Six Months Later

Spring, 1758

Winter was finally over and Alice was relieved to see the first tentative signs of spring.

As the snow started melting and portents of life stirred in the wilds surrounding them, she could feel the anticipation of enjoying more moderate temperatures stirring within her. The past few months had been the coldest she'd ever experienced in her life, even whilst in England. There she'd had specific resources and diversions at her disposal that had made the bleakest time of the year more bearable, while her current living conditions, so close to Mother Nature, made certain realisms hard to ignore.

Naturally drawn to the sun, it had been difficult to stay indoors while the inclement weather raged, sometimes for days at a time. However, those times had also provided her with ample opportunity to reflect on the many changes that had occurred in her young life since coming to live with the Delaware.

Initially, the reality of living in an Indian village had been a shock to the senses. Her first view of her new home had induced feelings of distress and mild despair. Nothing had been remotely comparable to anything she'd grown up being exposed to. The sights, the sounds, the people, it had all been so different, overwhelming and perhaps even a little intimidating. Situated close to the banks of the Hudson River, wigwams - domed structures of varying sizes, its frame made of bent samplings tied together and covered with reed mats and tree bark - were arranged in a large circle with more domes placed inside of that circle as they spiralled closer towards the center. At the heart of the village was a roaring fire that was constantly tended so that it didn't die down. Here, large meals were often prepared for everyone to enjoy, a feat that all the women contributed to in turns.

The first few weeks after their arrival had been the hardest period for Alice, the adjustment far from smooth. There had been so much to learn, so many things she didn't understand, that it had seemed, at times, as though she'd never get to grips with any of it. In rare moments of defeatism, she'd felt hopeless and lonely, sentiments she'd been careful to keep to herself, knowing it would hurt her sister's feelings. She'd felt awkward and out of place living with the newlyweds in a wigwam they shared as a family, while Uncas and Chingachgook stayed with relatives. Her feelings of unease had been worsened by the fact that she and Cora had been the focus of everyone's attention, curious stares and unfamiliar chatter following them around wherever they went. Perhaps it had even been somewhat worse for her, since she was the fairer of the two, her honeyed tresses standing out like a beacon amongst a group of people who mostly had the same colouring and general mien.

But as time had passed and their presence had become less of a novelty, the stares had stopped and the chatter had died down until it barely existed. Her initial impressions and prejudices of the American natives had been proven wrong on so many levels. They were a kind nation, lively and spirited and despite their curiosity about the two white women who'd attached themselves to their kin, they'd accepted Alice and Cora with a readiness that touched her profoundly, particularly since she knew that the sentiment would not been reciprocated had their roles been reversed. According to Uncas, the Delaware believed in creating space at their hearths for anyone in need of shelter. So while she and Cora were a slight anomaly, they were at least not an unwelcome one.

As the winter had progressed, a new world had been revealed to Alice. She'd learnt to do things she would have gasped at in horror in her life before Uncas. That's how her heart differentiated between the two distinctly dissimilar periods of her life: before and after him. She and Cora had been taken under the wing of Uncas's aunt, Cholena, an old woman with soft brown eyes and a kind face lined with innumerable wrinkles. She spoke no English at all, but her daughters Gela and Kitane, spoke it reasonably well and often acted as interpreters. Alice was fond of the two young Indian women, their rapport having been instantaneous and also an intense relief. She'd often wondered whether she'd make any new friends and Gela in particular, the same age as her, proved to be the very best.

Alice had learnt much from Cholena and her daughters; the basics of how to make a fire in order to cook over the open flame, the best ways to prepare roots and vegetables for soups and stews and how to sew her own clothing from leather and fur. The former had been challenging, her efforts improving with time, while the latter had been a surprising success. While sewing had never been her favourite pastime, it was at least something that she was good at and despite the lack of silks, satins and muslins at her disposal, it appeared that the very same skills came in handy when stitching cruder materials such as furs and hides together. She mostly continued to wear the style of dress she was accustomed to, with one exception: she'd happily thrown her corset into the fire when Uncas had asked her why she continued to bother wearing something so decidedly uncomfortable. Her tutelage in the art of sewing skins had been mostly for the benefit of supplementing her wardrobe with warmer clothing during the harsh winter, and she was absurdly proud of having excelled at it, especially when so many other things had proved to be a trial.

Throughout it all, her relationship with Uncas kept deepening day by day. If it was even possible, she now loved him more than she had when she'd first realised it atop those cliffs. He never lost his patience with her, even when she felt dejected and weepy, mourning the loss of her once soft hands as they roughened, their tips covered in callouses. The other shock had been the realisation that even her body had started to change, her limbs and lungs strengthening as her physicality increased.

Alice hadn't known when Uncas had proposed that they court, how much she'd actually need the time to get to know herself, to understand her own limitations, to find the resolve and courage she'd never known she'd possessed. But he'd known, and with that quiet determination that she loved about him, he supported and encouraged her. But mostly, he just loved her, completely and unequivocally.

Carrying baskets filled with dried corn, Alice and Gela were making their way towards Cholena's wigwam to help prepare the evening meal. Walking through the center of the village, there was already much more activity than there had been a week ago. Clearly the improved weather was having a positive effect on everyone's desire to socialise. Smoke wafted through the air, the smell of burning wood not at all unpleasant now that she'd grown accustomed to its constant presence. All around, children were playing in the melting snow, men sitting around the large central fire, pelts thrown across their shoulders to stave off the lingering chill while women moved around with practiced ease, seeing to the welfare of their families. That was probably the thing that Alice enjoyed most about living with the Delaware, their sense of community. Everyone had a purpose and they worked closely towards achieving a common goal. They also cared about the well-being of their neighbours and no one was ever left in isolation.

Beside her, Gela clucked in disapproval. "Look at her! Throwing herself at him. She should be ashamed."

She was Gela's nemesis Opala, a beautiful young woman with long, dark hair and seductive eyes. Him was Talee, an attractive brave who Alice recognised only because he and Uncas appeared friendly. While Opala was attempting to engage Talee in conversation, he, however, was glancing in their direction with pointed interest.

Alice smiled, amused as she looked at her friend. Gela was about Alice's height, her build slender but surprisingly nimble. Her dark hair was parted down the middle, with two braids hanging forward across each shoulder. Her eyes were slightly slanted at the ends, their colour a rich chocolate brown. Dressed in leggings and a long, fringed tunic, she looked petite and pretty.

"I think he likes you."

Gela scoffed, although Alice noticed how she stole another look in his direction.

"He likes many women," she said in disgust.

"Really? He seems rather nice."

Gela rolled her eyes at her. "You white women, too trusting."

Alice laughed, taking no offense. Perhaps that was true. She hadn't been raised to be naturally wary of people's intentions.

Gela sighed. "You lucky to have Uncas. He is good man."

Alice's face relaxed into a smile as she watched the object of her affection exchange greetings with the couple they'd been watching. Taller than the other brave, Uncas stood at least a head above him, his muscled shoulders covered with a thick pelt. Admiring the handsome picture he presented, she noticed Opala placing a hand on Uncas's back and leaning towards him as though she was sharing a confidence.

Alice frowned as a sharp, sobering stab of jealousy lanced through her. Gela, sensing her disquiet, touched her arm.

"Nemën." See. "He not want her," she reassured as Uncas discreetly shook Opala's hand off.

Alice nodded. Out of necessity, she was learning to understand basic Unami, the language spoken by the Delaware inhabiting the lower Hudson Valley area, although she would be the first to admit that her comprehension was at present only marginally better than her execution. Though it was difficult, she relished the challenge it presented, having always been interested in languages.

Across the dusty village center, Uncas turned, as though sensing her presence. It was always that way with them. Even when she couldn't see him, she felt him. Their eyes met and held, the need for words unnecessary as she felt her heart tugging in his direction.

Alice broke contact first, her cheeks a rosy pink. "If Uncas had never met me, do you…do you think he would have chosen her as his wife?"

Seeing Opala's blatant attempts at attracting his attention stirred possessive feelings in her that she'd never experienced before.

Gela snorted in an unladylike fashion. "No. She want him for years, but he never interested."

Relaxing, Alice hoisted the basket higher in her arms, relieved that she didn't have to worry about a rival. In truth, she'd noticed how the young women in the village stared at Uncas at times, not even attempting to hide their blatant interest. Not that she could blame them; he was incredibly handsome.

And he's yours, her subconscious reminded her smugly.

Entering Cholena's wigwam, she placed the basket beside Kitane who was stirring a pot of corn, stewed with beans and other vegetables over the fire.

Alice sat down between the two sisters and started removing the husks from the corn just as Uncas walked in. She felt her heartbeat accelerate at the sight of him, a flawless testament to youth and vitality, as he lingered momentarily at the entrance. His eyes searched and eventually found hers in the dim interior. He greeted his cousins before moving closer and sitting on the floor beside her.

Alice felt her cheeks warm, knowing that Gela and Kitane were looking on in amusement.

"Come," Gela said abruptly to her sister. "We need more corn."

There was more than enough, but Alice knew that she wanted to give them some time alone, so she didn't object. Their courtship had been different to her traditional understanding of it, but she didn't mind. She liked that they seemed to make their own rules as they went along. For the most part, the basics remained the same; Uncas visited her frequently, they often shared meals together and talked about their likes and dislikes as they learnt to understand one another better. Then, at other times, when the weather wasn't too bad, he'd accompany her on short walks around the village so that she could get some fresh air and also allow them a little bit of privacy. Alice found that those were the times she enjoyed most.

"I saw you carrying the corn," he said, his hand pushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "You should have asked me to help."

Alice leaned into his touch. "It wasn't heavy and I saw you with your friends. I did not want to trouble you."

"Talee would not have minded."

"And Opala?" she asked, trying to sound casual as she continued chucking husks.

Uncas grasped her chin, turning her face towards him. "Isn't important," he declared distinctly, clearly understanding what she was not articulating.

She stared into his dark eyes, so soft and gentle. "Gela said that she had a particular fondness for you."

"Doesn't matter to me," he shrugged, indifferent.

Alice smiled, feeling a little foolish.

"Only you have my heart," he whispered, his voice deep and low, his gaze rousing, as he lifted her hand and placed her palm directly above his heart.

Her breath snagged at the back of her throat, the husk she'd been holding falling unnoticed out of her hand as his lips brushed against hers. The kiss was slow and sweet, her blood humming excitedly though her veins.

She floated on a cloud of pleasure, her hands curling into his shirt as his heart thudded beneath her palm. He'd barely touched her and already her core temperature had risen by several degrees. When she felt his fingers skim the curves of her breasts, she sighed softly into his mouth, wanting more.

"Nathaniel's waiting," he groaned reluctantly, the back of his hand brushing tenderly against her cheek. "See you tonight."

Incapable of stringing a coherent sentence together, Alice nodded, reaching up to hold his hand against her face for a moment longer.

Seemingly unable to resist, kissed her again, his lips clinging to hers before he tore himself away, leaving her smiling dazedly after him.


That same afternoon, Alice was stoking the fire inside the wigwam she shared with her relations, when the flap at the entryway opened to reveal Chingachgook. She was surprised to see him and assumed he was there for his older son. While he hardly ever spoke to her, his demeanour had softened considerably. She often found him watching her when she was with Gela or Kitane, his gaze assessing but not unkind.

"Nathaniel is not here," she said, rising to her feet.

He entered slowly, shaking his head. "Here to see you."

Alice was surprised and a little nervous. Was this when he told her how he'd never approve of her as a match for Uncas? She swallowed her worry, gesturing to the soft pelts beside the fire pit.

Nodding, he sat down cross-legged and waited for her to do the same. Once she was comfortable beside him, she glanced up, waiting. After a moment, he reached into his coat and removed a long necklace made of ivory and white wampum and beads. It looked delicate and fragile, but exquisitely made.

Chingachgook reached across and placed it gently around her neck. Eyes wide, she looked down at the fine piece of jewellery and then back at him.

"Belonged to Uncas's mother. For you, Wenonah, his new bride."

Alice looked at him in surprise, her gaze questioning.

"Wenonah. Means first born daughter," Chingachgook explained.

Alice's heart slammed against her ribs. He was calling her his true daughter because he accepted that she was going to marry his son. She felt her eyes fill with tears, knowing that his blessing was what she'd been longing for, but hadn't dared to dream would happen anytime soon. The name and the gift was beautiful, their meaning and symbolism touching her deeply.

Feeling too overwhelmed to speak, she touched the beads, so light and dainty in her hands.

"It's so lovely," she managed to choke out, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you. I will treasure it, always."

He smiled, his features softening as the firelight danced across his tattooed forehead. Chingachgook, even less talkative than his son, arose swiftly, nodding again, as though satisfied.

Halfway to the door, he turned back. "I now wait for many grandchildren," he said, his eyes lightly teasing.

Blushing profusely, Alice laughed as he walked out, a weight lifting off her shoulders. Seconds later, Cora arrived.

Alice's smile widened as she watched her sister's belly appear moments before she did. When they'd discovered that Cora was with child a few weeks into fall, they had collectively decided to stay until the birth of the baby. While they had discussed moving on to Cantuckee when the snow had melted sufficiently, Alice, Nathaniel, Uncas and Chingachgook did not feel competent in their abilities to act as mid-wife.

In the end, Alice was glad that they'd stayed. Cora stood a better chance of delivering her baby safely and it had enabled her to learn so many invaluable things.

"Was that Chingachgook?" the expectant mother asked, her face aglow.

"Yes."

Alice showed her the necklace.

Cora gasped, reaching out a hand to touch it gently. "It's beautiful," she said, smiling at Alice. "You know what it means, don't you?"

Alice nodded, growing teary again. "He's given us his blessing."

Cora reached forward and embraced her. Her protruding belly pushed against Alice, making it a little awkward and they separated, laughing.

"I am so happy for you," she said and Alice believed her.

Emboldened, Alice asked, "And what of you, Cora? Do you still think my feelings foolhardy?"

"Oh Alice," Cora said, her voice filled with mild censure. "I never thought your feelings foolish, merely untried."

Alice felt her heart sink. "Then you are still not convinced."

Cora touched her hand, squeezing gently. "On the contrary, dearest sister. I have come to realise that you and Uncas share something extraordinary and I am sorry for standing in the way of it."

Happiness exploded within her chest. "Do you truly mean it?"

Her sibling nodded emphatically, her dark hair bouncing against her shoulders as they hugged. "Most certainly."

"Am I interrupting?" an amused voice sounded at the entrance.

Turning slightly, Alice saw Nathaniel stroll towards them.

She beamed at him. "Not at all."

Cora hugged her husband to her side. "Your father has given Alice and Uncas his blessing."

"About time, too," he said, looking down at his wife, his hand resting on her swollen midriff.

Alice was happy to see the obvious affection between her sister and brother-in-law.

Nathaniel smiled in her direction. "Good thing you've been learning to be a proper Indian wife," he teased. "Sounds like you'll be tending your own fire soon."

Heat crept into Alice's face as she smiled weakly. Uncas hadn't mentioned anything about marriage yet, and although she knew that he wanted to be with her as much as she wanted to be with him, she didn't feel it was her place to raise it. Despite the many changes in her life over the past few months, some things still remained the same. Asking a man when he'd marry her was not something she was planning to do anytime soon, no matter how much she might want to know the answer.


True to his word, Uncas arrived at dusk and they dined together with Cora and Nathaniel. Alice wanted to tell him about what his father had given her and what he'd said to her, but she wasn't sure how to broach the subject. In fact, over the course of the next week he visited daily and while they talked about all manner of things, he made no mention of Chingachgook or of a wedding. Alice was certain that his father would have told him about giving her his mother's necklace and even if he hadn't, Nathaniel surely would have? She tried to shove down her growing disappointment as the days passed by and still Uncas said nothing about planning any nuptuals.

One evening after her sister and her husband left to visit Cholena and her daughters, Uncas entered the wigwam carrying an extra fur coat and cap.

"Let's go," he said.

Intrigued, Alice shrugged into the coat and allowed him to tie it securely around her before he pulled the fur lined cap over her head and ears. Glancing down to make sure she was wearing her moccasins, he waited for her to don her gloves before he reached for her hand and pulled her outside. Even through the layers separating their skin, her fingers tingled at his touch.

"Where are we going?" she asked curiously as he led her up a narrow path leading away from the village.

The moonlight provided adequate illumination to guide them without the need for a torch.

He cast a lopsided smile in her direction. "It's a surprise."

Her interest even more piqued, Alice followed where he lead, his hand grasping hers firmly as they walked in relative silence. It was a chilly night, but not nearly as cold as it had been in the preceding weeks. As they continued onward, further away from the smoke and light from the village fires, the world around them seemed to shrink. It became easier to believe that they were the only two people on earth, their footsteps the only sound as it scrunched and squelched against the snow. They meandered for a little while before he stopped.

Alice looked around, wondering what it was that he wanted to show her. Looking up at him, she caught his eyes, filled with tender affection as they watched her in turn. Her knees wobbled.

"Are we there yet?" she asked breathlessly, in part from the walk, in part due to his proximity.

He nodded, grasping her shoulders and turning her to face away from him, her back against his front.

"Look up," he said quietly.

Trying to concentrate on his words when he was so close to her was difficult. Lifting her hands, she placed them on top of his and tilted her head backwards.

Alice gasped. How did I not notice this? she wondered in amazement.

The sky, finally clear after weeks of gloomy cloud cover had hung low and heavy, was filled with thousands of twinkling, exquisitely beautiful stars. It was breathtakingly lovely and she could honestly not recall ever having seen anything remotely like it. The streets of London had always been too bright to see the heavens so plainly displayed. She was ashamed to think that she might have gone her entire life without ever having cared enough to look up and see.

"It is so beautiful," she breathed, in awe. "I don't know how I missed seeing it," she said, turning her head to look at him in wonder.

He was staring at her, the light in his eyes rivalling the shimmering splendour above them.

"Clouds too low. Wasn't possible."

Alice glanced up again, the back of her head resting against his chest. The moment felt surreal and out of time.

"My father's people believe that the stars are actually the souls of those we have loved and lost." He paused, letting his quiet words sink in. "Perhaps your father is amongst them."

Alice felt her lips tremble, her vision blurring. She turned and wrapped her arms around his waist, burrowing into him. His words soothed the burning pain she still carried with her as she mourned the passing of her parent, their sentiment profoundly comforting.

She marvelled at how she never had to tell him how she was feeling, somehow he instinctively always knew. She'd never felt as loved or as cared for as she did in that instant.

"Thank you," was all she managed to sob as his hands gathered her against him, burying his nose against the softness of her cap.

They stood like that for a long time, just holding one another.

"The Delaware don't believe in rituals when they take a life partner," he eventually said into the stillness.

Alice froze, unable to breathe.

"They obtain permission from the woman's parents and it's done," he continued in that calm, steady tone she'd never tire of hearing. "I don't think that should be our way."

Alice glanced up at him, her heart in her eyes. "What do you mean?"

"I don't know enough about white customs," he admitted sheepishly, "but I know there's a ceremony?"

Honestly, she hadn't really given much thought to how they would marry, she'd been too focused on the when. Naturally, she'd known that it wouldn't be in a church, before a full congregation, but she had envisioned some formal rite that would bind them forever as man and wife.

"Yes," she agreed. "Although I do not expect a Christian service."

Uncas exhaled softly and she sensed that he was relieved. "My father's people have a tradition."

"Then that will be enough for me," she assured him, her heart full to bursting. She hesitated, then confessed, "Chingachgook gave me his blessing a week ago."

Uncas smiled, his face lit to perfection in the moonlight. "We talked. He's happy that you'll be his new daughter-in-law."

Alice blushed, his words spreading unparalleled delight through her. "Since he and I spoke I have been waiting for you to mention it, but you never did. I was starting to think that you never would," she whispered self-consciously.

He ran a finger down the side of her cheek to her chin. "Was waiting for the weather to clear," he said, his voice so deep it sent shivers down her spine. "For the stars to be perfect for you." He looked adorably shy.

Pure, unadulterated love flooded through her, filling her to the brim. He'd truly thought of everything.

"Then we will marry? Soon?" she asked breathlessly.

"Soon," he promised as his lips met hers in a searing kiss.


Three Weeks Later

"Great Spirit, and the Maker of all Life, please protect the ones we love. We honour all you created as Uncas and Wenonah pledge their hearts and lives together. We honour Mother-Earth and ask for their marriage to be abundant and grow stronger through the seasons. We honour Fire and ask that their union be warm and glowing, with love in their hearts. We honour Wind and ask that they sail through life safe and calm. We honour Water to clean and soothe their relationship so that it may never thirst for love or lack understanding and patience. We pray for their harmony and true happiness as they forever grow together."

Dressed in a simple gown of white satin, the bodice and skirt plain and unadorned, the scooped neck and sleeves enhanced tastefully with lace, Alice was marrying the man she loved. A gift from Cora and Nathaniel, it was a far cry from the fashionable attire she'd grown up wearing, but Alice didn't care. She loved it. Toned down, it was the perfect base for the wampum and beaded necklace she'd received from Chingachgook. Worn wound thrice around her throat, it cascaded prettily down the front of her gown. Her golden hair had been left hanging freely down her back, loose braids interspersed between the shiny strands, with feathers and beads plaited into them. The only true nod to her English roots was the bouquet of orange blossoms she'd held in her hands before handing it to Cora, a symbol of her chastity.

Since neither of their mothers were living, Cora, as her only female relative and Cholena, as Uncas's oldest aunt, had stepped forward at the start of the Mohican Blessing Ceremony, held beside the village central fire, to wrap a blanket around each of their shoulders. Facing Chingachgook who was officiating as the only remaining member of the Council of Mohican Elders, Alice and Uncas had joined hands with her soon-to-be father-in-law as he united them together in marriage, his voice ringing clear and proud as he spoke in Mohegan.

Beside her, Uncas looked heart stoppingly handsome in his beige leggings, his matching buckskin shirt ornately decorated with beads and feathers that were intricately woven between the long fringe hanging across his shoulders. His beautiful black hair hung proudly down his back, the front lifted off his face and tied behind the crown of his head. His gold earring, the one that had fascinated her the very first time she'd seen him, dangled dashingly from his ear, glinting in the afternoon sunlight.

Granted, it wasn't the traditional wedding she'd always imagined would be a part of her future, but the modified custom, a compromise that incorporated parts of both of their backgrounds, was no less real to her, or any less meaningful.

As Chingachgook finished, his eyes shone with pride as he gazed from Uncas to her. Taking their hands, he linked it together before removing his own.

"Let no man tear apart what the Great Spirit has brought together."

Nodding to them, he indicated that the formalities were over. Joy, complete and unfettered, bubbled up inside of her as she turned towards Uncas, finally her husband. The love shining out of his eyes made her breath catch, her own emotions bare to him. Behind them, there were cheers and whistles as the members of her adopted village celebrated their union. But Alice and Uncas, having waited so long for this moment, had eyes only for one another.

With one hand at her waist, he gathered her against him as his other slid smoothly into the back of her hair. Holding her still, his mouth claimed hers in a kiss that was blistering and intense, the effect of which she felt right down to the tips of her toes. Reciprocating, she wound her arms around his neck, returning his kiss with equal passion. The world around her faded away as she poured her heart and soul into the embrace, feeling as though the best part of her life, finally, was about to begin.

It was not the wedding she'd spent her childhood dreaming about. Instead, it was better.

It was not the dapper English groom she'd once fantasised about marrying. It was Uncas; her heart, her soul, her life. If she was ever fortunate enough to live a thousand lifetimes, she would never choose to be with any other.

Simple. Heartfelt. Beautiful.

Alice's wedding day had been perfect.


A/N: I am aware that I take quite a few liberties in this chapter. My intention is not to offend anyone.