Going Home (A Poca and Esme fanfic)

[poca]

Chapter Fifteen

Pocahontas followed after Kenai in her own canoe, thinking about the events of the night before and this morning. It had been so wonderful waking up in Kenai’s arms, she had never slept so well. At one point the river became wide enough for the two canoes to travel side by side. The Indian princess looked over at Kenai and smiled, still amazed that a man so wonderful was in her life. With an evil grin, she swatted some water at him with her oar. He laughed, knowing that he loved her more than life itself.

He was filled with happy memories of the night before, and looked forward to have Pocahontas as his wife, so they could finish what they started. Just looking at the beautiful woman in the canoe beside him, made his heart race and filled his mind with images that made him blush. Luckily for him, he was ripped out of his daydreams by the shouting from the village. Already from a distance, he could see there was something going on. A crowd of people were standing outside the healer hut. And he could hear a woman scream hysterical from the inside. He recognized it as the voice of Pocahontas’s friend Nacoma.

Pocahontas too noticed the commotion in village. Pulling the canoe up to the shore, she jumped out and rushed up to the healing hut. Pushing her way through the crowds, she saw that Nacoma was yelling at Esmeralda, who was hidden safely in Chogan’s arms.

“What is going on here?” she demanded in a clear voice.

Kenai followed Pocahontas to the healing huts and the first thing he saw was Chogan, holding Esmeralda in his arms in a protective grip. If he remembered correctly, a certain young gypsy girl didn't seem interested in Chogan at all when Kenai left the village the day before. And now she was in Chogan's arms. Kenai raised his eyebrow and gave his friend a questioning look, as to ask him what had happened.

Pocahontas stared at Chogan and Esmerelda, wondering what kind of scene that Nacoma had walked into to make her so upset. She saw that Kenai was thinking along the same lines.
Nacoma was just about to use her best curse words to the gypsy girl, when she heard a familiar voice behind her. She whirled around and looked at Pocahontas, pointing a finger accusingly at Esmeralda.

"She is a witch!" She cried. "I want her out of here! She means nothing but trouble."

Pocahontas’s eyes darted to Nacoma as she burst out her persecutions.

“You will come with me!” she hissed, grabbing her old friend by the arm. “The chief is still resting and your talk will only make him worse.”

Turning to Esmerelda, she gave the gypsy a quick smile, a knowing sign of approval. “Please see that my father is well tended to then join me in my hut. Chogan, please stay here and guard the hut.”

Nacoma followed after Pocahontas, after one last vengeful look at Esmeralda. The Indian Princess dragged her along and didn't stop before they were in the outskirts of the village. Enough trouble had been caused and the entire village did not need to be aroused.

“I have heard all the accusations toward Esmerelda I want to hear,” she snapped. “You have not given her a chance at all, yet you treat her as the devil himself. I know you better than this Nacoma. You used to be a good friend, but what you have done in the short while since my return is nothing short of treason! I know what you did with Aranck . . .”

She paused and took a short breath, forcing the tears back.

“How could you betray me this way? I have always looked to you for understanding and guidance, but how can I after this? It is true that things are different and I am not the same girl that used to go canoeing with you. If there was one thing I thought I could depend on it was you. All I thought about when I was away was you and the rest of the tribe. If you were well, if you had harvested enough food, if you would still be here when I returned . . .

So I must know this one thing. Why? Why!”

Nacoma had to fight back her own tears.

"You don't know how it has been here with you gone," she said. "There was no one else I could talk to besides you. The other women were not interested in canoe rides and stuff. They were only talking about keeping the huts clean and taking care of children. It was boring. I am happily married yes - but my husband is gone hunting for long periods, and I have to stay here all alone. Is it so strange I get bored?"
Her eyes narrowed.

"All I could think about when you were gone, was how you are, and if you will ever return to the village. And when you finally returned, you came with a girl that seems to have taken my place in your heart and in the village. She has the eyes of a cat, and she controls strong and weird powers. Is it so strange I think she is a witch? I care deeply about you, and I will not stand for it if she cast a spell on you."

Pocahontas was still shocked that Nacoma had committed such crimes; not only against her husband, but against her best friend. Pocahontas knew Nacoma’s husband Huritt very well and knew that he would be devastated to hear of Nacoma’s unfaithfulness. She understood that a woman’s role became tedious very quickly and that was the main reason she had put off marrying for so long. Staying in one place and one role was not something she could stand. It was only with Kenai that she knew she would be happy.

“I cannot believe that you would do any of these things, Nacoma,” she said, her voice a little calmer but just as stern. “Aranck was a lunatic and yet you not only released him after he attacked my father, but you also . . .” She couldn’t bear to finish the sentence.

“I know that bringing Esmerelda here was a rash decision. Perhaps I should have returned first to see how things were going. I know that I haven’t held up my part of our friendship lately, but that gives you no reason to hate Esmerelda. If you wish to hate anyone, let it be me. Kenai came here without my knowledge and I will not deny that we have a deep relationship. But he has agreed to obey the customs of our people and you should respect him for that.”

Tears came to her eyes as she looked at her old friend. “But perhaps the thing that has hurt me most is what Aranck has done. Whether it was your request or not, he tried to kill Kenai last night! Kill him, Nacoma! And who knows what he would have done to me if I had been alone. I will never forgive you for that.”

She wanted to say more but felt it best to let Nacoma think about what she had done. She returned to the healing huts alone.

Nacoma was standing alone in the outskirts of the village when Pocahontas left, looking after her, but didn't attempt to follow. Maybe she understood what she had done. Instead she left the village, the same direction she had seen Aranck take when he left. He had been gone for a long time now, and she was already missing him, in a much stronger way than she had ever missed her husband. Nobody saw her leave, and nobody missed her.

[poca]

Chapter Sixteen

Esmeralda blushed when Pocahontas and Kenai saw her in Chogan's arms, but there was also a smile in her face and a gentle glimpse of humor in her eyes that hadn't been there seconds earlier. She already knew that Pocahontas wouldn't judge her for melting for Chogan's charm. What Kenai, Kekata and the chief would say remained to be seen. Esmeralda smiled and winked at Pocahontas when she left the hut with Nacoma in tow.

"You don't need to worry about your father, I will do whatever it takes to save his life," she said calmly. "When Kekata and I put our knowledge together we cannot fail to save him, can we, Kekata?"

Kekata smiled to her from his place beside the chief, as if he knew what had been going on. The look he sent young Chogan was knowing, but also understanding - and not judgmental at all. Esmeralda was a beautiful young woman. It would be understandable if a young warrior like Chogan would fall for her.

"If you are done with my student now, Chogan, I would love to have her back, so we can continue the treatment of the chief."

Esmeralda smiled gently to Chogan before she reluctantly broke free from his grip. She had felt safe in his arms. But now there were more important things than boys and fun on the stake. The chief's condition had worsened by Nacoma's careless outburst.

