this was brilliant

plz write more...great job

Enjoyed this so much, more please

Oh, Athos is getting really mean there, isn't he. Threatening to deny Constance access to the garrison... Tsk, poor d'Artagnan, after all he's been through!

As I said before, I really enjoyed how you worked all the smaller stories into the general plot. Maybe that's what I liked best about all the stories of yours I read thus far (pity there's only one left)...

One piece of dialogue I want to point out because I liked it so much. - "We'd ride through fire for you, Captain, but…," he tipped his head toward the Gascon sleeping across from him, "we'd burn the world down for that one." - Very well said! I think, this one sentence summarizes their whole relationship just perfectly.

See you one last time when reading War Scars! Until then: Thanks for writing and sharing this great piece of work!

Ahh, there I got d'Artagnan needing to calm Aramis down when the man had a panic attack. Reading all of your stories paid off

I like how you worked the three short stories into the long one, I almost enjoy them more than the original plot ;-)

What an intricate plan Laroche came up with there. Took me quite a while to understand the construction of all the fuses and barrells. And damn, you blew up d'Artagnan! I was waiting for him to get electrocuted during the storm but actually blowing him up... I don't know what's worse!
But thanks anyway for not leaving the chapter with too big a cliffhanger (at least the other three found them), would have made it rather difficult to go through with my plan of reading till the end of the page and then do something necessary in real life again. Like studying for exams and similar stuff...

Interesting POV for a first chapter. It's fascinating to see what an outsider thinks about those four. And after reading about your OCs in several stories now, I feel like they really do exist in canon. Pity what you did to them, I felt rather sorry!
And it's incredibly unfair that Musketeers have to suffer because Rochefort has too many enemies. Makes me hate the guy even more, even though this one time he's not to blame in the first place. But the actions he's taking once again suceed in enraging me. Gosh, I want the Cardinal back, he was a decent antagonist. Rochefort is just... sick.

This was a wonderful story. You are a brilliant writer. Really. I couldn't put it down...even when I had to...dangerous to read at stop lights :-) Keep writing!

I loved this story! It was amazing!

Amazing read! You're talented with whatever fandom you touch!

This was an exciting, engrossing tale that I couldn't put down. Setting it after "Through a Glass Darkly" was a smart strategy as it gave you a great steppingstone in several areas including the king and Aramis. Your use of flashback in order to explain the three older Musketeers' keepsakes was quite effective. And I was quite glad to be able to "watch" Treville in the field as a soldier, even though under the most horrific conditions.

I HAVE SO ENJOYED THIS STORY! You could say I really savored it – stretching it out as long as I could. LOL!

I wasn’t sure how much I was going to like having this last chapter being from Treville’s POV (I mean, it’s the LAST chapter!) – but of course, it was completely spectacular. And realizing that the underlying story is about Treville getting back his groove, it really only makes sense to give him his own chapter. LOL! But seriously, I’m amazed at how well you were able to keep him in his stoic nature, yet show us this caring, concerned side when he realized what everyone had been telling him – that he needed to put his big boy pants on and be their leader. I really enjoyed seeing him come back to himself, and even more so how much he grew to admire and respect d’Artagnan, truly seeing how far his loyalty goes.

I was totally doing a happy dance when Treville started giving out orders after that last explosion in the abbey. It was like his final straw after too many times having to wait to see what happens next before taking action – now he was ready to take back control – and with all 3 musketeers replying “yes Captain” – it had me grinning. I’m such a sap.

And I’m loving how “into it” Porthos is with his comments to Treville in the midst of battle – his cheekiness is laughable & heartwarming at the same time. He truly loves what he’s doing – beating the bad guys, saving the good guys, standing with his brothers. Loving me some Porthos in his story – you deserve major kudos for the way you give him heart under all his Braun in such a believable way.

Side note; is Balizarde true to the show & I’m lame for not knowing about it, or is that you? Just curious because I like it, but couldn’t remember ever knowing about it.

I could kiss you and your little nod to another certain favorite Captain of ours! Attacker to Treville when trying to decipher his strained mumble: “what was that?” Treville: “I have your knife!” heehee! That totally made me grin.

I’m rubbing my heart after d’Artagnan’s last bit of fight is used up to keep Aramis alive – the way Athos has to bring him back after holding Laroche at gunpoint, after Athos’s first attempt to get d’Artagnan’s attention to lower the weapon fails, d’Artagnan in such shock from having gone through so much that it takes Athos giving him an order before he comes to, “you can stand down”.

