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Chapter 2

So much had changed in D'Artagnan's life in such a short time. Just two years ago he'd lived on a farm in Gascony with his Father, fully expecting to end his days there. But in a brutal instant his Father was gone, and shortly after his farm too, and his whole existence changed. Despite the agony of that loss however, he could not help but recognise all that he had gained in that those years as well. Now his home was Paris, and he was a Musketeer - an elite soldier - guarding no less than the King himself. He walked the Highest Palace in the land with familiarity, and he had a new family, brothers who would die to defend him. On top of all that ... he was in love! As he floated back into the garrison, where yesterday Constance had declared that she was his, it was with the ridiculous, dreamy grin that could only be worn by young love!

As he saw Porthos, however, sitting at the table flanked by Aramis and Athos, he was reminded that just two days ago it felt as though all those precious things that made his new life so fulfilling were being ripped away. Constance still refused to pursue things, despite the death of her husband - he had believed she did not want him, and then his family, his brotherhood seemed to be ending. When he, and Athos, and Aramis returned from rescuing the girls Treville had shown them Porthos Pauldron and told them of his leaving. While the others responded loudly, D'Artagnan had been silent. Shocked, as if his world was shifting again. It surprised him somewhat that he should feel Porthos departure so keenly. The man wasn't dead. He hadn't fallen in battle. D'Artagnan knew he himself was probably closest to Athos, but somehow Porthos was the solid ground. The stability of the group. Oh, all three of his brothers brought something different and important to his life, and to their little band. Athos the leader, the man he sought to impress and live up to. Porthos and Aramis the fun loving, mischievous brothers who had a tendency to get him in trouble! But underneath it all, D'Artagnan had come to see Porthos as the rock. Athos had his demons, his past that at times threatened to consume him. Aramis, for all his easy, casual charm, seemed sometimes haunted, as if he kept part of himself away from the others. D'Artagnan had thought this was due to memories of Savoy, but now he suspected there was more was going. But Porthos was steadfast and sure. Open, straightforward, ready with a quick smile, joke or booming laugh. He had a quick temper of course, but it was almost always turned in defence of his brothers, and on the occasion it was directed towards them it was always under control, and easily defused.

As D'Artagnan gazed at the Pauldron he realised how much balance it's owner provided to his friends. Without him there was a real chance Athos and Aramis might tip over the invisible edge they sometimes teetered upon, and where would that leave D'Artagnan? He realised he expected Porthos to be the steady one, an anchor holding the others firm. But now he was gone. D'Artagnan felt a deep chasm, a real fear that all he had built might crumble. He believed in "one for all" but if one was gone did that mean it no longer held?

So, as he entered the garrison and saw the big musketeer, a wave of affection swept over him, he found himself bounding over to Porthos and throwing his arms around him. The larger man seemed surprised at first - not quite expecting an exuberant pup to launch himself at him! But then came the much loved laugh, followed by a bone crushing hug, and as he glanced over Porthos shoulder towards a beaming Aramis, and a smirking Athos, everything in D'Artagnan's world righted itself, and balance returned.

Not sure I quite achieved what I was hoping for with this chapter? Next up is Aramis. I hope to have it up by the weekend. I also expect it to a bit be longer than the first 2 as I expect Aramis has quite a few thoughts and feelings to get out about his bestie leaving!

Thank you for reading. Reviews are greatly appreciated.