"I'd better get back to work...." She said quietly, and added after a moment of hesitation, unsure how he would take it. "Do I see you later? Or do I break any tribe laws by saying that?"

Esmeralda quickly grabbed all her herbs and plants, moving quickly over to her place beside the chief's bed. She cursed Nacoma quietly under her breath for putting her patients in danger.

The gypsy girl furrowed her eyebrows in deep concentration, and started working on a new mixture of plants. This was one of the strongest medicines she had. So far she had been reluctant of using it, because of the way it tasted. But now she had no choice. She placed the ingredients before Kekata to smell, before she put them one by one in the pot of hot water. When she had blended in all the ingredients and stirred, she offered the finished product to Kekata. He sniffed it, and nodded in approval.

Only then the gypsy respectfully turned to the chief, Pocahontas' father. While Kekata held him up, Esmeralda gently helped the old man to drink, making sure he didn't spill any of the herb tea she was giving him.

Esmeralda whispered to the chief with tears in her eyes, just as worried about him as if she had been his niece. She had grown so attached to him when she had struggled for his life. Almost as attached as she had been to Kekata.

"We have worked so hard to cure you. Please don't die on us now! Don't let that woman ruin what we struggled so hard to build up... Pocahontas needs you. It will break her heart if you die. And mine..."

[poca]

Chapter Seventeen

Kenai smiled and looked over at Chogan.

"I'll help you keep guard outside the hut," he said. "You and I have much to talk about."

Chogan left the healing hut and stood to one side of the door. The cold air was bitter on his bare chest, tingling against his freshly healed arm. There was still save on his arm, adding to the chilling affect. He saw the big smile on Kenai’s face and knew what the Inuit was thinking.

"You are full of surprises, Chogan. First Esmeralda doesn't seem to notice you at all, then when we return we find her in your arms? What happened? Have you done anything yet? Or do you have any plans for her?"

“Nothing happened,” he lamented. “She was healing my arm and we started talking about our lives, our families, and well . . .” He shrugged, hoping that his blushing wasn’t visible. “I do like her, very much, and I guess she fancies me too. I just wish Nacoma had picked a better time to barge in.

But why am I the one having to explain myself,” he added, turning on Kenai with a sly grin. “Where were you tonight? I noticed that you and Pocahontas came back at the same time?”

There was a small amount of sternness in his voice, protectiveness. Although he thought of Kenai as his brother, Pocahontas was still his princess and he felt a duty to defend her honor.

Kenai laughed and looked over at Chogan, his eyes glittering with humor.

"Nothing happened? Chogan, I am not your mother! The first time she and Poca walked me to the hut I share with you, she completely ignored you. And when we come back we find her in your arms? I want the whole story, and don't save the details.... Have you kissed her yet? What was it like?"

Realizing that he would have better hopes of getting Chogan to tell his story if he told his own, he smiled over to his brother.

"You don't need to worry about Pocahontas' honor, brother. I guard her safety just as much as you do, though I admit I love her deeply and will love to see her as my wife one day. I have never gone further than to kiss her, I can assure you. I respect the laws of your tribe, and I have promised her father she will be a virgin on her wedding day.

So when I tell you that we last night met in the glen of Grandmother Willow, to plan the future we hope to share one day, please don't think too ill of us. I give you my word of honor that I did nothing that can threaten the honor of your princess. I let you know this, because you are my brother, and I do not want to lie to you. But I will rather take my own life than tell it to anyone else."

Although it made him the smallest bit uncomfortable to hear about Kenai’s romantic intentions for his princess, Chogan couldn’t help but listen. In truth, he was jealous of the older man, that he had managed to capture the heart of a woman so many had tried to secure. But he had to admit, if anyone was going to marry Pocahontas and treat her with the respect she deserved, it was the man standing next to him.

“Well, we were going to kiss,” confessed Chogan, nudging a rock aside with his foot, “but Nacoma walked in.”

Kenai smiled warmly to the young warrior. He was so young, and yet so devoted to those he considered his friends and family. One day a lucky girl would find a very devoted husband in him. Was that someone Esmeralda? That remained to be seen. Kenai didn't know the young gypsy well enough to predict the future. Listening to the young warrior's confession, his smile deepened and he gave Chogan a friendly nudge in the side.

"You were going to kiss when Nacoma interrupted? Awwww, man! That must have been excruciating! Are you going to kiss her again later? Esmeralda I mean, NOT Nacoma!"

Chogan chuckled at Kenai’s joke. “Is that the way it is with Pocahontas too? Could it be that I am in love? Just being that close to her, feeling her hair on my skin and her breath on my body . . .” he shivered and gave Kenai a goofy smile.

Kenai chuckled with laughter when Chogan described the feelings he had, holding Esmeralda in his arms. It sounded strangely familiar....

"Oh yes, that's EXACTLY how it feels when I hold Poca in my arms. Add the fear that someone might see us, since young, unmarried warriors like us are not supposed to feel like that. How do they expect us to start families when we are not supposed to fall in love? It seems to me we both are in love, my brother."

Chogan turned on his heel and nudged aside the hide covering the door.

Inside the hut, Esmeralda was standing by the fireplace, after having performed the virgin blood ritual a second time. The sacrifices to Earth, Wind, Water and Fire, then cutting herself in the hand, letting her virgin blood fall on the protecting amulet. Once again Esmeralda asked the spirits for help, to save Pocahontas' father. She smeared her blood into the carvings of the leather amulet, and when the amulet started glowing, she placed it directly above the Chief's heart.

The young gypsy sat down beside the chief, holding her hand over his. Her glorious mane of raven hair fell in curls along her back and shoulders. She hadn't slept for 48 hours, but she was young and strong, and didn't have need of sleep just yet. All her concern was focused on saving the chief in the bed. She tried to think positive, and to give him as much of her own strength and of her positive thoughts as she possibly could.

Chogan’s eyes sparkled, wanting nothing more than to rush in there and finish what he had started. Kenai didn't need a crystal ball to know that the one Chogan was looking at with such sparkling eyes was Esmeralda. He smiled, and a friendly glimpse of humor lit up his dark eyes.

"Yup, it looks that way to me. You're definitely in love."

Chogan was grateful that Kenai didn’t chastise him over the budding relationship with Esmerelda. It was comforting to talk with a man in the same boat; an older brother that his parent’s never gave him. Although he was still unsure about calling it love, Chogan knew that Esmerelda was very special to him and not because of her beauty. She was a loving, caring individual that had become a member of the tribe in the eyes of many. He only wondered what had gotten Nacoma so upset to talk to her that way.

Chogan’s keen ears picked up the sound of footsteps and he spun around. There was a figure coming out of the darkness, coming from the edge of the village. Chogan squinted his eyes, trying to see better.

“Who is there?” he demanded, stepping forward in front of the door.

