the buffaloes on the prairie so our people had to starve. And then you dare to ask me what she's done? I want that little witch out of here, before she destroy our village!!!"
She snorted.

"Kekata! Kekata is only a man, so blinded by her beauty that he doesn't see the devil inside of her. But I will not be fooled by her appearance!"

Nacoma’s attack came so suddenly that Chogan didn’t know how to defend against it. There had to be something beside Esmerelda that caused the girl to act like this. Kekata was an elder in the tribe yet Nacoma doubted his wisdom.

”Nacoma, I think you are just tired,” he said, hoping to smooth things over. “In the end, it is the chief that will decide to ban someone, not you. Please try to make peace with her. She is still a royal guest after all.”

Chogan looked through a small window into the healing hut and saw that Esmerelda was looking out at them. The young warrior froze as he saw those green eyes, his heart beating wildly from fear and subdued desire.

Nacoma narrowed her eyes and replied sharply, when Chogan dismissed her talk, or so she felt.

"Don't tell me that gypsy witch has cast her evil spell on you too! Why am I the only one to see the evil behind her?"

Chogan’s face blanched when Nacoma accused him of falling under Esmeralda’s spell. His eyes trailed to the ground, ashamed that he was so taken with the gypsy girl. Was he weak because of it?

When he mentioned the chief, a wicked grin appeared in her face.

"The chief? Of course. I will speak to him about her as soon as he is better. But for now, I have something to do!!!"

She turned on her heel and marched off in fury. He watched as Nacoma stormed away and breathed a sigh of relief. As soon as she was gone, the door to the hut opened, and Esmeralda stepped outside for a moment. She looked over at Chogan and smiled shyly.

"I thought I heard some shouting," she said softly. "Is everything alright?"

Chogan blushed fiercely, glad that the dark night hid most of his reaction.

“Oh I am sorry for the disturbance, Miss Esmeralda,” he apologized. “I was just trying to keep some people away from the healing hut. I took the liberty of guarding it for the night, just to make sure nothing happens.”

Esmeralda looked up at Chogan and smiled warmly to him, completely unaware what effects her smile might have on the young man. She measured him, to see if he was wounded after the chase for Aranck.

"Are you sure you are not wounded after the chase earlier? The chief is resting now. I have time to take care of you if you are wounded....."

Chogan was completely thrown off in Esmeralda’s presence. He declined her offer for healing care with a deliberate shake of his head. In truth, he could feel his right arm tensing up and the flesh was becoming discolored.

“I should stay outside,” he said sternly, trying his best to look tough. “Aranck might have others in his band and we cannot risk loosing the chief. Also Kekata is very important to the village and you as well,” he added softly.

Esmeralda looked up at Chogan. He might sound stern, but she had noticed a slight discoloration of his arm, and there were tiny beads of sweat on his forehead. Esmeralda’s smile widened, and her emerald eyes were glittering in the shine from the moonlight.

So, little Chogan, stubborn, are we? What a coincidence - so am I! And that arm of yours need to be taken care of.

Esmeralda smiled softly, placing a tiny hand on Chogan's arm, the wounded one, and heard him moan in pain. "I am glad you are guarding the hut tonight, Monsieur Chogan. I feel safe then. But I don't think this is a time to prove your bravery, my little friend," she said softly, yet determined, while adamantly guiding him inside the hut. "Your arm must be taken care of before you lose it. We don't want that to happen now, do we?"

Chogan wanted to protest but his argument was lost when the gypsy girl took his arm and led him into the healing hut. She got Kekata to help her disrobe the warrior. When that was done, Kekata returned to the chief, knowing that his young student would be capable of healing the wounds of the young warrior. He sat down automatically and allowed Esmeralda to inspect his arm. He kept back his cries of pain, only the tensing of his muscles giving away his internal struggle. Esmeralda noticed the tensing of the young man's muscles and guessed he was in pain. She quickly made Chogan a cup of herbal tea, meant to kill the pain, then she offered it to him.

When Esmeralda saw the discoloration, she looked up at Chogan in sympathy.

"Oooooh, that must have hurt," she cooed. "Why didn't you say anything?"

