I am saddened that many do not realize what a good man Aramis truly is. He loves everyone and has such a special place in his heart for children. The Abbot was wise in his choice to give Aramis charge over the orphans of the war. He more than anyone knew how needless their suffering had been, no man has the right to kill the innocent. Thou shalt not kill, one of God's own laws handed down to Moses on the mount. His need to daily right the wrong done to these precious souls sustains him in a world that is not his own. He is a soldier of the cross, and of France. When he realizes this and returns to his brothers it is with a new understanding of his faith. He has not left it but found its true meaning. As you wrote his lamentations of leaving his brothers I found myself picturing how hard it had to be for him, to not know if they lived or if he would even know if they did not. Blessed are they that morn is perhaps my favorite beatitude for it promises comfort when there is none. Aramis will get his comfort and even though he did not take his vows he was willing to do so and that was , it seems enough.

I only just came across this story but it is beautiful and gives me a deeper understanding of Aramis at that time than anything else I have read. As well as insight, it gave me a wonderful sense of calm as I imagine the peace of the meadow and the scent of crushed sage. Thank you!

After seeing that episode, I always wondered what Aramis' thoughts were with the fighting so close to the monastery. Thank you for indulging my curiosity. Athos is my favorite, but Aramis is a close second.

Nice story. Enjoyed.

Excellent; and deftly written! Your portrayal of Aramis' conflicted emotional state over decisions made in haste was well done! He is a complicated character and I thought you showed that perfectly! Thank you for sharing this with us!

Haven't seen series 3. Yet. Thought hard about reading but am glad I did. What a painfully sweet story that really touched my heart, thank you, I don't think it spoilt anything for me, in fact I forward to seeing S3 even more.

So, I had to come here to leave a comment as well, because this story is too good to only leave one comment... Really. Even if I would not be an Aramis fan and so in love with episode one (wait, I have to rephrase this, it sounds too much like Star Wars), in love with S3E1, this is a true masterpeace of writing. I just want to clutch this story to my chest and walk around with it all day with a rapt smile on my face. Thank you again for this wonderful story. You made me happy! I bow to your imagination and skill to weave all those words into such a beautiful story. Chapeau!

Beautifully written and intensely sad. Aramis's ruminations prove he has not found peace in either life.

Fantastic job! Beautiful!