“Don’t worry,” replied a soft feminine voice. “It is only me.”

Chogan relaxed as Pocahontas came up to them, her eyes slightly red and downcast. She didn’t say a word, touched Kenai softly on the shoulder before entering the healing hunt. Kenai’s cheeks blushed as much as Chogan's had done a moment earlier, his eyes were sparkling and his smile was just as goofy. He wondered of he would always be like this in her presence; or if his heart would ever stop hammering in his chest by the mere sight of this vision of beauty.

Chogan dropped his gaze respectfully and pulled aside the hide so she could enter the healing huts. Then he turned his attention back on Kenai. “What do you suppose happened with her? And what was wrong with Nacoma? She’s never acted like this before.”

“Well, I didn’t think much of it at first,” Chogan admitted. “She just seemed uncomfortable with this stranger taking care of our chief. I could understand it at first, but Esmerelda has proven loyal to the tribe. Did you know that she saved one of the children from drowning? Our youngest warrior, Naantam. But then she started calling her a witch and other evil things.”

Kenai listened to what his younger brother Chogan could tell him about the happenings in the village. Even if they didn't have the same parents, Kenai already considered this brave young man family. He knew that if the wild gypsy Esmeralda would fall for anyone in the village at all, it was this young warrior beside him.

He listened interested to Chogan's story about Esmeralda's appearance in the village. He had been so focused on Pocahontas that he didn't notice how the gypsy girl was doing.

"I am glad she has proven her loyalty already," he smiled. "I doubt my Pocahontas would have been so fond of her if she hadn't been a good and loyal friend. She can be a bit eccentric from time to time, but that's just her gypsy blood. I doubt there is anything evil in her. Don't you think Pocahontas would have noticed if Esmeralda was evil? Besides, you seem like a highly intelligent warrior, and pure of heart. I doubt you would have fallen for the charms of an evil woman."

He smiled and looked over at Chogan when he noticed Esmeralda inside the hut gazed shyly in Chogan's direction, if only for a moment.

"Don't look behind you right now," he whispered to Chogan, to avoid that Esmeralda heard him. “But she is looking at you. I think she likes you. She is blushing when she looks at you. That is a VERY good sign."

Chogan tensed when Kenai said that Esmeralda was watching them, the back of his neck reddening in embarrassment. He was still young and was deathly afraid of making a tragic mistake, chasing the girl away. He took a long, deep breath, feeling his body shake.

Kenai looked at Chogan's body tensing when he spoke about Esmeralda. He laughed gently and gave Chogan a friendly nudge.

"Hey, I doubt you have anything to worry about. When you are with her, just be yourself and let everything happen by itself. The way she looks at you leads me to believe that she won't say no if you try to kiss her again."

Kenai returned to his old self, and his eyes darkened.

"It seems Nacoma has run the errands of the enemy, my friend. I didn't hear all of her accusations against your Esmeralda, but if you did, I would love to hear them. Maybe that will give me a stronger picture of her motives for all this."

He started telling Chogan about the attack of Aranck in the glen of Grandmother Willow, and how he had been forced to fight Aranck, and then kill him. He also told him what Aranck had said about Nacoma during the fight. Then he waited for Chogan to tell what had happened here in the village, and about Nacoma's movements and words, to complete the picture of the puzzle.

As Kenai explained about Nacoma’s secrets with Aranck, Chogan shook his head. He had always thought highly of the girl, even if she was a little bossy. His jaw dropped when he learned it was Nacoma that had helped Aranck escape.

“She did what!?” he cried, muscles tensing. “She shall be found and put to death! That is a danger to the entire tribe! She must be captured at once!”

Kenai’s gaze searched the village to see if he could find the woman anywhere. There were no signs of her.

"It doesn't seem to me she is here at the moment," he replied. "If I am about to guess, she has escaped to meet her lover Aranck. But I will be surprised if she manage to elope with him."

He then told Chogan about how Aranck had met his end. Chogan was shocked when he heard about what happened to Aranck. Although it was the best thing for the tribe, Aranck was still a Powhatan.

“It hurts me that it had to come to that,” he told Kenai. “I am grateful that you are no longer in any danger, nor that he can threaten Pocahontas or your future children.” Smiling slyly, he added, “Have you ever thought about having children?”

The Inuit chuckled with laughter.

"Every time I look at her, I dream of our wedding and of how beautiful our children will be. How about you? If you could marry Esmeralda, would you have children with her?"

The flush of Chogan’s skin deepened when Kenai turned the boy’s question back on him. Of course he had thought of having a family with Esmeralda! Any man with half a brain would have appreciated her beauty and wanted to be with her. For a moment, he indulged in a private thought that he would never share with anyone, even Kenai.

“It would be a possibility,” he replied matter-o-factly. “I would certainly consider it if I knew she was interested. But after the mess with Nacoma and Aranck, my greatest concern is the safety of the tribe, not my own interests.”

Kenai smiled and nudged Chogan friendly, while watching him from the corner of his eye. He didn’t need to ask whet was on Chogan’s mind. He knew all too well from his own experience with Pocahontas. He loved her deeply, and his deepest wish right now was to marry the woman he loved. He looked over his shoulder and into the hut, admiring the view of his princess, before looking at Chogan again.

“Look,” he whispered and nudged Chogan. “She is looking at you in that dreamingly way again. She is interested. Though I understand your concern with the tribe.”

At that moment Pocahontas called for him, and he smiled and patted Chogan’s shoulder gently. “Poca is calling for me. I’d better leave and see what she wants.”

He gave his friend a last smile before entering the hut.

Chogan watched as Kenai disappeared into the tent after the request of Pocahontas. He stood careful watch, unknowing of the danger brewing within the hut.

[poca]

Chapter Eighteen

Pocahontas entered the healing hut in silence. She looked back over her shoulder as the men started talking again. It was a comfort to hear male voices, one of a man she loved while the other belonged to a loyal warrior. For the first time since the mess with Aranck began, she felt safe to be alone. But her confrontation with Nacoma was still on her mind and the truth about her friend’s secret life caused her immense grief.

She walked over to her father’s side and sat down next to Esmeralda. She watched as the woman preformed the healing ritual again, praying that this time it would take. Esmeralda heard Pocahontas come beside her but she didn't dare to break her focus on the spell while she was calling for help from the spirits.

When the ritual was over, and she once more could see the wife of the Chief sitting by his side, she relaxed, knowing that the spirits had come to help. She looked over at Pocahontas's mother once more.... didn't the woman seem clearer this time? Almost real.....

The woman placed a calm hand on her husband's forehead and whispered to him in her native tongue, and he opened his eyes to look at her. A smile appeared on his face, and he wrapped his arms around the woman, embracing her. Then the couple turned when Pocahontas arrived in the hut, both smiling warmly to their young daughter.

