The next day, Pocahontas joined Nakoma by the river. the two friends were washing garments and just enjoying each other's company. When Nakoma questioned her friend about the previous day, Pocahontas beamed. "Oh, Nakoma," she breathed. "It was so wonderful being with him again. I still can't believe he's here, only a few miles in Jamestown." Nakoma smiled. "I'm glad you're happy again. I saw the way you acted during the year that he was gone. I can tell he makes you happy." Pocahontas smiled. "Thank you. He does make me happy and so much more that I can't describe."
"What can't you describe?" John asked as he walked up behind them. Nakoma's expression became nonchalant as Pocahontas jumped up to greet her beau. After a quick embrace, John joined the girls on the bank. "Nothing." Nakoma answered. "Pocahontas and I were just discussing someone very special and he made a comment." John's eyes gleamed mischievously. "Anyone I know." Pocahontas glanced at him. "Perhaps." she answered, then grinned.
"Well," John said, getting to his feet. "Nakoma, do you mind if I borrow Pocahontas for awhile." Nakoma pretended to critically consider the request before Pocahontas threw her a look. She smirked then waved the couple off with her hand. "Go ahead. I'm almost done here anyway." She pulled Pocahontas aside. "But I want details later." she said. Pocahontas laughed and nodded. Nakoma returned the nod and then took off toward the village.
When they were alone, John grabbed her hand and began pulling her in the opposite direction. "John," Pocahontas laughed as he pulled her along. "Where are we going?" "You'll see." he answered without turning around. He continued to pull her along for about five minutes before they cam to the edge of a small clearing. Tied near the entrance to clearing were two magnificent horses. Pocahontas slowly approached the paint and stroked it gently. "John, they're beautiful." she said. "And they're all ours." he answered from where he sat on the bay's back. "At least for today. So what do you say, my love. Shall we go for a ride?"
Pocahontas giggled. "We shall." she answered as she mounted her horse. John smiled, then nudged his mount into a canter, taking off across the field, Pocahontas close behind. For the rest of the day, they simply enjoyed one another's company. Words were light-hearted and full of affection. The couple had several races, Pocahontas coming out first most of the time. John teased her good-naturedly about her winning and Pocahontas gave it right back. After a while, they dismounted and enjoyed the picnic lunch that John had prepared for them. They spent the afternoon in each other's arms, catching up on what had happened in their fourteen months of separation, discussing their dreams, both individually and their hopes for their relationship in the future.
It was not secret that both wanted marriage out of this, they both however wanted it at different times. John wanted to be married right away. In his mind, they had been apart for too long. The time had come to make this arrangement permanent. Pocahontas, however had a different thought. While she did love John with all of her heart, she wanted to wait. Yes, he had been gone a long period of time, but even before then, they had only known each other for perhaps two weeks. That wasn't enough time to build a marriage on. She wanted to get to know the man she had fallen in love with before she married him, even though she was certain that he was the one. Along the same lines, her father might bear the news better if he learned they planned to have a long engagement.
Several moments later, John stood to his feet and offered his hand to her. "Come. Let's get back. It getting dark." "You're right" she answered as she accepted his hand and he pulled her up with him. The couple mounted their horses and began the short ride back to Jamestown. "I should walk with you back to the village after we put the horses away." John said as the rode. "I don't think you should walk by yourself in the dark." Pocahontas chuckled. "Really, John. I've been going places by myself from the time I was ten. I think I'll be just fine walking the short distance alone. Besides, you look tired. You get your rest and I'll go home. Trust me. I'll be fine."
John reluctantly agreed and they continued to ride to their destination. Inside of John's head, a battle ensued. He wanted to propose to her as soon as possible, yet something was stopping him. He didn't know what it was, but something told him that now was not the right time do so. His mental battle was interrupted by a shrill whinny to his left. John's head snapped up and what he saw made him gasp for air. his gaze flickered first to the ground where the dead snake lay, then to the right to see a horse running at top speed away, then finally to the ground again where Pocahontas lay, unconscious from the bolt.