He let out a slow breath as they gypsy asked about his wound. “My personal comfort is of little concern when the village is in danger,” he replied softly. “My people are my only concern as I have no family to care for.”

She started washing the wounds gently with hot water and a cloth, before placing healing herbs on the wounds and bandaging them with a clean bandage. Chogan closed his eyes. Her touch was so light yet confident in what she was doing. He knew that if anyone could heal him, it was this strange girl from across the great water. Although he was young and had little experience with matters of the heart, he knew that the gypsy girl was special and her future mate would be a very lucky man.

"I can still save your arm," she said softly. "But I will need to change your bandages every third hour. Once the worst bleeding has stopped, I can start smearing your arm with the oinment I have for such wounds."

Esmeralda smiled softly when she looked up at Chogan. He was a big, strong, warrior, and even though Kovu had stolen her heart, she found Chogan incredibly charming. However, she was unsure of how strict they were with flirting in this tribe. Among the gypsies, a girl was allowed to flirt with anyone she wanted until the day she got married. But from her wedding day to the day of her death, she would belong to nobody but her husband. Only if she was widowed would she be allowed to marry again.

"No family, Monsieur Chogan? You must be just as lonely as I am. I have no family either. Only the gypsies that raised me. No husbands, boyfriends or otherwise. How about you?"

“My father died in battle in my fifth year,” explained Chogan calmly. “My mother died this last winter of illness. I have been staying in the warriors hut ever since, learning to fight as my father did. It is my duty to my tribe. I have not had the honor of wedding, although a few girls have taken a liking to me.” He gave a hidden smile, wondering if this information would get the gypsy’s interest. From what he understood of women, they did not want a man unless he had been noticed by other girls.

"I am sorry to hear about your parents," Esmeralda said quietly, while she continued taking care of Chogan's wounds. "I never knew my own parents. I was found as a newborn child on the steps of Notre Dame. The gypsies who found me brought me to their king, Clopin, who raised me as his own child. A gypsy woman took me under her wings and cared for me like a mother until I was 6. She died a very tragic death after trying to get me into a school."

She silenced, trying to fight back tears. The memories of her adoptive mother was still too painful to talk about. When Chogan spoke about the few girls that took a liking to him, she smiled, continuing to work with his strong body. Esmeralda found needle and thread, and started patching him up. He had a gaping wound in his arm, but Esmeralda stitched it together, neatly. She gently smeared the stitches with an ointment to make the wounds heal faster. She could feel his warm skin and his strong muscles under her finger, and since he was shirtless, she noticed how well toned his body was.

"I can understand why the girls would notice you," she smiled. "You are very handsome. And strong. Girls like that in a man. Especially one they want to support them and the babies, I suppose."

Chogan smiled when he saw his words had the proper affect on Esmeralda. She seemed more impressed with him now. But he blushed as well as she complimented him on his strength. He suddenly had a thought of himself sitting outside a hut with a trio of children gathered around him, crawling on his legs and talking animatedly among themselves. A certain raven haired woman watched them from the doorway of the hut, her emerald eyes gleaming like the clearest water . . .

When she was working, her long, raven curls fell down on her back. Her emerald eyes were glittering, focused on her work, and her soft, cherry lips parted in a radiant smile every time she managed to stitch up a part of the wound that was particularly difficult to patch. Her cheeks were blushing from her work, and she didn't notice herself how close she was standing to Chogan.

After he had finished his tea, he watched Esmeralda stitch his wound. He did not cringe at the continuous penetration of his skin, but his eyes focused on the girl’s concentration and pride in what she was doing. He was entranced by everything she was, every glint of her eyes, every soft breath that left her body to tickle his bare skin. He caught a whiff of her fragrant long hair and it was the most wonderful smell he had ever experienced.

Her face was so close and one quick dart of his head would allow him to kiss her. But the warrior forced his hormones into submission, well aware that Kekata was still in the hut looking after the chief. But still his eyes wandered, examining every aspect of her face, all of it more alluring than the last.

“You are very beautiful,” he whispered, his mind going on automatic, his eyes locked with hers.

