Both men jumped to their feet as they heard John's reply. "John!." Thomas called to him as he followed his friend down the hall, Eric on his heels. "John , wait!" John glanced up from where he sat on the bed. "What is it, Thomas. I have to pack. The ship leaves in four hours. Thomas and Eric took a place on either side of the man. "John, why are you leaving. You just got here."
The captain sighed and fumbled with the garment in his hands. "I can't stand to see the woman I love joined in marriage to another man. This is the only way. Leaving and never looking back." Eric sighed. "John, you can't keep running from your problems." John quickly turned to face him, his eyes flaring. "What do you want from me, Eric! First you tell me to let her go. I do as you say. Now you're telling me to stay and watch her marry another. I'm only human, Eric. I can't do both."
Eric sighed. "John, I didn't mean it like that. Move on. There are plenty of other women out there." John turned away. "They're not her." Thomas placed a hand on John's shoulder. "No, John, they're not. Face it. Pocahontas is gone. She belongs to another. That doesn't mean you have to leave. Stay. Many new people have arrived since you left. Scout out the new prospects. You never know what you might find." John stood quickly, his anger clearly showing. "Can't you see Thomas! I don't want anyone else! Why can't you two get that through your heads!" He turned away and stalked over to the window, leaning against it.
Eric and Thomas exchanged a look of exasperation; eyebrows raised before Thomas also got to his feet. he knew he must choose him words with extreme care. "I'm sorry, John." he finally said. "We just want to see you happy." John sighed and turned from the window. "I'm sorry as well Thomas. I know you are only trying to help. But right now, the one thing that could bring me happiness is impossible. I suppose that I just must learn to live with that." He placed a hand on Thomas's shoulder. "She asked me to stay for the wedding." he said at last. "I know her intentions were good, but seeing that happen would be like sealing my death warrant. I just can't do it."
John removed his hand and returned to his place on the bed. Eric placed a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder. "Man, John. I knew you had it bad, but I didn't know the full extent of it. I'm sorry, my friend. I wish there was something I could do." John glanced his way. "Actually, there is. Something you can both do." He reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring. "Give this to her for me." he said, placing the box in Eric's hand. Eric shook his head. "John, I don't think that this is a good idea. Wouldn't she get the wrong idea?" He shook his head. "She's already seen it and believe me, she threw a holy fit, but I want her to have something to remember me by. Even if she doesn't wear it, I just want her to know that I still and always will love her. Will you please give it to her for me?"
Eric glanced over at Thomas, who only shrugged and finally nodded. "Of course we will." he said, a smile crossing his features. "Are you sure there is nothing that we can do to convince you to stay?" A sad smile played on John's lips. "Thank you, my friends. and no, Eric. I'm afraid that there is nothing you can do, save in the strange event that you are able to convince Pocahontas to call off the wedding." He turned his gaze away. "But I'm afraid that is impossible." Eric took the box from John, then wrapped his friend in an embrace. "Take care of yourself, John." he said. John nodded. "I will.". He then turned toward Thomas and embraced the younger man suit. "Thank you for everything. It was wonderful to see you again, no matter the length of the visit." Thomas patted him on the back. "Godspeed, John. You will write, won't you? Let us know you're alright." John chuckled. "Yes, Thomas. I'll write so you know I'm alive." With a final handshake and nod, the two left the young captain to finish his packing.
John watched them go. He was truly blessed to have them for his friends. Turning his attention back to the task at hand, he resumed his packing. There was a ship leaving for London that night and he was on it. He needed to be on it. For the sake of his sanity, he needed to get out of Virginia as fast as he could for the sole purpose of leaving behind the images and memories that continued to haunt him. The things most precious to him. The things that he would never have.
...00000...
Tokum watched as the afternoon sun rose high in the clouds. The day was beautiful and the sky, nearly clear. Just as the truth was now. The man turned away and began his journey back to the village. What a situation he had on his hands. A fiancé who was in love with another. Nakoma had told him the whole story, including the promise they had made to one another. Now Pocahontas was willing to break that promise out of loyalty to her tribe.
The native paused for a moment. He had been a fool to think that she could ever love him. He noticed the way she had looked at the white man whenever he was near her. Her eyes lit up like never before and when he had gently touched her cheek, she had almost cried, almost as if wishing for something that could never be.
And he knew now that it couldn't. Their vow had been sealed. Unbreakable. She was his. But was he willing to see her unhappy for the rest of her life? Tokum sighed. It was time to confront Pocahontas once and for all. Time to get the truth in the open, no lies. He knew what he had to do.
...00000...
