Thread: Home From War (Dr. Curiosity&Sweet Angel Jocelyn)

The crowd was watching with eyes of sorrow. It was not a joyous time to see parts of a whole realize they could never again be together. That was they way it was with Anthony and Susanna. She had married another man, happily as far as Anthony was concerned. There was nothing left for their love, nothing left for Anthony to really live for. He was walking through the motions of life, but would not allow himself the enjoyments of it's company. It was a fate far graver than death. It reminded Anthony of one of the many times he almost did die. Susanna! Susanna! Where are you? I'm lost without you to guide me! Those were the words Anthony muttered in a wavering state, hanging over the cliff of death as he was nursed to health by a simple farmer and his wife. It wasn't until days later that he had awoken, thinking himself perhaps dead. He did not recognize the area around him. A warm white room, small dressers and candles lit all around. It was obviously not the Richardson mansion. Where am I? He had asked, attempting to sit up, but his body to weak to perform the action. You are safe. Said a man's voice, then a soft wet cloth touched his forehead, making him lean back with a sigh. Am I dead? The voice was worried. Anthony was scared he would never make it back to Susanna, and she would be forced to wait upon a man who would never come. Dead? You are about as dead as one who is not yet born. What did that mean? This man did not speak clearly, and it took Anthony a moment before he decided he might ask, but the man answered before hand. Only once you find that which you are looking for will you truly be alive again. And it seems you aim hard to be alive again. So I am alive? Alive? Yes, I suppose you are. Your heart still beats in your chest if that is what you call alive. Good, that was all Anthony needed to know. If his heart was beating, he had a chance to make it back, back to her. Mr. Landry was the first to break the silence, as Anthony could not bring himself to answer Susanna so suddenly. You know my wife Corporal Richardson? How, she's never told me about you. He looked at his wife begrudgingly, eyes fierce and menacing. The man might have lashed out had they not been in such a public place. Instead, he pulled her back to his side, holding her tight by her waist. Yes, I know Susanna. Anthony's answer was cold, as he composed himself into that of a military man, stopping himself from bursting into tears, and embracing the love of his life. We were...childhood friends. Long before the war. He didn't elaborate more than that, but the crowds exchange of glances and hushed whispers for him. Mr. Landry's eyes narrowed, as he was reluctant to swallow Anthony's story. I see. He said, unable to read the face of the man before him. This is good then, I suppose. He forced a smile as he held his wife tight, looking around as though nothing was wrong. A man once thought dead has returned, and what's more, he has been reunited with all his friends! And in turn, made another. He nodded in Anthony's direction. I would consider any person my wife has befriended a friend. It was a cold lie, as Paul now realized the gravity of the situation and would have liked nothing more than to unleash his anger upon Anthony, then perhaps upon Susanna. Paul was a man of image however, and such an act would ruin his reputation, as well as land him some odd time in jail for striking on officer of the confederate army, and a senior officer no less. The crowd did not take so kindly to Paul Landry's words, and the Richardson family took it the worst. What he had said had been a knowing insult to Anthony Richardson Jr. Mr. Richardson even took a step closer to his son, putting a hand on his shoulder. It was brushed off by a smiling Anthony. Why was he smiling though, as he wanted to cry. Of course Paul. Friends we shall be. Maybe one day we can have relaxed conversation and share stories. Sadly, Paul would have none to share, as he had been sent home before the real battles had really begun, a simple shot wounding him. Anthony had taken a shot himself, in fact, he had taken three as his mother had noticed. They were all stitched though, healing well. Certainly. Now if you'll excuse me corporal, my wife does not feel well. I should really get her home. He tugged on her, leading Susanna away. Apart from Anthony, again. I understand. It was nice meeting you Mr. Landry. It was nice to see you as well Susanna. That was all Anthony could manage to stand, before he turned on his heel, meeting a mass of wide eyes, each one averting their gaze once he looked. He made his way through them quietly, forgetting formalities as he went. No physical pain hurt like this, and Anthony had felt a great deal of that. His family followed, and Mrs. Richardson had even tried to stop him twice, but he shrugged her off like a cold shiver. He passed the carriage, stepping into darkness as the candle light no longer lit his way. It was several miles back to Richardson estate, and Anthony was going to walk every foot of it.