He didn’t realize at the time that he was crossing an invisible line.
She was still working with his wounds, not noticing at once how closely he studied her face, her every movement. When she heard him whisper that she was very beautiful, she lifted her emerald gaze, locking her eyes with his. A deep blushing colored her cheeks, and her heart beat faster. She was not used to hearing such things, especially not from handsome young Indian warriors without shirts, and with their faces only inches away from her own.

"I-I.... Thank you...." she whispered, helplessly, unable to move away from him.

He saw that the gypsy was staring at him, clearly startled by his compliment. He wondered if he had gone too far and if he should apologize. He smiled when she thanked him and nodded. Being that close to her, oh, it made his heart pound like a war drum.

His throat felt dry and he automatically wet his lips. He wondered what she would do if he kissed her. Slap him? She was a healer after all, currently working on his arm. Would it be worth it to get her angry for a moment of treacherous pleasure? One look at those lips and the warrior’s heart melted.

But better safe than sorry, he reasoned. “Would it be going too far . . . if I kissed you?”

Esmeralda blushed deeply, looking into Chogan's eyes. She saw his strong body and his handsome face, and she knew he would be a good husband for anyone he might choose as his wife. He had already told her that some girls liked him. Would they get hurt if she gave into the temptation and kissed him?

Being this close to Chogan, made her heart beat like a war drum. She moisten her lips with the tip of her tongue and swallowed hard. Then she looked over at the Chief and Kekata. The two men looked like they were asleep at the moment. Kekata was sitting with his back turned against her, since he was keeping guard over the chief.

Then she looked over at Chogan again. Her blushing deepened, and she looked deeply into his eyes, feeling lost, helpless. She had flirted with men a lot, in France. But she had never been involved with anyone. For one moment she thought of Kovu..... but the lion didn't know what she was feeling for her yet. She didn't know what he was feeling for her either.

She paused, only for a moment. Then she made her decision. She wanted to know how it felt to hold a man in her arms, to kiss him, and to be kissed back. Now she had the chance to find out. And Chogan only asked for a kiss, right? She didn't see anything wrong in a kiss. She lifted her gaze, looking into Chogan's eyes, and waited for his kiss.

Chogan’s eyes sparkled as the gypsy stared at him. She hadn’t refused and her eyes gave him the answer he had longed for. Gently he raised his good hand and ran it across her cheek. He shivered as his fingers moved into her hair, the raven locks so soft and gentle. He met her eyes, making sure this was what she wanted.

Esmeralda took a deep, trembling breath when Chogan's strong hand found its way into her raven hair, after first running his fingers gently across her cheeks. Then she closed her eyes and felt Chogan's lips against her own. It was the most amazing experience of his life. All the pain of his wound was more than worth the pleasure of being in Esmeralda’s presence. He wondered how long it would be before he could get wounded again . . . .

Suddenly there was a shout in the hut and Chogan pulled away, wincing as pain shot up his arm. Nacoma stood in the doorway, a look of pure rage on her face, and her eyes boring straight at the gypsy girl.

Esmeralda turned her head looking at the woman, and talking chidingly to her.

"Listen up, Lady. I know you have wanted to see me dead from the moment I arrived. But shout like that in the present of my patients one more time, and there will be another death here: Yours. Get it? The Chief is wounded and needs his rest. He won't have it when you are risking his life by your hysterical and out-of-control behavior. Now leave this hut, or I will get Djali to show you the way out."

Djali heard his mistress words, and threw Nacoma a death glare. He scraped his tiny hooves in the ground, lowering his horns warningly in her direction. One word from his mistress, and he would attack.

[poca]

Chapter Fourteen

Pocahontas woke the following morning, the gentle breathing of Kenai making music in her ear. She sighed contentedly, not wanting to open her eyes, to loose this dream. She could feel Kenai’s arm around her waist and the heat of his body under the blanket. After the turmoil of the previous night, she was surprised that she had slept so well. Perhaps it was Kenai’s presence that had helped her through the night.