Pocahontas reached her village in almost a state of daze. Her mind was still on the kiss that she had shared with John only short time ago. He had poured all of his emotions and heart into their final kiss, a memory she would long cherish. How she wished she would be able to do that whenever she wished. How she wished it was he she was marrying and not Tokum. She snorted to herself. How she wished wishes came true.
She spotted Tokum a ways off an noticed he was coming towards her. His expression was serious and she could tell that he had something of significance on his mind. She sighed. She hoped with all her heart that he had not seen her kiss John good-bye. He couldn't have. Nakoma was walking with him back to the village. She breathed a sigh of relief at the thought. She was safe.
Her relief, however was short lived. Tokum approached her his countenance expressionless. "You and I must talk." he said, no emotion to his voice. Her heart pounded within her chest. What did he know? Maybe it was nothing at all. Maybe he just wanted to discuss plans for their wedding. Maybe her father was back and was to announce their engagement to the tribe. Maybe she could finally come to terms with her fate.
She silently followed her fiancé into his hut and took a seat on the ground while her stood at the small window, his back to her. Tokum was silent for several moment before he turned to face her. "So my dear," he said, a smile crossing his features. "Are you as anxious as I am to begin out life together?" Pocahontas swallowed the lump that was forming in her throat and forced a tight smile. "Of course I am." she said, hoping it sounded better out loud then it did to herself. "I look forward to it as much as you do. In fact, I can hardly wait to announce it to the tribe."
Tokum's face fell as he sighed and turned away from her. "No you're not." Pocahontas's jaw dropped. "What do you mean I'm not! I can't wait until the wedding!" she said with more annoyance than joy. Tokum turned to face her. "Your tone of voice denies you." he said dryly. Pocahontas brought her hand to her throat. "It must be the weather. I usually get a cold this time of year." Tokum shook his head. "Don't lie to me, Pocahontas. I know everything." She swallowed hard. "You do?"
He nodded. She stared, mouth agape. "But when? How?" Tokum chuckled. "Pocahontas, contrary to what you may think, you are not a hard woman to read. Especially since I grew up with you. I could tell from the start that something wasn't right. Nakoma only confirmed what I thought and filled in the missing pieces." Pocahontas gasped. "Nakoma!" she exclaimed. "I can't believe she would do this to me. She promised that she would keep silent." Tokum placed an arm about her shoulders. "Don't blame Nakoma. She was only looking out for your best interest. Pocahontas, anyone can see that you are miserable. Why did you lie to me?"
She sighed. 'I never thought I would see John again. For heaven's sake, I thought the man was dead. When I found he was alive, I was afraid you would break the engagement and then I would be banished from the tribe. I couldn't live with myself for that. So I thought it best to keep my emotions hidden. I didn't want to hurt you either. Contrary to what you believe, I do care for you."
Tokum smiled at he confession. "I know you do." he said. "Pocahontas, answer me this. Do you love him?" Pocahontas's eyes grew wide. "Tokum, I have no intention of breaking this vow. I am a person of honor and when I promise someone something, I do all in my power to keep it. So don't worry about John because-" Tokum's hand came to cover her mouth. "Answer the question, Pocahontas." he commanded gently. "Do you love John Smith?" He removed his hand so she could answer.
Pocahontas closed her eyes. "More than anything." she said softly, opening her eyes to search Tokum's gaze. He nodded silently and crossed his arms over his chest. "I believed as much." he sighed. "You know Pocahontas, you are not a person of honor that you claim to be." Her jaw dropped and eyes widened. "How dare you!" she demanded. "Yes, I love John, but I never intended to break our engagement. how can you-" the hand came once again. "Would you let me finish?" Tokum exclaimed. "My word, woman!"
Pocahontas glared as he removed his hand. "Now where was I. Oh, yes," Tokum crossed the hut. "You are not the person of honor that you say because you have already broken a vow. the vow you made to John long before I ever came into the picture. The way I see it, we can have no engagement when you are already promised to another. I have no choice but to release you from this agreement." Her eyes grew wide. "Tokum! Do you really mean it? I'm free!" Her smile faded. "What about Father?"
Tokum shrugged. "What about him? I'll simply tell him that you were wrong in accepting my proposal because you were already promised to John. There is nothing that could have been done about it." Pocahontas let out a squeal and ran to hug her friend. "Thank you." she said as she embraced him. "Please know that I will always love you as a brother and you will always have a special place in my heart." Tokum returned the embrace. "I know. The same goes to you as well." He released her then. "Go now." he said, nodding toward the door. "Someone needs you." Her eyes shone as she kissed his cheek and squeezed his hand. He knew he had done the right thing.
Pocahontas bolted from the hut, running as fast as her legs would carry her. "I'm coming, my love." she said softly. "I have a promise to keep."