Esmeralda looked over to Pocahontas with a smile, wondering if she would noticed her mother's presence this time. She was still wondering if it was just her imagination... but this time Pocahontas' mother seemed different.... alive!!! Esmeralda's gaze fell on the amulet on the chief's chest, and suddenly discovered she had among other protective amulets also placed a resurrection amulet there.

Pocahontas froze when she noticed the woman standing at her father’s side. For several seconds, or it could have been several minutes, she stared at her in disbelief. She was as real as anything, but her body seemed unchanged. It was as if any signs of age had been washed from her skin, the only presence of life wisdom sparkling in her haunting eyes. She was everything an angel was expected to be continued ten fold.

The girl dropped to her knees, her head bowed and her hand clutched around her mother’s necklace. She did not know how this had happened but she was immensely grateful. The indian shivered as her mother's spirit touched her face, the feeling of affection present but she could never truly touch her. Pocahontas slowly rose to her feet, wanting so much to hug her mother once more.

"I always knew you were watching over me," she cried. "Every day, every moment since that night I have missed you. I wish I could have done something . . ."

Finding herself at a loss for words, Pocahontas hesitantly reached out to her mother, slightly afraid, before touching the woman's shoulder. Realizing that she could actually touch her, Pocahontas cast all fears aside and embraced the woman tightly. It was everything she had dreamed of and more.

Esmeralda smiled when she noticed the happy reunion between Pocahontas and her mother. Already in the canoe trip to come here, she had noticed how deeply her best friend had mourned the loss of her mother. Already then she had hoped there was a way to help her bring her mother back. And now they were reunited. The gypsy girl smiled and looked away, not wanting to disturb the touching moment between mother and daughter. Again she gazed dreamingly over at Chogan, remembering how wonderful it had been to be in his arms... wondering if she would ever have another opportunity....

Pocahontas stepped away from her mother's embrace and smiled when the woman kissed her forehead. Wiping the remaining tears from her eyes, she turned to Esmeralda. "Mother, I want to introduce you to my friend. This is Esmeralda, a gypsy healer. This is my mother, Tuscarora."

Esmeralda smiled when her best friend came over to her, introducing her to her mother. She hugged Pocahontas gently, and made a deep curtsey to Tuscarora. "Wingapo, your Majesty. It is a deep honor to meet the mother of my best friend Pocahontas. I have heard a lot about you. All of it words spoken in love, for you as well as her father."

"I must thank you for this miracle Esme," Pocahontas said coming forward and kneeling down at her feet. "If there is any way that I can repay you, you need only name it."

The gypsy blushed and helped her friend back on her feet. "Please, no need to do that. I am not a goddess. I am only happy to see your reunion with your family. I am so happy to see you smile again. You deserve to be happy."

Pocahontas noticed a strand of hair was sticking to the gypsy’s forehead and wiped it behind her ear. “Are you alright?” she asked her friend. “Did Nacoma hurt you?”

Esmeralda smiled warmly back, grateful for her best friend's concern. "I am fine, thank you..." she replied softly. "How about yourself? Did you have a nice evening yesterday?" She didn't dare to ask details in front of Pocahontas's parents, but hoped to hear about it later.

Pocahontas blushed. “I’ll talk with you later,” she whispered, not wanting to alarm her father.

While they were talking, the Chief had opened his eyes. By the sight of his wife beside his bed, a warm smile came to his face, and he wrapped his arms around her, hugging her tightly as he never wanted to let her go. A tear of joy trickled down his cheek, and he was so happy that he couldn't speak.

Esmeralda smiled warmly to the Chief, then turned her gaze back to Pocahontas, and to Kekata.

"He will recover now, Poca. I have a suspicion his illness was caused by grief over losing his wife, the one woman that gave his life meaning. Yes, he loves you, but you are his daughter. A result of the love he shared with her. When she died, he thought everything was lost, that he had nothing left to live for. And slowly, his soul started preparing for the Final journey in every human's life."

Pocahontas wiped the tears from her eyes but more came than she could control. It was if she had stepped into a dream, one very similar to the ones she had had shortly after her mother’s death. She would never be able to express her gratitude to the Great Spirits and to Esmeralda for this wonderful gift.

Esmeralda bit her lip, a bit uncertain while she looked over at Kekata. What would Kekata say when he noticed that she accidentally had brought a spirit back to life? He was a powerful shaman, and she hoped she hadn't angered him by wanting Pocahontas' reunion with her mother.

"Am I not right, Kekata? That WAS his illness, wasn't it?"
Kekata stood in silence, watching the scene with an inscrutable face.

“I know not how this was preformed,” he said finally, his voice as powerful as always. “But I do know that this will not go well for the people. Your heart is genuine; Esmeralda, but you have endangered our culture with this gift. If the people did not fear your powers before, they will truly fear now. While our queen was much loved, she is also a guardian of our lives in the spirit world. To ruin that balance, I cannot predict the consequences.”

Esmeralda listened to Kekata when he spoke, having a feeling she had done something wrong. But looking at the happiness in Pocahontas’s eyes, and the tears of joy in the eyes of the Chief, how could she not? Esmeralda felt no regrets for making a tiny family very happy.

“I understand your concern, Kekata, but don’t you see that it is possible for the queen to be a guardian while she is alive? She has conquered death! She is fully capable of continuing to protect your village from harm. Don’t you see that?”

Kekata stood tall as he listened to the gypsy’s response, a pity in his eyes. As much as he cared for the girl, the welfare of his tribe was most important.

“I know that you do this out of love of our princess and chief,” he replied. “To them it may seem a blessed gift but they also realize how this resurrection dishonors our ancestors. While we may dream of the dead returning to us, my people know that it can never, and should never, be done. The dead leave us for the great land of the spirits, a place that they are destined to go if their hearts are good. By recalling this spirit, you have dishonored the memory of our queen and dishonored our people. I have defended you on many things, Lady Esmeralda, those you know of and those you do not. But if you keep this spell intact, I will no longer keep the naysayers at bay. If your decision is final, I suggest that you leave the village at first light for the sake of your life!”

Esmeralda looked from Pocahontas’s mother to her father. The elder couple had their arms around each other, happily reunited. It seemed like because of this reunion, the chief seemed stronger than ever. Now it couldn't be seen that he had been ill at all. She looked over at Pocahontas, who still had tears in her eyes of joy to see her mother again. Could she really ruin the happiness of one tiny family because someone was afraid of her powers? Esmeralda turned her gaze calmly to Kekata, meeting his gaze.

"Looking at the happiness and love this family feel for each other, Kekata, I can not regret my choice. I will find a way to protect your village from the spirits you fear so much. It is not the first time I have been accused of being a witch. I almost ended on the fire in Paris. I do not fear for my life. It is only a portal to another one."

Without another word, the old shaman left the hut. Pocahontas watched him go, alarmed by his words. He was right but she could not let her mother go again, not after all the years of wanting her to return.

