In the middle of the night, Aramis became restless. Exhausted, Porthos and Angelique had both finally fallen asleep, despite their best intentions. Athos, nodding off and one, was still more or less awake when he noticed Aramis' movements. Concerned that his brother might be having the nightmares again, he reached a hand out and began threading his fingers through Aramis' hair to calm him down.

Aramis was definitely disturbed by something, but Athos noticed that there was no fear or pain involved, like before. What was his poor, beleagured brother experiencing now?

He didn't have long to wait. Aramis mumbled something in his sleep, then said more clearly, "The tattoo. She has the tattoo!" emphasizing the last word.

A short silence ensued, then he was speaking softly again. "I'm the only one who can protect her now. It's my responsibility. The blood..."

Athos waited, but Aramis seemed to have finally succumbed to a deeper sleep, as his body stilled and was once more at peace. Athos continued to run his hand over his brother's hair, wondering what his brother's words could have meant. He needed to talk with Aramis, but not when he was so weak yet from the trauma his body had been through. Perhaps when they finally got home to the garrison, and his brother had finally had a few nights sleep in the comfort of his own bed, he could bring the matter up. Whatever he had been dreaming, it was definitely troubling him. His restlessness had spoken as loudly as his words.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Next morning, They took longer over their breakfast than they usually did when on a mission, mainly to give Aramis a little more time. He ate all of the porridge Porthos gave him, as well as a little bread and some water, and seemed more alert than he had been for some time, which was encouraging to all his brothers.

Athos and Treville decided to check Aramis' injuries before leaving. They were further encouraged when no signs of infection were present anywhere. He was still very weak, and prone to sleep most of the day, but that in itself was a good thing, as sleep was a very healing process.

When the time came to leave Athos and Porthos assisted Aramis to his feet,where he swayed on his feet. Porthos mounted, and Athos and d'Artagnan gently lifted Aramis up into Porthos' secure arms, where he snuggled down against his brother's massive chest for the long journey. He had absolute trust in each of his brothers, and was asleep before they had gone more than a few hundred yards. Porthos, looking down at the curly locks against his own chest, just smiled.

Treville didn't really expect any more trouble now, but still had two of his men ride a short distance ahead, and two stayed behind the group, all keeping a close eye out for any possible trouble. There were always the occasional bands of bandits, so the precaution was a good one. No trouble presented itself, for which they were all thankful.

After one more night on the road, they finally re-entered Paris around midday. The gates of the garrison loomed ahead, a sight for all their sore eyes. Dismounting, Athos and d'Artagnan reached up for Aramis, who was slowly coming awake. As they lifted him down, his brain awakening from the grogginess of sleep, he looked around.

Athos, noticing him looking, said, "Yes, brother, we are finally home. We will have you in your own bed in a few minutes."

Aramis, smiling, said, "Thank you for you all have done for me," his last words interrupted by a huge yawn he couldn't quite stop. His brothers just smiled.

He was lifted up into Porthos' warm arms a moment later, and in no time at all, was snug in his bed, blankets pulled up to his chin and already fast asleep.

Treville had sent d'Artagnan to the palace to find Constance, who would know where to find Dr. Lemay. Since none of them were doctors, he wanted Lemay to check Aramis over,and make sure he was completely on the mend. He also thought Constance and d'Artagnan could take in Angelique for the time being, as staying in a garrison full of men was not an option and not having anywhere else safe that she could go.

She had entered Paris wide-eyed, having never been anywhere a big city. As they headed down the streets towards the garrison, her eyes took in everything, and her fascination was written on her face. Treville figured Constance could show her around,at the same time watching out for her. The woman loved to mother everyone, even though she probably would have vigorously denied it, he thought, smiling to himself.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Dr. Lemay and Constance arrived an hour later, and were shocked to see the injuries Aramis had suffered. He and Aramis had had many discussions concerning medicine and treatment, so he felt he knew the Musketeer fairly well. He turned to Athos, asking, "What in the world happened to him?" concern etched on his face.

Athos said, "It began with being attacked by men we believe were posing as bandits. Aramis was shot, and disappeared. We discovered that he had fallen in the river, which carried him a good distance. When he finally left it, he traveled as best as he was able through the creek beds in the forest, afraid that the bandits might have attempted to follow him, as he was carrying important documents to be delivered to the King.

