A/N: Hi all!

Yes, it has been a long time. Over the months I have graduated, taken my licensing exam (which thank goodness I past on my first round.), been trying to find stable work… I know, blah blah real life stuff that gets in the way of updating. However, chapter 5 is here so yea and enjoy!

Kind of a filler chapter here but it is necessary for the plot. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I love your reviews they really keep this going.

DISCLAIMER: Still nothing belongs to me.

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Chapter 5:

Not a sound was heard in the longhouse as the group of men situated the seating arrangements. Towards the back of the wall sat Otaktay and his son Hassun to his right. It was then sat Powhatan, John, Thomas, Jack, Nootau and Akando along with the rest of Powhatan's small traveling party consisting of a few warriors.

"Would you care for one of my wives to go and fetch us some food?" Otaktay inquired as Powhatan nodded in reply.

It did not take long for a group of women to enter the structure carrying bowls that supported heaping portions of stew, cornbread and fresh vegetables.

"Thank you," John softly spoke as the meal was placed in front of the weary prisoners the captain quietly instructing his group to eat slowly as they had not been given any sort of food for many hours. The man knowing that they could get ill if they ate as fast as they all would have wanted at that moment.

"We are still recovering," John answered Powhatan's questioning look as they all began to eat.

"I am sure that I can speak for all of us when I say that your hospitality is greatly appreciated," Powhatan said after tasting the food.

'Some hospitality.' John could not resist the thought as he gingerly bit in to a piece of bread wincing as the man shifted his position on the floor.

"You are welcome," Hassun replied as another period of silence stretched between them.

"Tell me Great Powhatan," Otaktay began, "How has trading been with the whites? I trust you have not had any backsliding from them?"

"None at all," the chief responded, "They have given all that they said they would have since the marriage between my daughter Pocahontas and Captain John Smith has taken place."

The man being spoken of nearly outwardly groaned as he loathed these official reasons for the wedding ceremony between him and his wife. John sighed as he thought of her, he already longing to hold her and speak about how much he missed and how much he loved her. Until then, he would have to sit and endure the diplomacy of it all when it came to this tribe.

"Ah, how long has it been now?"

"It has been nearly two years," he answered.

"I see," the man continued, "Yet, no child has been born to bond you even closer."

"Watch your tongue," Powhatan snapped, "That is my daughter that you speak about."

"My apologies Chief Powhatan. On another topic of discussion, what are you trading with them?" Otaktay inquired as Hassun cleared his throat.

"Father, I do believe that.-"

"What type of things do you trade with the white settlers?"

Hassun sighed as this was a subject of conversation at every gathering between Powhatan and his father. Like always, Hassun knew what the reaction would be.

"We give them furs from our riverbanks," Powhatan began, "We have also supplied them with seeds of corn, beans and other vegetables in order that the settlement may survive. In return they have given us peace, protection, beads and other jewelry from their homeland as well as pots, metal and medicines."

"I see they have not given you any weapons."

A moment of silence fell between everyone until Powhatan replied, "What is the need for weapons when there is no war?"

"No war with the whites," Otaktay quipped, "Forgive me for being so bold in speaking to you however I think that you are quite foolish to trust them so easily. If they were to suddenly attack you no two people would be able to stop that. You should know you need to defend yourself."

"Well then," Powhatan said after a moment's pause, "What is the reason Hassun married one of our tribe's women when she would have been just as happy to have stayed in her own homeland. Since as you say, no two people could stop a skirmish if one should occur."

"This is true," Otaktay said, "However, I have no interest in attacking you nor do I have such powerful weapons to do it with. I am sure death would be the only reward one would get from attacking your tribe since I am certain the whites would come to your aid."

"Yes," Jack spoke, "We would offer any assistance if needed."

"So, you see…"

At this, Otaktay allowed his voice to trail off before he continued, "Unless, you were outnumbered."

"Father," Hassun began tentatively for he knew the game that the old chief was playing, "I need to urgently speak with someone. May I be excused?"

The man nodded his approval as the younger stood, "Tell Tuka I need him to come with the medicine."

"Yes, father," Hassun replied as he nodded towards chief Powhatan and the others before exiting the structure.

-.-.-.-.-…-

"We trusted them!" Pocahontas's irate voice rang out as her friend tried to hush the woman in front of her.

"I know… That is why I stopped it. I promise to you on our friendship I had no idea it was your husband and people that they had captured."

Nakoma placed a hand on Pocahontas's shoulder as the other woman paced, her dark eyes narrowed in a look that she had rarely seen on her childhood friend; anger.

"When my father finds out…"

"That is why your husband lied. He doesn't want war and when you calm down you know that you do not want that as well. Also, Hassun told me that the tribes to the north and west will come together with the Massawomacks in order to fight with.-"

"In order to fight with us? Nakoma, does not Hassun and his oh so wonderful father realize that.-"

It was Nakoma that interrupted the conversation by holding up a hand, "My father-in-law does not want war with the Powhatan people. He wishes for it with the Jamestown settlers. I know Hassun longs for the white devils to be out of our midst forever…"

The woman sighed as her eyes traveled towards the sky above them she recalling her husband's words from the night before. A night that seemed to have been years prior.

"War with Jamestown means war with us," Pocahontas stated matter of fact, "He knows that."

Nakoma nodded sadly, "Once Hassun finds out what I have done…"

"We will protect you," Pocahontas stated emphatically as she grasped the younger woman by her shoulders, "I will protect you. I am forever grateful. John and I will not let anyone harm you."

"I went against everything… I went against all that I have been taught about not only being an obedient wife but a member of my… A member of these people…"

The native woman allowed her fears and cries to be released as she felt the supportive arms of her best friend around her form. It was in the clearing surrounded by the tall oak trees that Nakoma finally felt safe in letting go of all the anxiety and self loathing this situation had caused within her being.

"It will be alright," Pocahontas comforted her friend, "After all, you are speaking with the woman who isn't exactly known for going with traditional tribal values."

The other woman could not help but smile at that fact.

-…-..-..-End of Chapter 5…-..-..-