Title: Purification in Purgatory

By: Tidia

Beta: All mistakes my own

Disclaimer: Characterizations belong to BBC.

Spoilers: Yes, for all of season 1.

Notes: This story started because I noticed that all the women on the show had cheated on their husbands. Then I wanted to write something in the period, which is a challenge. Then there was my geography mistake- an odd mistake. I thought I picked Villers, which was on the ocean. It isn't, but for this story it is and interesting note- they have a statute of Alexander Dumas in the town center. This is a multi part story that I have completed, and will post as time permits. Thank you kind readers for their reviews, notes of encouragement, reading, following and favoriting. I will be updating Paris, Texas too.

Part 1

Athos came down the wooden stairs, slapping a letter against his hand. Porthos, Aramis and d'Artagnan were around the wooden table. Porthos peeling an apple, slipping chunks in his mouth as he watched Aramis and d'Artagnan taking a whetting stone to their blades.

Aramis and d'Artagnan were worrisome in their demeanor. There were moments of melancholy, well hidden, but they were both driven to hide in their soldiering. It was because of his concern that Athos had convinced Treville of who should take on the mission.

"What are the orders?" Porthos asked around a mouth full of apple.

"A letter to the Baron of Villers-"

"I volunteer." Porthos stood up, the remaining apple tossed away. "I could use some time by the sea." The larger man reached for the letter.

Athos shook his head. It was supposed to be all four of them, but this idea was better. "No, d'Artagnan and Aramis will be attending to the matter. We have other duties."

Aramis stopped sliding the stone against the blade, and reached out for the letter. "He's going to pout," Aramis warned.

"What makes this mission of interest that Porthos would toss his apple without regret?" d'Artagnan frowned, glancing at Porthos who had crossed his arms against his chest.

"The baron is a kind man, generous and gracious host." Aramis went over to Porthos and patted his back.

"He likes and respects Musketeers," Porthos explained further. "Won't have any dealings with the Red Guards on a count of the fact that he wanted to be a Musketeer."

"He was the second son, and took the life of a soldier for a time fighting against Hasburg until the untimely death of his brother who left no heir. He returned to be the Baron and could not be a Musketeer," Aramis explained.

"I am glad to be able to meet him," d'Artagnan remarked. "Sorry you will not be attending."

Porthos glared at their youngest member. "He's rubbing it in. That ain't fair."

Thankfully, d'Artagnan could hear the threat, and wanted to diffuse the situation. "Maybe we won't enjoy ourselves?"

"Are we ordered to enjoy ourselves?" Aramis asked Athos.

Athos played along, knowing Aramis knew the reason why he was being sent away. The Queen would shortly be giving birth, and although the others did not notice the looks, Athos did. He was sparing Aramis discomfort. Aramis would never forget that it was his child the queen was carrying, but he would make peace with it. Some time away from Paris would help. With d'Artagnan there was Constance who had decided to recommit herself to her husband. There were times when they could see flashes of anger and frustration at the situation in d'Artagnan's actions.

Athos gave a nod. "As you please. We expect you in a fortnight." Some time away for both Musketeers would allow them time to recuperate from their wounds of the heart.

"With a return invitation," Porthos ordered. "Do not forget about your friends."

Athos grinned; there was no question that both Musketeers would ever forget their friends.

((()))

There were amicable discussions as they made their journey to Villers punctuated by practicing sword work and musket firing. d'Artagnan's sword work was coming along, but he needed to practice with the musket, especially with loading it quickly. This time away from the garrison was helping him to improve under Aramis's tutelage.

They were two days out with Aramis thinking about the Queen, his child, and the error of his ways. "He who acts against his conscience loses his soul."

"Did you act against your conscience?" d'Artagnan was riding next to Aramis at a slow walk allowing the horses some rest.

"Perhaps." Aramis knew his answer was vague. He knew better than to have relations with the Queen. He had tempted Isabelle all those years ago resulting in her expecting a child. With Isabelle it has been young lust, while with Anne it was consolation, the need to feel hope when they were desperate for survival.

"Is this about something I have done?" d'Artagnan frowned.

Aramis forgot that everyone carried guilt about their actions. "No, I was thinking of women, truly."

The newest Musketeer smiled. "Aren't you always?"

"No, there are war and battles and God to think about too." He thought about his soul, his immortal life after this place. He prayed for forgiveness and guidance.

d'Artagnan thinned his lips. "I think about Constance when I'm not thinking about defending King and country."

Aramis knew that the young man's parting with Constance had been difficult. There was not much that could be said about the subject, and d'Artagnan had mostly been silent. The sharpshooter was glad that the Gascon had shared his feelings with him. "She will always love you, but defending king, queen and country is steadier for the mind."

The new Musketeer shook his head as if he wanted to shake his love for Constance out of his head. "She is married and can I ask her to disgrace herself? What kind of honorable man would I be?"

The marksman felt a stab in his heart. Both Isabelle and Anne seemed to have made their peace with Isabelle becoming a nun while Anne, a Queen, was fulfilling her duty to provide an heir to the throne. "A better man than I."

"No, I am dealing with a husband that recognizes the jewel that Constance is. I cannot fault him in a way. As much as I detest him." d'Artagnan sighed in frustration.

Aramis did not see that with the king and queen. It had been an arranged marriage to unite Austria and France. "She is his queen."

d'Artagnan nodded and Aramis felt a darkness weigh on him.

TBC