(no subject)

[iniquiticity]

enigmairi asked
Greenhouses prompt: flashback sequence where Washington and Hamilton cross paths during the first war.

Washington arrived to an empty plains camp in the middle of the day, which was not intended, but could not be helped, because of the weather. A skirmish, it must have been. He studied the peculiar modification of the cabins and tents that had been made, in which it seemed they were sealed entirely from the outside, when their flaps closed. It seemed a very odd thing, and could not have been comfortable, especially with how powerful the sun beat down on the back of his neck. But it was war, and there was surely an explanation.

He tied his horse to a post and promised Nelson food and something to eat, when it could be found. The few horses that were visible did not look well-fed. It was an ominous sign, but it was not a surprise - it was only the real consequences of the things the other Lords told him. He sat in the single chair in what looked to be the main office and waited.

Not too long after, he heard voices - laughter, and victorious shouting. One he could pick out easily as Lady Schuyler’s, though the one that bantered most loudly with her was unfamiliar. He was not used to not recognizing voices.

“General Washington!” Lady Schuyler said, and offered him a quick, sharp bow, “I had known you were coming, only I did not expect you so soon! You made better time than expected. Colonel, please get the general a cup of beer.”

“Yes, Angelica,” the colonel - a man, perhaps just an adult - said, and disappeared. Angelica?

“I have the reports for you, and please, let me take you on a tour,” she said, and handed him the papers, which he folded into his jacket.

“I noticed your tents–”

“For the insects!” said the colonel, appearing again in the doorway. He did not look like the son of any of Washington’s friends or generals. He was short, muscled-lean, and wore a ragged bandage over his arm. While there had obviously been an attempt to fix up his jacket, it was well-worn, stained with blood, and hastily sewn.

“Insects?” Washington asked the colonel, taking a sip from the cup. Tepid and foul.

“Our most persistent enemies, sir,” Lady Schuyler said, and the colonel unwrapped his bandage to reveal a distinctly unpleasant, rashy area of his arm. “At night, they’ll eat any part of you that isn’t covered, which is why having a mostly sealed tent and melting is preferable. And this is Colonel Hamilton, my second in command.”

“A pleasure, Colonel. General Washington,” Washington said, and bowed.

“The pleasure is mine, General,” Hamilton - an unfamiliar name, which seemed strange - said.

“Colonel,” Lady Schuyler said, as Hamilton opened his mouth to say something, “A report on our latest skirmish, and follow-ups from the men at present available, if you please.”

“Yes, Angelica,” Hamilton said, and disappeared.