Chapter 23: Nothing Else Matters

"So close no matter how far

Couldn't be much from the heart

Forever trusting who we are

And nothing else matters

Never opened myself this way

Life is ours, we live it our way

All these words I don't just say

And nothing else matters

Trust I seek and I find in you

Every day for us something new

Open mind for a different view

And nothing else matters

Never cared for what they do

Never cared for what they know

But I know

So close no matter how far

Couldn't be much more from the heart

Forever trusting who we are

And nothing else matters

Never cared what they do

Never cared for what they know

But I know

I never opened myself up this way

Life is ours, we live it our way

All these words I don't just say

And nothing else matters

Trust I seek and I fid in you

Every day for us something new

Open mind for a different view

And nothings else matters

Never cared for what they say

Never cared for games they play

Never cared for what they do

Never cared for what they know

And I know

So close no matter how far

Couldn't be much more from the heart

Forever trusting who we are

No nothing else matter"

"Nothing Else Matter" - Metallica

(For Martin)


The first golden streaks of morning light began filtering their way in-between the lightly rustling leaves overhead. Martin turned his sleepy head to the side, desperate to escape the small beam of sunlight that splayed itself across his face. Slowly he blinked his eyes awake, his right cheek still being caressed with warmth as he moved his entire body onto his left side. His right arm falling limp in the dirt beside him. He curled his fingers into the dusty soil, wafting a grubby handful of earth into the soft morning breeze and thought to himself how this particular spot alongside him should never be empty. And how his cheeks should not be caressed by the morning sun but rather the tender silken touch of his beloved Pru. He lowered his lashes along his eyes, blocking the sun from his sight and focused in on the image of her face. Eyes bluer then the midday sky, lips a soft rosy pink, especially after she has been nibbling on them for a while, and long, thick, dark hair framing her always sun kissed skin. Then with her sweet face lingering in his mind, rolled up onto his knees and quickly popped up onto his feet as he had no desire to be wasteful with his time.

Nine days had passed since she walked out of the cabin and off of the farm, disappearing into the forest. Nine days of heartache and inner turmoil, all coming to a head when he suddenly and rather unknowingly, flipped the supper table over onto its side, bringing its entire contents crashing to the floor just in front of Sampson and Jack's feet. If he had not felt horrible already, seeing the looks on his father and friend's face had been a swift punch to the gut, literally forcing him down to his knees and immediately he began cleaning the violent mess he had spewed across the floor. Dish after broken dish he gathered until he felt his father's comforting touch upon his shoulder stilling him. Then his breath against his cheek as his father's words engulfed him. Sampson's quiet plea for Martin to follow his heart and not allow even one more moment to pass without her. Whispered words of his support of their union and most importantly, for Martin to dash off that very instance into the night and retrieve the other half of his whole. Sampson's last words forced Martin's red rimmed eyes up and away from the mess on the floor. Their eyes met, a silent moment of understanding passing between them before Sampson squeezed encouragement lightly upon his shoulder. A small smile ghosted across his lips as he catapulted to his feet. A feeling of purpose now coursing through his forlorn body and then before even one more second could be lost, Martin was on his way out into the forest…to her.

Martin shook his head at the memory. His ride through the darkened forest had been desperate, unfocused and chaotic. Today he awoke embracing the day anew and with a clear mind filled with determination. He shuffled over towards Bishop, shaking the sleep from his body as he went and took hold of his reins, leading him to the small ravine just to the left of where they camped out of pure exhaustion. Bishop immediately lowered his head, lapping at the water with his long sandpaper tongue, as Martin squatted beside him splashing large handfuls of cool water over his face and down along his back. "Ah…today is the day is the day Bishop," Martin said, turning his head towards the horse as though they were about to carry a mutual conversation between them and continued, "Today I will bring her back to us…because today, nothing else matters."


Uncas sat cross legged on the dirt in front of their family's wigwam. A blade in one hand and a large, smooth circular stone in the other, methodically scrapping the shiny steel across the stone. His dark eyes focused not on what he was doing, but rather on a tiny patch of violets that had bloomed at the base of an oak tree. The soft sway of the flower's delicate purple petals made his mind wander back to their last night on the farm and Pru's smiling face as she entered the cabin, arm in arm with Nathaniel and Martin, each with a purple crown encircling their heads. Uncas giggled as he remembered the annoyance in Nathaniel's face, no doubt coerced into wearing the crown by their sister. Who somehow, always managed to get her way. Uncas sighed quietly to himself. Though not this time, he thought. This time Pru had lost just about everything and he could not understand it.