His words about the village fearing her powers saddened Esmeralda. After all she had done, they still though her evil? Had Nacoma already spread her poison about her? If so, Esmeralda knew she would soon have to leave. A cold gush of wind went through her soul in that moment, realizing how different she was from other humans. Lowering her head, her emerald eyes filled with tears of pain.

Frollo was right. I really DO have the soul of a witch…

Pocahontas saw the tears in Esmeralda’s eyes and knelt beside her. She drew the gypsy into her arms, allowing her to release all the grief she felt. But if this was her last chance with her family, she had to do something. “Wait here,” she told them and hurried to the doorway. “Kenai, please come in here. There is something you must do for me.”

Kenai entered the hut softly, bowing respectfully for Pocahontas' parents.

"Wingapo," he said. "I am Kenai. It is a dream of mine, that I one day can marry Pocahontas, and spend the rest of my life making her happy."

His dark eyes softened as he turned his gaze towards his Indian princess, and spoke softly to her. "You know I will do anything for you. Tell me what you want me to do, and it shall be done."

He noticed the tension in the hut, but didn't want to make things worse by asking. Instead he gave Pocahontas a questioning glance, before waiting for her orders. Pocahontas looked at Kenai with shinning eyes, watching how he interacted with her parents as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Kenai looked over at Pocahontas and smiled warmly, before turning to her parents, love for their daughter showing in his eyes. His heart was pounding in his chest, but he was determined to ask Pocahontas' hand in marriage. "Once again I am standing before you, Chief Powhatan, and once again I am asking the same question. Would you grant me Pocahontas' hand in marriage?"

Powhatan looked from his wife’s face to the young warrior. A smile crept upon his face. “Although I doubted you in the beginning, you have shown that you are willing to offer your life for the safety of my people and my daughter. I would be honored if would marry my only child.”

Pocahontas leapt to her feet and hugged her father tightly. She was sobbing with happiness as she pulled away, kissing his wrinkled hands. She thanked him over and over again in Algonquin. Her mother was smiling and kissed her daughter’s forehead. Kenai had wrapped his arms around Pocahontas, lifting her up in pure joy when Chief Powhatan had allowed him to marry the beautiful princess. Pocahontas giggled with joy as Kenai lifted her into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him and laughing in disbelief.

Esmeralda smiled and embraced Pocahontas. She lowered her voice, so only Pocahontas could hear her.

"It seems it is time for us to part, my dear. I am sorry I will miss your wedding. I had rather hoped that I could witness the union between you and Kenai, which I know will arrive soon. I will leave the village - for the sake of your people, so they can feel safe. But I have some unfinished business to tend to. I will secure your village from the wrath of dead spirits - and I will find Nacoma, before she can do more harm. I will settle down in the glen of Grandmother Willow for a while. You can find me there if you need me."

Pocahontas looked down at the gypsy in her arms, knowing that she would have to make a very difficult decision. Pocahontas wept on her shoulder; wishing things had turned out differently.

“I appreciate everything you have done for me,” she told the girl. “We will figure something out. I promise that you will be there for our wedding.”

The gypsy’s eyes filled with tears when she had to say goodbye for now. But she knew she had made the right choice. She couldn't tear up this tiny family if they wished to be together. Esmeralda was not afraid to face the consequences of her choice, as long as Pocahontas was happy. And it made her smile that Pocahontas' mother would be there on her daughter's wedding day.

"Thank you for all you have done for me," she whispered. "No matter what the future may bring, I can not regret the choices I have made. I must be true to my heart."

"Do you think it would be foolish to inform Chogan of my whereabouts?” asked Esmeralda, blushing.

Pocahontas smiled. “I want Chogan to go with you. I don’t want to see you get hurt. Tell him it is a request of his princess. He will return to the village after you have departed for the far land, after the wedding.”

Esmeralda smiled and looked over at Pocahontas once more, before leaving the happy family. She stepped outside the hut and looked shyly up at Chogan, not certain how he would react to what had happened inside the hut.

[poca]

Chapter Nineteen

Chogan, in fact, had listened to the talk inside the hut and moved quickly away when Esmeralda joined him outside.

"Errrr.... I guess you noticed that things didn't turn out too well for my part...." She said quietly. "To make a long story short, I have to leave. It is Pocahontas' request that you will join me to keep me safe from harm, and return to the village after I have departed for the far land."

She blushed and looked down, uncertain how Chogan would take it. Would he hate her too, like the other persons in the village seemed to do?

He listened to her words, his heart ripping in two. How could she leave now, just when they had barely met? “I will miss you greatly,” he said, bowing to her. “It will be my honor to be your guardian until you are ready to leave. But where will you stay but the village?”

Esmeralda smiled sadly and looked up at Chogan. She knew he took this department just as hard as she did when she noticed the look in his eyes and saw him bowing to her. She gave him a deep curtsey in return when he bowed, wanting to show him the same respect he was showing her.

"Thank you. I feel safer knowing you are my guardian. The village is not a safe place for me to stay anymore. Kekata can no longer protect me from those who believe I am a witch. I am thinking of seeking refuge in Grandmother Willow's glen. Grandmother Willow is wise enough to see the difference between those who are evil of heart and those who are not."

Although he was devastated that Esmeralda would be leaving the village, Chogan was delighted that he was chosen to be her guardian in the wilderness. He had a good idea of the affection between them but would never do anything to frighten her or dishonor her. Only when she gave him the word would he continue to the next step.

“I have heard of this Grandmother Willow, but I have never been there. You will have to show the way.”

Esmeralda blushed and looked up at Chogan when she noticed he was willing to take her to Grandmother Willow. He was a handsome young warrior, and she hoped to continue where they had been interrupted by Nacoma. Of course, now that Nacoma was gone from the village, she had to find out her whereabouts before she left, so Nacoma could never harm the village again.

"I have been there with Pocahontas. I know the way, and I know my way around there. I am grateful you will be my guard. Djali is brave, but he can't protect me from everything."

She lowered her head, remembering something very important, that she had forgotten.

"Only.... I don't have a canoe to get there."

Chogan poked his head inside the hut, wanting to ask if he could use Kenai’s canoe, but froze when he saw the queen. His mouth opened in shock and dropped to the floor, bowing his head.

“What miracle has occurred here?” he asked. “Are my eyes deceiving me?”

Esmeralda blushed and lowered her head, afraid he might be afraid of her just like the others in the village.

"She is the reason I have to leave. To save the life of your chief, I had to make a ritual. It saved his life, but at the same time it resurrected your queen. Kekata was not happy when he noticed what I had done. Are you angry with me?"

There was a worried undertone in her voice, as if she was afraid he would hate her.

Chogan raised his head, still shocked by the appearance of his queen, who had been gone for near 10 years. He looked at Esmeralda when she confessed to what she had done, noticing the fear in her voice. Rising back to his feet, he took her hand.

