AN: I blame the BBC for making the new style Musketeers. They were never this desirable. Ever.
Disclaimer; I don't own any of the characters from The Musketeers. They originally belong to Alexandre Dumas, and since then several film and T.V companies, ending with the latest reincarnation from the BBC.
Warning: Drinking.
Warning: Gambling.
Warning: Mentions of sexual activity.
Chapter One - Introductions.
It is early for the night to begin, but despite the premature hour I wish for us to begin our journey. I am aware this is not the most pleasant of places to be taking you, but believe me when I say there are much worse areas in Paris. Now look in that direction, you can see that there is a single gentleman seated in the darkened corner of this taverne. His wide brimmed hat is pulled low over his eyes, hiding most of his face from sight as he seeks to seemingly drown himself in the cheap red wine he has at some point recently purchased from the barman. If one looks closely into the shadows thrown by said hat it can be seen that the gentleman has dark hair, is bearded and has a scar upon his upper lip. However, the gentleman has chosen this particular taverne for the simple fact its residents would not be peering too closely into those shadows, so be cautious. A leather pauldron is clearly visible despite the poor lighting, showing its fleur-de-lys proudly. It should come as no surprise then that this gentleman is of the King's Musketeers, regardless of the original depraved impression made by his singular disposition. This gentleman is indeed Athos of The Musketeers, but we shall leave him for now as we have disturbed his peace for too long and it is late, we must find his brothers-in-arms.
A town house of polite grandeur is our next stop. Come quickly through the front door. Quietly now, it would not do for anyone to discover us here. They are likely to be asleep by now and I do hope you will not disturb them. It is darker in here, more so than the taverne we just vacated, yet we have enough light to see by. Do be cautious I have no desire of a shot to my person, and since we are in Seventeenth Century Paris you should not either. Where was I? The gentleman on the bed, yes the one in his under trousers carefully holding the scantily dressed lady. A handsome face is it not, almost innocent when at rest, the golden blonde hair had been the downfall of many a lady, hopefully not this one, for when he loves, this gentleman gives his whole heart. His pauldron is likely on the floor, hidden by the mess that is his discarded clothing. I have forgotten the name of the lady and that is atrocious isn't it? The gentleman however is Aramis of The Musketeers. Come now, quietly mind you, for it is nearly dawn and I have yet to introduce you to the final of the three you have shown interest in, do close the bedroom door after you.
It is now very late, or stupidly early depending how you want to view it and soon I must leave you, however I will show you the last of the three you asked after. Now do try not to stare so much this time please. Yes I have brought you to another taverne, this one is slightly less seedy than the previous one though gambling tends to be prevalent here. Oh it must be indeed later than I thought for there is only one couple still at the cards. If you look to the larger of the two gentle…never mind if you look at the gentleman rather than the Red Guard, you will find the last of the three you asked about. He is grave now, for he takes his cards seriously, but I promise you his smile can light the darkest of rooms. I do not know how he got the scar over his left eye, and he does not talk of it. I can see you have noticed his pauldron yourself and the fact he must dwarf his fellow musketeers in sheer size and muscle. This then is Porthos of The Musketeers, and it is here you and I must leave for this is not our world. Come now before dawn breaks and we disturb things that are now but words on a page.
AN:
Translations: (French – English)
Taverne – tavern, inn, bar.
Barman – bartender.
A pauldron typically consists of a single large dome-shaped piece to cover the shoulder (the "cop") with multiple lames attached to it to defend the arm and upper shoulder.
Next the true story starts. How did you like your introductions?
