Several days have passed since the battle on the cliffs. The battle where Uncas managed to defeat Magua and save Alice. Unfortunately, he had been severely injured so, instead of heading to the Delaware village as they had planned after leaving the fort, Nathaniel and his father decided to take Uncas to a nearby cabin they own and where they used to stay during long periods of hunt in the area. Cora and Alice, along with little Tommy, went with them and both sisters help nursing Uncas back to health.
The young Mohican hasn't woken up yet, since he lost consciousness after the fight, causing the worry among the group. Alice barely leaves his side, changing his bandages and refreshing his face with a wet cloth whenever his fever gets worse. Dark circles are permanently under her eyes because of the lack of sleep and usually the others have to convince her to leave his side in order that she can rest. However, stubborn as she is, she usually sleeps in a rocking chair next to Uncas' bed.
"Alice you look beautiful in this dress!" Cora exclaims as her little sister tries on the new gown she has bought her in her last visit to the nearest town. It's a simple pale pink dress which will replace the dirty and ragged one she wore when they left the fort. "I only need to fix the hem and it will be perfect"
Cora repairs that her sister doesn't seem very interested on the dress and she knows the reason, because of the way she keeps looking at the opened door of the only bedroom of the cabin. The place where Uncas rests. Nathaniel and his father are outside fixing the fence so it's a good moment for a little talk with her sister.
"I'm sure Uncas will find you beautiful with this dress…as soon as he wakes up" Cora says in a light and casual tone.
Alice seems to think for a moment "Cora I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Uncas…I wanted to tell you but then Nathaniel was arrested and I couldn't find the right moment".
A reassuring smile comes to Cora's face "Don't worry I understand it perfectly. However, I can't understand that I didn't notice it before…I suppose I was so worried about Nathaniel…"
"And what is your opinion about…you know…Uncas and me?" Alice asks cautiously. Though she is sure nothing won't change her feelings towards Uncas, she considers her sister's blessing very important.
A big smile spreads over Cora's face "Oh Alice I'm very happy for you. Uncas is a good man and he has proved he loves you and Tommy" Then she adds with a mischievous smile "And he is quite handsome, don't you think so?"
Alice smiles blushing deeply "Yes, he is. Though of course that is not what I love the most about him. He is gentle and brave and noble. And I don't mind what people might think about us being together, I wouldn't change him for any pompous English officer.
Cora chuckles hearing that. Definitely, her little sister has changed a lot since she arrived to America. "Well I want you to know that you have my full support. And I'm glad you are with Nathaniel's brother. Both of them, along with their father, are the most honourable men I ever met".
As soon as she finishes talking, Alice's arms are around her. "Oh Cora I'm glad you think this way". Cora returns the embrace as she pats her sister's back softly. However, when they finally part away, Alice expression becomes serious again.
"Cora what if…what if…if he won't wake up?" her voice breaks at the end of the sentence and her sister holds her hand in a reassuring gesture.
"You have to trust he will wake up. He is strong and, though he is unconscious, he is fighting to be with you again." Cora says very serious "Talk to him. Though you probably think he can't hear you, I'm sure he can and your voice will give him new strength to keep fighting".
Alice thinks about it before nodding "You are right, I'll do it" Cora smiles at her as she squeezes her hand. "I have to work in the orchard now. It's a good moment for you to talk to Uncas".
Alice nods again and her sister leaves the cabin, not before kissing her cheek. Alice observes Tommy, who is sleeping peacefully on some furs they placed for him in the floor, before heading to Uncas' room.
He is as still as ever, lying on the bed, his breath is slow but steady. Alice approaches the bed, sitting on it. Placing her hand over his forehead, she checks that he has not much fever so she proceeds to change his bandages.
"Uncas…I don't know if you can hear me…I hope you do" Alice begins talking as she removes the bandage on his abdomen and checks the state of the wound. "You are going to be alright. I'm taking care of you as I promised. I never leave your side, waiting for you to be with me again".
Alice puts a new bandage around his abdomen, being careful when moving him and then proceeds with the wound on his shoulder. "Tommy misses you too" Then she adds with a smile "Well, he is taking a nap right now, it seems he is exhausted from all the nights he spends awake, not letting me rest" She becomes serious again as she finishes with the new bandage "But every time I sit next to your bed with him, he reaches his little arms towards you, as if he wants you to hold him".
After finishing with the wounds, she places a hand on his cheek, observing his handsome face. She has never seen him so helpless and it makes her feel the need to protect him "Don't be afraid…I'm right here by your side" Her hand travels to his long hair, spreading all over the pillow, and she brushes the strands softly. "Your father and brother are worried for you too. But I know you'll keep fighting. You are a warrior" Finally her composure breaks down and her eyes become wet "Oh Uncas please you have to wake up soon. All of us need you".
Making an effort to hold back her tears, she kisses him softly on the cheek. Then, she gets up and peers over the window. It seems Nathaniel and his father have already finished fixing the fence and Chingachgook is sitting on the porch. She can't see Nathaniel so he might be helping Cora on the orchard, just behind the cabin. However, the vision of the elder Mohican sitting alone, lost in his thoughts, makes Alice worry about him.
The man might be suffering a lot with his son in such state, though he never tells a word about it. She has to admit that she still feels a little uncomfortable around the elder chief due to her shyness and the fear about what he might think about her relationship with his only blood son. But he is a good man and he has always been very kind with her and Tommy so she truly cares for him. Suddenly, an idea crosses her mind and she heads to the kitchen.
Master of Life please help my son Chingachgook observes the prairie in front of the cabin as he pleads for his beloved son's life. If something happened to him, he would never forgive himself. The most important duty of a father is to protect his sons and he has the feeling that he has not protected him enough. I shouldn't have let him go alone. Though it was his path to go after his woman, he was still very young and impulsive. As his father and an elder, he should have reminded him again the importance of fighting together.
Though lost in his own thoughts, he still notices light steps behind him so he turns around. The blonde sister is at the door with a cup on her hands.
"Excuse me sir…I saw you…I saw you from the window and you seemed worried" Alice tries to control the stuttering when talking to the elder Mohican. "I thought…I thought you will feel better after a cup of warm tea".
Chingachgook feels touched by the girl's offer. He has noticed that, though very shy, she is a kind young woman and her heart is pure. He has always had the ability to recognize goodness in people. He nods warmly at her and places a hand on the empty space next to him, indicating her to sit down. Alice quickly obeys, sitting next to the father of the man she loves.
Chingachgook takes the cup from Alice's hands and begins drinking it in silence. Despite the lack of words, Alice feels herself at ease in the company of that quiet man, as quiet as his blood son.
After a while, Chingachgook finally speaks "Thank you".
And Alice quickly replies "Oh it was nothing sir, I thought tea would make you…"
"It was not only for the tea" Chingachgook cuts her off.
Alice looks at him with confusion Why is he thanking me then?
"Thank you for taking care of my son"
Alice feels even more confused now. Why is he thanking me when Uncas was hurt just because of me?
"It's not your fault he is in such state. It's Magua's fault." Chingachgook explains as if he was reading her mind. "Every night I'm awake. A father can't sleep when a son is in danger. And I see how you are at his bedside every night. Barely sleeping. Taking care of him".
Alice is touched by the Mohican's words. It's the least I can do after he risked his life to save me. This would be the most appropriate answer for a well-braid English lady. But Alice is not a lady anymore and doesn't give a thought to the proper manners of the English high society. Instead, she decides to tell the truth. She is scared about Chingachgook's reaction but she feels that if she doesn't say it out loud in front of him right now, she will never do it. So she speaks.
"I love him". The second she says it, her cheeks blush deeply and shyness invades her, but she manages to hold the man's deep gaze.
Chingachgook remains silent by a moment, his eyes set on hers, before he speaks "And he loves you too".
Alice is surprised by the man's words. She didn't expect that answer. In fact, she was afraid Uncas' father got upset with her showing her feelings towards his only blood son. However, she needs to know something more. And do you approve it?
She doesn't know how to pose that question and the words get caught on her throat, as she fights to speak one more time. She needs to know that she has his blessing. Somehow, it's important for her that Uncas' father support their relationship.
Finally, she finds the courage to speak again…but her words are interrupted by the sound of steps approaching.
"Alice I need help to prepare the dinner" Cora appears next to them with Nathaniel at her side, breaking the moment and Alice's hopes to finally speak with the elder Mohican.
That night Uncas' state gets worse and the family spend hours next to his bed trying to reduce his high fever. Alice, with big dark circles under her eyes, refreshes his face with wet cloths while the others do what they can to help Uncas.
Please keep fighting my love. I couldn't live without you. Mentally, Alice prays to God to save the man she loves. Though Uncas is not Christian, he is a good man and she is sure God will be merciful with a kind soul like his.
Finally, after some hours, it seems they have managed to reduce the fever and he is out of danger again. The family smile exhausted and all of them fall sleep around Uncas' bed.
At some point of her sleep, Alice feels the sun touching her cheek, and she realizes it's already morning. But she feels something more. Fingers are caressing her hair softly. Thinking it's Cora she opens her eyes slowly and what she sees makes her want to cry…tears of joy.
Uncas is awake.
He seems weak and tired but his eyes are opened and he caresses her hair in a slow pattern. Alice realizes she fell sleep kneeling next to his bed, with her head over the mattress, so she must have been the first person he saw when he woke up.
"Uncas!" she can't hide the joy in her voice and he returns it with a weak smile. Alice's scream awakes the rest of the family, scared that Uncas' condition would have worsened again, but the moment they see him awake, emotion and joy invade them too.
"Brother!" Nathaniel, unable to hide his happiness goes to embrace him.
"Be careful with his wounds" Cora scolds him, before approaching herself to check his fever. It has totally disappeared overnight and his forehead is fresh "I'm so glad you are awake Uncas". Meanwhile, Nathaniel helps his brother to sit up on the pillow.
Uncas smiles weakly to all of them and then, noticing the tears of joy that are running down Alice's cheeks, he brushes them away with his good hand. She smiles sweetly at him as she takes his hand in hers.
Finally, Chingachgook approaches his son, an indescribable emotion reflected all over his face.
"Uncas…my son" the usually stoic Mohican chief can't help a tear running down his wrinkled cheek and his voice breaks, as he carefully embraces his beloved son.
"Don't worry father…I'm alright" Uncas reassures Chingachgook with a tired voice.
"Brother, don't you dare to scare us like that again" Nathaniel jokes, making his brother smile.
"You won't get rid of me so easily brother" Uncas replies happy to being joking with his brother again.
Alice is about to tell something, when baby cries startle all of them. It seems Tommy has woken up too with all the noise. Quickly, Alice goes to him, picking him up from his place on the furs and approaches Uncas' bed again.
"He missed you a lot too" Alice says as Uncas reaches his good arm towards the baby. Sitting herself next to him on the bed, she lets Uncas stroke Tommy's cheek softly.
"Hello little man" he says tenderly "I told you we would be together again. I see you have been very brave like your mother. You are already a little warrior".
Tommy chuckles happily as he touches Uncas' hand. Alice smiles happy to be with the two men she loves the most again.
Cora, noticing the couple needs some time alone together, looks at Nathaniel, trying to reveal him her true intentions. "Nathaniel I have to collect some herbs to prepare a medicinal tea for Uncas. Could you help me?".
Nathaniel seems to notice the meaning behind her words and he agrees, both of them leaving the cabin.
"I'll go outside too" Chingachgook says as soon as he finds himself alone with the couple.
"You don't have to leave sir…" Alice quickly says, uncomfortable that the elder Mohican has to leave his son's side only because of her.
"It's better for me to go" Chingachgook cuts her off "You, young people don't want the company of an elder like me" he adds with a warm smile.
Alice blushes deeply at his comment. Finally, alone with the woman he loves, Uncas motions her to accommodate next to him. With Tommy on her arms, she places herself on the bed, being careful not to touchi his wounds or the sling on his injured arm.
"How do you feel?" she asks with concern in her voice, as she snuggles up next to him.
"Tired…weak…but happy of being with you again…with both of you" Uncas reassures her, as he tickles Tommy and the baby responds giggling loudly. "How many days I've been unconscious?".
"Not much…less than a weak" Alice answers, caressing his bare chest, and then she adds "Oh Uncas I was so worried about you".
"I know…but you don't have to be worried anymore…I'm fine" Uncas strokes her hair delicately. He would like to embrace her properly but he can't because of the sling on his other arm. "That day on the cliffs…I have to confess I was scared of dying..." He begins, becoming serious "But you reassured me. You promised to take care of me and I totally trusted you…and you did it. You kept me alive".
"I couldn't lose you" Then she asks the question that has been troubling her mind "Why did you do it? It was very risky for you to fight the Hurons alone…you could have die…"
"I didn't die, that's all that matters. There wasn't any other option." Uncas explains, looking directly at her eyes. "I would do it again if necessary. I won't never let anyone hurt you Alice".
Looking intensely at each other, their faces approach slowly and their lips finally meet after so long. At the same time, they both remember the last kiss they shared. It was behind the waterfall, when Uncas was about to leave Alice at Magua's mercy in order to rescue her later. There, both of them had shared not only a kiss but a fear. The fear of not seeing each other again. But they kept their promises and now they are together and alive.
When they finally part away, Uncas touches her cheek "And you? Are you alright?" his expression reveals concern "Did the Hurons hurt you?".
Alice shakes her head "No, I'm fine, don't worry". She decides not telling him about the incident with the Huron who tried to force her. Fortunately, nothing happened and she doesn't want to worry him.
Uncas seems to relax but his fatigue is evident. Alice decides is better for her to leave in order that he can rest.
"You should rest. It's better for me to go" she tries to get up but is restrained gently by the arm.
"I'm better with you by my side" Uncas simply says with an innocent smile.
"Don't be stubborn, you have to rest. Try to sleep a bit" Alice says as she finally gets up from the bed with Tommy in her arms.
Uncas chuckles, noticing her joking tone "As you wish miss".
Leaning, Alice kisses him on the lips, just before helping him to lie down again. Smiling one last time at him, she leaves the room with Tommy.
Aware that his own health is in good hands with Alice taking care of him, Uncas closes his eyes and let his body rest.
Author's note: I'm back! It took me more than usual to post this chapter but it's finally here. I was so used to write this story following the movie canon that inspiration failed me a bit when I had to create the whole chapter on my own. Also, the weather was very hot here in my hometown so I found really difficul to sit in front of the computer to write the chapter.
As always, thanks to everyone, people who left reviews and silent readers, and I hope you keep interested in the story, despite the break:)