“How could I be angry with you?” he replied, his thumb gently rubbing the back of her hand. “You have given this family a blessing.”

But on the other hand, he understood the danger of Esmeralda remaining in the village. She would have to leave tonight, before the rest of the tribe knew what was going on.

Esmeralda blushed deeply when Chogan gently caressed the back of her hand with his thumb, glad that he wasn't angry with her. He didn't seem frightened either. Not like the others in the tribe. She smiled and looked into his eyes for a moment, drowning herself in his dark gaze.

"Thank you for being so understanding," she said softly. "Kekata wanted me to undo the spell, but I can't bring myself to divide this family when they finally are back together. The spirits might be so angry they want to, but I can't regret what I have done. If I am to be punished for it, I will face my punishment alone."

She meant what she said. She could never let Chogan get hurt because of what she had done.

Chogan stepped closer to Esmeralda as she spoke, tightening his hold on her hand. “No,” he shook his head. “You will not face it alone. I would never allow that.”

Esmeralda blushed deeply when Chogan stepped closer to her, tightening his hold on her hand. She knew he meant what he said, and that her last days in these beautiful surroundings would be safe because of him. She smiled warmly and looked up at him with her glittering emerald eyes.

“Kenai, might I borrow your canoe for the next few days?” inquired Chogan. “I don’t have one of my own and I don’t know the way by land.”

Kenai replied in pure joy. "You can keep it, my brother. Now that Pocahontas and I are getting married, I will build a new canoe - a bigger one. We will need it when we start a family on our own. Especially since we will be bringing Pocahontas's parents along on our journeys. Esmeralda will show you where it is. She saw where we hid it when we arrived here."

Then it was time to leave - for now. Esmeralda wrapped her arms around Pocahontas, hugging her tightly - and secretly slipping a powerful protection amulet around Pocahontas' neck, to keep her safe from potential enemies, now that Esmeralda could no longer be there to protect her.

"I will miss you so much...." she whispered. "The amulet will protect you from harm when I am no longer here to protect you. Anyone who dares attacking you will quickly find out how it works. I will be back for your wedding, don't you worry."

She gave the chief and his wife a deep curtsey and wished them well, then winked at Kenai, telling him to take good care of Pocahontas, even if she knew he adored the ground Pocahontas was walking on.

Esmeralda looked over at Chogan, waiting for him. She already knew where Kenai and Pocahontas had hidden their canoes.

Chogan took the gypsy’s hand and lead her out of the hut and down to the water where the canoes were hidden. He was careful to keep out of sight of the other buildings. He could always claim to be out hunting for the next few days. His only concern was running into Nacoma.

[poca]

Chapter Twenty

Esmeralda’s heart was beating. It was the first time she was alone with a handsome young man like Chogan. Djali was bouncing between them, of course, faithful as always, following his mistress where ever she went. He seemed to have accepted Chogan a long time ago.

"I am grateful you would come with me to protect me," she said softly. "Do you do this of your own free will, or because Pocahontas tell you to protect me?"

Oh God, I can't believe I dared to say that out loud? What will he think? How will he react?

The warrior’s face reddened and he gave her a small smile. “Well, I didn’t know that you were leaving until Pocahontas gave me the order. Regardless, I would have stayed with you anyway.”

Esmeralda smiled when she noticed Chogan blush, and she hoped he didn't notice her own blushing, when she heard his words. A warrior that chose to stay with her of his own free will? She loved his smile, it lit up his face and only made him even more attractive.

"Oh Chogan, that is so sweet of you," she beamed. "Just because of that, I might let you finish what you started in the healing hut... later."

Esmeralda led the way to Kenai's canoe and smiled over to Chogan when she noticed his face expression. She spoke lowly to him, to not attract attention if anyone else was around.

"This is Kenai's canoe. I recognize it because he has decorated it with an image of a bear. I can help paddling if you like, but I am not as good as Pocahontas."

She placed her belongings in the canoe on the side, like Pocahontas had taught her. Djali bounced into the canoe on his own accord. He had practice with getting into these floating things after the children had played with him during his stay here. He settled down on the bottom of the canoe, in the middle.

Esmeralda smiled when she noticed Djali already felt at home in the canoe. Then she studied the canoe, wondering where she should take place.

"Where do you want me, Chogan?" she asked, then realized what she had said. "In the canoe, I mean...."

He glanced up at Esmeralda when she spoke, a chill running down his spine at the hidden meaning of her words. He realized that they would be alone for the next few days and nothing but his honor would keep him from expressing his complete feelings for the gypsy girl.

“In the front,” he replied, tying down the last of his supplies. “You know the way better than I do.”

An impatient bleat from Djali reminded her that it was time to leave. She chuckled and stepped carefully into the canoe in the front.

"Yes Djali, I am coming now. Don't worry.”

Chogan watched as Esmeralda got into the canoe, ready to help her balance if she needed it. The gypsy was so graceful the warrior wondered if she could really be of human blood. Perhaps there was a spirit in her, giving her the powers of healing like Kekata had. He would have to learn more about her family when they were safely away from the village.

Esmeralda blushed when she noticed Chogan watched her, ready to steady her if she should need it when she entered the canoe. She looked at his strong, muscular body, and almost wished she could fall, so she would have his arms around her. But she couldn't bring herself to lie to him, so with a deep sigh she kept her balance and sat down gracefully in the canoe. As a little encouragement to Chogan, however, she made sure that her skirts slipped up a little, revealing an unusually well-shaped ankle, before she gathered her skirts around her once more.

Chogan had caught a peek at Esmeralda’s leg as she got into the canoe, immediately averting his eyes to hide his excitement. He was quick to get everything in order and push the canoe into the water.

As they set out into the water, the full moon was their lighting, casting deep shadows along the banks. The water was cold and Chogan hoped that they didn’t encounter any problems on the way to the willow glen.

”I wonder what Grandmother Willow will say when we are visiting her without Pocahontas. Do you think she will fear me as well? Like the humans do? Or will she read my soul, like I imagine all spirits can to do humans, and find that I am nothing to fear?"

He thought about her question and shook his head. “If Grandmother Willow is as powerful a spirit as was claimed, we will find no danger there. She has already met you and has read your soul. She will embrace you as she has Pocahontas. The problem with humans is that we cannot read the soul, but are forced to see the outside only. But you are so open and pure; I can easily see that you are not a danger.”

She blushed and lowered her head when he said he didn't believe she was a danger, grateful for his words.

"Thank you, right now I needed to hear that. It hurts when someone believes I'm dangerous even when I'm not. Though... I might be dangerous to you. Are you not afraid to be alone with me in the wilderness? What if I tried to kiss you?"

Chogan was amused by her concern for him. He had spent many nights alone in the wilderness with only a spear and knife to protect himself. He had no fear of animal or man, but wanted to ensure that Esmeralda’s fears were elided. When she questioned him about the kiss, Chogan looked at her for a moment. Her words confirmed his earlier thoughts - that she really did care for him. He smiled at her.