Suddenly, a series of loud whoops began echoing through Uncas's ears, taking his attention away from his thoughts and forcing his eyes into narrow slits as he peered out into the distance to see what was causing the commotion. A group Delaware had gathered around the entrance to the camp. His ears perked up even further when he heard the word Yengeese. Then, without waiting for any further details, sheathed his knife, dropped the stone to the ground and quickly hustled over towards the commotion. Calmly, he pushed his way towards the front of the crowd until he saw the source of everyone's attention. "Martin!" Uncas exclaimed and crossed quickly towards him.

"Uncas!" Martin nearly shouted over the loud ramblings of the Delaware and reached his arm out towards Uncas.

Uncas smiled widely and disregarding Martin's warrior welcome, instead chose to embrace him with both arms. A show of true kinship between them for all of the curious Delaware to see. A small meaningful act meant to put everyone's heart at ease. Uncas gripped onto to Martin's back, pulling him them closer to together as he whisper into his ear, "Pru will be so happy to see you."

Martin squeezed a bit tighter to Uncas after hearing his words. He had hoped to see her as soon as he entered the camp, though as he scanned through the cinnamon hued faces of the Delaware, he found her sun kissed skin and bright blue eyes utterly absent. "Where's Pru?" He asked as he and Uncas broke away from their embrace.

Uncas's face fell slightly and replied, "She went out into the forest early this morning. Since we arrived, that's all she has done. Wander aimlessly through the forest as though she is contemplating whether or not to escape."

Martin furrowed his brows. He knew what his own mental state had been since she left and he had the full support of his father and Jack. He could not imagine what she was going through being with Chingachgook. "I have to see her Uncas. How can I find her? Where is she?" Martin stammered out as he began scanning through the trees for any sign of her.

Uncas nodded his head and turned towards the crowd. His rapid fire Delaware, too quick for Martin to keep up with as he spoke to a few young Delaware girls. The brief exchange had two girls swiftly turn on their heels and run off in the opposite direction.

"What did you say? Where are they going?" Martin calmly demanded.

"They saw Pru earlier in the day down by the stream. They are going to head in that direction and see if they can find her," Uncas answered with a wide smile. A smile interrupted as soon as he saw his father, and several other elders, making their way over towards them.

"What?" Martin questioned immediately seeing the shift in Uncas's expression. "What's the matter?" He continued, then following Uncas's eyes past him saw the source of his friend's displeasure and suddenly Martin felt a knot tighten in his stomach. Towards him walked the man who single handedly bestowed upon him a pain, the likes of which he wished on no man. And while part of him despised him for his actions, another part still saw the gentle warrior who helped raise him. The man who had held him on the first anniversary of his mother's death, while he wept uncontrollably in his arms. The way Martin's heart split over his feelings for Chingachgook was almost as horrible as the grief he suffered at the absence of Pru in his life. Martin could feel a sudden surge of adrenaline push its way through his system making his usually steady hands begin to shake. Though wanting to appear as in control as possible, he balled his fingers into subtle fists at his sides and rolled his shoulders back, trying his best to mask the emotions he knew were splayed all along his face and watched as Chingachgook step closer and closer towards him.

Chingachgook strode calmly up to them, weaving his way seamlessly between the gathered crowd until he was standing right directly in front of Martin and Uncas. "Hello Martin," he coolly stated.

Martin blinked his eyes in shock at Chingachgook's serene demeanor. While it was not unlike the man he grew up watching to be so serene, Martin was shocked that Chingachgook was completely unshaken by him being there. It was almost as if he had always expected him to ride into the Delaware camp, rifle slung across his chest and palms up in the air, in search of Pru. "Chingachgook…," Martin stammered.

Uncas shifted his eyes wearily between his father and friend. While both men remained calm, the tension filled air was thick between them. He turned his head left and right, hoping that at any moment Pru would come bursting through the trees. So she might see Martin, if only for a minute. Because Uncas feared that his dear friend's, his brother's, time at the Delaware camp was fleeting.

