Alice fists her dress and prays to God that the crying stops. Her trip had been a very long and tiring one. She had lost count of the days she had been traveling by ship and when she finally reached her destination she couldn't be happier. She was lucky enough to find a bunch of settlers among the other travelers that were willing to take her to Mariah's settlement. She had given them the best directions she could and they said they had understood where she wanted to go. The group consisted of four children and the husband and the wife. Only one horse was available and during the journey they took turns on who got to ride. This time,it was the wife's turn but obviously the children were far too afraid to be on such a large animal and therefore they had all been crying non-stop for the past hour.

''How much further?'' Alice asked the man walking infront of her. He glanced back at her and nodded ahead.

''About an hour of walk until we come across a stream. We will help you cross it and then you will continue on your own straight ahead. You should find the settlement you are looking for.''

Alice nodded and thanked the man once again. Her feet burned from the many hours of walk and her newly worn dress was now rugged and dirty. The feeling was all too familiar but for some reason it warmed her heart. She felt like she was finally going home.

Mariah was seated upon the ground in between Uncas' legs with him holding her from behind. The were both facing the sparkling stream and they watched the water flow gently and create soft waves from the morning breeze. She felt at ease. At peace. She had the man she loved by her side and the most beautiful landscape she could ask for right before her eyes.

''I love you.'' She whispered but knew that Uncas,with his sharp ears,had heard her. Proof of it was the fact that his arms tightened around her and he kissed her neck softly. He did not say anything and Mariah did not expect him too. He was a man of few words and she had learned to accept that voicing his emotions was out of the question.

Their moment was cut short when a sudden rustling of leaves broke the silence of the forest. Uncas was quick to rise and reach for his tomahawk. Mariah backed away and slowly got on her feet and stood next to Uncas,both waiting for someone to appear. Pale skin,yellow hair and several layers of skirts soon became evident.

Mariah stood still. ''Alice?''

Unless her eyes were playing tricks on her,Mariah was seeing her cousin standing before her. Something fired off in her mind and she immediately ran to take Alice in her arms. The young girl had grown up over the past year. Her hair was longer and her feautres had now matured,making her a delicate woman.

''How in the world are you here?'' Mariah asked still in shock and watched as tears welled in her cousin's eyes.

''I never should have left. Oh cousin you cannot imagine how horrible it was to be there all alone.'' Alice dropped her head on Mariah's shoulder and the two girls embraced each other. Uncas remained silent,not wanting to interrupt.

On their way back,Alice stayed by Mariah's side,clinging to her almost as if she thought she would disappear. People passing them by,stopped to stare at the new arrival that was brought in the settlement.

''Alice!'' A familiar voice called out and Alice turned around to see Christopher. He was next to her so fast she barely saw him coming. He enfluged her in a bone crushing hug while she remained still with her arms hanging awkwardly by her side.

''I am sorry I am just so happy to see you! When did you return?'' He asked as he pulled away. Alice smiled faintly and let him know that it was moments ago that she arrived. Before anything else could be said,Mariah stepped in and clarified that Alice should be brought to her sister. Christopher agreed and made Cora's whereabouts known. The four of them continued on their way towards Nathaniel and Cora's cabin. With a knock on the door they all held their breaths as they waited.

''Mariah I was not expecting-'' Cora's words were cut short the instant she saw her sister. Alice took a step forward with tears sliding down her cheeks.

''Oh dear lord. Alice!'' Cora called out her sister's name and took her in her arms. The two stayed like that for a while before pulling away.

''You must tell me everything.'' Cora declared and from that point on,Alice was the center of attention. They all sat around the small table listening to the young girl tell her story. About how lonely and sad she felt out there alone,how cousin Eugenia was unbearable.

''You will stay with me and Nathaniel.'' Cora said to Alice but she shook her head in refusal.

''No sister. You have a husband and a son. Having me live with you would be a burden.''

Cora's eyes lit up with anger but before she could speak Mariah made a suggestion.

