All language subtitles for Love in the Great Smoky Mountains A National Park Romance 2023 720p HDRip x264 BONE

I think I found something.

What do you have there, Aubrey?

I'm not sure.

I think it's quartz.

Maybe a spearhead?

Wow.

A spearhead is exactly
what this is, Aubrey.

It could be quartz or crystal.

This might even be from
the Mississippian era.

Great job.

Label it, and we'll get it
ready for authentification.

Hey, everybody, we're on
a roll, really good work.

We're digging in
the right place.

So when are you headed
out to the Smokies?

Actually, first thing
tomorrow morning.

Have you been to
the national park?

Oh, I love the Smokies.

It's such a great area.

Take time to enjoy yourself.

Thank you, I will.

Fun is definitely on the agenda.

So have you recovered
from cap and gown day?

You know, I have to
admit, it was wonderful

to march and get my diploma.

But honestly, Dr. Ettinger,
I'm just so anxious to get

started on my career.

Of course.

And that's why I wanted
us to touch base.

OK.

Haley, your dissertation on
the ancient Mississippian era

was outstanding, so beautifully
written and documented.

Thank you.

So now, I think
it's time for you

to focus on getting published
in a professional journal.

Yes.

I was thinking if I find
something interesting,

it could lead to a
published field report.

Good thought!

That project is being headed
up by Dr. Carl Smith, right?

Yes.

Oh, he's a brilliant
archaeologist.

I know.

I'm really looking
forward to meeting him.

And also, it ties
directly into my research

of ancient American culture.

Speaking of which, have you
sent in your application

for the Arizona Pueblo grant?

I did it immediately.

Thank you, again, for
your recommendation.

Of course.

It's very competitive, but now
that you've received your PhD,

I think you should at
least have a chance.

I hope so.

It would be such a
huge opportunity.

I mean, a 12-month dig
at an ancient pueblo?

I don't think I have to
remind you how challenging

it can be to get started.

Archaeology has been
dominated by men forever.

Yeah, well, just like
everything else, right?

But I know that you
will do just fine.

That means a lot.

Thank you.

Home sweet home.

Nice.

Ooh, yeah.

Uh.

Oh yes.

Excuse me.

Dr. Smith?

Good morning.

You must be, Haley James.

Yes.

Wow, it's such an
honor to meet you.

Dr. Ettinger says you're
going to be one hell

of an addition to the team.

Well, I am really looking
forward to working on this dig.

Your colleagues are from the
Cultural Research Foundation.

I'm sure you'll have
time to get acquainted.

Great.

We've been working on
this site for months.

This was a Cherokee village,
so everything we find

is owned by the
Cherokee Nation and will

be on exhibit in the
Qualla township's

museum or art galleries.

Come with me, and I'll show
you where you start digging.

Oh, yeah, can't wait.

Here's your dig.

Grab a shovel and go for it.

Anything you find, bring
it over to me to the desk,

and I'll take a look-see at it.

Got it.

All right.

Sorry.

You got to be kidding me.

Rob?

Haley James.

Oh, I don't believe,
I don't believe this!

Of all the digs in
all of the world,

- you had to show up in mine?
- Oh, oh, oh.

- I did not know.
- It's OK!

Honest.

It's OK.

So what, now you're
a shovel bum like me?

Something like that.

I am rarely at a loss for words,

but you could knock me over
with a feather right now.

What is this?

Old Home Week?

No, it's Old Girlfriend Week.

What? Are you
serious right now?

Sorry, I didn't
mean it like that.

I just...

What?

Sir, we know each other
from sophomore year.

And we broke up senior.

Why did we break up again?

Go ahead and tell him.

- I didn't...
- I mean, you mentioned it.

Stop.

Sift through some dirt, and you
can sift through your troubles

later.

Not my troubles.

I'm going to work over here.

You work over there.

- Yeah, fine.
- Fine.

Have at it.

Good.

Sure.

Perfect.

Dr. Smith, do you mind taking a
look at this arrowhead I found?

Looks like it could be
19th century Cherokee.

I believe you're right.

Good job!

I guess it's just
beginner's luck.

I doubt it.

Here you go.

Wow.

Careful, watch it. You got it.

Straight down.

Haley, listen.

I...

Are you going to apologize?

You told me not to call.

You didn't even try.

Haley, I'm...

Rob.

I'm here for the dig.

I need it for my career.

Let's just leave it at that.

All right.

Hey.

Hey, just... Wait up.

Just give me a second.

It is good to see you.

You too.

Can we have dinner tonight?

Feel free to say no.

- No.
- OK.

Can we at least meet
up somewhere and talk?

We just did.

If you change your mind,
I'll be at the small falls

beneath the foot bridge.

OK.

Hey!

Sorry about earlier.

I'm glad you came.

I wanted to see the falls.

Beautiful!

Are you crazy?

No!

Oh!

Help me out.

You haven't changed one bit.

Neither have you.

Where's your sense of adventure?

I don't like surprises.

Now you know how I feel.

Hoo!

That got the blood flowing.

Yeah.

Are you hungry?

You just don't give up, do you?

All right.

15 minutes.

Make it 30.

30 it is.

Are you still upset with me.

Yeah.

I probably will always be.

Life goes on.

I moved on.

Would it help you
if I told you how

sorry I was for ever applying.

But not getting the grant,
yeah, that was really hard.

But what was most
painful was your deceit.

But I've come to realize
I'm stronger for all of it.

And honestly, I'm
really proud of the life

that I've built on my own.

You always were strong.

Just one of the many
things I loved about you.

I don't know.

Maybe we were both meant
to go on different paths.

