Thank you for all the reviews. I thought the end scene of the movie was beautiful but this couple deserved more, so I hope I found a way of still incorporating it without ruining it. It will remain a theme throughout the story.

Chapter 8

The next day Cora was here. I clung to her from the moment her, Nathaniel and Chingachkook had finished undergoing the same scrutiny Uncas and I endured upon arriving. I did not want to let go, but she winced painfully at my tight embrace and it was then I noticed a blood stained rag tied around her left upper arm. This is what had happened to them: Immediately upon getting out of the river following the jump, she and Nathaniel had been attacked. Uncas and I must have floated quite a bit further downstream or else Uncas would have helped them. As it were, Chingachkook came to their aide and subdued the attackers, but not before Cora had been grazed by shrapnel. They hid in the woods after this, eventually joining up with a few other survivors of the massacre. Cora had applied her medicinal skills to her arm as best she could but with lack of any ointments or clean bandages it soon became infected. Nathaniel tried to convince her that they should go to Albany for proper medical care but she refused on account of not knowing my whereabouts. Then they heard about us at by word of mouth from some friendly Indians and decided to come to the Huron village as well and try to have the wound healed through the traditional Native way.

I wanted to tell Cora about the plans Uncas and I had, but every time I tried the words would not leave my mouth. I was horrified at myself for this. Was I ashamed? And yet the truth was, it was her disapproval that I feared more than anything.

She was taken into a little hut and given strange potions to drink and mysterious mixtures applied to the injury. An old woman was doing these things for her, all the while chanting oddly. The ways of these people were stranger to Cora than to me considering I had been here for a full week already; yet she accepted them calmly. I was proud of her.

She spent the night in that hut. I knew Uncas was preparing to tell his father about our wedding plans, so when I saw them in the evening sitting down together by the fire along with Nathaniel, I shyly made my way into the chief's hut and unsuccessfully tried to sleep. I could still faintly hear them talking in Mohican, and although I did not understand a word I listened intently to the tone of Chingachkook's and Nathaniel's voices and tried to decipher the emotions conveyed, whether there was approval or disapproval. It was hard to tell. After talking for what seemed like several hours they came to sleep in the chief's hut as well, and I looked at Uncas questioningly. He noticed and gave me a slight nod before lying down.

Cora was allowed out of the medicine woman's hut the next day. I walked beside her and tried my best to show her around, all the while trying to summon my courage to tell her about Uncas and me, but it was she who spoke first. "Alice, do you know about our father?" she asked nervously. "Yes" I whispered. "I saw it." "Oh you poor girl" Cora exclaimed tearfully and hugged me with her good arm. We stood like that and silently led our tears fall, finally mourning our father together. It was a healing moment.

She then stepped back. "We went back and buried him. It was risky but I had to do it. Couldn't leave him out there…" I nodded. I was glad it had been done, but also glad I had not been there and be reminded of how he had been killed. "Alice, I must return to England, but only for a while. I must settle our father's estate. We are his only heirs, you know. We have the right to claim what is ours. Nathaniel will come with me." She smiled at what she said next. "Nathaniel and I plan to be married in Albany before we go. I had assumed that you would want to come with us and possibly stay in England, but then I heard that you have wedding plans of your own…"At this she gazed at me with raised eyebrows, and I blushed. To my surprise she embraced me yet again and whispered "If I didn't love his brother I would not approve, I'm sure you know that. But…this is a new world. I will not stand in your way."

Tears of relief threatened to spill over once more for me. Cora looked at me teasingly. "Little quiet Alice, I had no idea. While I was absorbed in my love story I did not suspect anything between you and Uncas. And all this while I thought I was being the rebel!" We laughed, and it felt so good after what was probably the most emotional conversation we had ever had up until this point. "How long will you be in England?" I asked. Cora shrugged helplessly. "I have no idea how long selling the estate and everything else will take. We will certainly not stay there any longer than we have to. But can you imagine Nathaniel in England?" At this we giggled. "He cannot go about dressed like this" I snorted, "but then again I cannot picture him in proper English attire!"At this we laughed even harder.

Nathaniel was not satisfied with the healing process of Cora's wound. Too much time had passed from the time of the injury and so the wound in it its infected state would not respond to natural healing methods. There also appeared to be some shrapnel pieces imbedded so deep within the flesh that it was risky to try to remove them without proper equipment. Chingachkook thought that if they gave it more time the old ways would prove themselves successful, they had, after all, only been here for a day but Nathaniel was very insistent that they return to Albany at once to see a doctor. He was extremely worried that Cora might lose her arm, and when I heard him utter those words my blood chilled as well. Chingachkook and him were respectfully arguing and when Uncas joined them they switched to Mohican. The children were once again tugging at my hands so I walked out of earshot. What about our wedding, I thought. When would it take place? Would it take place at all under the circumstances? And where would Uncas and I live afterwards? Once again I felt forgotten. Was it selfish to have these worries in light of my sister's condition?

