Chapter 1

The trip back to Paris was long and rough. Porthos pushed hard going for longer periods than was probably best. He pushed his horse as much as he dared. But the prospect of returning home was overwhelming him.

It had been nearly eighteen months since he had seen Elodie and Marie. Their little girl was nearly two now and he had missed so much. He and Elodie had only had a couple of days together before their wedding and then he was off to return to the front.

He could just make out the entrance to the garrison. He had slowed down as he entered into a crowd of people milling about in the open market place.

Porthos knew he should go to the palace, but he decided it could wait. He wasn't sure how busy Aramis and the queen would be. He wanted very much to see Aramis as well. And they had a lot of time to make for; the months before Porthos had returned to the front had been fraught with tension and strain. Although they had been getting back on the right path, it would be good to see each other again and maybe say some things they had not said and probably should say.

The entrance to the garrison came clearly before him and he felt his heart speed up as he entered the arch.

It was rather quiet; only a few Musketeers milling about. The place had changed from the disaster he had left it. The stairs leading to the Captain's office were rebuilt as were the exterior walls repaired. It looked surprisingly fresh and new.

"General!" Brujon appeared.

Porthos had insisted the young Musketeer return home earlier with several other Musketeers. Porthos stayed behind with other officers to deal with whatever was left with the end of the war.

"Brujon," Porthos acknowledged letting his feet hit the ground as he dismounted. The young man was coming along quite well and Porthos was rather proud of him. He knew d'Artagnan and Constance would be too.

"Is Captain d'Artagnan around?" Porthos asked.

"He's in his office," Brujon said as he took the reins of Porthos' horse.

"He's not in an important meeting?" Porthos asked not wanting to interrupt d'Artagnan.

"No Sir," Brujon said. "I am sure the captain will be happy to see you."

Porthos nodded. He was looking forward to seeing d'Artagnan. The young captain was as good as his word and only sent the best of the best to the front.

As he ascended the stairs he wondered about Athos. He had received a letter from the former captain saying he and Sylvie had returned to Paris eight months ago with their son Raoul. He looked forward to seeing them as well and meeting his nephew.

He came to the door and knocked. He waited and heard d'Artagnan's voice permitting entrance. He opened the door and entered the room. Scanning the room he found another occupant and Porthos grinned letting out his deep rumbling laugh.

"Porthos," d'Artagnan had to get out of his chair with a little care as he was holding a little girl with blond hair in his arms.

"Oh my God," Porthos' eyes widened as he realized who d'Artagnan was holding. His arms widened and he took in d'Artagnan and his little girl.

"Marie," d'Artagnan spoke softly to the little girl. "This is your papa."

"Ma petit," Porthos took the girl into his arms. He had a moment of concern she would be upset thinking him a stranger. But he could feel her relaxing into his arms.

"Papa," she said.

Tears pricked Porthos' eyes. He sniffed trying to get control of himself. "Where's Elodie?"

"She's with our wives," Athos smiled broadly as he stepped over to them holding his on little bundle in his arms.

"Athos," Porthos smiled anew hugging the other man with one arm while the other was occupied holding Marie. "Who do we have here?"

Athos adjusted the baby in his arms. "Raoul, this is your uncle Porthos, the wisest man I know."

"Athos," Porthos felt his face warm embarrassed. He reached out placing his hand atop the boy's head sliding his fingers through the dark curls. "How old is he now?"

"Eight months," Athos said.

Raoul babbled in his father's arms looking around and stopping at Porthos for a moment looking curiously and then presumed his scanning of the environment.

"Ra," Marie said pointing to Raoul causing the men to laugh.

TM

Elodie entered the garrison with Sylvie and Constance. They had been to see some of the former refugees. Things had improved for them somewhat. Rochelle had taken up the cause of teaching anyone who asked to read and write.

Sylvie would check in regularly to see what if anything she could do. With Constance's friendship with the queen and Athos' skills in diplomacy there was an improved line of communication between the queen regent and her people.

Elodie sighed thinking of her husband. She only thought of him several times a day. The war was over and many men had returned. She had been praying for his swift return. She wasn't lying when she said she was ok with him returning to the front, but it still didn't make it easy. They barely had any time together before he had to leave. And they really hadn't known each other all that long. Although she felt as if they had known each other far longer.

The door to the captain's office opened, but Elodie was sitting down with her back to the door and didn't see who was exiting the room.

"Elodie!" Constance and Sylvie nearly shouted at once.

"What?" She stood up quickly looking around. "What's wrong?"

The smile on Constance's face assured Elodie there was nothing wrong before her arm was grabbed and she was swung around to face the stairs by Constance and Sylvie.

"Porthos?" It took Elodie a moment before she felt propelled forward by gentle hands and then she was off as quickly as her skirts would allow and up the stairs.

Porthos had handed Marie over to d'Artagnan again before he headed down the stairs and the couple met each other on the first landing of the stairs.

Elodie felt herself being grabbed around the waist and lifted. Her arms came up wrapping them around Porthos' broad shoulders. And they kissed with passion and a sort of determination.

"My God, I missed you," Porthos said when their lips separated. He still held her up in his arms.

"Thank God," Elodie continued to hold on with equal fervor. "You're safe."

Finally Porthos set her down, but still kept his arms wrapped around her.

TM

He didn't want to leave Elodie and Marie-Cessette even for a minute now that he was back, but he knew he should report to the Palace.

"You haven't seen Aramis yet," Elodie had said. "Go and come back as soon as you can."

Porthos leaned down and kissed his wife before heading towards the Palace.

Porthos came to Aramis' office and raised his hand knocking. He heard the muffled sound of permission to enter. He swung the door opened taking a quick look to see if Aramis was alone. He was and Porthos breathed a sigh of relief. He hoped for a minute with Aramis before the Queen joined them.

"Porthos!" Aramis met him halfway pulling him into a hug. "How are you?" Aramis finally took a step back looking him over.

"Fine," Porthos said. "How's being First Minister?"

"Boring," Aramis huffed.

Porthos let out a deep chuckle. For all Aramis' complaints - and it happened a lot when he had written Porthos – he knew his friend was doing a good job.

"It has its benefits," Aramis acknowledged and Porthos out right laughed. "But never mind me, tell me everything. Have you been to the garrison yet?"

"I have and I saw Elodie and Marie as well as Athos and d'Artagnanl. Also Sylvie and Constance."

"Did you see Raoul?" Aramis asked.

"I did. He's a beautiful little boy."

"And Marie-Cessette is a beautiful little girl," Aramis said and Porthos beamed.

A knock interrupted them. Aramis got up and opened the door. "Your Majesty," he bowed his head slightly and stepped back letting her in.

Porthos had stood and bowed. "Your Majesty."

"General, it is so good to see you," she smiled brightly. "I do not wish to keep you, but I would like some news."

"Of course Your Majesty."

TBC