Maybe your path
was the fellowship.

You should know the
excavation was a bust.

It was interesting, but it
only lasted a few weeks.

How long was it
supposed to last?

Three months.

I, uh, I got sick.

I think it was the food.

So what happened?

I applied for grants, for
internships, for teaching jobs,

anything I could think of.

And?

I ended up taking a
job as a carpenter

on a job site in Saint Louis.

No, you did not.

Yes, I did.

What?

Well, the money was good.

And physical labor was nice.

And then out of the blue,
I got an offer to go

to the Polynesian islands.

Polynesia?

Yeah.

I did a deep dive in
the Polynesian mythology

and the cultures.

Sounds amazing.

It was an incredible year,
yeah, which led to a paper

and a tiny bit of notoriety.

And what's even crazier
is that, at the time,

I was studying for my
master's in anthropology

which I completed, got my PhD.

Of course, you did,
Dr. Rob Martin.

Wow.

What about you?

What are you?

Are you a grad student?

I actually just got
my PhD in archaeology.

Haley, that's awesome!

I don't know.

I'm just excited to get started.

I actually just applied
for a grant in Arizona.

Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

The Pueblo grant?

Yeah.

Full disclosure, I sent
my application last week.

Well, thanks for
telling me this time.

I wouldn't make
that mistake again.

Here's to us.

Come on!

OK, doctor.

Not to our old selves
but to who we are today.

Cheers.

Cheers.

We're all good to go.

Yeah, all our artifacts have
been labeled and photographed

- for our records.
- All right.

I'll load them up then.

You have someone to help you.

Huh?

Hi.

Haley.

Dr. Smith thinks it'd be a
good idea for me to check out

the lab for my field report.

All right.

Let's get you loaded up.

Great.

You want to get that research.

Thanks, doc.

Follow me.

Put it over here.

Easy.

I got it.

- Wow.
- Yeah!

We hit the mother lode.

Huh, looks like it.

Troy, I'd like to
introduce Dr. Haley James.

- Hi.
- Hi.

Nice to meet you, Haley.

It is so nice to meet you.

First time here?

Not to the Smokies,
but here, yes.

Well, welcome.

Thank you.

Anything interesting?

Uh, just a bunch
of arrowheads, one

spearhead in mint condition.

It's either quartz or
crystal, and it looks

like it might be ceremonial.

Well, it needs to
be authenticated,

but it could be ancient.

I can't wait to check it out.

Oh!

These look like the spearheads
we found at our dig,

that same whitish color.

This one's dated 18th century.

Pretty cool, right?

Yeah, it could be older.

Oh, wow.

Do you have any snake heads?

Oh, no snake heads here.

You know, snakes are very
prominent in Cherokee

mythology.

According to
Cherokee mythology...

Oh, wow.

Uh, go easy on that please.

Sorry.

They have certain
powers, and they're

connected to a legend
about the Yunwi

Tsundi, the little people that
were here before the Cherokee.

The little people?

According to the
legend, there's a race

of small magical creatures.

Like leprechauns?

They're knee-high
with long hair.

And according to the legend,
they do good deeds to people

who treat them with respect.

I could sure use
a round of them.

Good luck with that, Rob.

Thanks a lot, Troy.

Yeah.

It was so nice meeting you.

Oh, you too.

Next time, I'll show
you the rest of the lab.

I would love that.

You should come out
to the site sometime.

We could use an extra shovel.

Maybe tomorrow.

Someone's got to log
in all those artifacts.

- Hey, there's more to follow.
- I'm sure.

See you later.

Bye.

See you.

You're hungry?

I could eat.

Hey, you must be Sky.

Come on in.

You must be Troy.

Dean said you might
be dropping by.

Yeah.

Dean's an amazing director.

He recommended I
stop by and meet

you so I could really immerse
myself in a Cherokee culture.

Dean mentioned you were a
cast in Unto These Hills?

That must be exciting.

I'm a member of the Eastern
Band of Cherokee Nation.

It's really such
a privilege to be

performing at the Oconaluftee
Village amphitheater.

It's an amazing venue.

Oh, I'll have to make time
to see your performance.

I hear great things.

I'm here all summer, so
you got plenty of time.

You know, people travel

from all over the country
to see Unto These Hills.

The whole cast is amazing.

I've seen it many
times over the years,

and the realism, just seeing our
history right up there on stage

never loses its magic.

That's what appealed
to me the most,

really telling the story
of our own ancestors.

I hear you're from Oklahoma,
the other Cherokee Nation.

Being here, it
feels like we're all

part of one big family.

Good.

That means we're
doing something right.

Here.

Check the spearhead out.

Found it at a dig site.

What?

Take a look.

Oh my gosh.

You know, what I love
about anthropology is it

gives context to archaeology.

You know, it fills in
the gaps in the stories.

It's not just the artifacts but
the people and their legends.

Yeah.

And also, like, how their
mythologies were formed.

You know, some stories
overlap culture to culture,

like leprechauns,
little people, elves.

All trying to help
out, play tricks on us.

It's really unexplainable.

You know, that's exactly
what draws me to this work

actually, discovering different
cultures each with their

own myths, their own legends.

And people are shaped by their
culture and by their past.

That's why it's so
important we respect it.

Do you realize that we will
spend most of our careers

digging up the lives of
those who are no longer

here to speak for themselves?

That's why we're so fortunate
to have actual Cherokee

descendants on this thing.

I mean, I've been,
here for two months,

but I'm just scratching the
surface on their culture.

And Troy and his
team are a huge help.

Troy's interesting.

Is he an archaeologist?

By training, yes.

