A/N: This is something that's been sitting in my Doc Manager for a while. I'd love to know what you all think :)
Dedicated to all those that have, and will serve for their countries in wars Past, Present, and Future.
I had a dream, which was not all a dream.
The bright sun was extinguish'd, and the stars
Did wander darkling in the eternal space...
- Darkness, Lord Byron
It is said, that the moment before a man is about to die, his life flashes before his eyes. That, to some extent is true, but not completely so. As Captain James Nicholls charged on horseback towards the tree-line, a number of things happened.
The first was physical. His heart rate slowed. He could feel each of Joey's muscles working beneath him as the horse galloped forwards. His eyes widened. He could see the Germans at their guns amongst the trees. He could hear everything. The shrill screams of wounded horses, and the cries of his men. He could smell the grass being churned beneath the cavalry's hooves. All became crystal clear.
The second was mental. Time seemed to slow. and he saw things that had been, that were, that could have been. But mostly, he saw her. The first time he had set eyes on her. Standing on the corner of the street, dark hair escaping from her hat and wisping in front of her face. Blue eyes intent and red lips pursed in thought. Blue eyes that had turned on him.
Then the first time he had brought her flowers, the gentle blush that covered her cheeks, and the way she could not completely meet his eye. Her teeth, white as she laughed at one of his jokes. He knew it was an odd thing to remember, her teeth. But he did.
He remembered the day the war had broke. She with him out for a stroll. He remembered her horror and tears when he had told her he would serve, as had his father, and his father, and his father before him. He remembered the sadness in her eyes, like she already knew...
Then, his final image of her. Standing beside him as he waited for his regiment. Her face pale and drawn, holding back the tears, remaining strong for him. She was so beautiful, it nearly broke his heart. His normal, laughing, joking self was gone. He was deadly serious. Brushing a single, soft, brown lock of hair behind her ear, before lifting her chin and kissing her, enveloping her in his arms. For a moment, there was nothing else left in the world, except him, her, and them. But those images were all gone in the blink of an eye.
The third and last thing that happened was emotional. A tumultuous blend of feelings that beset his senses. First came the fear. Then the acceptance. Then the anger. Then the regret. Then sadness. Then...the last thing Captain Nicholls felt was
Love.
How sad it seems.
Sweet, there is nothing left to say
But this, that love is never lost...
- Her Voice, Oscar Wilde