Chapter 3 I apologize for the brief narration, I felt it necessary to relate those pieces of my life quickly so that you may get a sense of my upbringing and who I was before my heart was ensnared by the three brave men mention above and my beloved count who comes later in my tale.

Needless to say I had gone from warrior to country girl in a matter of days. Monsieur Athos was kind enough to allow me into his home but I would never allow such a good deed without payment of my own. I became a serving wench to him and his son of my own accord. It gave me access to the barn in midday when the chores were done and all else lazed around the estate

It was in these small hours I would fall to my knees before an unlit candle placing my palm above the wick and try to conjure up magic as well as hope for a way home. No one from my land had ever self-taught magic before; but I was willing to be the first. I had heard as a child that magic was created by two emotions, true love or true anger. I had neither! I loved my half-sister Snow even before I knew of our relation and my aunt Johanna and our people; but that was not the kind of love that magic required. I tried anger as well I tried to think of every memory that hurt mr during my life, I even tried to conjure my anger towards the queen who sent me away but I couldn't. For, in my soul I could not bring myself to truly be angry about being sent here to Paris. Everyone was so kind, so... Peaceful. There was no wars, no wondering who will turn against me or where my next meal would come from. No measure of how fair and sweet others are to me. No war, no attachments.;

Raoul the 16 year old son of Monsieur Athos befriended me as if had also been there the entirety of his life; as well as Porthos and Aramis our suppers were spent before a roaring fire and a bottle of port laughing gaily as our mysterious host Monsieur Athos watched in silence. The oak table glistened from the candles on the table; cascading shadows of the delicious meal placed there by the other servants and myself; the bottle of spirits passed from Porthos to Aramis as if it was a hot potato. I drank some too; not much though.

"So, you said you had sister?" inquired Raoul with dark eyebrow raised.

"Half-sister." I corrected. "Her name is Snow." "Snow?"

Contemplated Aramis. "Your mother or father must have been in favor of things that reminded them of the seasons you were born." "Exactly so." I nodded before taking another bite of food. "Father named us."

"Is Snow easy?" Porthos asked before getting elbowed by Aramis. "I mean, is she pretty?"

"The fairest of them all, according to our people." I laughed.

"Your people, Gabrielle?" Asked Monsieur Athos from his place leaning against the hearth.

My eyes widened I forgot I was undercover, not part royalty. I shook my head. "I-I mean the people in our village…in Calais… where I was born….Calais." .

"Calais France?" Athos questioned. "No-no Calais in the Americas."

Stupid! Stupid Gabrielle! I thought; there was no Calais in America! I had no idea what I was saying ; I had only heard these words in passing. For all I knew I could be saying I lived in a certain type of cheese in a boot.

"I was on my way from there to make a new start in France." Athos nodded. "Then we are blessed to have spring while Calais…. in America has Snow. I drink to your arrival Rose Red." "And your beauty." Added Aramis snickering at his friend, who turned away drinking his wine.

Porthos interrupted. "But in all seriousness does your sister have a lover?" Aramis groaned and I giggled. "Not a lover; but her one true love." Our host turned back around in interest as I told the tale of how my sister and her prince charming met and how they always found a way to be together; leaving out details like royalty and magic, narrowing it down to a poor girl stealing from a rich engaged "Duke" and them falling in love; receiving mixed reactions.

"it seems a little farfetched.." Said Raoul.

"Of course it is boy! She made it up!" laughed Porthos. "No man would give up wealth for a woman."

"No not that part. The love at first sight bit…" "That's exactly what I told Snow….you need to get to know someone's heart first" I added. "Love at first sight is impossible; infatuation yes. But true love."

"the only true love I know of love of life." said Porthos At this I shook my head. "No, true love between two people is real. True love is committing to your soul mate and-"

Then an unexpected voice chimed in, calm and low. ". True love is committing to your soul mate endlessly; there is no and. You both agree that hell, fire sleet and snow will not stop you from being together, not even time. As for love at first sight sometimes all it takes is a glance." I was stunned by the ardor in his voice but said nothing.

"It's late mademoiselle." Athos spoke handing me a warm glass of milk. "and a lady needs her rest, no?" At that moment I stood and curtsied for I was tired.

"I thank you for your hospitality Monsieur Athos, tomorrow I will begin searching for lodgings of my own. I do not wish to put you out and overstay my welcome."

"with what currency?" he asked.

"well..."

"Nonsense, you have already started working here for room and board; therefore any other place would be moot, less you wish me to give you currency on top of your room and board which would be double pay, thus putting me out more than you would be if you stayed." I paused at this; his logic was impeccable. I had no money this was true, but what stuck me was what came next. "This is your home...your needed here." I stopped and took in the words, 'needed' I had never been told I was needed before...

I smiled "well I thank you monsieurs and I bid you goodnight." I then started to my room, only to hear Porthos call after me "Do you want me to tuck you in?" "no!" I laughed "I got it"