“I don’t think I would mind,” he answered honestly. “But perhaps we should wait until we are settled in camp.”

"I am glad Grandmother Willow will welcome us to her glen. But just in case, I want to speak to her anyway, to ask her permission to stay. It would be foolish to mess with the spirits, don't you think?"

“Grandmother Willow will accept you,” he replied, “but I agree that we should ask her permission. The spirits have been tampered with once before this night.”

Esmeralda noticed the romantic moonlight and the stars burning above them and smiled secretly, knowing that she was alone with a tall, strong, and very sympathetic Indian warrior. She wondered if Chogan would use the opportunity when he was alone with her. But he was probably tied to his honor as a warrior.

"Moonlight," she smiled and sighed. "You have really chosen a romantic time for our department, my dear. I love the moon and the stars when I'm wandering. Don't you?"

Chogan smiled when she talked of the moonlight. He watched the glistening of her face and hair in the cool light, wondering how someone so beautiful could not already be wed. The idea that he was alone with her filled his mind with many thoughts, but he would not act too quickly. He did not want to frighten her away and get Pocahontas angry. Also, knowing the healing arts as she did, there was no telling what other powers this strange woman had.

“Yes, it is beautiful,” he replied, looking up into the sky and recalling the names of all the stars he knew. “It is the best time to hunt, by moonlight. Usually I am alone, but now the spirits have blessed me with company for the night.”

He stared at her, his eyes moving over her face and memorizing every detail. Suddenly realizing that he had insinuated something in his words, Chogan bowed his head and concentrated on his paddling.

She listened to Chogan telling about hunting in the moonlight, and when he spoke about company for the night, she blushed deeply, looking over at him again. Her heart skipped a beat, and she wondered if she would ever stop blushing when she saw him. The moonlight bathed her raven curls in a silvery light.

The laughter returned to her voice and she peaked at him over her shoulder. She increased the speed of her paddling, playfully splashing a little water on him with her oar. Right now she didn't remind much of a healer, just a playful young woman with humor glittering in her emerald eyes. Rather than fear, it was lust for adventure who filled the heart of Esmeralda at this moment.

Chogan felt her splashing the water back at him and he laughed. He would have gotten her back but didn’t want to risk upsetting the canoe in the middle of the river.



Not an hour had passed before, they reached the willow tree’s glade and Chogan helped Esmeralda out of the canoe. For one moment, when he held his strong hand in hers, she came closer to him, looking into his eyes, as if she silently wanted to ask him to finish what they had started earlier. He noticed the look in her eyes. Oh, how much he wanted to act on his impulse, but he restrained himself.

The next moment Djali bumped into her, and she released Chogan and laughed.

"Yes Djali, I have seen you. Now, let's find a place to settle down, shall we?"

As Djali bounded around to explore the location, Chogan untied all of the belongings from the bottom of the canoe and set them on the river bank. He turned swiftly around as he heard the goat bleat and drew a dagger. He scanned the area, noticing the markings of a great fight on the ground around them. This must have been where Aranck had attacked Kenai. If his suspicions were right, Nacoma wouldn’t be far away.

Esmeralda turned to Chogan, holding his arm, a bit anxious he might get harmed. He felt her hand and immediate felt the need to protect her, to care for her, to always love her.

She looked up at him with concern in her eyes.

"Chogan, what has happened here? This place fills me with fear. Evil has happened here, and not long ago. Be careful, Chogan, I don't want to see you hurt."

The last sentence came spontaneously, she didn't think over how he would take it.

He turned to her when she spoke, wrapping his arm lightly around her slender waist. “Shh,” he told her, running a finger across her cheek and under her chin. “Do not speak like that. This was where Kenai ended his struggle with Aranck. There is no danger here, although we should be cautious. Please don’t fear, dear girl. It pains me to see you like this.”

Esmeralda blushed deeply, and her heart skipped a beat. She leaned against him, wrapping her arms around his neck, caressing him gently, while looking him deeply into his eyes. "You are so brave, Chogan," she purred. "I am not afraid when you are here to take care of me. Please don't leave me alone here."

Smiling at her, he leaned forward and placed a delicate kiss on her forehead. She beamed, hoping he would repeat that kiss later. And maybe others as well.

As he pulled away, he let out a slow, steady breath, trying to control himself. “Uhh, we should find some shelter,” he advised, clearing his throat.

"I think the first thing we should do, is to find Grandmother Willow, and ask her permission to stay," Esmeralda said lightly.

She took his hand eagerly, following him to the place where she last had seen Grandmother Willow. She curtseyed politely in front of the willow tree and spoke out, respectfully.

"Grandmother Willow, can you hear me? I don't know if you remember me. I am Esmeralda, a friend of Pocahontas. I had to leave the Powhatan village, and now I am here to ask for your permission to stay in your glen for a while. Pocahontas has ordered Chogan here to stay with me, for my protection. I ask for your permission for him to stay as well."

Knowing how hot it had been that day, she found her bottle of water, and watered the tree. "I do not come empty handed. I bring with me fresh water for you to drink, and hope you will accept my offer."

The old tree spirit was slow to answer, keeping her eyes on Esmeralda at all times. When mention was made of Chogan, the warrior dropped to one knee and bowed respectfully. For him, this willow tree was like the royals themselves. He could feel the tree stump below them move as if breathing, cautiously looking up. The tree spirit watched him carefully, scrutinizing him with ancient eyes. Suddenly a vine shot forward and grabbed his wrist, wrapping tightly and pulling him forward. He cried out and attempted to break free, prepared to reach for his dagger, when the old spirit spoke.

“I know of your kind, young man,” she said. “I have seen it before. My Pocahontas has been hurt already and I will not allow you to harm her friend.”

Esmeralda's eyes widened when Grandmother Willow suddenly grabbed Chogan, pulling him forward. When he prepared to reach for his dagger, she lifted her hand, as if to stop him, knowing that Grandmother Willow would never kill anyone.

"Grandmother Willow, please," she said softly. "If Pocahontas had thought Chogan could hurt me, she would never have sent him to be my guardian the last days before I leave."

Chogan stopped struggling and listened to the spirit’s words. “I would never harm Pocahontas or her friends,” he told Grandmother Willow. “I know the man you speak of. His name was Aranck and he was not a friend of mine. He was maddened by lust and greed, not out of love for your princess. You can be happy that she and Kenai will soon wed. Aranck is no more a threat and I will not follow in his steed.” He glanced over at Esmeralda, shining like a vision in the moonlight. “No, I would soon cut my own throat than bring harm to her.”

She listened to Chogan's words, admiring how calm he was, in spite of being trapped by a tree spirit. His last words, while he looked over at her, made her blush deeply.

"I would never let you cut your own throat!" she blurted out, not realizing it could sound like she had feelings for him.

The tree spirit pondered his words, and Chogan could feel the vine releasing his wrist. There was a visible burn on his skin and he cradled the limb close to his body.

“We should get our shelter ready,” he suggested to Esmeralda. Bowing to the tree spirit, he returned to the glen.

Esmeralda was still blushing when she gave the tree spirit a deep curtsey and a silent "thank you" before following Chogan back to the glen. She looked up at Chogan. He was big and strong, and she felt strangely safe when he was around her. He didn't seem afraid of anything, and she admired his bravery. Thinking of what he had said to her about the kiss in the boat, she looked up at him with glittering eyes.

"So.... how long will it take us to set up camp?"

Her eyes spoke of want and desire but he would not act unless it was on her terms. Perhaps once they were settled in, he could explore the matter further.

There were many low hanging branches and shrub bushes that could be collected for fire or building materials. After clearing an area of rocks, he set out the blankets and built an evergreen roof and walls with branches. He placed layers of moss and leaves over the top to keep in the heat and keep out the elements. It was a crude construction, but the best that could be done in the middle of the night.

“We can work more in the morning,” he informed Esmeralda, making the last adjustments to the bedding. “I put some moss on the ground for you to sleep on. I might be more comfortable.”

Hearing the sounds of splashing water, Chogan looked towards the river as he secured the roof of the shelter. He saw Esmeralda washing herself in the water, a red blush creeping over his face at the sight. Shaking his head, he continued with his work. Soon after Esmeralda returned, soaked to the skin and carrying a large fish.

"I didn't mean to catch it, Chogan!" She gasped, exhausted by the weight of the large fish. "I was only trying to take a bath before dinner, and it slipped under my dress!"

He took the catch from her hands, smiling. “We will eat fine tonight,” he said.

Esmeralda's dress was still clinging to her body after the swim, she had been too shy to undress when there was an attractive young warrior nearby. What she didn't think of, was that the light material of her dress, made it somewhat sheer when it was wet, like now.

He stared at her for a moment, kneeling at the mouth of the shelter, wondering what he should do next. He was still unsure of this arrangement, prolonging sleep for fear of insinuating something with the gypsy girl. Perhaps it would be best if he slept outside tonight.

The gypsy girl shuddered in the cold night wind, her slender body trembling from the cold. Only when she trembled in the cold, did Chogan see that her dress was soaked through. Dropping the fish onto the ground, he snatched a skin from the shelter and draped it over her shoulders.

“I’ll get the fire going,” he told her. Esmeralda blushed when Chogan draped a skin around her shoulders, his hands lingering their touch before sliding down her arms. She nuzzled against him for a moment, enjoying the feel of his warm skin against hers at the moment cold.

"A fire sounds wonderful," she smiled to Chogan. "I could settle for that, to warm up a little...."

Using the rock pile nearby to make a ring, Chogan stacked some twigs and leaves in the middle, lighting them from the sparks of two rocks. Soon the glowing flames lighted their glen and Chogan began preparing the fish for dinner. He occasionally glanced at Esmeralda across the fire; the dancing shadows on her face making her look even lovelier. He wondered if she was thinking the same as he was.

Esmeralda rifled through her belongings. Soon she found what she was looking for: a tiny leather pouch where she kept all kinds of herbs and spices. She brought it with her over to Chogan and looked shyly up at him.

"Ehh..... I have some spices here, that will make the fish taste better when we eat it. Would you like some?"

She was standing as close to him as she dared to, tilting her head while she looked up at him with glittering, emerald eyes. Her heart was pounding when she looked up at him, admiring the muscles in his strong body while he was working.

Chogan looked up as Esmeralda handed him the bag of spices. He opened it hesitantly and sniffed the spices. They seemed harmless enough. Smiling, he added it to the fish. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw that Esmeralda was watching him. He hoped he wasn’t blushing too much.

Esmeralda smiled and watched Chogan while he hesitantly opened the pouch and sniffed the spices. Knowing what he must have seen in the healing hut back at Pocahontas' village, she didn't get insulted for him being a bit suspicious. She tried to look at herself through his eyes. A stranger who had come to his country, healed his deadly injured chief and awakened a woman that had been dead for more than 10 years.

Esmeralda sighed, starting to realize how different she was from other persons.

If I keep up like this, I will never get married. I will never know how it feels to hold a man in my arms, or to give birth to a child created of love.

She looked dreamingly up at the moon, her face expression showing her wish: to fit in somewhere. To belong. Yes, she was a girl with great power. But in her life there was something else as well. A great loneliness. The knowledge that you don't belong to the human world, is the loneliest feeling of all.

Glancing up, Chogan saw the sadness in Esmeralda’s eyes as she looked up at the moon and decided to break the silence. “Is there something on your mind?” He hoped that it wasn’t anything he had done and he reached for her hand.

Esmeralda smiled, trying to put her troubles aside, like she always did, not wanting to worry if it wasn't absolutely necessary.

"Oh, I just feel a little silly," she smiled and held his hand, grateful for his company. "Have you ever had the feeling that you don't fit in anywhere? That no matter how hard you try, you just don't belong? I often feel that way when I am around humans. That is why so many of my friends are animals."

By the mentioning of animals, she thought of Kovu again, and her heart twinge in pain. Did he know what she was feeling for him? Had he missed her when she was gone? Or had he found himself a beautiful woman/lioness and forgotten all about her?

She sighed deeply and looked over at Chogan again, knowing that they could never be a couple. She wasn't accepted in his village after showing her witchcraft openly. Even so, she wanted to give him something to remember her by. She leaned in and gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek.

"I am so glad you are here, Chogan." she said mildly. "Without you, I would feel like a complete stranger in this place."

Chogan listened to her words and smiled. “I have often felt like that,” he confessed. “In my village I am an outcast. I am too young for the child’s world and not old enough to understand the married warriors. I am glad that Kenai is here. I have someone to talk to about things I don’t understand, or are afraid to ask others,” he added.

Esmeralda smiled, listening to Chogan when he spoke. She recognized that situation.

"You and I have more in common than I thought," she smiled. "I am too young for the gypsy children, and I am too young to understand the adult gypsy women. I don't understand everything they speak about, and I dare not ask out of fear for sounding too stupid. Pocahontas is the only girlfriend I have at my own age. She and I are like sisters. We can speak to each other about everything."

Chogan quickly glancing in her direction. What he saw was a fear, regret in her eyes. What was going on behind those striking eyes? He wanted to ask, when she leaned in a kissed his cheek. The warrior froze, closing his eyes. As she pulled away he met her eyes, sending her a silent message: Are you sure?

Esmeralda noticed Chogan freeze when she gently kissed his cheek. At first she thought he had changed his mind, but before she could apologize for being so bold, he reached out a strong, warm hand, tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear.

“What about that kiss now?” he asked boldly.