Chingachgook eyed Uncas collectedly. He knew his son well, and so knew that Uncas had already dispatched someone to go in search of Pru as he would not have wanted to leave Martin alone in the camp. With his time now limited, Chingachgook focused his attention back on Martin. It had been just over a week since he last saw the boy and Martin appeared before him looking almost twice his age. He was worn, tired, and with his hair wildly disheveled sticking up this way and that. But above all he looked sad. And while a large part of him wanted to take the boy into his embrace, he knew that he could not and instead calmly said, "It is very honorable that you have come. And while I respect your choice. You cannot see her."

"Chingachgook…please don't do this. I love her. I have loved her since nearly the moment I met her. We have known the greatest happiness since we admitted our feelings for one another," Martin declared as he stared into Chingachgook's stoic eyes. "I have respected you all my life. I have looked at you as a second father. Much like Nathaniel and Uncas look upon my own father. Please try and see…try and understand, I can't be parted from her and I know she can't be parted from me. We are each other's…," his mind working quickly to recover the word from memory. "Wëlànkuntëwakàn…please."

Chingachgook's face softened at Martin's use of the Delaware language. Certainly his way of trying everything his young mind could think of to show how serious this was for him and Chingachgook's heart swelled for a moment with regret. Though that regret did not stop him from reaching out with his left arm, casually wrapping it around Martin's shoulders and slowly walking him once more into the forest. "Martin," he calmly began. "I have great respect for your coming here. I know this was not easy for you. And perhaps in the future…at some point, you and my Little Warrior will come together again. Though at this moment in time, my decision still stands. You are too young and too unaware in the dealings of love to carry on any kind of relationship now."

Martin stopped dead in his tracks. Bishop's reins almost slipped from his sweaty palms and he turned to face Chingachgook. "How can you possibly say that? Tell me that I am too young…that Pru is too young and that we understand nothing of love. It's ridiculous and you know it," Martin said, his voice filled with edge.

Chingachgook took a deep steadying breath and simply said, "You do not have my consent."

Martin's face fell as he slowly lowered his eyelids, blocking Chingachgook from his sight. He had known this could be his reaction. Even prepared himself for it, but he hoped that he would have at least been able to see Pru. That together they might have been able to persuade him, to make him understand the depth of their devotion. But here he stood, alone and without Chingachgook's consent. He opened his eyes, blankly staring down at Chingachgook's moccasins. Pru, he thought, where are you? He swiveled his head, glancing over his shoulder. His eyes connecting with Uncas' instantly. His young face stained with melancholy. No! He thought. Then shifted his eyes away, desperately seeking her out amongst the crowd. His eyes darting this way and that, though to no avail. She was not there. She was lost in her world of sadness somewhere out in the forest. In the forest. Martin turned his head back towards Chingachgook's, he knew he was being led out of the camp and back into the forest. Pru was in the forest right now, by some sort of stream. He could still find her. Still talk with her and convince her to come with him, even against her father's wishes. Martin raised his eyes to see Chingachgook's steady stare. "Fine," he began. "I will go. But always know this…she is a part of me. The same way that I am a part of her. And this is not over."

Chingachgook gazed impassively back into Martin's eyes and said, "Perhaps not. Now go back home to the farm."

Martin gulped hard and nodded his head. He was finished with this conversation. Knowing now that Chingachgook was determined in his path, all he wanted to do was scour the forest for her. "Then this is farewell Chingachgook."

"Yes Martin. This is farewell."

Martin gripped tighter to Bishop's reins, leading him around Chingachgook's motionless body. He had only made it a few paces when he turned slightly to face his father's best friend and said, "Will you tell them goodbye for me." Chingachgook remained speechless, only softly smiling in answer. At this Martin turned back towards the forest, caring not all for Chingachgook's lack of response as his mind was now set to search every inch of the surrounding forest until he found Pru. And slowly he walked away, Bishop following behind him.

Chingachgook watched and waited until Martin disappeared into the forest, before turning around to see Uncas standing alone, arms hanging limply at his side with a scowl donned across his face. Chingachgook furrowed his brows at his young son's expression and once more felt his steadfast resolve slip. He watched Uncas gaze past him, eyes squinted as he searched through the distance for any last little trace of Martin. Then silently watched as Uncas turned on his heel, when it was clear that Martin had vanished from sight, and walked further and further away from him. Chingachgook sucked in a long deep breath and lowered his body to the base of a nearby tree. He ran his hand over his head and stared at his son's bare back. It seemed that lately it was all he saw of his children. Their backs. He shifted eyes away from Uncas and raised them to the heavens. He could feel his son's disappointment in him, in his motives. It saturated him like the rain turning the dirt into mud. They did not understand. None of them. Not even Sampson, because not even Sampson knew what laid buried deep in his soul. What weighed so heavy on his heart. How the faces of his unborn children often haunted his dreams. Chingachgook closed his eyes and let his body sag slightly against the tree as once more, as his mind so often did these days, his thoughts wandered towards the past. Back to his beloved Kima.

