A/N: The italicized quotes are taken from the 1992 movie. POV is Chingachgook.
Disclaimer: None of it is mine.
"Why is Uncas with you? He should have settled with a woman, started a family by now."
Alexandra's words are quiet in the cabin but loud in my heart. She has long known of my wish to see my youngest son married with a child or two on his knee. He has one now in his arms, John Cameron's daughter, and it both eases my heart to see my son so loved by the small, and pains it to know that he has not yet found one who can raise such children with him.
I watch my son and know that he is young and strong. He is a fast, like the deer he loves to race. He would provide protection for his family and bring rest to my aged mind. I am too old for such worries. The future is in the hands of my son, but he must choose his own path through the forest if he is to gain his prize—the elk run on secret trails and Uncas must do the same if he is to follow where he aims.
"We'll trap over the fall. Winter in Can-tuck-ee. Find a Delaware-speaking woman for Uncas. She will say, 'You are the one!' Bear him many children."
My time for speaking is waning. I enjoy, now, simply listening and watching my sons laugh together. Hawkeye has teased Uncas since they were boys; his words turn more often to women than hunting and I know he is as eager as I am to see his brother happy. Uncas smiles and is well, but I can see that he is not whole. I see because I was also aware of my missing self when I was young. I admire Uncas's patience and determination. Many young men have chosen wives quickly because they could not wait. Uncas wants something more and I have seen the wisdom in my son's decisions. Still, I wonder if he forgets my age when he considers the planning of his family.
"Then you can have a boy like me."
"Never. You're too strong. Turn me old too fast."
Tonight is time for friendship. I will not speak to Uncas about my wishes or urge him to establish our tribe. I will not tell my son that I know of the ache in his heart and the worry in his mind, What if I am alone and there is not one for me? I will sit and watch silently as Uncas tussles with Cameron's son, making light of the future which I hold so close. He does not know that I hang on to the words he gives to the Cameron boy. They are spoken in jest but I cannot help but fear for our tribe—and Uncas. Never, he says with a smile, his young heart believing the words to be false, and my old heart breaks a little more for the happiness I fear he will never have.