Why was it that Uncas always seemed to find me when I was crying? Huddled behind a tree after sunset I let my worries and fears overwhelm me, and there he was, pulling me into his arms and I let myself relax against him. "I'm sorry I did not have the opportunity to speak with you earlier. I do not intend to treat you like this" he nearly whispered, and I allowed myself to lean against him. He sat down on the ground and arranged me so my back rested against his chest. It felt wonderful. "Nathaniel and Cora want to leave for Albany tomorrow to see a doctor and from there go on a ship to England" he continued. "We need to decide where we want to stay for the winter. Unless you want to go to England with them". He looked at me earnestly when he said this. I shook my head vehemently. "All right, so we could stay in Albany until their return and then decide where to go from there." He sounded unsure at this. My head spun around and I we found ourselves face to face. We both knew the truth. We would encounter nothing but opposition to our union in a civilized town. We might even have to keep the marriage a secret. Marrying Uncas meant abandoning life in civilization. He did not have to say it. I understood.

"There is a trapper's cabin in the mountains a two day's walk from here. We have stayed there a few times while passing through. Nobody lives there. I can fix it up a little and we could stay for the winter. Would you like that?" I smiled and said "I have to warn you, I know nothing about making a home!"Uncas chuckled and playfully touched the tip of my nose. "I do know that. I will enjoy teaching you." We gazed at each other. I thought he might kiss me again. I knew he wanted to, but he held out. "So, if you want your sister to be present at the ceremony it has to happen tomorrow morning."

And so it was that instead of in a church in England I was married in the outdoors amidst a foreign people in a foreign land. Instead of a veil colorful strings and beads braided into my hair adorned my head. Instead of polished shoes I wore leather moccasins, and instead of a white long dress I wore a smooth garment of animal hide that only covered me to mid thigh. Instead of a white proper Englishman I walked towards a warrior with brown skin and long black hair adorned with feathers. His eyes grew large at the sight of me, and began to burn with desire. With every step I took towards him amidst the whooping and hollering villagers I swayed my hips just a little. No one had to tell me I was beautiful, I could see it in his eyes. I was driving him wild and enjoyed every moment of it, of the power I suddenly knew I possessed over my beloved, fearless warrior. In those minutes I felt like the queen of the world and could not have been any happier had my wedding indeed been the way I thought it would be in childhood dreams.

I don't remember much about the ceremony, try as I might. Foreign words were spoken; gifts were exchanged on our behalf. At some point a pipe was passed around and we were doused in smoke. There was some chanting, although I don't recall the details of these things or the order in which they happened. We were seated and freshly grilled meat was passed around as well as the best of the harvest which included colorful corn, cooked beans with corn bread and grilled squash drizzled with honey and that delightful stuff called maple syrup. After the meal I had to endure the low point of the day, which was saying goodbye to my sister. I tried very hard not to cry on this happiest day of my life. Knowing she was in safe hands with Nathaniel made it easier. We had briefly entertained the idea of accompanying them to Albany and then travel to the trapper's cabin but the cabin was much closer to the Huron village and so it would mean a lot of unnecessary wandering. I felt bad about missing out on Cora's wedding in Albany but she assured me that it would be a quick solemn ceremony conducted by a clergyman and nothing more. So with her blessings still lingering in my ear I waved her off and returned to the festivities.

There was more feasting and dancing for the rest of the day; it was clear these people welcomed any opportunity to have a celebration even if it was not for one of their own. And I had been wrong for thinking there was no affection between men and women among these people; on this occasion I saw many of them holding hands and embracing. Uncas sat beside me, held my hand and gazed at me often. I smiled at him openly, drunk with happiness. There was a little hut prepared for us for our wedding night, and when darkness fell and the fires were lit and drums were playing he pulled me up and led me towards that hut amidst more cheerful whooping and hollering from those around us.

My heart began to race as we ducked into it and let the flap of the fur fall back over the opening. The light of the fires shone through the thin cracks of the wood and cast playful shadows over Uncas face. He took both my hands into his, lifted them and slowly let his hands run down over my wrists, forearms, elbows, shoulders. He kissed me again with barely controlled passion and this time I responded. His hands went to my waist that, for the first time in a long time was free of a corset. His movements were slow and gentle but his mouth was hungry, and I knew it. I allowed myself to caress his face and hair.

Before I knew it his arms encircled my upper body completely and I threw my arms around his neck. We were locked in a tight embrace and kissing madly, wanting to be even closer to each other than was possible. Or was it? I felt it, that maddening feeling that had kept me awake at the fort. It washed over me in waves upon waves. Uncas's breath came quick and he made a sound like a groan when one of my legs wrapped itself around one of his. What was I doing? I didn't know it myself. My breath stopped momentarily when he slowly grasped my dress and started to pull it over my head. He halted when he sensed my uncertainty but I did not bid him to stop so he continued, until I stood before him naked, a crazy fluttering in my intestines. He looked down at me as if he were gazing at a beautiful piece of art and then smiled a smile that made me melt, the kind that turned his eyes into slits and lit up his whole face. "You are so beautiful" he whispered to me. His lips went to my neck. He let his fingers lightly graze over my breasts, a touch so light I barely felt it, and yet it made me gasp involuntarily.

