Evening My Lovelies

How are we? Are we all good?

I did so love the outrage yesterday's chapter caused with regards to Treville...Oooh it please my evil mind greatly :D I was very tempted to focus on D'Art this chapter and leave you all hanging about Treville but I was in a nice(?) mood today so you'll be able to see how he's doing today.

Notes On Reviews:

Deana: Thanks for the review - Glad you liked it :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

criminally charmed: Thanks for the review - Haha didn't even realize that until you mentioned it :) We're due some major healing chapters now I think. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Ruth (Guest): Thanks for the review - I'll take what I can get lol :) Yeah don't worry Treville wont be dying... hurt and in a lot of pain yeah but no dying. I'm quite liking your hint, though we'll have to see how the lecture goes when we eventually get there. Enjoy the new chapter! x

watlocked: Thanks for the review - I know I probably say it every time you do it but I love getting reviews where it opens in all caps :D Sends my evil mind cackling like a witch lol. Worry not Treville wont be dying, I don't think I could write that I'm loving him in papa bear mode far too much to kill him off (though I'll still be taking all the treats you tried to bribe me with ;D ). Marcel will be showing up soon I'm toying with two different scenario's with him in and I can't decide which, which is why he's been a bit absent, though we're really close to them now so I have to hurry up and make up my mind. Enjoy the new chapter! x

FierGascon: Thanks for the review - Oooh don't think you've howled for a while, I'm going to take it to mean you enjoyed the chapter lol :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

Tidia: Thanks for the review - Glad you liked the fight, as I've said I always get nervous writing fight scenes so I'm really relieved you liked it :) I'm afraid it's more than a scratch for Treville though he's in good, if abet shaky, hands. Enjoy the new chapter! x

MicheeO: Thanks for the reviews - Ooh several reviews... Did you enjoy your mini binge? I do so love putting all my characters through as much as I can, I'm evil that way :D D'Art's probably going to make more of a proper reappearance in tomorrows chapter but we'll be finding out how Treville is (kinda) today. Glad you liked it. *Gives low fat cookie as I know you're on a diet ;)* Enjoy the new chapter! x

Debbie (Guest): Thanks for the review - It's an odd, but funny, musketeer video I found (don't ask me how I'm not quite sure myself) If you copy the link and then paste it in your search bar it should work. I can't help being wicked :) Although I may let things start to get better for a bit considering what I've put the poor sods through during the last several chapters. Enjoy the new chapter! x

f1gymnast: Thanks for the review - Worry not I have no plans to kill Treville, I love him too much to do that :) Viv definitely stepped up a bit there though we'll have to see if that's a temporary thing or if she's stable enough not to have a mental breakdown. Considering what I've put them all through I wanted Aramis at least to get a badass moment hence his aim and I think Daviau regretted engaging in the fight as soon as it started. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Issai: Thanks for the reviews - (chpt27) I agree and now so does Athos (which means guilty Athos Yay!) Poor D'Art really wasnt in the best condition to have to endure an Athos lecture. Had to have a bit of Porthosy angst, glad you liked it. I dont think our pup's going to let them forget that he saved them. (chpt28) D'Art's great rescue plan has been put on pause while he recovers enough to be able to stand without swaying. We'll be seeing Treville today don't worry. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Lilac Lavender: Thanks for the review - Hmmm I'm thinking what I've written wont quite live up to the comfort scene you're picturing but we're going to get more into it tomorrow, I kinda wanted to focus more on Treville today. Marcel wasn't among the men. I have a couple of plans for Marcel that I can't decide on which one to use which is why he hasn't appeared back yet, though we're really close to were either of them would appear so I need to hurry and make my mind up. ^.^ Glad you liked the Fav moment, I had a lot of fun in the last couple of stories at incorporating other relationships in the garrison so I wanted another one here :) We'll be checking on Treville today don't worry. As for the link I'm glad you liked it :) I'm not entirely sure how I ended up on it, I went searching to see if I could find a particular scene as I wanted to check something... several videos later I found that and couldn't help but share it. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Bundles of yummy goodies to you lovely, epically awesome people who follow/favourite/review/read

Enjoy!

xxx

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Injured

It took several moments for the battle high to fade for the musketeer group but as it did they noticed their Captain lying on the ground, pale and bleeding.

"Aramis!" bellowed one of the men as he rushed to the Captain's side, each of the group knew that, out of all of them, Aramis had the most training as was best equipped to handle this.

Hearing the panic in his comrade's voice forced Aramis to push away the pain that was blinding him as he forced himself up onto his shaky knees.

"Issac?" he called hesitantly, needing to know he wasn't leaving a brother to die if he tended to the Captain.

Without even looking up from where he was tending to his friend Issac assured the medic that he had Favier's situation in hand and without further ado Aramis rushed as quickly as he was able to the Captain's side, ignoring the worried looks of the men gathered round him.