No one understood. Not then and not now. And he could not bear to to even try and describe it. The horror of watching his beloved wife suffer through one miscarriage after another. It was shattering. When finally, years of a seemingly endless pain was suddenly quelled. Kima had been so happy when her belly had finally grown round with life after so many lost babies. Everyday retelling him of a dream the Great Spirit had sent her, that this child was to be their daughter. Their daughter. Their little warrior. She was a fighter Kima always said. Her large almond eyes glistening with anticipation of their little daughter's birth. Chingachgook sucked in a deep breath as the memory of that day assaulted him all over again. The ear piercing sound of her wails still echoing through his ears. Sounds, at the time, he believed to be natural with the pains of birth. He had no idea just how wrong he was. He remembered starring blankly as one of the women assisting came quickly from the wigwam, ushering him forward. Her palms flat across his back, pushing him into the wigwam. The air inside was thick, drenched with a mixture of the metallic stench of blood and a salty sweaty aroma. Quickly he adjusted his eyes to the dimmer lighting and immediately began darting his eyes between Kima and his newly born child. In her arms, wrapped in soft buckskin, was their little daughter. At first he thought that she was sleeping. Her eyes were closed and her tiny lips curled into a soft O shape. But it was the expressions on everyone else's faces that told him otherwise. He sank to his knees beside Kima, encasing her and their daughter in his long arms and rocked them gently as he whispered an old Mohican lullaby into Kima's ear. It was all he could think to do. It was all he was capable of doing. And it devastated him. He could still hear her soft wilted voice as she apologized again and again for losing their daughter. He hoisted her and their daughter into his lap and buried his face in Kima's long dark hair, taking her sweet scent into his nostrils as right now he needed to supply the strength for both of them. He parted his lips and soothing said, "You did nothing wrong my love. The Great Spirit chooses who in this world lives and who in this world dies. And he simply could not be parted from our little girl. But of this I am certain, one day...one day she will return to us. One day we will have our little warrior again. One day...when the Great Spirit see fit to give her back to us." Then not being able to hold back any longer, gripped them tighter into his embrace and wept. Their little family crying painfully as one.

It was not long after that that he had come upon Nathaniel in the forest. And while he would have saved him regardless, he stoutly believed that Nathaniel was a gift to him and Kima from the Great Spirit and so without any hesitation, took him as their own. Adopting Nathaniel as their son calmed Kima's demons and breathed new life into her soul. Her transition from ghost to mother was beautiful to witness. It was her ease of spirit, how he believed Uncas came to be. Uncas, their miracle baby. An unparalleled joy after suffering so many losses and being told that she would never have a child of her own blood. The knowledge that a baby grew inside her once again brought about a renewed hope. Her happiness radiated into everything and everyone around her, especially Nathaniel. Then when Uncas was born full term and healthy, it felt like all of their dreams had come true. Though they never forget the baby girl that came and went so quickly from their lives. And much to his eternal shame, now that they had her, Chingachgook selfishly could not bear to let her go.


Pru laid flat on her back, limbs sprawled out in all directions with her head tilted up towards the sky. A bed of white and yellow daisies cushioning her travel weary body. The smell and feel of the flower's soft petals against her skin the closest she could get to home. To Martin. The very thought of his name in her mind caused a single tear to slip from the corner of her left eye. She swiped it away with her pointer finger and shifted her eyes up towards the canopy of trees overhead. Trees of all shapes and sizes swaying back and forth. Their long creaking branches waving down from above, entrapped in Mother Nature's soft breeze. What she had usually perceived as a beautifully peaceful awning of lush summery green, appeared to her now as evil claws stretching down towards her with evil designs to stay her in place. To hold her trapped in the Delaware village. Pru pinched her eyes shut, wishing the nasty image away from her mind and replacing it with her keesog. Just as she had done so many times in the past. She smiled softly to herself as the vision of Martin's face became clear in her mind. The sight of him in her dreams forced her to draw a deep, steadying breath and slowly she opened her eyes back up to the beauty of day.

