Well, here it is, the last chapter. This fic was supposed to be 3 chapters at the most, but it had a mind of it's own and simply grew to this. There will be an epilogue right after this. I hope you have enjoyed this as much as I have enjoyed writing it. Please leave a review to tell me you thoughts Thanks!

...0000...

Pocahontas ran as if her very life depended on it. She gave no thought to the fact that she was a stranger in their presence. She didn't even consider the fact that few, if any would be able to understand her. The thought never crossed her mind that she might not even be welcome at their settlement. The only thing on her mind was getting help to save the man she loved; the man she intended to spend her life with…..if he survived

The wind offered it's help and for once she was glad to be running in the same direction that it blew. "Can you paint with all the colors of the wind?" she sang softly, her light alto flowing over the breeze. Despite the situation at hand, she felt a smile play on her lips. She still remembered the look on John's face when he thought he had insulted her.

It had been all she could do not to laugh out loud.

But she hadn't

She had been insulted at first, but as she had watched the captain clumsily try to right his error, her heart had softened. She had kept herself in check and managed to look angry before showing him her world. His eyes had truly been opened and it was if she could see his previous arrogance seem to drain from his body. She supposed one could say that this was when she began to see him in a different light.

And now, even as they were so close to having a future, their relationship was once again in jeopardy. His question to her only a short while before hadn't exactly helped either. He knew she loved him. It did only seem natural that she accompany him back to England.

But then why did she feel so unsure about the whole situation?

It wasn't that she didn't want to go with him. She loved him, of course she did. Something inside was telling her it wasn't the right time. Perhaps some time apart would do them both good. After all, didn't absence make the heart grow fonder? A wry smile came to her lips. She could possibly be finding out firsthand whether or not the old proverb held true.

The native saw Jamestown nearing and she slowed her pace to a jog as she drew closer. No one seemed to be in sight, which surprised Pocahontas after what had happened the night before. Surely they all couldn't sleep as though nothing had happened. Didn't their captain mean something to them? How could not once person at least be curious as to whether he had survived the night or not?

She came to a stop and glanced around, trying to plan on what to do next. Did she simply walk right into a tent? Should she somehow make her presence known? Whatever it was, she was going to have to decide fast. Time was of the essence and she didn't know exactly how much of that time she had to work with.

Much to her relief, someone chose that moment to make an appearance. He was a large man with dark brown hair. He rubbed his sleep filled eyes, blinked several times and then focused his vision on her. It took him a few moment before recognition flashed in his gaze. He took a cautious step toward her. "Can I 'elp you, miss?"

She sighed with relief. She could understand him. "I am Pocahontas. John is at my village recovering from his wound. Thomas sent me to find someone."

He nodded. "Yeah, I remember you. You're that gal that saved Cap'n Smith. Name's Ben. Tell me, 'ow is the old boy?"

Once she deciphered the meaning over his brogue, she gave her reply. "That is why I am here. Something terrible has happened. I don't know what, but Thomas told me to come here right away. He needs someone with medical knowledge." She could feel the tears coming already. "Please, you have to help him."

Shock, then urgency appeared on his face. "I can't help ya there, missy. The only one with any medical knowledge here was the captain."

Her eyes grew pleading. "Please. Is there no one else here who could be of help?"

Ben hesitated. "Well, the only other person with any knowledge of medicine is Lon. And he ain't the brightest fella around."

Pocahontas didn't care. "Ask him. Please. Any help is better than none. We can't let him die! I won't let him die!"

Ben placed a hand on her shoulder. "Calm down, missy. We won't let anything happen to Cap'n Smith. I promise ya." He turned. "Follow me."

She followed him inside the same tent he had exited only moment earlier. Inside was a second man, sound asleep. He was snoring quite loudly and the native princess winced slightly when she herd it. Ben unceremoniously kicked him in the side to awaken him. Pocahontas cringed. She would never understand men.

The Scot jerked awake, surprised flashed in his green eyes when e saw Pocahontas standing with his tent mate. He pushed a handful of fire red hair out of his eyes and scrambled to his feet. Pocahontas guessed that a lady coming to his settlement, much less his tent did not happen every day. Smothering a yawn, he spoke to Ben. "Geesh, man! What in the blazes was that for? Can't a man get a wink of sleep 'round here?" His gaze then shifted to Pocahontas. "My apologies, lass. I didn't see ya there."

He once again turned back to Ben. "I'll ask ya, again. What's so dang important the ya feel the need to beat me awake when I was sleeping so nice and all?"

Ben motioned toward Pocahontas. "This lady needs our help and your medical knowledge." He snorted. "Limited as it may be."

The Scot turned to her, eyes wide. "Names Lon, lassie. How can I be of assistance."

She took his outstretched hand. "It concerns John. I don't know what, but something happened this morning. Before I could ask any questions, Thomas sent me to get help. Please, from what I have heard you are our only hope. Please. Help him."

Suddenly his face registered recognition. "You're the lass that saved our cap'n life."

She nodded. "I would do it again if I had to."

The men looked at each other. "You love 'im, dontcha?" Ben asked

A small smile worked it's way up her features. "More than life itself. I would give anything to take this pain away."

Lon shook his head. "We'll I'll be. Smith has finally fallen for someone."

Ben shrugged. "Who'd 'ave thought?"

Pocahontas watched them with an earnest gaze. "Please." she repeated. "Help him. I can't imagine my life without him."

