I realize that I had mentioned I would write my next fic as an Athos x Milady plot…but I have pushed that forwards slightly so I may focus on this happier, more humorous story-Though it still has Athos as the main character.
I felt we should stay merry in merry times and didn't want to taint that so I hope you can forgive me ;) Here you go, hope you like it!
From the heavens above, millions of twinkling stars shone down on the glowing city of Paris, while its unaware citizens continued in their merry festivities of the holiday season, singing carols hand in hand at open bonfires and drinking away the night as they approached the coming new year with feelings of hope and glee.
For the kings' musketeers this merry evening was also in full swing, if not a little more subdued and controlled out of their respect for their royal majesties of France.
As was expected, King Louis the XIII had arranged a royal celebration for the evening, inviting family, friends and noble guests to join him in merriment and welcoming the new year with a spectacularly awe invoking fireworks display, a magical spectacle that was becoming increasingly popular.
Of course to hold such an event demanded the presence of the kings best, most skilled fighters in all of the land, and who better could he ask for protection than the royal musketeer regiment. And so as it was decreed, the musketeers departed for the royal event.
" Do you think we'll be allowed to eat anything this time, Athos?" Porthos questioned hungrily from atop his mount as they travelled the short distance to the palace grounds, his bushy brows knitting together in concern over the well being of his stomach.
Rolling his eyes in exasperation Athos answered, " I very well doubt that the king would refuse his men at least one beverage on the last evening of the year, Porthos-" he began dryly.
Seeing Porthos preparing to add his gleeful sentiments of satisfaction and plans for the evening, Athos abruptly cut him off, "-however, this does not mean you are allowed to over indulge yourself in wine, brothers, as we must stay alert for any and all threats that may present themselves" he warned.
Taking the pains to twist in his saddle, Athos eyed each of his brothers in turn and locking onto their eyes with a steady gaze, daring them to challenge his wishes. Seeming content with Aramis nod of consent and D'artagnan serious expression, Athos returned to his forward facing position once more, hoping that they would at least consider his orders this time so they would at least feel guilty when something undoubtedly went wrong eventually.
Though where Aramis and D'artagnan had been easy- and wise- to accept their brothers advice, Porthos rose to the challenge, assuming a defensive position and matter-of-factly stated, "Well, that's fine and all, Athos, but I promise you now, I ain't staying sober for all seven hours of our duty tonight. That's just sad- and wasteful!"
Resisting the urge to clap a palm to his face - or better yet, slap Porthos with his leather glove- Athos merely shook his head and sighed quietly, too tired to argue with his brothers lack of foresight, continuing to ride up the gradual grassy embankment to the gates of the palace.
This was going to be a long night.
At the doors, the musketeers were greeted by their Captain who for once, seemed to be happy or at least hopefully for the evening ahead.
"Evening gentlemen" he stated warmly, his face merry as he gestured them inside to where it was warmer, " I trust you had a pleasant ride?" he mocked as he saw the weary expression on Athos' face, patting him on the shoulder as he lead them through the crowd of guests.
Taking it for sincerity, Aramis replied, "Why yes, thank you captain. I noticed that the stars are most beautiful tonight- and I may have even glimpsed a shooting star on our trek here" he added with a smile.
Rolling his eyes, D'artagnan butted in " Are you sure that was a shooting star, brother?" he asked seriously, the question catching Aramis off guard, curiosity written across his face as Athos shot a pleading look back at his young protégé.
'Do not finish that sentence' his eyes seemed to say, but D'artagnans youth left him ignorant of most advice, this moment being no different.
"-Its more likely that you're seeing things -due to your old age, Aramis. Its okay, it happens to the best of us" he finished quickly before rushing off ahead of Treville to escape Aramis.
Highly self conscious of his looks to begin with, Aramis was highly insulted by D'artagnans barb and began to take off after him, muttering something about 'demonstrating how the elderly teach manners' as he raced passed causing Porthos to laugh heartily.
Treville shook his head at the common mischievous nature of his men, he knew without a doubt that this little display of trading insults would only escalate-as it always did- over the evening until something outrageously disastrous happened.
It was a good job he was putting his men on outdoor duty where they could aid with the setting up of the firework show -unbeknownst to them.
Surely, their bickering could do nobody any harm at the far end of the majesties' lawn, in the dark, beneath the dead winter birches- where nobody could see or hear them.
It was perfect Treville thought with a grin, escorting somewhat bewildered and then unhappy musketeers onto the back steps of the palace and instructing them to get to work before walking back into the warmth of the indoors.
Let me know what you think with a review!
Action packed chapter next!