''You could stay with Miss Claire. She would take of you and you would keep an eye on her,since she is an elderly lady. What do you think?'' Alice took some time to consider the offer and found it quite logical.

''Yes,I suppose that could work.''

''There is no reason for her to live there. I am her sister,she should stay with me.''

Alice looked at Cora with a gentle smile. '' I am old enough to make my own decisions sister. And what I have decided is to stay here with you. My family. Aside from that,I do not plan on being a burden. I will stay with Miss Claire.'' Sensing the odd authority in her words everyone stayed quiet.

''If that is what you wish sister.'' Cora finally gave in.

Alice suddenly rose from her chair and smiled. ''I wish to go for a walk'' Mariah looked a bit surprised but nodded anyway.

''That is a good idea but you do not know the place that well. You could get lost.''

Alice frowned. ''Well,why doesn't someone else accompany me?''

Cora mentioned towards Edmund,stating that she could not leave the child alone. Mariah and Christopher had both work to get on to.

''Uncas do you mind?'' Mariah suggested and the Mohican warrior stayed silent. He looked between Mariah and Alice a couple of times before finally nodding. Mariah smiled,not knowing what she getting herself into.

''I am surprised that you and my cousin are together.'' Alice said after hours of endless silence. Uncas looked at her but said nothing.

''You are just..too different. You are quiet and reserved while she...well she is much more outspoken.''

Uncas took some minutes to consider the girl's words before answering.

''She is the voice to my silence while I am the reasoning to her recklessness. We complete each other.'' That simple sentence was enough to silence Alice. Wise words she thought. Mariah was indeed lucky to have him even if Alice considered him a savage. A savage that intrigues you a small voice in her head whispered and she flushed bright red. It was true though. He was a handsome man. A strong warrior. That alone excited Alice. It both excited her and made her feel guilty for feeling attracted to such a man. A man that belong to someone else,her very own cousin at that.

''I see.'' She answered quietly.

Alice then looked up at the sky. '' I wish I had something like that.''

Uncas hooked his fingers on his belt and leaned back. ''You could. Perhaps with Christopher.''

Alice felt shocked. ''Christopher?''

''He has feelings for you. Even a blind man could see it.'' Uncas said nodding. Alice did not know what to say. Christopher was a nice boy,but all Alice felt for him was brotherly affection. Nothing more. Shaking her head she made clear that the subject was no longer up for disscusion.

Benjamin laughed along with Mariah as they both arranged plates on Miss Claire's table. Miss Claire's grandsons were playing around in the house waiting impatiently for food to be served.

''If you had been present,you would have found the story much more amusing.'' Benjamin said and Mariah smiled. The man had proved to be very kind and an actual joy to be around. Not much was known about him,he always refused to talk about himself in an indirect way and Mariah did not want to pressure anything upon him.

Benjamin then stopped to stare at Mariah. ''I do not wish for anyone to make you lose that beautiful smile of yours.''

His words confused Mariah and she gave him a questioning smile.

''I saw Uncas with your cousin Alice on my way here.'' Mariah shook her head.

'' I asked him to accompany her on a walk. It is not a matter of concern but I apprieciate your worry.'' Mariah said and patted him shoulder in a friendly manner.

''They are both quite similar. Quiet,collected both the younger siblings that seem to be overshadowed by the outspoken personality of their older brother and sister. You should be weary of that Mariah.'' Benjamin said and Mariah felt her stomach drop. She had also noted these similarities between them and often found herself wondering why Uncas made a connection with her and not her cousin. Mariah's face hardened as anxiety settled in.

Benjamin's eyes widened realizing what he had done. ''I am so sorry I did not mean to upset you. I only meant to warn and protect.'' He replied apologetically and Mariah waved her hand around.

''I know,please do not feel guilty. It is perfectly fine.'' Maria lied. She knew his words her good-natured ones but they still hurt. Maybe all was not well after all.