Not even a moment had passed when she heard the careful snapping of fallen branches in the distance. The snapping sounds grew closer and closer until they were nearly right beside her and finally she turned her head in their direction. Spying first his well worn moccasins, then her eyes traveled up his legs to his bare chest. Where several scars appeared like white lightning bolts against a darkened sky. Their boldness splayed in wild patterns along his abdomen. It was not the first time she had seen them, though somehow each time felt like the first and always when she peered at them, Pru found herself unconsciously holding her breath. She blinked her eyes, forcing them upward towards his face until her blue eyes clashed with brown ones. Chaska.

Upon coming up beside her, Chaska immediately sank to the ground and sprawled out next to her. His long arms brushing lightly against her own as he settled himself along the bed of flowers. He swiveled his head to the left and peered briefly into her eyes before she shifted her attention back up towards the sky. Her eyes were red, swollen and tainted with sadness. It was how she had been since arriving at the camp several days ago. Sad. He closed his eyes, reminded of their first meeting after she arrived…

Chaska stood at the communal pot, scooping a large helping of corn mush into his wooden bowl after returning from hunting. It had felt like an endless amount of time for the Delaware camp to finally feel normal again after the winter's brutal attack. And it was not until recently that life began to flow again as it once had. But just like the wind, circumstances can shift rather quickly. Suddenly the energetic sound of welcome sliced once more through the camp's normalcy and Chaska raised his head to observe the raucous. A strange pull guiding him as his eyes instantly fell upon hers. Pru was back. His body froze all over as her small form grew larger and larger, until she stood motionless in front of him. Her eyes roaming along his chest and arms as they took in the scarred sight of his wounds for the first time.

"Chaska…," she finally stammered out. "I…I…," she began and trailed off. Until finally when the words refused to come, rushed into his embrace. Her face pressed into his chest and arms wrapped tightly around his waist. The pads of her fingers digging lightly into his skin. Her breathing shifted and he could feel her tears begin to drench his bare chest. His eyes fell shut and he let the bowl and spoon drop from his grasp as he wrapped his arms around her, protectively gripping her tighter to his chest.

"Shhh…," he whispered into her hair. "I'm here. I'm safe." Her body heaved against him. Her breathing was rough and rigid. Chaska flung his eyes open worriedly and began searching through a maze of faces until he saw Nathaniel. His friend's body sagged in defeat as he shook his head back and forth, his blue eyes locked on him and Pru. Chaska furrowed his brows and held her tighter to him. His stare still locked on Nathaniel and said, "Though…I do not believe that you are."

…Chaska opened his eyes to see her face still tilted up towards the sky. He knew the source of her sadness, and understood it deep within himself. To love someone and not be able to be with them was an acute pain that he wished on no one, not even the girl that forced him to suffer those same emotions. He eyed her up and down, taking note of the small flower crown she toyed with between her fingers and said, "You still make these?" And he fingered the crown as it laid atop her belly.

"I do," she answered distractedly.

Chaska had hoped that she would engage him. Talk to him in the old way in which they used to speak, freely and without judgment. Though she had not, instead choosing to remain distant and it killed him. It had killed him a little bit more with each passing day. After their initial embrace that first day, something between them had snapped. Their once solid bond of friendship had been severed. And no matter how many times he had tried to go to her, to talk to her, to help her, she carefully side stepped him. Avoiding him at every turn and when all he wanted was to see her safe and happy. It was horrible. "Pru…you know you can always talk to me. Confide in me. Regardless of anything else…I am now, just as I always was…your devoted friend."

Pru turned her head towards him, her eyes roaming the features of his face. She knew what he said was true. That no matter what had transpired between them, he would, just as she would, always be there for her. But knowing the type of love he had for her, she could not bear to cause him more pain by divulging any intimate details of her and Martin's love affair. "I can't…," she whispered, her eyes lingering on his own for a moment before she turned her face back towards the sky. "…it isn't fair." A small tear slid down the side of her face and deposited itself into her ear.

Chaska let his eyes fall shut, his heart constricting painfully within his chest. Martin. He knew this was about Martin. And she would rather suffer in silence than cause him even one more ounce of pain. He parted his lips to speak, to console her but was interrupted when two young girls came hollering towards them.

"Pru! Pru…Uncas sent us to look for you! There is a Yengeese boy here with hair like the sun. Uncas said it was important you come right away!"

Pru immediately hopped to her feet, flinging the white and yellow crown of daisies to the ground and gripping her skirts on her hands, began running at a full on sprint back to the camp. Both girls followed quickly at her heels, leaving Chaska alone once again.

Pru charged into the center of the camp, spinning in wild circles as she tried desperately to find him. "Where? Where is he?" She demanded of one of the girsl who had just caught up to her.

"There!" She pointed to the empty entrance to the village. "He was right there!"

Pru raced forward into the nothingness, hoping and praying that her eyes were deceiving her somehow. "Where is he!" She half screamed as she continued to twirl in uncontrollable circles.

Nathaniel had just crossed the tree line, a small doe lifeless atop his shoulders and immediately he stopped in his tracks. The crazed vision of his little sister sporadically moving about through the center of the village frightening him into stillness. He discarded the doe from his shoulders and quickly crossed over to her, placing both hands on her upper arms and gently turning her towards him. "Pru…Pru are you alright?"

Pru clutched onto Nathaniel shirts. "He was here Natty." She breathed, finally finding some balance in her brothers' arms.

"Who was here?"

Pru lifted her glazed over eyes up as new tears threatened to spill at any moment. "He was here," she softly said again.

Nathaniel furrowed his brows, then suddenly the sadness in his sister's eyes made sense. Her frenzied circles around the camp made sense. He had come for her. Martin had come and gone. And without Pru even getting the slightest glimpse of him. Nathaniel pulled her close against his chest, gently caressing the back of her head with his palm.

"He was here Natty. He was here and I missed him." A low wail of misery breached her lips and she buried her face deeper into her brother's plum colored linen shirt.

Nathaniel lowered his head to hers. This pain, this loss, the heart wrenching separation, this he could understand. Being here at the Delaware camp, standing in the spot where he last held Tanda's warm body against him was more difficult than he had ever imagined it would be. And he had imagined. Ever since their father announced they would return, he had felt a nervousness in the pit of his stomach. A fear of not knowing what to expect or how he would feel when they arrived here. Though he had swallowed it down and decided to focus his attention on his sister instead of himself. Tanda would never come back. Never caress his skin or stare into his eyes again. Martin was very much alive and Pru needed him desperately. "You will see him again. Of this I am certain." Then feeling her body grow weaker in his arms, he slouched forward, scooped her up and made his way back to their wigwam. The doe forgotten on the ground.


Martin strode through the forest with quiet determination, his eyes scouring every inch as he went in search of the stream that Pru had last been seen at. When finally he heard the slow ebb and flow of water in the distance, he quickened his pace. The idea that he was moments away from seeing his beloved, hastening his feet so much so that even Bishop had to break into a gallop to keep up with him. Quickly he rounded a rocky alcove, the sound of the stream ricocheting off the large slanted stone and feeding his anticipation. He took his steps in long strides until he was all the way around and suddenly stilled at the sight of a young Delaware man sitting cross legged amongst the flowers. A small crown of white and yellow daisies twirling between his fingers. Pru. She had been here, with him.

Chaska looked up at his unexpected guest and slowly rose to his feet. He took in the sight of the person before him. He was tall, taller than even himself. He stood with perfect posture, whether that was in defense of coming upon someone he did not know or simply how he stood, Chaska did not know. He was young, though not too young to understand the ways of the world as the deep set lines on his face suggested. His hair like a golden halo atop his head. Chaska took a deep breath, he knew without needing it confirmed that this was Martin. This was the man that Pru had chosen over him. This was the love she could not live without. Chaska stared straight ahead, into Martin's forest eyes and said, "Martin."

Martin peered across the small valley of flowers that separated him from this seemingly unfamiliar man. He was tall, lean and muscular. All things easy to see as he was wearing a loincloth as his only clothing. His hair was a long, shiny black that flowed almost to the middle of his back. The look on his face was stoic yet soft around the eyes. Soft or perhaps sad. Sad. Martin took a shallow breath, Chaska. He was exactly as Nathaniel had begrudgingly described to him. This was Pru's dearest friend. The man who loved Pru. And slowly he parted his lips, "Chaska."

Chaska eyed Martin intently. He had thrown caution to the wind and come to the Delaware camp in search of Pru and no doubt in defiance of Chingachgook. Him being here spoke tremendously to Martin's character and love for Pru and Chaska would not deny it. He fingered the soft petals of the crown and said, "How can I possibly dislike you now."