Tentatively my husband's hands went lower on my body until they reached that untouched place. What was he doing? I clung to him helplessly when I felt him actually touch me where I dared not touch myself save for cleaning. Gasps escaped me unbidden when his hand, ever so carefully, moved back and forth between my legs, the whole while staring into my eyes for affirmation. The wetness was there again and I grew embarrassed. He must have read it on my face for he quit moving his hand and asked if he should stop. I shook my head. The excitement was nearly unbearable and yet I could not bear the thought of him withdrawing his hand. He continued to move it, gently as before but a little faster. I threw back my head and moaned his name, over and over again. He steadied me with his other hand, never stopping. How could such a light touch drive me this wild? A feeling almost cruel in its delight began to collect within me as if I was climbing a mountain, higher and higher, desperate to reach the top.

I lost all control and moved myself against him. "Let it go, my love" he whispered. "Just let it happen." Just then I felt as if I was reaching that top I had been struggling for, assaulted with its intensity. Streams upon streams of long overdue pleasure flowed through me. My legs grew shaky and weak. I even felt as though I lost control of my bladder (yes I'm one of those women, though it took me a while before realizing this was normal for me)!

Nearly weeping I sank to the ground, heavily struggling for air. Uncas came down with me and removed his clothing faster than I could notice. Belying the clueless virgin that I was my legs parted for him as if they had done it a million times. His face hovered above mine, desperation in his eyes. I felt something between my legs anew, something that was not his hand. It was seeking entry where it seemed there was no entry.

My breathing quieted and my body clenched up. Uncas stroked my hair and face and tried again, but I could not relax. I had a pretty good idea what part of him was seeking my inside, yet it seemed too big. How would it ever fit? My pleasure was forgotten. I was afraid in spite of his soothing touch. "My love, you must loosen yourself" he said quietly while patiently rubbing one of my thighs. He pushed against me once more, and my face contorted in pain. At this he squeezed his eyes shut, took several deep breaths and heaved himself off of me.

Facing me sideways he now lay gazing into my eyes. "I'm sorry" I whimpered close to tears. He did not respond, and I grew afraid that he may be angry at me. After several minutes of silence he spoke. "Do you remember the story I told you at the cliffs?" I nodded. "I told it to you because I wanted you to know something. I wanted you to know that from the moment I saw you, I knew you were THAT girl to me. Do you understand what I mean?" Again I nodded. "I would do the same for you. I would die for you in an instant. Not just for you, but for your innocence. When I saw you," and at this he smiled "I thought you were unfit for this harsh world. Like a flower. I knew your life was in danger, but more than that. There are men who, given the opportunity, would not take your life but instead do something worse. They would pick the flower that you are with violence, and that would kill you just the same. You are a flower that needs to be picked with care. I knew this when I saw you. I needed to protect you." He leaned in closer and whispered in my ear. "I wanted to be the one to pick you. It was all I could think about…I love you Alice…"Tears welled up in my eyes. I found his mouth and kissed him with all the love in my heart. We kissed slowly this time, unhurried, savoring every moment.

I knew I did not have to give myself to him that night, though I greatly wanted to. After more kissing and gentle caressing I told him I was ready, and he rolled onto me once more. I willed myself to relax my bottom, to push outward instead of pull inward, and when he carefully prodded me he found me soft against him. Ever so slowly he inched his way into me. There was pain, and several times I sucked in my breath. Each time he paused and asked if I was all right, and would not continue until I assured him that I was. Then it was done; he was inside me all the way and we started to move with each other in a peaceful rhythm.

I arched my back, glad that the pain was over and eager to give him the same pleasure he had bestowed upon me earlier. He held onto me tightly and stared at me with unspeakable love and passion burning in his eyes. I searched for pleasure within me, and found it, and allowed myself to softly moan along with his movements. He was not too big, he filled me perfectly, and it was this fullness shifting within me that caused me to start the long climb up that mountain again that I had already conquered.

Uncas' breath came faster now, along with his thrusting. He gasped words I did not understand, and when I asked for their meaning he barely managed to utter "My wife, my wife, my wife, you are everything, everything…" At this he arched himself deeply into me and grasped me tightly. His movements ceased. His head was turned do the side and his eyes squeezed shut. A new warm wetness entered my secret place but I knew it had not come from me. He had reached the top of his mountain, and I rubbed his back soothingly as he finally relaxed against my body. With hair sticking to his face he once again smiled, and I loved him so dearly in that moment. I returned the smile and wrapped my arms around him. I remembered in that in the Bible there were a few verses that talked about husbands "knowing" their wives and I felt I now finally knew exactly what that word entailed and found it very befitting. I sensed that I had known Uncas, and he me, on such an intimate level in this night that nothing would be the same anymore henceforth.

We arose from the fur stained with the proof of my virginity and washed ourselves with water from a basin in a corner. We bedded down in a different spot in the hut, still naked but not caring. Uncas rearranged another fur over us and then wrapped me in his arms. It was the most delightful way to fall asleep.