A young woman took him in, but discovered that her father intended to turn Aramis in, so they fled into the forest. We caught up with them, but something had happened to break open the wound on his chest. We took care of him, and were heading back, when he was kidnapped and left to die in the forest by a madman. He was attacked by a wolf, which bit his foot," indicating the bandaged foot. He had some terrible nightmares from it, but we believe he may be over them finally."

Lemay just stared as he heard this horror story. His life was so uneventful compared to what he was hearing. He didn't think he could ever live the life of violence that he continually found these brave men experiencing. He was thankful he could be a catalyst for healing them on those occasions, as he was able to do now.

Constance had been horrified by Aramis' condition. Anne had asked her to come with Dr. Lemay, which had already been planning to do. Her eyes filled with tears at Aramis' plight, she silently wondered how she was going to tell the Queen about his condition, and also how she was going to keep Anne from flying to his side, which could endanger both of them if anyone found out.

De. Lemay had a gentle bedside manner, but even as delicately as he worked, he knew he was causing Aramis pain, especially when he worked on the bitten foot. He did see that there was no infection, which was always the greatest danger when someone was bitten by an animal, especially the danger of rabies. The foot still looked red and painful, and was still a little swollen, but he felt that it would heal, just that it would take some time.

He knew these Musketeers, though, and none of them liked to be bed-ridden. From what they had told him about their recent experience, Aramis had been on his back for some time, mostly unconscious or asleep. When he was more awake, he would be protesting the inactivity, but sleep and less movement were needed for healing, and he would make sure Athos and Treville kept it enforced, no matter how much protest they experienced from their brother about how he was 'just fine'. He also knew about Aramis always trying to give the impression that he was doing well-sometimes when he had a bullet in him somewhere, he thought with an exasperated smile.

Lemay gave his instructions to Athos and also some meds for pain and help with sleeping. He said he would return in the morning, then left.

Constance and d'Artagnan left a little later with Angelique, who protested at having to leave Aramis. But they convinced her that a young, unmarried woman's reputation would be shot if she stayed at a garrision full of men. That almost didn't fully convince her, not knowing enough about society's ways, but when Constance further told her the garrison's reputation would be damaged, as well, for letting her stay,she reluctantly agreed to go with them.

Leaning down over the bed, she tenderly kissed Aramis on the forehead, her hand caressing his cheek, before she left. Constance's eyebrows rose at this, having not been told yet how Angelique felt about Aramis.

When they had left, Treville returned to his office, Athos settled down in a chair by the bedside,while Porthos went to see about getting everyone a meal. When Serge saw him coming, he immediately wanted to know how Aramis was. Porthos filled him in, and Serge hurried to get some food for them all. He knew how much Aramis loved his broth, and the fruit tarts he occasionally made. He had a couple left, and put them on the tray with the broth for Aramis, with instructions to Porthos that the tarts were only for Aramis. Porthos with a small grin. Serge knew his Musketeers well, didn't he?

The smell of food wafted in the air when d'Artagnan came through the door, and caused a sleepy-eyed Aramis to mumble, "Hungry."

The other three looked at each other with pleased expressions, happy that their brother was starting to get his appetite back, a very good sign. He let out a little sigh of happiness after finishing both the broth and one of the tarts, his eyes once again drooping.

"You ate real well, Aramis," Porthos said. "It is really good to see you hungry again. You are finally starting to get better. You had us real worried, mon amie.

Aramis, trying to fight off sleep, murmured, "You and me both, P'thos. For a while there...I didn't think I ...would make it," his voice getting softer as he finally fell asleep.

That startled all of them, tears filling their eyes as they looked up at each other. Aramis generally downplayed his own health, and for him to have said what he just had made them realize all the more just how close they had come to losing their brother. It also made them incredibly grateful for the beginning of his return to health. None of them could imagine a world without him at their sides.

The next morning, Aramis ate very well again, and then stayed awake for part of the morning. Dr. Lemay came by again, and was very pleased with his progress.

Aramis, being Aramis and still drowsy, still asked how long he needed to be in bed. Dr. Lemay became stern and strict, saying he would be restricted to bed until further notice, not giving him any time frame, as yet. The others echoed the doctor's words, telling Aramis not to push things. Porthos even told him, "If you try to get out of that bed today, I'm gonna eat that other fruit tart we been saving for your dinner tonight."

Trying to hide the grins threatening to split their faces, Athos and d'Artagnan watched as Aramis feigned shock and hurt at Porthos' words. Yes, their brother was really starting to exhibit some of his normal self again. Inwardly, they rejoiced again at the progress they were seeing.