I felt the morning sun on my face as I slowly woke to fingers moving carefully along my left arm. I was about to move until I heard Aramis instruct me "Stay still Naomi. I need to see if you are able to travel to Paris." I stayed perfectly still and let him check the wound and change the bandage.

"So am I clear to go" I asked.

"Yes, you can. You get dressed and we'll make sure we get to have breakfast and then get you safely back to Paris" Aramis told me before leaving the room so D'Artagnan could help me.

It was a bit embarassing when he had to help me put my blouse on which I was grateful I had a spare one. Once I had my blouse on, he helped me get my arm back in the sling and then helped me tie my cloak on. I finished smoothing my skirt with my free right hand. D'Artagnan took the task of helping me lace my boots and once I was ready, I followed him downstairs.

We sat together and quickly the meal that the others had prepared before we made sure we had all our supplies and carefully mounted our horses before continuing our journey to Paris.

During the journey back; we tried not to make too many stops. Yesterday's ambush had definately meant that someone didn't want us to make it to Paris. So far today, all was going according to plan. We did stop once to have some water and so I could put the hood up on my cloak and the others could put their hats on before we continued down the dusy roads.

D'Artagnan's P.O.V

It was well after three in the afternoon when we returned to the garrison. Captain Treville was waiting outside his office as usual while we were putting our horses in the stable. Naomi looked around and asked "Where can I stay?"

"There's a room next to mine" I told her as we helped her gather her things and took them to the unoccupied room next to mine.

"I don't know how I will ever thank you and your friends for bringing me here. I pray though that I will find a way" she answered as we sat everything up for her. Once that was done, we took her up to meet Captain Treville.

Naomi's P.O.V

I followed them up to their Captain's office, he gave me a warm welcoming smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you considering the circumstances. As you can imagine, I was surprised to recieve the letter from your father all these years later. We had been in musketeer training at the same time but he sadly, didn't last. Before he left the garrison, I told him if there was ever anything I could do, please write" he told me.

"I thank you kindly Captain for welcoming me here. I will do anything I can to help around here. I cook and I am sure I could learn to tend to wounds" I offered.

"Which I am sure Aramis could help you with but just before you joined us in here, Athos was telling me that you are quite a skilled shooter" Captain Treville commented.

I blushed looking at my four escorts before replying "Yes, I do know how to shoot and maintain a weapon. Father also taught me how to duel and spar. He wanted to be sure I knew how to stand on my own if anything were to happen to him and I got attacked."

"Once your arm has healed; I would be interested to see your ability to work with weapons and combat if you're up for it" Treville replied.

"I only hope that I won't put your men to shame. I know it's not a lady's place to even know how to handle weaponary or swords" I told them.

"Still, let's show what you are capable of. Maybe there are a few who could take lesson" Porthos chuckled.

I laughed a little but I was really getting tired that I finally had to excuse myself. I cleared my throat and said "If it wouldn't be a bother, I would like to rest. I am weary from this day and a half journey."

"Of course and try not to be too alarmed by all the commotion you hear. The garrison is rarely quiet" Captain Treville told me as he gave me a warning to gaze to the foursome. After that, D'Artagnan led me back down to my room and helped me get settled.

When I was settled in my room; I tried to get my arm in a position to stay comfortable. "Is there anything you need" D'Artagnan asked.

"No, I'm quite alright but thank you kindly" I answered. With that, he left me alone and I finally closed my eyes. Deep inside, I had a horrible feeling of danger and I felt that somehow, everything my father had sent with me and what he had said to me before I left would make more sense.

D'Artagnan's P.O.V

I left Naomi's room to join the others for supper and I saw the others watching me. "What" I asked as I sat down.

"It seems you have eyes for our lovely guest. You have had that starry eyed look about you since laying eyes on her yesterday" Aramis answered.

"Point being that you're in love" Porthos added.

"Well, she is lovely. I could spend my life with someone like her" I admitted, starting to eat.

"Go easy but show her that you're serious" Aramis advised. I nodded quickly and finished my supper before making sure that Naomi would get something to eat as well. Quietly, I took it into her room and sat it on the table before sitting in another chair by the bed to watch over her until she woke up.

It was nightfall before she stirred. I had just built a warm fire in the hearth and warmed the stew over the fire a little. She yawned a little and I heard her ask softly "Is that you D'Artaganan?"

"Yes Naomi, I brought you some supper" I answered as I helped her sit up a little and made sure she was comfortable before I brought over the tray. She thanked me and began eating.

While she was eating; I stayed with her and we just talked. For a moment, I glanced in her eyes; I could tell that we both felt a certain comfort in being together. After she finished; I sat her empty tray on the big table and helped put some healing balm on her wound before changing the dressing so she could lay back down.

"Thank you D'Artagnan" Naomi whispered softly, looking at me with the softest look in her soft green eyes.

"Anything for you my good lady. I hope that you sleep well" I told her and took the empty tray to the cook's area and then retired to my room. Would I be ready for what lay ahead?