Martin slowly exhaled through his nose, his eyes never wavering from Chaska. The vulnerability edged into Chaska's words urging him to speak freely. Martin wanted him to hear it, to know and understand the depth of his love and so calmly began, "I have loved her since the moment she walked gangly and barefoot onto my family's farm. Every moment with her breathed meaning into my life and every separation solidified the depth of my love for her. I will love and care for her until the very last breath that I take in this world. Because as long as she is beside me, nothing else matters."

Chaska had never been prone to being emotional. Pru being the only exception to those tendencies. Though in this small unreserved moment, he found himself having to force down his sensitivities as they threatened to expose his true feelings. He knew now, regardless of his own desires, that Pru was truly, unconditionally loved by this man and so crossed the distance between them, extended his right arm out to Martin and said, "Këkhitahola apchìch."

Martin accepted his arm, squeezing his skin lightly with his finger tips. He knew this was hard for him, knew that it took a special sort of person to wish their rival well. And so after looking back into Chaska's resigned eyes said, "I will, always."

Chaska smiled ever so slightly before both men released their arms and parted a few steps. "I am certain this is not what you want to hear but, Pru ran off into the village to meet you. And while I wish for both or your sakes that things were different, I do not think it wise to go back to the camp. At least not right now."

"It would be against Chingachgook's wishes if I returned."

"Hmm," Chaska began. "He is very fond of you. I have heard him tell many stories of you throughout the years. Whatever this is inside his head, one day will pass."

Martin could feel his emotions begin to shift at Chaska's words. To have come all this way and not even see her was like a thousand blades striking him all at once. And while he knew Chaska spoke the truth, he struggled to accept it. He turned and began rummaging through his saddle bag. Martin could not leave without telling her he loved her whether with words or with actions and so yanked from his bag the beautiful silken shawl that his father had given to her. He turned on his heel and passed it into Chaska's grasp. "Please give this to her. She'll…she'll understand its meaning."

Chaska took the shawl in his hands, trailing his thumb across the soft fabric as he silently agreed with a slight nod of his head.

"Thank you," Martin said. His voice was no more than a whisper as disappointment weighed heavy on him. Then without any more words transpiring between them, Martin swung his body onto Bishop's back and took the reins in his hand, swiveling Bishop's neck in the opposite direction. Martin paused for a moment, his eyes squinting against the bright sunlight. So close and yet so far, he thought. He sucked in a breath and peering over his shoulder said, "I'm glad she has you."

A soft smile ghosted across Chaska's lips. He had often wondered what this moment would be like. Face to face with the man that had ruined all is hope. He had not expected it to be like this. For Martin to be like this. And while his heart still stung with disappointment, he could not deny that she had chosen well. Chosen a man filled with bravery and honor. One who was gracious and understanding. But above all, one who would do anything for her love. Then before his smile disappeared from his face said, "I am glad she has you." And touched his hand to his chest.

Martin nodded his head. The pain in his heart was heavy as he gripped tightly to Bishop's reins. Then slowly, and before Martin conceded to any number of designs that swirled through his head, rode deeper into the forest. Until he had completely vanished amongst the trees.


"Thought I found a way out

Thought I found a way out (found)

But you never go away (never go away)

So I guess I gotta stay now

Oh, I hope someday I'll make it out of here

Even if it takes all night or a hundred years

Need a place to hide, but I can't find one near

Wanna feel alive, I outside I can't fight my fear

Isn't it lovely? All alone

Heart made of glass, my mind of stone

Tear me to pieces, skin to bone

Hello, welcome home

Walking out of time

Looking for a better place (looking for a better place)

Something's on my mind

Always in my head space

But I know someday I'll make it out of here

Even if it takes all night or a hundred years

Need a place to hide, but I can't find one near

Wanna feel alive outside I can't fight my fear

Isn't it lovely? All alone

Heart made of glass, my mind of stone

Tear me to pieces, skin to bone

Hello. Welcome home

Whoa, yeah

Yeah, ah

Whoa, whoa

Hello, welcome home"

"Lovely" - Billie Eilish and Khalid

(For Pru)