He's my guide into
their culture.

You know, I've been
reading books and journals.

But Troy, I mean, he
lives it every day.

It's a big difference.

But you've been
here long enough.

I mean, it seems like
they really respect you.

I can't wait to join the team.

You up for a hike?

Yeah, always.

This is how settlers
and their families

would have lived a
hundred years ago.

I know.

It's like a little
portal back in time.

Most of these structures were
built in the 19th century

and then relocated here from
other parts of the Smokies

in the 1950s.

Mingus Mill, Cades
Cove are a lot older

than this, and their structures
that are still standing today.

Yeah, I read that
when the Great Smoky

Mountains National Park opened,
there were still settlers here.

They were logging, farming.

It was a conflict
waiting to happen.

Settlers wanted to use
the natural resources,

while conservationists
were worried about losing

the beauty forever.

Never-ending battle.

They needed $10 million
to buy the land.

It was right in the middle
of the Great Depression.

School kids raised what
they could, but in the end,

it was David Rockefeller who
wrote a check for $5 million,

and the park opened.

It's pretty cool
the kids did that.

Leave it to the kids.

Can you believe whole families
lived in these little homes?

I've been to
Yosemite, Yellowstone,

and they're magnificent!

There's just
something so special

about the Smoky Mountains.

Magical.

Come on.

I want to show you something.

Well, gotta hand it to you, Rob.

You sure know your way around.

Two months and a lot of hiking.

Mm-hm.

You know, back when we
broke up, I was very angry.

But I never meant to hurt you.

To be honest, I was emotionally

distraught for a long time.

I became physically ill.

And then I ran into you in
that warm Saturday in May

and made fun over
your big sweater.

It's clear you still hated me.

Well, first of all,
I am always cold.

You know that.

And second of all,
I don't hate you.

I could never hate you.

I hated that you lied.

I put my own ambitions
first, and I've

regretted it every day since.

I thought about my
deceit a million times,

but the damage was done.

But I never stopped loving you.

Well, it was a
mistake, huge mistake.

Like, the biggest.

I've forgiven you.

The only mistake I can
think of you making

is sign up for this dig.

Oh, don't worry.

That was not a mistake.

I need this experience
to launch my career.

Hey.

Is that the shortcut?

Yeah.

It's pretty steep.

Well, lucky for me, I'm
like a mountain goat.

Stay on the trail.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

I'll see you later!

Oh.

Hey.

- I've been worried about you.
- What?

No.

I got sidetracked, you know,
did a bit of sightseeing.

Oh yeah?

- Did you see anything?
- Yeah.

I found this cave.

Well, sort of a cave.

There's a lot of
caves in these hills.

Yeah, but this
one was different.

It wasn't very deep, and I
couldn't even fit inside.

There was a bunch of abandoned
mining caves around here.

You want to fall in?

Thanks, Dr. Martin.

Hey, let me show you
something really fun.

Just think of it
as an adventure.

Right, an adventure.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Don't get any ideas.

I'm not.

Relax.

I'm going to show
you how to cast,

and then you're on your own, OK?

Ready?

Follow me.

Hey!

Look at that.

I'm pretty good.

Yeah.

Well, I'm going to
go down there so we

both have some room to cast.

Good luck.

Sounds good.

I'm good!

Don't worry about me.

Hmm.

That smells good

It does.

How are the potatoes?

Needs a little stirring.

Oh, ho, ho, ho.

You can smell the stream
on these bad boys.

And then, yes.

You're quite the fisherman.

You're not a bad student.

Oh my god.

Get out, out of my station.

This is mine.

Oh.

Cheers, to us.

Hmm.

To today.

Fresh trout is hard to beat.

It is.

Today was an amazing day.

Thank you.

Do you remember earlier, when
I said I was sightseeing?

By the falls?

Yeah.

Well, I told you there
was this giant boulder

in front of a cave.

I couldn't move it,
but I stuck my hand

in and took these photos.

And I couldn't tell the photos
I was getting at the time,

but check this out.

Oh wow.

Is that a big wow or
just, like, a wow?

No, it's a big wow.

I'm no expert on
Cherokee myths, we

should probably consult Troy.

But one night sitting
around the fire,

I was told a story
about this snake

with a sparkling diamond-shaped
crystal on his forehead.

I know this story.

And Cherokee Warriors went
to retrieve the crystal.

And apparently, only
one came back alive.

Yeah.

The conjurer hid
it to keep it safe.

And in return, it gave him good
luck and hunting and in love.

Hunting and love.

And prophecy.

Whoever holds the crystal
can see the future.

I could use help with that.

The photo you took is
a specific reference

to that story.

To... what do you think
happened to the crystal?

According to the legend, the
conjurer hid it deep in a cave.

Do you think it's still there?

I don't know.

We should go diamond hunting.

You know, just for fun.

Diamond hunting?

The Smokies are beautiful
this time of day.

Yeah.

Oh wow.

Nice.

I see what you mean
about this site.

This is our most
successful dig yet.

Oh, uh, I'll be right back.

Hey.

Hey.

- Glad you made it.
- Yeah.

Thanks for inviting me.

This, uh, this looks
like a lot of work.

You think?

But it has its rewards.

You must have seen some
digs back in Oklahoma?

No, not really.

I mean, I'm sure
they were going on,

but archaeology wasn't
really on my radar.

Oh, no?

No.

This looks sort of
Indiana Jones-ish.

Only, it's real.

I mean, this once was
a Cherokee settlement.

And the evidence
suggests it was abandoned

right around the time of the
passing of the Removal Act.

Oh my gosh.