"My horse," instructed the marksman hating how his body was shaking, "I have a medical bag on it." He didn't need to say anything more as one of the men sprinted to the mare, nearly crashing into another musketeer as he returned to the Captain's side.

For several minutes Aramis worked to organize his supplies and assess exactly what he was dealing with, during this time he noticed the rest of the men were anxiously waiting to be given something to do to help.

"Someone help Issac, Favier's in a bad way," instructed Aramis, his voice sharp and brokering no argument, something that the men only ever heard when the marksman went into, what Porthos fondly referred to as, 'Medic-Mode.' When he spoke like that orders were to be obeyed without question and any rudeness of the medic's part was to be ignored.

"Someone start a fire," continued Aramis, his eyes never leaving Treville's form, "We need to keep him warm."

As expected as soon as the orders were given the remaining men rushed to complete them, leaving Aramis alone with a barely conscious Treville.

"You still with me Captain?" he asked quietly, his eyes searching Treville's face for some sign of recognition.

"…'e… got… 'way…" slurred Treville, clearly having trouble remaining conscious as he struggled to talk to Aramis.

"We'll deal with that when you're better," reassured the medic before his eyes turned serious, "I need to remove this dagger, it's going to really hurt."

Unable to talk against the pain Treville managed to force out a weak nod before the closing his eyes against the pain.

Unwilling to draw out the process Aramis gripped the hilt of the dagger tightly in his fist and pulled it from the Captain's body in one fluid movement, moving with expert precision to quickly put pressure of the now freely bleeding wound.

The second the blade was removed Treville screamed out in agony and promptly passed out, successfully startling the medic slightly with how quickly he fell limp until he realized it was him passing out.

Without even sparing the worried men a glance Aramis set to work cleaning the wound, several bits of the Captain's clothing had been forced into the wound and Aramis needed to ensure they were all out before he could begin stitching.

As Aramis tirelessly worked to save Treville's life the rest of the musketeer decided to take care of setting up a makeshift camp, they very much doubted Favier or their Captain would be moveable for at least a day so once they finished setting up the fire they began moving the dead mercenaries bodies.

"Should we investigate the compound?" asked one of the men quietly several hours later as the remaining musketeers sat around another campfire, their eyes switching between the two injured comrades.

His companions looked hesitant about leaving, especially in case they were needed but a reminder that the Captain hadn't even responded when Aramis doused his wound with wine and that this made it very unlikely that the medic would need their assistance for the last part of the treatment.

"There might be a sign of where Porthos and Athos disappeared off to and even if there's not there's probably things we can use as supplies, maybe even a wagon or something," added the first man seeing his friends becoming more willing to search

"You're right," nodded another of the men, "it beats sitting here, lets go."

"How's the pup doing?" asked Porthos groggily as he wiped the sleep out of his eyes.

Getting an unconscious D'Artagnan into the shallow stream was, thankfully, a lot easier than either musketeer had anticipated and had the situation not been as serious as it was they would have laughed at the sound of pure contentment their young friend let out as he burning skin was soothed by the cold water.

Once D'Artagnan was settled Athos ordered Porthos to get some sleep, the larger man had been pushing himself well past his limits for some time and he knew his friend could really do with the rest and now, just under two hours later, the larger musketeer was awake and looking more alive then he had since the ambush.

"Seems a bit cooler though he's still burning up," sighed Athos as he sat on the bank, his injured ankle resting soothingly in the cool water as his worried gaze remained locked on D'Artagnan's unconscious form and his least injured hand softly stroked the Gascon's hair.

"Cooler's a good sign," nodded Porthos as he slumped on the ground next to his friend making sure not to comment on Athos's tenderness, "Even if just a bit… It's a step right?"

Athos nodded, finally turning to look at Porthos, worry filling him as he noticed the blood soaked bandage around his arm.

Oblivious to his brother's stare Porthos broke the silence. "Do you want to sleep for a bit, I can keep watch?"

When Athos shook his head Porthos frowned, "You need to rest 'Thos," he implored, "I'll wake you should there be any changes with the pup but you need sleep."

"…I shouldn't have been so harsh with him," mumbled Athos after a few moments of silence, his words pulling a fond smile from his companion.

"His collapse aint your fault 'Thos," said Porthos softly as he threw an arm over the swordsman's shoulder. "Pup's too stubborn to stay in Paris where he was safe."

"…Still."

Porthos sighed, "Kid was worried 'Thos, you can't fault him for that."

At Porthos's words Athos remained silent, his eyes once again fixed upon the unconscious boys form.

Sighing again Porthos attempted to stand, intending on adding some more kindling to the dying fire Vivienne was sleeping by, only a wave of dizziness hit him part way through the motion and had him collapsing back onto the ground.

"Porthos?" exclaimed Athos worriedly as he watched his brother bring his hand to his head, his eyes closed as he waited for the spell to end.

"We need to do something about your arm," remarked Athos sternly though concern was clear in his voice. "You're losing too much blood."