Kenai woke up the next morning, feeling the warmth of another body close to his. A happy smile went over his face when he heard Pocahontas' soft breathing. She alone could make his heart beat this fast. He turned his head and opened his eyes to look at her. The morning sun was shining on her soft, silky hair, and gave her beautiful face a warm glow.

The Inuit warrior's eyes softened, and he leaned over her and placed a warm kiss, filled with love, on her lips, hoping it wouldn't wake her. Then he got up, and placed the warming blankets tenderly around her, before he started making her a nice breakfast. He planned going to the river to catch her some fish.

All of a sudden, Aranck came out of the bushes, standing in front of him with a haughty smile. Kenai's eyes narrowed.

"YOU!!!" he hissed. "What are you doing here? Haven't you caused enough damage? Who let you out of the hut?"
Aranck grinned arrogantly.

"Nacoma did," he replied. "She was very eager to trade with me.
My freedom in return for helping her getting that little French witch burned. Oh, and she gave me something else in return too. Something I don't think her husband will appreciate...."

He chuckled with laughter, lowering his spear, placing the edge against Kenai's throat.

"I will take care of the little French witch soon. But first, I have some unfinished business here......."
Kenai gritted his teeth, and his dark eyes were blazing with fire.

"You.... PIG!!!!" he growled, and lunged at Aranck. Aranck gave a shout of pain when he landed in the cactus field behind him. As soon as he got back on his feet, he started running towards the camp, hoping to find Pocahontas before Kenai did.


Pocahontas felt Kenai’s kiss, the light touch upon her lips, but it was so full of affection. She kissed him back, but still did not wake. She felt him get up and place her body on the ground. She pulled the blanket closer around her, snuggling up tightly. Suddenly she heard hurried footsteps and a shout.

Opening her eyes, Pocahontas sat up and looked around. The forest had fallen silent, too quiet for this early in the morning. “Kenai?” she called out, getting to her feet.

She saw a shadow in the distance and walked towards it. “Kenai, is that you?” she asked.

The shadow disappeared as a man stepped out into the open. Pocahontas gasped and leapt back in fear. A sneer appeared on the man’s face.

“Expecting someone else?” asked Aranck.

Pocahontas barely had time to acknowledge Aranck’s appearance before Kenai launched himself onto the man, his anger more animalistic than ever before.

"You leave her alone!!!" He cried out, his eyes dark with fury. "Touch her just once, and you'll die!!!"

The maiden tried to see what was happening as the pair fell into a mass of limbs and snarling words. But for all of Kenai’s skill, Aranck was still the stronger. With one good blow, he knocked the Inuit boy rolling.

Suddenly Pocahontas felt something touch her shoulder and turned around. One of Grandmother Willow’s long tresses had latched around her arm, holding her back. She saw the worried look on the tree spirit's face as more leaf-covered vines snaked around her body, lifting her off the ground. She tried to fight, tried to keep her eyes on Kenai but found herself high in the top branches of Grandmother Willow’s trunk.

“Please, let me go!” she pleaded with her old mentor. “I have to help him.”

“He must face this task alone, child,” replied the willow, one of her locks curled tightly around Pocahontas’s leg. “You will only distract him. Kenai is a brave warrior, trust in his skills.”

Kenai was fighting Aranck with all his might. He quickly discovered that Aranck was a stronger man than he was. But..... a smirk went over Kenai's face.... Aranck was also a much more foolish man than Kenai. He took chances he never should have taken. Kenai was quicker than Aranck, and much smarter.

Now he was calm, taking time to think through each step of the fight. Aranck was like an ox, enraged and furious, blind for anything but to kill the enemy in front of him. Kenai jumped aside time after time, allowing Aranck to wear himself out. Kenai saved up his strength by only moving when Aranck ALMOST had him.

Pocahontas watched the fight from the high crown of Grandmother Willow’s tree. She smiled when she saw the technique that the Inuit was using. He was smart and knew how to pinpoint his opponent’s weaknesses, using them to his advantage.

Only after a very long time, Aranck started showing signs of being exhausted. He was panting heavily, and he was sweating. There were no longer any force in his blows. Kenai turned against his enemy, and with one blow from his fists, he sent Aranck to the ground. He made sure to tie up and gag Aranck before he woke up again.

