We stayed there for a bit more, and Grandmother Willow mercilessly teased me about loving Thomas. I simply ignored it and smiled as I was grateful for Poca and Grandmother Willow accepting of my love for Thomas. The sun was mid-afternoon, and we left, saying that we will be back later to Grandmother Willow. We quickly went through the river in the canoes, and as we got closer, we could hear the loud beats of the drums. We arrived, seeing more and more warriors from different villages throughout Powhatan nation. Poca was frowning and I could almost hear her brain tumbling of thoughts, and we saw father. Poca went to him, talking to him about being peaceful and wanting no fights. I saw Nakoma and Kocoum nearby, curiously looking at me and Poca, silent. I went, comforted Poca as she watched Father go in the longhouse with the other leaders. She looked at me determinedly, and went to the shore, walking and thinking. I watched her go, curious, and hopeful. Poca is right. We need peace, not this. I don't want to see Thomas hurt or worse. He just came here to make a life, a home, and be free from England. And I didn't come here to see war. I came here for peace, and love, for spirits' sake. I hope Thomas convinces the other men with John.
Later, after we worriedly ate dinner, we left in shadows into the cornfields, knowing the path is far more quiet, and a full moon helping our sight along. We made it, seeing Grandmother Willow and her asking of what's the problem. Poca replied of the warriors, and I replied, of needing peace, not war. Then John and Thomas showed up, gratefully bare of guns or anything. John explained everything with a bit of help from Thomas, and Poca understood, and frantically asked John to come to talk to Father. She was stopped, John saying things of his men and Poca's people. I asked Thomas if John was right, and he sadly told me yes. I frowned, getting closer to Thomas, then I heard a high-pitched howl. That's not Jicel. Jicel was next to me while Filt was with Poca, and Meeko was on John. We all turned to the sound, seeing a silhouttee, and I recognized Percy's howl right there. He tripped, rolled, and landed into my arms. Percy looked at me, confused and scared.
I cooed, "Easy, little one. Who might you be, boy?". John then spoke of Percy's name, and he was a dog.
"Percy, strange name, yet it suits you well." I replied as Percy stared at me, then Meeko jumped into my shoulders, cheeky, smiling at Percy. Percy became mad, jumping out of my arms, barking at Meeko as he chased him all other. I and the others called, shouted for the creatures to stop. Thomas tried to grab Percy while Poca tried to grab Meeko, but no success as they continued fighting. Then Grandmother Willow silenced everyone with a serious order. We then became quiet, listening to Grandmother Willow, and watching the ripples.
Thomas gaped curiously, and looked thoughtful. Then he looked at me questionably, and I recognized the question, and nodded. He smiled, gently hugging me, and I sighed, feeling the warmth and strength in his arms, and I felt the tilt of his head, and I looked up, seeing his eyes shining, and his red hair sweeping by his eyes. I gathered my hands, touching his chest, his clothes rough yet soft, then we slowly came to kiss. The kiss felt powerful, gentle, passionate. I felt safe in his arms as he held me close. I pulled back, opening my eyes to his beautiful blue eyes, a gentle smile. He leaned his forehead, touching mine. We stared at each other, suddenly a yell came out of nowhere. I saw Kocoum quickly attacking John, and Poca shouting for him to stop. Thomas gasped at the battle, and pulled out from me, trying to help John. He pushed Kocoum off John as Poca rescued John. I gasped, saw Kocoum overwhelm Thomas, and I ran toward them, shouting for them to stop, and tried to pull Thomas out as I felt something pierce hard through my right shoulder, and I yelled of pain.
Thomas yelled my name, coming up to me, whispering and asking of the pain. I whimpered, clutching my shoulder, as Kocoum gasped, staring at his knife dripping red, and dropped it to the ground. Then I heard whoops and screams as I saw dozens of warriors arresting John and then Thomas. Thomas whispered my name, looking at me, as I tried to reach him, crying and silent, watching him and John leave. Poca called for me, coming to me, and tore a piece of cloth from her dress, and dressed my wound tightly. I whimpered from the touch, and Poca got me up and walking. I noticed Kocoum silent and horror in his eyes. I looked at him, sighed, and left to the village. Father and the village was there, accusing the boys. Poca and I tried to talk to Father, but he didn't listen, and Kocoum didn't speak at all. I cried as I heard Thomas was going to be executed after John. Poca hugged me, careful of my wound, trying to comfort me, but nothing. I looked at Kocoum angrily, tears in my eyes. I told him that if he didn't come, this wouldn't happen at all. Kocoum gaped at me, shocked. Poca then pulled me out of there, and there I saw Poca's eyes glistening of unseen tears, and I comforted her as hard as I could. I couldn't believe Kocoum! I am failing. Stupid me! Why in the spirits do I fight for Thomas? He cares for me. He kissed me. He.. loves me. And I ..love him. Grandmother Willow is right. I thought we would be together, and we are, in heart and soul. I should tell him, but where is he?