Twelve weeks later…

Pru sat cross legged atop the smooth stoney cliff where she and Nathaniel often went to watch the sunrise together. Though now she sat in solitude, with only her own tumultuous thoughts to keep her company this damp September morning. Pru stared out across the valley, watching as the morning fog slowly evaporated into the sky. Her long slender fingers gripped her shawl tighter around her body, encasing herself in it like a cocoon of warmth. All the while wishing instead that it was Martin's arms wrapped snuggly around her. Now more than ever. She sucked in the unusually cool air, blinking away Martin's sweet face from her thoughts and peered out over the treetops, observing the morning's golden rays as they gently caressed the high mountain peaks, inch by glorious inch until the sun hovered gracefully above all God and The Great Spirit's creations. Pru stilled herself, allowing nature to bath her in its beauty. Nature was beautiful, as were all of its special gifts and unconsciously she drew her thumb across her belly, ever so briefly and ever so lightly before she suddenly lurched forward. Her stomach churned as bile rose in her throat, stinging at her insides. She heaved forward, over and over again as she released all of her stomach contents onto the cliff's stoney surface. It seemed like hours had passed when she felt a familiar touch gently twist up her hair away from the bile she was spewing all along the rocks. And instantly she was comforted by it. "Natty...," Pru began but trailed off as tears pricked at the sides of her eyes threatening to spill at any moment.

"I'm here little sister. I'm here," Nathaniel soothingly whispered into her ear as he rubbed small circles around her back. Pru shook her head back and forth, silently fighting against her own instincts to cry and quickly raised her head to the sun's soft morning glow. "It will be alright...won't it Natty?" And she reached back with her right hand grabbing onto his arm and pulling it tightly across her chest.

Nathaniel lowered his forehead to the back of her head, kissing her hair lightly and said, "I will always take care of you. You know that...you know that." Then raised his eyes, squinting them against the morning's sun radiating light and silently decided that today was the day that Pru would return home. No matter how it needed to be done.


Author's Note: Martin put his best foot forward here, hoping and praying that his presence at the Delaware camp would show Chingachgook just how devoted he truly is...and while it did make a statement, it changed nothing and now you all know the bones of why. They suffered so much and repeatedly while trying to conceive. If the miscarriages were not enough, the pain of delivering a stillborn baby girl...I cannot even imagine it. Their Little Warrior. And while Nathaniel was a gift and Uncas was a truly a miracle baby, neither of them ever forgot about their little girl. Then when Pru came along, it was like kismet. The girl Chingachgook and Kima had longed for was also the biological sibling to Nathaniel! She completed their family. How he wished he had found her with Nathaniel in the cabin as little babes. And so now he can't let her go. To the absolute sadness of everyone involved... the situation is made even worse because Kima is dead. Yet another reason why he does not want to let their little girl go. Though I am certain Kima would not agree with what he is doing right now. I always said that this was Chingachgook's storyline as well.

Chaska is back and having narrowly escaped his own demise. I always envisioned him and Martin having one fleeting moment together. The two men that love Pru. I was not quite sure how that scene was going to play out but I knew both of these guys were strong, level headed men. And as much as Chaska wanted to dislike Martin, seeing him come to the Delaware camp to try and be with Pru made him feel happiness. That at least if he lost her, he lost her to someone worthy. And at Chaska's off handed admittance of this fact, Martin felt suddenly compelled to define his love for Pru. He wanted Chaska to know that his love was not fleeting or merely lustful, that it was pure and everlasting. Overall, I thought they handled the situation rather well!

And yes, after years of spending time with the Mohicans, Martin does understand some Mohican as well as some Delaware.

I touched on Nathaniel briefly and his feelings about being back at the Delaware camp after Tanda's death. I will be hitting that up a bit more in the next chapter and yes, Pru is pregnant. But if you read The Ties That Bind...then you already knew that Chingachgook separates her and Martin and that she finds out she is pregnant while at the camp. And as you can see...Nathaniel is about done with all of this now. The presence of the baby changes the entire game and our bold Nathaniel already has something brewing in his head. But you'll have to wait for the next chapter to find out what exactly it is!

Wëlànkuntëwakàn - means, peace, in Lenape

këkhitahola apchìch- means, love her always, in Lenape

A huge thank you to everyone who viewed/reviewed ...especially, Evermore22, ELY72, Bluesaffire, Asterlaurel, BrynnaRaven, Hazel222, MohawkWoman, your support is endless!

P.S. My apologies for the delay...life is happening all around me and its taking a bit of time away from my writing...plus once again I just got back from the sunshine state after a little impromptu family reunion!

P.P.S. I promise there is some much needed humor on the way!

Thanks for reading :)