Ch.1-Late night chat

She sat there, D'Artagnan and the rest of the group slept peacefully. She rose from her seat, tired. She looked over and saw Athos. He was leaning against the window, looking out at the stars. It had been a long and exciting day. They were going to head to Switzerland. Originally, it was to get a well-deserved break from being Musketeers. Now it was to go back to visit a dear love of hers-Francois.

It had been at least four years since she had last visited his grave. She found it easy to sit there for hours on end and to just talk to his grave. Now, however it was becoming more and more difficult. Maybe because she was having her friends come with her. She knew also that once she got to his grave she would tell them the whole story, about her being a woman.

She shut her eyes tightly, trying not to think about his death, but all the good memories. She let out a ragged breath, which caused Athos to look at her.

"Aramis, are you all right?''

"Yes, just thinking about someone.'' Athos walked over.

"Are you sure?'' He said after noticing tears coming on.

"I'm fine. I-I just need to rest.'' She ran out, just as tears came pouring down her cheeks. She closed the door to her room, her vision blurred from the tears, streaming down her face. She walked over and fell asleep on the bed, wanting to find some peace and rest until tomorrow. Her head ached and her body felt as if it were being stabbed with knives, still all she wanted was sleep.

She woke up and found herself lying in bed with Francois.

"Francois, is-is it really you?''

"Qui, mon Amor. See?'' He said stroking her cheek. She smiled. She embraced him, not wanting to let go.

"I've missed you so.''

"I've missed you too.'' She kissed his lips. It continued, hungrily. She got up and soon found herself in the dining room. She looked around sensing an foreboding presence. She turns to find Francois fighting.

"Renee, get out of here!''

"No.'' She starts to fight just as she hears a small cry. Her eyes widen as she sees Francois fall.

"Francois!'' she screamed.

"Don't leave me!'' She starts to run to him, but finds she is being held back.

"Aramis!'' She turned to find out who was holding her back. Athos!

"It won't do you any good!''

"Francois! Francois! Don't leave me!''

"Aramis! Aramis!''

"No!'' she screamed. She bolted up finding Athos holding her down by the shoulders.

He looked upset, but then relaxed.

"Good, you're awake.'' She looked at him for a second, but them looked away. Athos looked like Francois, maybe that was why she had always liked him. No, she liked him because he was completive, swift, wise, charming.

"Aramis, you're shaking.''

"I'm sorry. I guess I need to be alone.'' she said snuggling under the covers after taking her boots off.

"See you in the morning.'' Athos left closing the door.

He leaned against the door, his mind puzzled. Who was Francois? Why did Aramis look at him a second ago as if he were someone he knew? He knew he wasn't go to get any answers, at least not tonight. Still he felt upset by his comrades' sudden nightmare episode. He turned around and opened the door. He quietly walked in to find Aramis asleep, curled up in a ball, her hat still on her head. He smiled seeing his comrade in a peaceful sleep. Something about the way she looked puzzled was filled with a sense of protection for his comrade.

"Hopefully you'll sleep better. I don't know what's the matter, but if you ever need me don't hesitate.'' He said softly.

"I won't.'' Athos looked to find Aramis wide awake.

"Did I wake you?''

"No.'' Aramis said sitting up. Athos stared calmly, even though his brain was every bit surprised. Aramis in the moonlight looked like he had a mysterious glow to him. He snapped out of those thoughts coming back to reality.

"Can I ask you something?''

"Be my guest.''

"Who is Francois?''

"A dear old friend of mine. He and I used to go riding together.''

"Oh. And the dream was about -'' Athos stopped himself.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't be asking all these questions.''

"Athos, did you find someone at some point?'' Aramis said changing the subject.

"Yes. It didn't work out though. I was young. I wanted an adventurous life, she wanted children and a full-time husband. I couldn't and wouldn't do it.''

"Now do you still keep that promise?''

"I don't know I never found the right woman.'' Aramis hugged him.

"Cheer up. You'll find somebody.'' He smiled back.

"Thank you. Well get some sleep. We'll be traveling in the morning.'' Athos started to leave. "Athos-'' he turned, a bit surprised.

"Nothing. Goodnight.''

"Good night, Aramis.'' He closed the door and walked off to his room, eager to enter his portal to his past. She sat in bed, wanting so badly to tell him how she felt. She sighed. No not now not ever.

"Go to sleep, Aramis. Go to sleep. Things will be better tomorrow.'' With that much she fell asleep to the sound of the wind, into a peaceful slumber. She woke up to Athos shaking her awake.

"I'm up. Athos.''

"Good come on. If we want to make it to Switzerland before tomorrow morning, we need to get a head start.''

"All right.'' She got up. Athos smiled to himself as Aramis descended the stair to where his comrades were eating. After breakfast, they all mounted their horses and set off, not knowing that this wasn't going to be a smooth trip.

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