Um, I want to introduce
you to some friends.

Here, come on.

OK.

Oh, yeah.

- Wait, look at this.
- Hey, guys.

I want to introduce
you to somebody.

This is Sky.

She's performing in Unto These
Hills at the amphitheater.

Oh wow.

And this is Haley James.

Hi.

Nice to meet you.

You too.

And Rob Martin.

I promise we're not usually
this sweaty and dirty.

Yeah, we are.

Have you guys found
anything interesting today?

Yes.

We actually just found this
pottery a few minutes ago.

That's awesome.

Yeah, it's pretty cool.

Actually, there's some more.

Follow me.

OK.

Nice to meet you guys.

You too.

Bye.

Wow, I like her.

I think Troy does too.

You know, in all my years
visiting the Smokies,

I've never seen the
removal of the Cherokee

peoples told by Cherokee actors.

It's pretty powerful.

I bet.

I've been on dozens
of these digs.

They're all interesting,
but it can be a lot of work

under a hot sun.

No, but I get it.

You mean, finding
clues from the past?

The people who lived here
may have been my ancestors.

Oh, it's certainly possible.

Hey, I have a question.

Rob and Haley, are they married?

No, they just met.

Or re-met.

Rob said they were
college friends.

Hey!

I think Rob could use
a hand over there.

And do you need a break?

Maybe.

All right.

I got you.

Thank you.

Yeah.

Feels good to sit for a second.

I can imagine.

Yeah.

How do you know Troy?

Uh, we actually just
met the other day.

You know, I wanted to do
more research on the Eastern

Band of Cherokees for
the play, and my director

sent me over to Troy.

You know, Troy and Rob actually

put this entire dig together.

Well, with the
help of Dr. Smith.

That's really cool.

I was just asking Troy if
you and Rob were a couple.

Ha!

Funny.

What did he say?

Oh, he said you guys
were college friends.

We were together for a while.

And we had a pretty
big falling out.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Yeah, we hadn't seen each
other in three years.

So when I showed up to this
dig, running into him here,

that was a surprise.

Did you get over
whatever it was?

I don't know if you
ever get over it.

Another girl?

No.

I wish.

That would be easier.

Wait.

I know. Actually, never mind.

Scratch that.

No.

Um, he wasn't honest
about something

that meant a lot to me.

He secretly applied for a
grant that I also applied

for and then lied about it.

And he got it, and you didn't?

Yeah.

Did you ever forgive him?

Yeah.

But ironically, we're both
competing for an Arizona Pueblo

grant, so here we go again.

Only this time, no
deception, right?

Right.

You're good.

Pretty perceptive.

Well, I'm an actress.

I also majored in psychology.

So you're good at
reading people?

A little bit.

OK, so what do you think they're

talking about right now?

Oh, they'll definitely say
they're talking about the dig,

but they're definitely
talking about us.

I don't get it.

Earlier today we were
pulling up pottery,

trinkets, all sorts of stuff.

And now it's nothing.

It goes in streaks, I guess.

It's a slow process.

In the meantime, looks
like you and Haley

have definitely reconnected.

Oh, I'd like to think so.

Good.

To be honest, Haley is
the most amazing woman.

Just, I messed up big time.

I've known you for what?

Two years?

I've never seen you
mess up anything.

Trust me, I've been
in the doghouse.

You know, I just met
Sky a few days ago.

She's all I've been
thinking about.

Oh boy.

Buckle up your seat belt.

Yeah?

Yeah.

Yeah, buckle it up tight
'cause you're about to go

on a beautiful ride.

I hope so.

Here's what I know about women.

Do I have your attention?

Um, sorry.

What's that?

They have the final say.

The final say about what?

About you, about everything.

They have the final say.

You don't.

Period.

And don't ever try to
hide anything from them.

She's the boss, and
I'm always honest.

I got it.

Bingo.

Hey, guys!

What are you over
there talking about?

We're talking about what
happened here 500 years ago

and still happening here today.

Yeah.

Men.

Right.

Hey, you guys!

Come check this out.

Oh.

Wow.

Whoa.

Nice.

Cherokee stickball stick.

And it's in perfect condition.

They used these to play
games, like lacrosse.

Exactly.

You think football is big?

Stickball was huge.

Games were so intense,
players sometimes died.

I heard that too!

Yeah, but the way
that stick was found,

Haley, that's amazing.

And it's more evidence the
settlement was abandoned

quickly during the removal.

You know, there are settlements
throughout these mountains

before the white soldiers
came and, often violently,

forced people to leave
with nothing more than the

clothes on their backs.

The white families would
move into the homes and farms

and take them as their own.

It felt like people
didn't care that they were

separated from their families,
and people were hurt,

sometimes killed.

But, I mean, that's why you
guys do what you do, right?

I mean, you learn from the past.

I get that's also why
you do what you do, Sky.

Have you been to the
Oconaluftee Village?

No, not yet.

Oh, it's so authentic.

I would love to show you around.

I would love that.

Can I see this?

Wow.

Wow.

We will never forget.

Well, it was worth a try.

No one ever said digging
for diamonds was easy.

Especially when the diamond
you're searching for is a myth.

I know. I know.

I get it.

It's like searching
for the Holy Grail.

I know if we could just
get into that cave.

Maybe the Cherokee put that
boulder there for a reason.

Yeah, maybe to hide something.

Maybe.

You know, it's pretty
overwhelming when you think

about the Cherokee or
the original settlers

who hunted and farmed and loved
this land thousands of years

ago.

Unlike the settlers
that came after,

they knew how to use this
land without using it up.

When the removal started,
about 20,000 hit the trail.

