Author's note and shouts out…

Hi everyone! Sorry it took so long to get going on this but – as you all requested – I'm going to extend the tenure of Aramis and Natalie's tale for just a little longer. I hope you enjoy it. This whole fic has been one of my favorites to write. So, Angoliel, Sweet A.K, Utsuri, Evenstar Elanor, Angelofdeadlydarkness0010, Mercury Gray, and my other reviewers… many thanks for the encouragement, constructive feedback and dedication to my story. I really do appreciate all of you…

Chapter 27: An Unexpected Visitor

Porthos, Athos, and Aramis walked down the wide boulevard that led to the main stairs of Versailles. D'Artagnan had asked them to come to his office, hinting only that he had a surprise for them. They chatted amiably amongst themselves, enjoying the respite in duties. Aramis' and Natalie's wedding was a week away, and the King had dismissed them all saying that – unless there were some sort of catastrophe – he would not need his royal council for at least a fortnight.

They began to climb the stairs and Porthos saw a man waiting for them at the top. He gave Athos a subtle nudge. The three Musketeers slowed their steps momentarily.

"Who is that?" asked Porthos.

"The new Duc D'Avignon," said Aramis softly, and as he spoke he felt Athos stiffen next to him. For Athos, the D'Avignon name still carried an ugly sting.

"The new one?" said Athos sharply.

"Yes, the old Duc finally succumbed to his wanton lifestyle. Christien is the new Duc for what it is worth; his father left him with little more than debt and a name," said Aramis. "I heard of his death several weeks ago. The Duc had few friends so was not widely mourned."

They continued to walk and when they reached the top, Christien offered a respectful bow even though his rank of Duc meant that they really should bow to him. All three men returned the courtesy.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen. I am Christien D'Avignon."

"The new Duc D'Avignon," said Aramis. "I am sorry for the loss of your father."

"Thank you. I was wondering if I might have a few moments to speak to you? And to Monsieur Athos as well."

"Of course," said Aramis. Athos nodded his assent.

"I will tell D'Artagnan that you will be along shortly," said Porthos, gracefully excusing himself from the conversation. Christien watched him walk away and then took a very deep breath.

"I would like to ask for your forgiveness," he said to both men.

"Forgiveness?" said Athos.

"On behalf of my brother, Luc. I have heard the tale of how my brother behaved, and how he manipulated his courtship of Mademoiselle Natalie to gain his own ends. I am ashamed of his conduct."

"You are not your brother," said Athos.

"But I am the Duc, and what the D'Avignon family doesn't just reflect on the family name. It reflects on me." A dark and troubled shadow passed over Christien's face. "He tried so often to win our father's respect, but when he wasn't gambling he was drinking, and Guy D'Avignon had a vicious tongue when it was emboldened by liquor." Memories of his father hurling epithets and curses at all of his children were still vivid for Christien.

"I had dealings with your father. He could be a difficult man," said Athos carefully.

Aramis was surprised by his friend's tact. He had never met Christien's father, Guy, but he watched Christien as he talked about the man. There was clearly pain in the younger man's heart.

"Where my father should have encouraged Luc, he berated him until Luc's only desire was to achieve success and power and then flaunt it before our father. He didn't care how that success was obtained. And that is where I failed Luc as well. I was his brother… I knew our father's failings, and I should have acted like a father to Luc. But I didn't. If I had not failed him, perhaps he would not be dead now." Christien looked up and Aramis noticed the family resemblance between Luc and Christien. They had the same jaw, the same smile. Christien's eyes were fuller, more thoughtful than Luc's had been, and now they were filled with regrets and remorse.

"None of us are perfect human beings," said Aramis. "You must be able to forgive yourself, Christien." He was keenly aware of how long it had taken him to forgive himself. "You need to remember that Luc made his own choices. He knew some of his choices were wrong, yet he made them anyway."

"I pray for my brother," said Christien.

"As do I," said Aramis.

Christien blinked in surprise. After everything Luc had done, Aramis prayed for him? Athos, however, was not startled at all by his friend's admission. Athos understood Aramis' capacity to pray for anyone who had sinned - even those who had sinned against him.

Christien looked at Aramis thoughtfully. "I thank you for that." Then, as he turned his attention back to Athos, he said, "What can I do to make up for the offences my brother leveled against you, and against your daughter, Athos?"

"There is no need for you to redeem him," said Athos. "Luc made his choices and the consequences of them are on his head alone, not on yours. We have all made mistakes in our lives…" He thought momentarily about his rage against Aramis. "… Our own mistakes are a heavy enough burden to carry. Do not add the sins of others to that weight. We each must carry our own."

Christien nodded. "I will leave you then, but please know that if either of you are ever in need… The D'Avignon name has suffered as of late, and in my life I would see it cleansed of the tarnish left by debt and deceit. If ever my presence – in peace or in war – can assist you, call and know that I will answer. And Aramis… I wish you and Mademoiselle Natalie a happy and long marriage together." He offered both men a deep, respectful bow and walked down the stairs.

Aramis and Athos watched him go for a moment and then started to walk towards D'Artagnan's office. Stopping, Athos looked back and watched Christien, Duc D'Avignon, walk purposefully across the green expanse of lawn.

"His father may have left him little more than a name mired in debt, but that young man understands honor. He will leave his own son a far greater legacy than was left to him," said Athos.

Well, here we are. I've got a little bit of stuff lined up for the wedding, etc. So I hope you all enjoy. I may not be able to post anything else until October… this coming week I have an overnight trip to Chicago for work and then the week after that I'm in Tucson for a week-long seminar… But I will try to post as soon as I can. Please let me know what you think of this chapter (even if it is a transitional one). Looking forward to your reviews!