"We replaced the bandage earlier," reminded Porthos, his voice sounding weaker than usual as he fought against the lightheadedness assaulting him. "None of those guys had anything we can use as stitches so we're stuck waiting until we find somewhere with the right supplies."

"There is another alternative," said Athos hesitantly as he turned away from D'Artagnan to gauge Porthos's reaction to what he was about to suggest.

It took a little bit for Porthos to respond but eventually the lightheadedness passed and he was able to send a curious look at his brother.

"… I think we should cauterize it."

Had Porthos been drinking something he knew he would be coughing, "W-What?"

"We have no idea how long it'll take to get somewhere with the supplies you need," explained Athos quickly, "You're already feeling the effects of blood loss, we need to do this!"

Porthos was quiet as he mulled over Athos's words, he knew his friend was right, he had been feeling a lot more than he had allowed the swordsman to see and so he knew it was only a matter of time until he became a liability. A small whimper from D'Artagnan sent waves of worry through the larger man.

If he didn't do this, everyone he cared about could be in serious danger. Neither Athos nor D'Artagnan were in any condition to fight off another ambush and despite Aramis being with Treville if the Gascon's brief explanation was anything to go by he was injured as well. He knew he couldn't put his family in danger just because the idea of burning his skin worried him.

"…I guess it's a good thing one of those guys had wine," grumbled the larger man with a sigh.

Athos smiled sadly at his friend before shakily rising to his feet, using a long branch they found earlier as a crutch. He knew Porthos hated the idea of cauterization and as such he wasn't about to force the man to set everything up for it as well.

"Here," he said, tossing the bottle of wine to his brother while he placed a dagger into the flames to heat up.

"Want me to knock you out?" he asked teasingly though there was an underlying sense of seriousness that caught Porthos's attention.

"Nah," he grunted, downing a swig of wine. "I'm good."

Before long the dagger was heated enough to be used and Athos called Porthos over to his side. Unwrapping the sodden bandage Athos glared at the wound causing his brother so much pain before, without warning, he poured a healthy amount of wine over it.

"Argh!" screamed Porthos before he turned to glare at his brother, "What'cha do that for!"

Athos shrugged, his attention returning to the dagger, "Just ensuring it was clean, now, are you ready?"

Cursing under his breath Porthos nodded, biting down on the his leather glove as Athos placed the heated dagger against his skin.

"How's the Captain?" asked one of the musketeers as he noticed Aramis stumbling away from the now resting Captain.

Aramis nodded his thanks as the musketeer caught him mid stumble, though he tried to hide the wince at the pain the action caused. "He was lucky Daviau used a dagger… and that he was wearing his jacket. The shorter blade length and the thickness of his jacket meant that the blade couldn't get in as deep as it needed to, to kill him. The location of the wound is worrying so we'll need to keep constant watch over him but he's okay at the moment... I've done all I can."

The rest of the musketeers sighed in relief, having stopped mid meal to listen to the medic's prognosis.

"Come," said Henri, the musketeer who had caught him mid fall. "We found the kitchen in the compound so there's plenty of food… something you look like you could really do with, you look like shit."

Aramis's let out a humorless chuckle at Henri's words; the musketeer was never one to soften his words.

"Any sign of Porthos or Athos?"

Henri nodded, "there was a trail at one of the other entrances, it's too dark to follow it now but Blaise has offered to follow it at first light."

Aramis nodded but was stopped from verbally responding when Henri continued, "I wasn't kidding about how you look, come and eat something."

"…I need to check on Favier," said Aramis as he moved away from Henri, stumbling slightly as his legs threatened to give out.

Grumbling under his breath Henri grabbed Aramis's arms and threw one over his shoulder before directing the beyond exhausted, thoroughly confused musketeer over to Issac and Favier.

"…Thanks," said Aramis quietly when he finally realized what was happening.

Henri grinned, "Can't have you passing out now can we?"

"Hey Issac," Aramis greeted softly as he knelt down beside the clearly worried musketeer after thanking Henri again as the man moved back to the campfire. "How's he doing?"

It took a few moments but eventually Issac was able to pry his worried eyes away from his friend, "The bleeding's stopped and the wound looks clean but…"

Tilting his head to one side Aramis looked at the man in confusion and sadness, "but?"

"…He's … lost a lot of blood."

Aramis smiled sadly at the musketeer, he knew Issac and Favier had been friends before they joined the regiment, they were as close as brothers and he could see how it was killing the man to watch his dearest friend fight for his life.

"Favier's strong," stated Aramis with as much conviction and reassurance as his tired body could manage, "He'll pull through."

A sad half smile ghosted across the musketeer's face as Issac nodded in response to Aramis's words. Not wanting to leave the man alone with his worry Aramis opted to sit with him, the two simply enjoying the peaceful silence, until exhaustion became too much for the medic and he fell asleep with his head resting on his knees, his back up against a tree.