A few hundred stayed back
and hid out in the caves

in these mountains.

The few hundred that stayed
are now more than 18,000.

And Troy is part of the
Eastern Band, right?

Yeah.

Sky is from the survivors
that ended up in Oklahoma.

You know, Sky is giving a tour
of the Oconaluftee Village

later.

Do you want to come?

Absolutely.

The Cherokee people
built solid wood

cabins to live
in, like this one,

and lived in permanent villages.

I've got another one to
show you guys down here.

Follow me.

The villages were
comprised of seven clans.

Each clan represented a
specific work function.

So you had food gatherers,
protectors, guardians

of the fire, and so on.

And you grew up in your clan.

And when a man was married, he
moved into his wife's cabin.

And if she did not
want to stay married,

she moved his things
out of her cabin,

and he moved back into
his mother's cabin.

- Ha.
- Mm-hmm.

Today we would call
that a quickie divorce.

No lawyers needed.

Another interesting fact
is that the Cherokee

governance was matrilineal.

Women had an equal voice.

There was balance and equality.

What can I say?

Things just seemed
to work better.

You mean men actually
listened to women?

Yes.

What a concept.

Any more questions?

Hey, you guys.

How was Sky's first tour?

Oh, she's amazing.

Yeah, she is incredible.

I'm just on my way
to pick her up.

Hey, hang on a second.

The other day, Haley
and I were hiking,

and she found something.

Yeah.

OK, so it looked like
a cave, but there

was this giant boulder in front
of it, so I couldn't get in.

But I stuck my hand in
and took a few pictures.

Whoa.

The Uktena.

It's one of our
most famous legends.

According to the legend,
there's a crystal-like diamond

supposedly hidden
in a cave somewhere

along these mountains.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

I can see the
diamond-shaped image there.

Also, looks like there's
some other drawings there.

What would that be?

I can make out what looks
like a bear's ears maybe,

the birds above, and there's
a diamond on the snake head.

Yeah, but what do
birds and a bear

have to do with the snake head?

Oh.

See those squiggly
lines on the left?

They're faint, but if you
ask me, that's a waterfall.

The birds fly above, and the
bear scares everyone away.

So maybe the crystal is
hidden somewhere around there?

I mean, that's as
good a guess as any.

According to legend,
there's a warrior,

Aganunitsi, who kept the
crystal hidden in a secret cave.

Yes!

Yes, yes.

No, I read about him.

And apparently, he would move
to location every so often.

The legend has been rattling
on for hundreds of years.

But this pictograph is the
first I've seen that shows

the crystal so clearly.

OK, so we could be
onto something, right?

I mean, this, this is the
best clue I've ever seen.

But again, it's an ancient myth.

OK.

Well, all we have to
do is find a waterfall

with birds flying above it.

Yeah, but there are 40
waterfalls and thousands

of caves in these mountains.

Well, we better get busy.

Thanks, Troy!

Yeah, good luck.

Hey, thanks a lot, man.

Wow.

Um, you look really
nice in that dress.

Thank you.

You know, Robin, Haley said
you did a great job today.

Really?

I really appreciate
that they were out here.

I was a little nervous.

But I had an elder
with me, and, you know,

she was there to really
make sure that I was

on track with the information.

And it was really cool
just connecting with nature

and the culture and history.

Wow.

You're already making an impact.

I hope so.

Well, I got us a table
at this nice cafe.

OK. Let's go.

Cool.

Yeah, but we can't
just go looking

at every falls in the park.

A lot of them are off limits.

OK.

Well, what if we went above?

You know, like,
way, way, way above.

I forgot how determined
you could be.

We are talking about a
diamond-cut crystal so clear

you can see your future in it.

It's a myth.

Where is your
sense of adventure?

This is really nice.

Thank you for
putting it together.

Thank you.

For what?

Being here, showing
up on this day.

Even though it took
you three years.

You could have called.

You told me not to.

I know.

I don't know if I meant it.

So, uh, three years,
it's a long time.

Yeah!

Any serious boyfriends?

A few serious
relationships, yeah.

The last one was a banker.

He wanted me to live in Jersey.

And?

And I didn't see myself
living in a five-bedroom

mansion doing summer
weekends in the Hamptons.

Uh, that sounds terrible.

It is!

OK, look, I get it.

Maybe it isn't for some
people, but it is for me.

I'm not cut out for that.

I'm... I'm cut out for this.

Yeah, this is much
more interesting

than summering in the Hamptons.

It is.

So what about you?

Polynesian islands,
on a remote dig.

I read Margaret Mead.

Growing up in Samoa?

Yeah, it wasn't all like that.

Look at me baring my soul,
the one thing you never do.

Hmm, maybe the one thing
you always should do.

Truth is I've never loved
any other woman but you.

And when you broke up with me...

Rob!

At the time, it was
the only choice I had.

And I deserved that.

I did.

Like I said, I went to Peru and
only lasted for three weeks.

It wasn't because of the food.

It wasn't?

You broke my heart.

It took a long, long
time to get over.

Rob, I loved you.

But you're the one
who broke my heart.

I guess we broke up each
other's hearts then.

Yeah, I guess so.

It's so peaceful out.

It feels like we're in
the middle of nowhere.

Well, that's the thing
about archaeology.

It usually takes you in
the middle of nowhere.

Hey, have you ever been
to the pueblos in Arizona?

No, I haven't.

- Have you?
- No.

When do you think
we're going to hear?

A week or so?

What if we both get in?

Or only one of us.

Yeah, I've thought about that.

Here we go again.

Yeah, but no secrets this time.

Yeah. Hey!

Did I tell you?

I sent my advisor a picture
of the stickball artifact.

And I'm thinking of making it
my first professional paper.

That's great.

Oh, and also, Troy
found more artifacts,

so I'm going to work
in the lab tomorrow.

But if you're up for
it, you want to go

snake hunting on Saturday?

Mm, you put it like that, it
sounds like a fantastic idea.

This is me.

Rob!

Uh.

I'm just not ready.

I know, I know.

It's... I get it.

Yeah.

I'm sorry.

Good night.

It's incredible.

OK.

Solid hickory,
perfect condition.

OK.

Logging it.

Thanks, Troy.

Here's a spearhead they
found at the same site.

Wow.

Yeah.

I mean, that is stunning.

Look at the way it's carved.

It's... It's perfect.

You know, the early
tribes had some tools

just for carving spearheads.

Really?

Yeah.

OK.

Oh!

This is my Zoom
with Dr. Ettinger.

Oh, well, feel free to use the
log room as long as you need.

Thank you.

Good luck.

Yeah!

Thanks.

OK.

Hello, Haley.

Dr. Ettinger, hello.

I just texted you an updated
picture of the spearhead.

I wish I could be
there in person.

It's been quite the dig.

Productive, to say the least.

What did you think of the
picture of the Cherokee

stickball stick?

It's an astounding
find, museum quality.

And Haley, your field report
about the cultural value

was perfect.

Do you think it
can get published?

Yes, absolutely.

Just add a few more artifacts to
the report, like the spearhead

you sent today.

And of course, make sure you
run everything by Dr. Smith too.

Oh!

Understood.

Will do.

You're off to a good
start, Dr. James.

I still can't believe it.

Thank you so much
for all of your help.

I've loved working with you.

We're expecting big
things from you, Haley.

Um, any news on
the Pueblo grant?

Not yet, but I hear it
should be any day now.

Keep me posted, OK?

Enjoy the rest of your
time in the Smokies.

Hey.

Am I interrupting?

I heard talking.

Hi!

No.

I was just finishing a
Zoom with my advisor.

Advisor?

I got my PhD a few weeks
ago, and my advisor

has guided me on everything.

And now she's helping
me get published.

That will be the beginning.

Of what?

Of grants, success,
more exciting research.

A life of adventure?

Yeah, that's the plan.

That's amazing, Haley.

Hey, so if you have the
time, I wanted to know

if you wanted to grab lunch.

There's a really
cute cafe in town.

Oh!

Oh.

Sure, yeah.

Let's do it.

OK.

So how long will this dig last?

Ah, well, for Rob,
it'll go longer.

But for me, two weeks?

- That's it?
- Yeah.

Wow.

Well, I actually just
applied for a grant

at a pueblo in Arizona, so.

On a reservation?

At an ancient pueblo.

It's sponsored by the state.

And I just found
out Rob actually

applied for the same grant.

Dueling applications.

You know, at this point, Rob
has a lot more experience.

How's that going?

You and Rob.

I mean, you two
seem so connected.

Well, if I'm being honest,
if I knew he was at this dig,

I probably would not have come.

And now?

Now I see what I
saw in him then.

Before the big breakup?

Yeah.

Do you want my advice?

- Do I have a choice?
- Nope.

Didn't think so.

Love is the greatest
adventure you can take.

So if you feel like you've
got something truly special,

then you need to go after
it with all your heart.

What about you?

Well, the play runs
through mid-August,

but they've asked me to
stay on and keep giving

tours at the Cherokee village.

Of course, they have!

You are amazing in it.

Thank you.

And what about Troy?

I just, I feel like I'm at
my best when I'm with him.

Well, to quote someone, if you
think it's something special...

Go after it with all your heart.

Just saying.

Yeah.

And have you talked to him?

Does he want to become a
full-time archaeologist?

I don't think so.

You know, he's talking
about getting his MBA

in nonprofit management.

So I don't know.

He either wants to run a museum
or be a part of educating

more people on our history.

That makes sense.

Yeah, it does.

Nice work.

Thanks.

Speaking of Troy, he wants
to meet me for ice cream

- after we're done with lunch.
- Of course, he does.

Yeah?

You're more than
welcome to join us.

I should get back to the dig.

So you two enjoy.

OK.

Let's have a look at that one.

This matches some of the others.

Yeah.

It's interesting.

Dr. Smith, part of my being
here is to write an article

to hopefully get published.

And Dr. Ettinger
was really impressed

with both the Cherokee stickball
stick and the spearhead.

I just really wanted to say
thank you for your guidance.

It means so much to me.

You know, I appreciate that.

You know, you're doing the
work, you deserve the reward.

And anything I can do to help,
all you need to do is ask.

Thanks, Dr. Smith.

So they want me to make
a decision by next week.

About working as
a guide this fall?

Yep.

Well, what do you want to do?

I mean, I've loved acting,
especially in Unto These Hills.

And I enjoy spending
time with you.

Well, I've enjoyed
spending time with you too.

I'd love it if you
stay here for the fall.

I talked to my mom.

She misses me.

Have her come out for a visit.

She would love that.

I don't know.

I guess it just comes
down to whether or not

I want to keep pursuing acting.

Acting jobs come and go.

It's just a tough decision.

I don't even know if I'm
passionate about it anymore.

It would require moving
to LA or even New York.

Well, what is your passion?

Right now?

Mint chip.

OK.

- I got to try it now, clearly.
- All right.

All right. I want to try some.

- That is my passion.
- Give me some.

Nope.

It's all mine.

Hey, where are you?

I thought we were meeting up
before Sky's thing tonight.

