Pocahontas backed up at few steps at Thomas's words. "An engagement ring?" she inquired. "Thomas, what is that." Thomas narrowed his eyes. "You're holding one in your hand." She gave him a look before answering. "I know what the physical thing is, but what is so significant about it. It look only like a simple piece of jewelry." Thomas shook his head. "It's not my place. You should talk to John about it." "What does John have to do with any of this?" she asked. "I found the ring laying outside of the settlement. It could belong to anyone." Thomas shook his head. "Trust me, Pocahontas, talk to John."

Pocahontas didn't answer, but only glanced to where he had been only a few moments ago. 'He's not here." Thomas followed her gaze. "I won't lie to you, Pocahontas. John is very upset at this point. You broke his heart with the news of your engagement. I thought that you were one to keep your word." His words hit their mark and she whirled back to face him. "Thomas, don't you ever accuse me of lying. You know better than anyone of my love for him. It wasn't my fault that he kept me waiting so long before he decided to return."

Thomas met her piercing gaze. "That is not his fault. He was wounded trying to save your father. If it weren't for him, your father would be dead. I think you owe it to him to keep your word." Pocahontas glared back at him. "Don't you think I know that I owe my father's life to him. Don't you think that I am hurting over this is well. I had no choice Thomas! You all know that I don't want to marry Tokum! Tokum knows that I don't want to marry him, but I am. I made a mistake and I must now live with the consequences! I realize that and I don't need you to point it out to me! I don't need anyone to point it out to me. I thought we were friends, Thomas. But a true friend does not find fault with others. If you won't tell me about the ring, I'll find out for myself!"

Turning on her heel, she stormed out of the cabin. After a moment Thomas started to follow her. "Pocahontas, wait. I didn't mean…"

Nakoma intercepted him at the door. "Let her go, Thomas." she said. "Pocahontas is not herself lately and I fear that she won't ever be again unless we find some way to work out this mess." Thomas nodded solemnly as he joined Nakoma in watching Pocahontas storm away. Tokum appeared behind them and followed their gaze. "Is she alright?" Nakoma glanced at Thomas. "She will be. Give her time, Tokum. Pocahontas needs to be alone for a while." Tokum nodded. Nakoma glanced skyward. "It's almost noon. I should get back to the village. Tokum, are you coming with me, or waiting for her." Tokum turned his attention to her. "If you don't mind, Nakoma, I believe that I will wait for my fiancé. I will, however, accompany you to the edge of the settlement." Nakoma agreed, waved good-bye to Thomas and started her journey back with Tokum.

Thomas watched them go. Leaning against the doorframe, he sighed. He could hear John and Eric talking in the background and see Pocahontas sitting along on the shore. Why did life have to be so complicated? Why did all the people he love have to be hurting? Sighing once more, Thomas stood straight and went back inside. He could only hope everything would be alright for everyone.

….000000…..

John leaned back up agaisnt a tree. He was miserable. The meeting had been one of the longest events of his life. He had spent the whole time stealing glances at his love. He could tell that her mind was not on the meeting either. While on the outside she seemed to be paying attention, he had noticed the small looks that she had kept giving him. He had pretended not to notice. Not being able to take the tension any longer, he had fled the first chance he had gotten. He had needed some fresh air and time to think. While the air had been easy, the thought process was not coming to him.

He sighed and allowed his head to fall back agaist the hard bark of the tree. The small force didn't phase the captain one bit as he allowed himself to dwell on his misery. This whole journey had been a waste of his time and efforts. Instead of taking voyages for the king and earning some much needed funds, he had put personal feelings above neccesities and taken the risk. That was the thing about risks. Nothing was guareenteed.

"John?" John cracked open one eye at the sound of his friend's voice. "John, are you here?" John groaned and sat up. Leave it to Eric to seek him out at the worst times. Too tired to fight it, John complied. "Over here." Eric rounded the corner of the house and eyed his friend. "Man, John. You don't look so good." John sighed and resumed his relaxed position. "Tell me something I don't know, Eric." he muttered. Eric took a seat beside him on the grass. "John, I'm worried about you." He said. "I've never seen you this upset."

John glanced his way. "What do you expect, Eric? I risked my job with the king, the king, Eric, for this journey. I figured that spending the rest of my life in poverty with the woman that I love was better than spending it rich and alone. I traveled for four months, filled with anticipation for the moment that I would hold her again. What do I find when I arrive? That the only woman that I've ever loved is engaged to be married to another man, even though she says she still loves me. I am beginning to even doubt the sincerity of that love."

Eric shifted closer to his friend. "John, would you listen to yourself? You're acting completely out of anger." John turned away. "What do you expect, Eric? She betrayed me, broke our promise. A true love wouldn't do that." Eric glanced down. "I don't think so John. Yes, she made a mistake. We all make mistakes, John. Do you hear me? All of us make mistakes. No one is perfect. And we must live with the consequences of those errors. That doesn't mean she loves you any less. It simply means that she was tired of waiting. She probably thought that you were never coming back and she needed to move on. No one can wait forever, John." John turned slowly back to face him. "I did."

Eric sighed. "Then you are one of the loud minority." John narrowed his eyes at Eric. "What are you saying?" Eric looked him straight in the eye. "You say you love her, John. Is that true?" John glared at him. "Of course it's true! Why would I do what I did if I didn't." Eric calmly replied. "If you truly love her, John, let her go. If you were truly meant to be together, then a way will open. If not, then at least you can have closure in knowing you did all you could."

John leaned back against the tree once more. "But what about fighting for the one you love? Isn't that important." Eric nodded. "Yes, in some cases. However, John, this is more than a fight. If you continue to fight, then it will only make it worse for both of you. You don't want to see her in pain anymore do you?" John closed his eyes. "It's killing me know. Any more and I know I couldn't live with myself."

Eric nodded in understanding. "Then let her go, John. Give her the freedom to not hold onto you. I know it will be hard, but if you want this pain to subside at all, it's what you have to do." John opened his eyes once more. "What if I can't?" Eric looked solemn. "You must." John nodded silently and looked over to see Pocahontas sitting on the shore, head in hands, shoulder shaking. She needed him more than ever at this point, but he was afraid of going over and paining her further.

Eric followed his gaze. "She needs you, John." He said. "Maybe now, more than ever." John raked a hand thorough his blonde hair. "I can't Eric. I fear if I do, I'll never be able to let her go." Eric said nothing, only eyed John critically. "John, go! Love endures through everything, especially throughout difficult times." John started to protest, but Eric held up a hand. "Go!" he said. Feeling defeated and to tired to argue John left Eric and went to his love. Eric watched him go, closed his eyes, and sent up a silent prayer for his friend in the hopes that everything would work out, if not for their favor, then for the strength to move on.

......00000...

I know, kind of a short chapter, but I was stuck for ideas on this one! Next will be longer! Promise!

Oh, big thanks to SunRise19 for her help with this chapter. I definatly needed it!

Again, thanks to all my reviewers. As always, I appricaite any/all comment you have! Please review more! lol