Pocahontas busied herself preparing dinner for her father, and tried her best not to think of her encounters with Kocoum.
"Wingapo! Pocahontas?" said Nakoma as she peeked into the teepee.
"Hey lady! What are you up to?" said Pocahontas cheerfully.
"Nothing, just went for a stroll with Manek," she said. Nakoma had been in love with Manek for ages, and Pocahontas couldn't be happier for her best friend, as they were both to be married this year.
"He's so amazing," she gushed, joining Pocahontas in cutting fresh meat.
"Kocoum and I spoke by almost river, and did some other things," Poca said, smiling shyly.
Nakoma's eyes widened, "Spill it! Right now!"
Pocahontas went in to an overview of what transpired the day before, as Nakoma listened gleefully.
"Wow, Poca, I'd never expect that from you, I always thought I'd be the fast one."
Pocahontas' mouth dropped open as she pushed her friend playfully.
"I know…he just does something to me. I can't control myself when he's around," she admitted as redness spread to her russet cheeks.
"Well no harm done, you'll be Mrs. Kocoum tomorrow anyways!"
As if on cue, they both turned their heads to look at the beautiful wedding tunic hanging inside the tepee. Its vibrant color was unlike any other, having been made from the hide of a white buffalo, and infused with intricate turquoise bead designs.
"Your mother would be so proud that you are marrying and wearing her dress," said Nakoma.
Pocahontas felt her eyes mist over, as she leaned forward and enveloped her dearest friend in her arms.
"Thank you Nakoma. In one moon cycle your mother will also beam with pride as you and Manek become one. You too will be happy." The squeezed each other tightly, and soon were taking over with happy giggles.
"Great mother, we can be dramatic," said Nakoma, as Pocahontas tugged a braid in her hair.
Suddenly, they heard raised voices in the village, and the shuffling of feet to the same destination.
Pocahontas looked at Nakoma puzzled, "What's going on?"
The two girls stood up opened the flap, heading out towards the crowd of people standing in the village square.
"What's happened? What's going on?" Nakoma asked a young warrior near the back of the crowd.
"They say there are strange clouds here, near the coast. They are some types of canoes, carrying strange, pale faced men!"
Pocahontas looked at Nakoma, a confused expression marring both their faces.
"What?"
Nakoma shrugged, and looked slightly afraid.
"I'm going to see for myself," said Pocahontas determinedly.
"No Poca, you can't! Let the men handle it!" said Nakoma, grabbing Pocahontas arm.
"It will be easier for me not to be seen, I know this land as I know my heart. Don't worry, I'll be fine. I have to find out what this is about!"
Pocahontas gently removed Nakoma's hand and ran off in the direction of the coast, as Meeko appeared, trailing behind her and Flit glided in her wind.
"Poca! Wait! You cannot go!" Nakoma cried, but her friend and already moved out of hearing distance, towards the unknown. Nakoma felt fear grip her chest, as she looked about frantically for someone who could help.
A foreboding fear inched through her like the gradual descent of the day into night, and she was afraid for what awaited her dear friend on the coast.