Loved how Porthos refuses to leave when Treville tells him to go with Bauer to get the prisoners back to Paris. And Aramis's relief that he made a stand not to leave.

Fave quotes:

Porthos: “Ah, now it’s a party!” “Two down. See? Party.”. LOL! I could totally see Portho’s face light up as he says this to Treville.

Athos: “it’s far better to walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light”. Okay – that one is Helen Keller for sure. You know how we love our “light” references. Seriously. No other words could be more true my friend. Makes me want to hug you.

Treville about d’Artagnan: “He kept me more than alive. He kept me present.”

D’Artagnan to his brothers: “I knew I might not be coming back, and I couldn’t leave, without a piece of each of you. Something I could keep with me when the world fell apart around me”. I SO LOVE how you gave such emphasis on d'Artagnan having something of each of theirs that he made a part of himself. Just, beautifully done sister.

And of course – Porthos about d’Artagnan: “We’d ride through fire for you, Captain, but we’d burn the world down for that one.” BEST LINE EVER! GUH!

Loved the way d’Artagnan had the king believing himself as some sort of hero, feeding his ego as a way for him to agree to let Bauer and the other musketeers go. I need something to help dislodge the lump in my throat from the aftermath of d’Artagnan having to stand before the king when he could barely even stand; the panic in everyone as d’Artagnan fell to the ground, Constance running to his side, the fear and sadness surrounding them all. Yeah, that whole scene had my stomach in knots!

Treville to d’Artagnan: “I need men out there who are not afraid to knock over some towers”. LOL! That was a fantastic ‘atta boy’ from Treville.

I really liked the way d’Artagnan, and then the others, responded to Bauer’s question as to what man would stand by his side now that Grisier was gone; “I will”. But what struck me more was how Treville recognized the reply; “that unmistakable, husky voice that had pulled him from the dark, steadied him, and humbled him.” Guh! Love!

Athos’s explanation as to why they protect the king – because he’s scared and cannot protect himself, not because he can – was awesome! Made me feel sorry for the king, really. And love our men all the more.

The ending with Treville contemplating, remembering what d’Artagnan had said to him over the course of their ‘adventure’, the way that, not just the words, but his deeds seemed to give him strength, courage and determination to work to regain his King’s favor was superb – as he finally chooses to walk up to HIS office. Awesome girl! Just awesome!

The title of the story was such a fantastic summary of everything this story was about! A fantastic description of who these brothers are to each other, what it even means to be a brotherhood. Completely outdid yourself GS! Once again, just an amazing piece of you that we are truly fortunate to have you share with us!

And I had no idea that you purposely used quotes from other shows! Haha! That makes me love the fact that I really did get the Captain Kirk quote without even blinking - And I totally got the Helen Keller quote – YAY ME! And was the Outsiders comparison I pointed out in Aramis’s backstory on purpose too, or was I stretching the similarity? Now I want to go back and look for all the ones I missed! Haha!

Love you girl!

I am so sorry it has taken me this long to come back to this story! I’m here and still so deeply loving it! This was one of the most touching chapters. You write Aramis so well, giving how he’s the more tenderhearted of the inseparables, you made me feel a sense of peace with how he responds to d’Artagnan.

Things that made me rub my heart in this chapter:

D’Artagnan to Treville, and then later to Aramis: “Something’s wrong”. The way he says it both times, knowing the pain he’s in is NOT okay, making him sound so vulnerable. Be still my heart!
Athos seeing this and grabbing d’Artagnan’s hand, allowing himself to be an anchor for his pain. And then reminding d’Artagnan of his promise that he would not leave him.

D’Artagnan remembering Marmion pushing Aramis out the window, and the fact that he couldn’t save him, has him pleading with Aramis not to let him fall, like he “let” Aramis fall.

Porthos having the insight in suggesting Aramis go to the river with him to get water, knowing he just needed to get away, to get a break from the torture of doing all he can for d’Artagnan and fearing it wouldn’t be enough.

Porthos realizing his suggestion to leave them and bring back reinforcements would break Aramis’ resolve, understanding that he’s what’s keeping Aramis grounded when Aramis quietly says “don’t leave”. It’s all Aramis has to say for Porthos to choose to stay. I love how you give so much depth to their relationship. Neither one of them having to really say how much they care, but just knowing they do.

Portho’s response to everyone evil; “I’ll kill ‘em!”
Aramis to Porthos: “I thought you wanted to kill Laroche”
Porthos: “I can ‘ave a list” LOL! Awesome dialogue.

