And So It Begins Musketeers Pre Season 1

Chapter 11

The evening had passed pleasantly; Porthos had been engrossed with his cards, whilst Aramis and Athos had played chess - where Aramis had managed to find the board, Athos decided not to ask. Though the smitten serving girl may have had something to do with it. Aramis was not surprised to find Athos a demon at chess - he was a natural strategist - and, when he drawled the word, checkmate, for the third time in a row, Aramis threw up his hands in a gesture of surrender.

'I withdraw whilst I still have a modicum of dignity,' he smiled. 'Perhaps it is just as well, for we will need to make an early start in the morning.' As they were packing away the board, Aramis noticed the way in which Athos stiffened at the idea of their impending sleeping arrangements. He made no comment, but considered what would be the best way to make him feel more comfortable. Having secured a bottle of wine, they wished their hosts goodnight, and the three men made their way upstairs.

The serving girl lighted their way with a candle, taking every opportunity to make eye contact with the charming Musketeer. '...'ere you go gentleman, it might be a bit on the cosy side but at least it will be warm,' she giggled, giving Aramis a side-long glance. 'But if it's too snug, I've got plenty of space, and my room's just at the end of the hall.' She smiled meaningfully at the Musketeer this time, before heading back down to the bar, swaying her hips as she went. Aramis turned to Athos with a look of sufferance. He shrugged his elegant shoulders.

'Ah, mon ami, it is a cross I must bear. God has made me a source of succour to the female of the species.' With a quirk of his brow, Athos gave a droll retort:

'How unfortunate, though, that he obviously forgot to make you humble whilst you endure it!' He slapped the Musketeer on the shoulders and Porthos laughed, happy to see Athos more relaxed. Everything changed, however, when Athos eyed the sleeping arrangements. It was indeed cosy. The room was small, there were two beds set against the walls opposite each other and a cot had been placed in between. A privacy screen was in the corner, with a dresser holding a bowl and pitcher on the other wall. The one advantage was the roaring fire, which gave the room its light, and luckily a great deal of heat.

Porthos dropped onto one of the beds, pulling off his boots and swinging up his long legs. He lay back and exhaled.

'It's bin a long day.' He closed his eyes and leant against the pillows. Athos seemed to have frozen to the spot, a look of abject horror upon his features. He knew the two men had kept a close watch upon him day and night throughout his recovery, and he dreaded to consider what words or information had passed his lips during those long and painful hours. But this was different. Should his nights be full of the usual torment and angst, he did not want to burden them, or impart details he would rather keep buried; especially now he did not have a fever to account for them. Aramis was fully aware of the man's turmoil and took the situation in hand.

'You, mon ami, may take the other bed. I will be quite comfortable upon the cot.' He smiled and began to place his belongings upon the low mattress between the beds. Athos was torn. He should not allow the man to put Athos' comfort before his own. He was not, after all, a real Musketeer, simply an interesting appendage with a personal agenda. On the other hand... He eyed the other bed, and the convenient wall beside it - he could turn his face to that, shutting out everything else. Making a decision, he smiled and nodded at Aramis, indicating his consent.

'Thank you, you are most kind.' Aramis was surprised that the man had acquiesced, he had anticipated a fight. Still, he thought it best to explain his reasoning, in case Athos added Aramis' discomfort to his overactive guilty conscience.

Indicating the relaxed Porthos, he explained, 'Porthos always gets the bed, for obvious reasons!' He smirked as he gesticulated the man's length. 'And you, my friend, are in a great deal of discomfort, are you not?' Athos looked surprised for a second, before shutting down all sign of emotion. He finally replied: