A/N: I don't normally write for this fandom, but I watched the movie at a friend's request, and was so struck by this scene that I knew I would have no peace of mind until I wrote about it. So I wrote this ficlet. Enjoy or not, as you please.
The Look in Her Eyes
Her breath caught as his body fell through the air. Not a scream, not a sob, not even a true gasp as Magua flung Uncas's bloody, gutted carcass over the cliff. Only that slightest catch that made Magua turn and look at her. There was a wild, desperate light in her eyes.
Her feet moved, almost of their own accord. In an instant, she was standing on the brink of the precipice. Her eyes swam with tears. Then she looked down, down at the long drop to the bottom, and Magua could see the agony and despair on her face. Now she had no one and nothing, not even hope. The white woman was weak. Now she would crumble, Magua thought. She might as well be under his knife.
Then she turned. The tears were gone. In their place was a look Magua had never seen before. Gone was the timid, meek girl who had stood there only seconds before. The woman in her place stared unflinchingly into his eyes, her gaze penetrating, steely; unafraid.
I am not a slave, her eyes said. I am not a dog. I am not weak, and I am not your victim.
She looked as though for the first time in her life she knew exactly what she wanted and what she had to do.
And then suddenly, Magua knew too. His eyes flickered from the cliff to her eyes. He lowered his knife. He beckoned to her softly, soothingly. Come to me, do not fear.
She lifted her chin proudly, as the slightest trace of a smile played on her lips. I do not fear you. I am above you.
In the next instant, she was gone. Her skirt billowed around her as she fell down, down, down in the seemingly endless air.
Well done, white child, Magua was forced to nod slowly in respect. Well done.