Unexpected EWWWWW factor: maggots being our saving grace for poor d’Artagnan (Gladiator I think?).

The awesome stuff on Aramis’s backstory:

I liked Porthos’ response to Aramis’s heated question of what d’Artagnan staying at the garrison had to do with Marsac – “‘ain’t nothing’ to do with Marsac, an’ everything’ to do with you”.

Aramis to Treville: ”So d’Artagnan’s a sacrifice you’re willing to make, is that it?”
Treville to Aramis: “It’s not as if I haven’t done it before”. Ouch! At least he’s being honest.

Aramis’s initial reluctance to d’Artagnan accompanying him on the mission, having expectations of a young, annoyingly inquisitive mind on their journey, only to find the exact opposite; trust, loyalty, understanding, and that d’Artagnan had his own demons that followed him into his nightmares.

Loved how Aramis stood up for d’Artagnan when Abele’ kept referring to him as a stable boy. Loved even more how this shocked d’Artagnan for a moment, not expecting the outspoken respect (say that 10 times fast!)

Umm, so, can I have a bad dream, just to wake up to those strong arms of d’Artagnan’s holding me, telling ME I’m there, with HIM? Just sayin’. But seriously, loved that scene with Aramis waking up to d’Artagnan comforting him, pulling him back from his nightmare. The way d’Artagnan was so gentle, understanding more than he cared to admit. More than he believed anyone would care to understand about him at the time.

Monseigneur Abele’ reminds me of some people I use to work with – further reminding me why I chose to move to a different career for only the pay. Blah!

This scene totally reminded me of The Outsiders: D’Artagnan kicking a hole in the barn wall to get the horses out of the burning building/Dallas kicking a hole in the wall to get kids out of the burning church. The burning beam coming down from the ceiling, hitting Johnny/Aramis. Not sure if that was on purposes, but definitely a plus in my book!

More favorites:

D’Artagnan carrying Aramis out of the burning barn, reliving that stormy night when his father died in his arms, causing him to panic at seeing a non-responsive Aramis – GUH! You had me feeling that pain and fear with d’Artagnan.

When d’Artagnan comes unglued at the lightening, I love how Aramis takes the same stance as d’Artagnan had when bringing him out of his own nightmare, and then Aramis giving him the cross, to “feel it”, to “believe in something”. The fact that Aramis had not forgotten d’Artagnan’s earlier comment; “believing in something brings more pain than anything else”.

Aramis to d’Artagnan: “What happened then happened to a different man. Use it to become who you are meant to be.”

The best part in all of this is how Aramis comes to find that d’Artagnan was a lot more than just a new recruit to him. I love how you used Aramis’s faith as a source to the foundation of their bond. So fantastic!

This was really amazing! I’m anxious & sad at the same time to start the last chapter.

Awesome chapter! It's only taken me two weeks to get it read, but I loved it. Now on to the net one. :)

"Ah, now it's a party," he breathed, a wild grin lighting his features.

Treville arched a brow. "I don't see how this is a party."

- Treville is a red-headed woman :P Love that you through this in here :)

Okay so, this was awesome. I feel like I say that all the time but in truth its because it really was awesome. You get these characters. Not just d'Artagnan but the whole lot of them. It really does feel like I am watching an episode. But even better, I really like your OC's. You bring them to life without making them over done which is GREAT! I really like them.

I felt like I was holding my breath when Aramis has Laroche's sword to his through. I cheered then the other Musketeers showed up and I felt my heart warm with the boys and their love for Treville.

One thing I really enjoyed was that after the danger to Aramis had left, d'Art was like in a trance still holding the gun ... Ive always loved that. So it was cool to see here in this instance.

Thank you so much for writing in this fandom. It seriously makes my day and I really hope you do have many Musketeer stories to show us in the future.

WORD!

Aramis woke with a gasp, sheets pooling around his bare waist - Can I just say ... wow ... That imagery ...anyways ...

You know I love the subject of Aramis and his demons over Savoy. I really liked the twist on this though with having him messed up over having killed Marsac. I mean he must have confusing feelings over the subject. I mean on one hand Marsac was his friend technically saved him in Savoy. But then at the same time the man also left him injured in the middle of a snowfield massacre to die. Anyway ...

Thank you for giving me some Aramis emotional turmoil and physical hurt :P I really loved Aramis' story, d'Art's panic over possibly having Aramis die in his arms in the rain just like his father. Very nicely played.