A/N: The timeline is a little jumpy in this sequence, so let me know if it's too confusing. Hope you enjoy! :)

Chapter 5

Wendy crouched along the edge of the clearing. She could see the village through the trees, but still hesitated. Her stomach growled loudly, reminding her for the reason she was walking into the unknown.

Yesterday morning, she had woken from a glorious dream, one where red eyes changed to blue and a pirate lord smiled when he saw her, to find that she'd somehow managed to find her way back to Neverland. Her first reaction had been confusion, followed by fear, for she'd realized that while her dream Captain was courtly and polite, even romantic, the real thing was most likely not going to react with pleasure upon seeing her.

She'd evaluated her options, and mentally catalogued her likely allies versus enemies. The fairies seemed the most ambiguous choice, while the pirates were most likely her enemies, and the natives appeared to be the closest thing to allies that she would have. She certainly did not want to find the Lost Boys; she had no interest in being everyone's Mother again, at least not first. There was a proper order to things, and Mother came second to Wife. And Wife comes second to Husband, she reminded herself yet again, the daily mantra still ringing hollow in her mind. She shivered and pulled her sleeves down out of habit, forcibly pulling herself out of the past and into her present situation.

The only question remained as to how to find the tribe. She had a hazy memory of the way to their camp, so she stood, brushed off her nightgown, shook off her sheet, and wrapped it around her like a sari. If she was to be stranded on this island with only a nightgown and sheet, she was certainly going to make the most out of them. She examined her handiwork, then raised her head high. If she looked a little ridiculous, who was to notice or care? She then set off into the forest, determined once more.

Sunset yesterday evening had seen her defeated, sitting on a tree stump, ready to cry out of frustration. How big was this island, anyway? She hadn't even been able to find fruit to eat. She was tired, cold, and hungry. She had just come across a hollow tree, and had deemed it large enough to shelter her for the night. Shivering, she hoped that the croc wouldn't come across her. She dozed fitfully, coming awake at intervals, and seeing the indifferent face of the Captain when she was able to pass to the realm of dreaming. For some reason, that pained her far worse than the hollow grumblings of her stomach.

When she woke, she had a renewed sense of purpose, as well as direction. Sure enough, she'd found the village before half the morning was gone. It was now or never. She took a deep breath, and stepped out into the clearing.

-+-

Wendy worked hard alongside the other women. Apparently a new lodge was being built, and they needed all the extra hands they could use. When she had first appeared on the outskirts of the village, they'd seemed mildly surprised but not shocked to see her. They'd communicated that she should follow them, and spoken quickly amongst themselves as they headed back to their camp. When they'd sent her into the chief's circle, she'd been more than a little frightened, but remained outwardly calm. She looked up to see the chief, only to smile in delight and relief at a familiar face. Tiger-Lily had grinned widely, and pulled her into a hug.

Later that night, she crawled onto the fur they provided, exhausted and cold. As she shifted restlessly, unable to find a restful position, she realized that she was growing colder, no matter how she huddled beneath the blanket they'd given her. She was able to finally drift off into a fitful sleep, where she dreamed she was finally safe and warm. She could smell whiskey and an unfamiliar type of tobacco, and someone's hair was tickling her temple. She didn't want to wake up, so she burrowed closer to the source of heat and shelter, turning her face into his neck and rubbing her cheek against the stubble. She felt someone's hand come up to sleepily cradle her head and toy with her curls, and fell deep asleep once more, feeling protected and happy.

The next morning, she awoke, feeling strangely bereft and confused. Had she been alone all night? The furs showed that she had been curled in the same protective position all night, yet her nightgown smelled of whiskey and tobacco.

-+-

This day seemed to be more of the same; she helped the others with construction. One of the girls had given her a pair of leggings so that she could move more freely. Another gave her a tunic, clearly viewing her nightgown as strange, awkward clothing. She'd been more than grateful, happy to be able to wear something different for a change.

In the afternoon, the children had run through the village, shouting loudly about visitors. She gathered with the rest of the curious onlookers to see that Captain Hook and part of his pirate crew were leaving the premises of the healer. Her heart leapt to her throat, and she froze, confused at her reaction to the sight of him. At once, her mouth had become dry with either fear or excitement, and her pulse had begun hammering as if her very blood recognized him at her most elemental level.

He paused, as if he could feel her presence near. She held her breath, wondering what she'd do if he saw her. Would he recognize her? He glanced about, but his eyes passed over her as if she were not there, and he turned and continued on his way.

Wendy found herself fighting back tears, and wondered at the cause.