Did you forget?

Absolutely not!

Hey.

You, uh, you look incredible.

Well, you know, I
thought I'd step it

up a notch for our double date.

Oh, is that what this is?

Don't be an idiot.

We didn't see you
at the dig today.

I know.

I went on a hike.

- Did you go back to the cave?
- I did.

Wait, the one with
the pictographs?

Yes.

And this time, I
took a flashlight.

And look at the photos I got.

Oh, they're much
larger than I thought.

The squiggly lines are clearer.

I know.

I mean, it has to
mean a waterfall...

the bear head, the
snake, the birds.

I don't know what it all means.

Well, I think whoever
drew these pictures

drew this as a map.

Yeah, but with the multitude
of waterfalls in the park,

where do we start?

There's clearly something on
the map we're just not seeing.

Troy, what do you think?

Well, now that I'm
seeing it better,

there's the diamond head.

The squiggly lines
symbolize a waterfall.

Is that a W?

No.

It could mean
mountains, or maybe

it's identifying a landmark.

But we've been to every
waterfall in the park.

Have you guys been
to Weeping Falls?

It's just outside of the park.

It'd be worth a shot.

I know you think
I'm obsessed, but I

would love to check that out.

That makes one of us.

Plus one more.

Yeah.

Piece of cake.

What?

Wow!

It takes your breath away.

So does the drop.

200 feet.

I mean, if the cave is up there,

we're not getting
there from here.

Something isn't right.

I don't recognize
this landscape.

I don't see any caves
or rocky ledges.

I think it's a bust.

Let's head back to the car.

You know, I was thinking.

With the picture, the
video, and the story

of the Cherokee mythology...

You know, Troy said he had
never seen a photo like that.

I really think we
have something here.

Yeah?

Yeah!

Like, what if I make
an article, right?

Like, not just a field report
but a full-blown story.

I think that's a great idea.

Yeah?

Yeah.

Cool.

No luck today?

Shut out once again.

Might be time to
throw in the towel.

No, not yet.

But maybe, maybe
finding the pictographs

themselves is the whole story.

Maybe it isn't a map at all.

Maybe it's a retelling
of the legend.

Well, there is only
one way to find out.

Hey, look.

If it was easy to find, it
would have already been found.

Yeah, that's true.

Haley, guess what.

What?

I've made a decision.

You did?

Oh Wow.

Um, Sky has been deciding
between going back to Oklahoma

or staying here.

Oh, ooh.

And?

I'm staying right
here in Cherokee.

At least until the fall.

This is exciting.

And the other news
is, we are both

starting grad school this fall.

Troy!

Troy is going to be
starting with his MBA.

And sky is doing her
master's in psychology.

This is huge news,
all the way around.

Yeah!

I really just want to learn as
much about my people as I can.

And if it's OK
with you guys, I've

asked Troy if he could tell
us the story of the Trail

of Tears, just as the
elders did when they

gathered around the campfire.

Yeah, I'd be honored.

Yeah, so would I.

Well, Sky, don't
be shy to jump in.

Short-handing it here,
but the Trail of Tears

wasn't just about
the Cherokee Nation.

Now, there were five
tribes in the Southeast

called the Civilized Tribes...

Seminoles, Choctaw, Chickasaw,
Creek, and Cherokee.

In 1830, Congress passed
the Indian Removal Act

which called for the
removal of all Indians

from the southeastern
United States.

All total, nearly
100,000 Native Americans

were sent to what was then
called Indian country.

Today it's called Oklahoma.

Exactly.

Now, there were several
different detachments that

traveled the Trail of Tears.

The first group,
the only ones that

were controlled by the military
came over in an oppressively

hot summer.

The last to leave
were forced to travel

during the dead of winter.

Of the 18,000 who traveled
over the mountains, over 4,000

died along the way.

And those who survived...

Including Sky's great,
great, great-grandparents.

Were forced to rebuild
their lives from scratch.

It took great
leaders to rebuild.

And there was lots
of division and some

bloodshed before the tribe
could get back on its feet.

But today, there are over
400,000 Cherokee citizens.

Nearly 20,000 right here.

One tribe living in two lands.

Connected by our histories,
our traditions, our legends.

And one written language
created by Sequoyah.

That was beautiful, Troy.

Thank you.

Something you said
yesterday stuck with me.

You said if the crystal
was so easy to find,

it would have
already been found.

Yeah.

Right, so it got me thinking.

Here, these letters right
here, are they in Cherokee?

No.

It's drawings of what
looks like landmarks.

And that looks like a
grotto which is why I

suggested Weeping Falls before.

And look closer.

So I think that's a
rock or maybe a boulder

on the top right of the W.

Yeah, but we already
checked Weeping Falls.

But we didn't check
above Weeping Falls.

Could this W symbol
be above the falls?

Possibly.

It's a big leap.

I'm great at taking big leaps.

You know that.

You saw those falls.

There's no way we're
hiking up there.

Here.

Check this out.

All right.

This trail will
get you up there.

It's the back way.

It's longer, less traveled.

Huh, my kind of trail.

I don't know.

It seems dangerous.

Rob, come on.

We're so close.

I'm going to give you guys a
map, and you can sort it out.

Thank you.

Thanks, Troy.

Oh!

Sky!

Hey, Sky.

Come in.

Do you want to sit down,
have a coffee or a tea?

Uh, no.

I'm good.

OK.

Oh.

I just wanted to know if you
were around for lunch tomorrow.

Oh, thank you.

You know, I would love to, but
I think I might be headed back

up to Weeping Falls tomorrow.

Girl, you are driven
to find that crystal.