Lon glanced at Ben, then back at her. "Of course, we'll help, lassie. No worries now, ya 'ear me? That ol' boy'll be just fine."

Relief flooded through her. "Oh, thank the spirits. You have no idea what this could possible mean to me."

The men smiled as they thought of their own wives back in England. "I think we do." Ben murmured. He cleared his throat. "Now, where is Smith?"

Pocahontas began her run back to the village. "Follow me. I'll show you the way."

Ben and Lon watched in amazement at the speed in which she ran. They glanced at each other, then at her. "This could be a long run, mate." Ben remarked as they took of after her, hoping they made it to the village without passing out.

….0000.…

Time seemed to crawl. At least that's what it felt like to Thomas. It had been well over a half and hour since Pocahontas had left for Jamestown. How he prayed she would return soon. He didn't know who she would return with, but he didn't car. At this point any help would be welcome.

He didn't know what had happened. He had been halfway back tot the settlement when he remembered something else he needed to ask John. Figuring the present was just a good a time as any, he had turned around and returned to the village. When Pocahontas had said John was resting, he thought everything would be alright after all.

Until he had entered the hut.

The sight before made him almost ill. John's body was convulsing violently, it was a miracle he didn't injure himself more. Thomas had rushed to his friend and felt his head.

He was burning up.

It had been then that he had rushed out to Pocahontas and her friend, practically begging her to go for help. She had gone without question. Her friend had followed him back inside.

"Perhaps I can help." she said softly. "I have helped many midwives in the tribe."

He had glanced at her. "I'll take any help I can get. My name is Thomas."

She nodded. "Nakoma." Her eyes widened when she saw him. "The first thing we must do is remove the dressing. Help me turn him on his good side."

When They had managed to position, Thomas helped her remove the bandage. One word entered his mind when he saw the wound.

Infection!

Since that time, they had rushed to get his fever down.

After a few more moments, Nakoma heard Pocahontas calling her name and she rushed out. Pocahontas skidded to a stop. "I've brought help." she panted. "How is he?"

Before Nakoma could answer, Thomas came rushing out. "Pocahontas! Thanks God! Where are they?"

Two large men chose that moment to come panting to a stop beside them. "I tell ya mate, we gotta get in shape." Lon wiped the sweat from his brow.

Thomas stared in disbelief. "In all the men from camp, these two were all you could find?"

Ben glared at him. "Watch 'er tongue, lad. We came to help in any way we could. Be thankful anyone came."

The younger man sighed and motioned for them to follow; Nakoma stayed outside with the princess.

"How is he?" Pocahontas questioned her friend. "Please, be honest with me."

Nakoma sighed. "Not well, Pocahontas. His wound is badly infected. I applied some salve that Kekata gave to me. The rest is up to the men and the spirits."

Her face grew pale and Nakoma steadied her before she could pass out. "Steady, Pocahontas, steady. We're doing everything we can."

For what seemed like hours, that natives paced up and down the length of the hut. No sounds could be heard coming from the hut, which only added to their anxiety. Nakoma finally sat, for her legs were tired. Pocahontas, however, continued her pacing, casting anxious glances every now and then toward the entrance in hopes of something, anything in the sort of news. Finally, after nearly two hours, the three men emerged.

She immediately rushed to their sides. "Well?"

Thomas looked exhausted. "He'll live. We almost lost him, but thanks to Nakoma's and Lon's combined efforts, he pulled through."

A choked sob came from her. "Thank you." She hugged both Nakoma and a surprised Lon first, then Thomas. "I will never be able to repay you for your kindness."

Thomas took her by the shoulders. "Listen to me, Pocahontas. He'll survive, but he is still not out of the woods yet. This little episode only confirms my theory that he needs to get back to England. Sooner rather than later."

She bit back the tears and nodded. "I understand."

The men nodded. "Go get some sleep now, Pocahontas. If only for John's sake. You need the rest more than any of us."

…0000...

"Come with me?"

That statement from earlier that very week had now become a question. A question that she had been dreading for days now. A question that would change her life forever. A question that she was still not prepared to answer.

It had only taken the crew three days after the close call to ready the ship for departure. Now the time had come. She knelt in front of John, his blue eyes watching her intently, awaiting her answer. In the days following his infection. They had spent countless hours together, yet never once discussed their future. It seemed a subject neither wanted to breach for a fear of the unknown was about them.

She glanced back to her father for help. Surely he would tell her what to do.

But didn't.

"You must choose your own path."

She looked back to John, then at their people. Still separate with so much work to yet be done. How she wanted to go with him; needed to go with him. But…

"I'm needed here."

A bit of hurt and surprised flashed in his blue eyes, but he quickly recovered. "Then I'll stay with you-"

"NO!" She cut him off, taking his face in her hands. "You have to go back"

"I can't leave you!" John attempt at protest was weak at best.

She smiled gently. "You never will. Whatever happens, I'll always be with you." She brushed a stray piece of hair out of his face. Forever."

Her tears mingled with his own as she brought her mouth down to his. Her kiss was gentle, yet passionate. She told him of her struggle with her decision without words and he responded accordingly, comforting her with his gently caress. "Someday." she whispered against his lips.

"Someday." he echoed, gently kissing her one last time.

As they carried him to the ship, she felt her heart break a little more with each step they took. She prayed, Oh how she prayed that someday, somehow, they would have their tomorrow.