When Aramis opened his eyes, he found himself staring at a stone ceiling. To his left was a small table with a pitcher and basin, and to his right was a fireplace. Seated in a chair by the fireplace was a young woman who was deeply focused on her sewing.
"Where am I?" When Aramis spoke, his voice was so incredibly hoarse that he did not even recognize it.
The woman jumped slightly and looked up from her sewing. She was dressed plainly, but she was beautiful from Aramis' point-of-view.
The woman smiled and stood to her feet. "I'm glad you are awake. We've all been deeply concerned."
"We?" Aramis repeated.
"Yes. The sisters and my self have been looking over you since you came to the abbey. You've been very ill, sir."
"I don't remember what happened. I was meant to meet my friends in Normandy, when it began to rain. I still continued to travel, but I felt weak and then I..."
Aramis began to cough violently, causing a severe burning sensation in his chest and throat. His caretaker, however, acted quickly and poured him a goblet filled with water.
"Drink this." The woman held the goblet to Aramis' lips and lifted his head so that he was able to take a few small sips of water. "A doctor examined you. He was uncertain of what you had become ill with, but told us that you would recover in a month's time."
Aramis nearly choked on his water and had to take a moment before regaining his composure. "A month? With due respect, sister-"
"Oh, you're mistaken. I'm not a nun. I was simply raised in the abbey." The woman explained.
"What is your name, my lady?" Aramis asked.
"It's Clemence. Unfortunately, I've no parents and so I've no last name."
Aramis sighed. "Clemence, I have an important job. One that I cannot ignore for the purpose of my own health."
"You're a Musketeer." Clemence said simply.
Aramis felt his eyes widened. "How did you know?"
Clemence giggled. "The ring you're wearing. It has the crest of a Musketeer."
"Then you understand that I cannot stay here. I'm needed in Toulon ."
"Toulon? It takes half a day to reach Toulon from Normandy. You cannot make the trip in your health."
Aramis struggled to sit up, finding his body was weaker than he thought. Clemence took hold of his arm and helped him sit up against the pillows.
"Monsieur, I cannot force you to stay for a month. Still, I ask you, to at least remain at the abbey for three weeks at least, until you've regained your strength?"
Aramis sighed and nodded in agreement. "Three weeks. Not a day more."