Pocahontas cried out in excitement. She felt Grandmother Willow’s protective grip on her disappear and she was free to climb back to the ground. She ran into Kenai’s arms, holding him tightly.

"Darling Pocahontas," he whispered hotly into her ears. "I was so afraid you would get harmed. Are you alright?"

He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her passionately. She hated to watch him fight, but knew it was a man’s duty to defend his people. After making sure that he was not seriously hurt, Pocahontas looked over at Aranck’s pitiful body.

"My darling. Among all the people Aranck have hurt, he has hurt you the most. I leave to you to decide what I shall do with him. Your wish is my command."

“We cannot keep him in the village if he has such easy ways to escape,” she said. “I wish there was another way but he is more of a danger to our people than a help.”

She looked back up into Kenai’s eyes, knowing the terrible job she was going to give him. “He must be killed,” she whispered. “I will not have him becoming a danger to us and our children. “We will let the forest keep his body and the village will think nothing more of it.”

She touched Kenai’s face with her slender hand, apologizing for her decision, before she went over to the stream, trying to ignore the sounds of the deed being carried out.

He listened to her when she said that Aranck had to be killed. Even if Kenai was not a killer by nature, he knew that Pocahontas was right. If Aranck was running loose, he might end up as a threat, not just to anyone around him, but also to himself. However, before he made his decision, he wanted to talk to an elder. He turned to Grandmother Willow, bowing deeply for the old lady tree spirit.

"Grandmother Willow. To make sure I do the right thing, I am wondering what you would advise me to do in a case like this?"

The old tree spirit had watched the scene quietly, her heart aching to see her little Pocahontas in such pain. She glanced over at Kenai when the Inuit asked her his question. She had grown to have a deep admiration for the boy and knew that he would take good care of her princess. She smiled when he bowed to her.

“I know this is not easy for you, dear one,” she said, “but there are times when we must do the things we loath the most. To spare Pocahontas from seeing anything, I would take the man into the woods. Keep him bound, no matter what you do. I would hate for my Pocahontas to loose another loved one. Make sure the man dies instantly, do not drag it out. The spirits will not like it if you cause another unnecessary suffering. That is the only council I can give.”

Kenai listened to Grandmother Willow's advice and bowed for her again.

"Thank you, Grandmother," he said, kissing her hand politely as a token of respect.

He turned and went over to Aranck, looking down at him.

"I might as well get it over with," he sighed.

Following Grandmother Willow's advice he kept Aranck bound the entire way into the heart of the forest. He asked the gods for forgiveness for what he now had to do. Then he stabbed Aranck in the chest. Being a trained warrior, the blow from his spear killed instantly. Aranck didn't notice anything.

On his way back to Pocahontas, he found a pond, and washed himself clean, got the blood away from his hands, his hair and his clothes. Then he returned to his woman, knowing that Aranck would never be capable of harming her again. That made him feel a bit better.


Pocahontas sat in her canoe, waiting for Kenai to return. She wondered if her decision was the right one, or if there could be a right decision? After some time, she heard Kenai’s footsteps behind her and went to greet him. She was glad that he had washed himself before returning.

Kenai looked over at Pocahontas, his eyes sad. He loathed the thought of what he just had done, but he knew that if he had not done it, Aranck would have continued bringing the village in danger. Not only the village, but also the people living in it, like Pocahontas. Kenai looked over at his beloved Indian Princess, knowing he would do whatever it took to protect his love.

“Are you alright?” she asked quietly. “I know that was a lot to ask of you.”

She couldn’t bear the thought of what Kenai had just done, although it was the only way for their village to have peace.

"I am alright," he smiled, trying to seem as if everything was normal. "You know I will do anything to keep you safe. I love you, Pocahontas."

“We should return to the village now,” she told him. “They will wonder where we are now and I have some words for my old friend, Nacoma.”

He smiled warmly and started packing their things, tidying the camp site before he got up in his canoe.

"You are right, my love. We should go back, before they start missing us. Esmeralda can only cover for you SO long before they start asking questions."