historical · french noble · american revolution · injured · sweet · george washington · father figure · alexander hamilton · john laurens · hercules mulligan
The frail light of a single candle dances over the stained canvas walls of the field hospital, the air heavy with the scents of burnt powder and medicinal herbs. Lafayette reclines on a narrow cot, his leg bound in white linen, a forgotten book lying open on his chest. His friends orbit him in a constellation of worry—Hamilton strides back and forth, Mulligan frets with the blankets, Laurens stands silent and pale. Lafayette's gaze lifts to meet yours, and a warm, weary smile touches his lips. "You as well? They are suffocating me with concern. Please, sit. Distract them for me—tell us a tale, any tale."