Yeah, but I can't help it.

When an adventure calls,
I have to see it through.

Are you sure this is the
adventure that's calling?

I have to tell you something.

What?

I got the grant for
the Arizona Pueblos!

Wow!

No, that's fantastic!

Congrats!

Thank you.

It's huge!

Yeah.

You know, if Rob doesn't
get in, I don't know.

So I haven't told him yet.

If you could just
keep this between us.

Yeah, of course.

Thanks.

That's so exciting though.

It is.

Haley.

Hey!

What are you doing
in here so early?

Oh, going to fill up my coffee
before I head up the mountain.

Thanks to the map you gave me.

Rob meeting you here?

No.

No, I figured I'd
do this one alone.

Oh.

Well, you be safe out
there on that trail.

Always.

Thanks again.

Hey!

Fill her up.

Thanks.

Rob, Haley went to
find the crystal.

Rob!

Rob, are you here?

Hey, Rob!

Get up here.

I need you.

Come on.

Pick up, pick up, pick up.

She's not picking up.

Ugh, she's one determined lady.

That's just one of the
reasons why you love her.

Go get her, man!

You're right, you're
right, you're right.

Haley!

Rob!

Rob.

What happened?

OK.

Let me take a look.

Oh! That hurts.

Ow!

That hurts, that hurts.

Why didn't you tell me
you were coming up here?

OK.

It's definitely sprained.

We got to get you to a doctor.

No, no.

You need to see what's
inside that cave.

What?

I thought you came
up here to stop me.

I couldn't stop you if I tried.

Hand me that branch, will you?

All right.

OK.

On the count of
three, help me up.

1, 2, 3!

Careful.

OK, good.

Straight up here.

This is it.

I can't believe it.

We found it.

Let me see.

OK.

We found it.

Let me see.

You found it!

What... all right, you
go on in without me.

I'm going to sit this one out.

Are you sure?

Yeah, I'm sure.

Well, listen.

If I'm not back in five
minutes, you just...

What am I going to do?

OK.

Bats.

I hate bats.

Whoa.

No way.

Haley!

I found something!

I found something.

You do the honors.

Wow.

What if it really does
have magical powers?

You'll be the first to know.

Well, what if... what if
it's not our place to see?

What if it's not
my place to open?

Then what are we doing up here?

Let's see that crystal and
see if it tells us our future.

I don't know.

I think I already have
good luck hunting.

And love?

Well, not knowing the future
is half the fun, right?

Right.

I'm going to put it back...

where the conjurer hit it, where
it's safe, where the legend can

live on.

OK.

But Rob, I took a leap.

And I was right.

Yeah.

You were.

Yes, so many bats.

And a sprained ankle.

I wonder if the crystal
was really in the cave.

Well, we can draw
you a map, and you

can go find it yourselves.

Nah, it's better this way.

The legend lives on.

On to the next adventure.

And it looks like
my next adventure

is going to be in Arizona.

You got the Pueblo grant?

I did.

Wow.

That's amazing, Haley.

I was just waiting for the
right time to tell everyone.

If anyone deserves it, you do.

Thank you.

Cheers, guys. Cheers.

- Cheers.
- Cheers.

Cheers. Cheers.

Woo!

Yay!

Yeah.

We're making good progress here?

Oh, it's been bountiful.

Really one of the best
digs I've ever been on.

Yeah.

Yeah, you're right.

Hey, Rob.

What's up with
your ex-girlfriend?

Oh, Doc.

It's like one minute I'm
up, the next I don't know.

Well, I'm just an
old coot, you know.

I don't know much about women.

But I've seen a few
things in my days.

And I've been watching you
two from the first day.

What I saw, I'm not
saying it's all harmony,

but it's pretty damn close.

Yeah?

And I will say that
A is attracted to B,

and B is attracted to A.
This is like a magnet.

It's just the way it works.

Opposites attract.

Mm, sort of.

Oh, Doc, we debate.

Yeah, but in a healthy way.

But now she's going off
to Arizona because she

got this Pueblo grant.

I know, and you didn't.

Figure that's the end of that.

Well, maybe yes, maybe no.

But, um, I think
there's a future here.

Yeah.

And I don't need a crystal
ball to see that, all right?

Just think about it.

Hello?

Yeah!

We're around back.

Oh, sorry.

I hope I'm not interrupting.

No, just checking up on Rob.

That makes two of us.

I packed some food if
you're hungry for lunch.

- No, I was just leaving.
- Oh, no.

Please stay. There's plenty.

I would love it if you joined.

Thank you, no.

I really should be going.

Thanks for stopping by.

Glad to see you doing better.

Thanks, doc.

You two enjoy your lunch.

Thanks, Dr. Smith.

That seemed sweet.

Yeah.

Who knew?

It's good to see you, Haley.

I'm really going to miss you.

Um, about that.

You know, I've been thinking
a lot about the Arizona grant.

I'm happy for you.

It's a great first
step, Dr. James.

Well, Dr. Ettinger
actually said

that the article I submitted
about the pictographs

really helped seal the deal.

It's well deserved.

I have a proposal for you.

I only want to go to
Arizona if you come with me.

Are you sure?

Hold that thought.

I'll be right back.

Oh, are you...

I'm good, I'm good, I'm good,
I'm good, I'm good, I'm good.

What are you doing in there?

I'm coming.

I'm coming.

Hey.

I have a proposal too.

I was going to give you
this the day we broke up.

Rob.

I've been keeping
it all these years.

Haley James, will
you be my wife?

Yes.

I love you so much.

Love you too, Rob.

Now, I really love the Smokies.