Evening My Lovelies

Feeling like we're in for a bout of fillery chapters, hope you don't hate me for that!

Notes On Reviews:

Issai: Thanks for the reviews - (Chapter 44) I'm very tempted to have him be a musky but who knows :D (Chapter 45) Figured our boys need a break lol :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

beeblegirl: Thanks for the review - Guilt is continuing to bombard Athos, he'll have to deal with it sooner rather than later me thinks :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

Debbie (Guest): Thanks for the review - Haha well Porthos knows what to do to get Aramis moving. D'Art's condition isn't good but fingers crossed he can get help now... we'll see how my evil side handles this :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

pallysAramisRios: Thanks for the review - Pretty sure they're all ready to drop at this point lol (I'm so mean :)) Enjoy the new chapter! x

As always much love and many thanks for following/favouriting/reviewing/reading

Love you all!

Enjoy!

xxx

Chapter Forty-Six: A Way Home II

"So what happened to you lot anyways?" asked the musketeer guide Ben curiously, although there was a cautiousness in his eyes which would have softened Athos had he noticed it, unfortunately however he was too focused on D'Artagnan to pick up on anything but the curiosity lining their guide's words.

"We were attacked," snapped the swordsman bluntly, once again missing how his tone caused the man leading them to flinch, something which Porthos didn't miss, his expression softening as it took an apologetic look, understanding the man's caution and curiosity.

"We're taking the long way to our destination," he stated gently, "Those who attacked us have problems of their own," he added thinking of Rochefort. "They won't be following us here.

It was at these words that Athos seemed to realize he had snapped at the man for being worried about the safety of his family and village, something he definitely did not deserve after the kindness they were showing to them. Guilt and shame swirled uncomfortably in his gut, though he said nothing as he continued to focus on D'Artagnan, breathing an audible sigh of relief as he spotted the tavern not far from them.

Thankfully it seemed Porthos's brief explanation was enough for Ben who smiled faintly before continuing their journey in silence, breaking it only as they arrived at the tavern.

"There's a barn round back, not much but it'll at least keep your horses out of the weather," he offered as he glanced up at the sky, which had been steadily darkening since the brightness of that morning. Athos tried not to take it as an omen and simply nodded his gratitude to their guide as he urged his horse towards the small barn.

"I'll speak to Jean," stated Ben as he took a step towards the tavern, "He runs the place, with luck his boys will be around and can help you all get settled."

Aramis nodded gratefully, doing all he could to ignore the inferno of pain engulfing him, waiting until the man had left their company before turning to his brother. "Athos," he stressed a slight scolding tone in his voice.

"I know."

"His concern regarding our presence is warranted and definitely did not deserve the tone you took with him!"

"I KNOW!" snapped Athos as he twisted in the saddle, allowing Aramis to see the guilt burning in his brother's eyes, the sight of which softened the medic significantly. He wanted to say more to comfort or reassure his brother, knowing it wasn't just the guilt from how he had spoken to their new acquaintance that was eating at him but it was incredibly hard to focus on anything right then.

Instead, the group focused on settling their horses in the small space and tending to their injured the best they could as they waited for Ben to return.

Thankfully it didn't take him long to do just that as he arrived a few minutes later with an older, gruff-looking man behind him, who the party could only assume was the tavern's proprietor Jean.

"You have our gratitude for this," offered Athos diplomatically after introductions were made, though he couldn't help but shift into a slightly defensive stance when he noticed the way Jean was watching D'Artagnan who was still unconscious in his arms.

While crossing his arms over his chest Jean once again scanned the unconscious musketeer's form. "What's wrong with 'im?" he asked suspiciously and his tone made the rest of the travelling party fear he may turn them away after all. "I won't 'ave my paying customers catching whatever he's got."

Bristling in anger Athos subconsciously tightened his hold on the sick boy in his arms. "We are paying," he growled out through gritted teeth, though it was Aramis who took charge to smooth over the situation.

"He's not contagious," reassured the marksman from where he was leaning heavily against Porthos's side, the larger musketeer being the main reason he was even standing right then. When Jean looked at him doubtfully the marksman was quick to continue, "Pneumonia," he offered relaxing slightly when he saw Jean do the same, a flicker of sympathy passing in the gruff man's eyes.

"This way."

"Captain," spoke a voice, pulling Treville out of the thoughts that had been slowly darkening his tired mind. Dawn had long since broke and the musketeer Captain had not slept a wink, something his body was definitely feeling no matter how much he might be ignoring it. Logically he knew both the red guard and Rochefort were no threat to his men but after all his regiment had suffered recently he couldn't listen to logic and allow himself to rest when the pair were so close to his men.

The call of his name, however, had completely grabbed his attention as it belonged to Gaspard, who hadn't left Etienne's side since the man sustained his injury the night before. The physician wasn't one to talk while working unless it was an order, so the group had little idea of their friend's condition.

"How is he?" asked Treville, trying his best to not sound like he was either demanding or begging for answers, despite the fact that was exactly what he was doing. Thankfully though Gaspard wasn't cruel enough to keep him waiting.

"The boy's got a fighter's spirit," breathed the physician, exhaustion clear in his voice. "That he even survived the initial wound is impressive in itself."

Unable to stop himself Treville let out a relieved breath, "He lives then?" he asked, needing the verbal confirmation before he could truly accept what he was being told.

It was at this that Gaspard looked uncomfortable, "For now, yes."

Ice flooded Treville's veins. He could hear the noise of the camp stop at Gaspard's words and knew the rest of his men had been and were listening in. Not that he cared for any of that as he was entirely focused on Gaspard.

"For now?" he parroted weakly, his eyes drifting briefly to Etienne who laid unconscious on the ground not far from them, surrounded by those he was closest to in the regiment.

With a sad sigh, Gaspard looked over his shoulder at his patient before turning back to Treville. "He suffered a grievous wound Treville," he stated, keeping his voice emotionless as he focused on explaining the situation at hand. "As I said I'm amazed he survived the wound being inflicted let alone this long. The fact he continues to fight is a promising sign and I will not give up on him while he continues to do so… but… well, it might be for the best to prepare yourself, his condition is dire."