Evening My Lovelies

Sorry, it's taken me a bit to get this up. You'd think being stuck on lockdown and having nothing to do would mean I would actually do some writing... apparently not lol

Notes On Reviews:

beeblegirl: Thanks for the review - He's got some stuff to deal with before I'll have him find out the truth about D'Art... but I have to say I am VERY much looking forward to writing that scene, especially their reunion :D I'm going to keep you guessing a bit longer as to who made it out of the room :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

Debbie (Guest): Thanks for the review - That seems like quite the appropriate description of our lovely Athos at the moment. Enjoy the new chapter! x

pallysd'Artagnan: Thanks for the review - Yeah Athos's head is pretty much a very dark place right now... and it's not going to get better for a while :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

WelshEssex: Thanks for the review - Aramis's isn't able to do much right now given his own injuries so you can bet he's going to go overboard on the things he can... plus focusing on D'Art means he doesn't have to focus on himself. I'm already feeling sorry for Tristan, the poor boy's going to be so overworked by the time I'm done with him. On the room front, I'm going to be keeping you wondering for a bit longer I'm afraid :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

As always much love and many thanks for following/favouriting/reviewing/reading

Love you all!

Enjoy!

xxx

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Rescue V

Thinking retrospectively it was not the smartest move to practically kick down the door to the injured musketeer's room, especially considering the fact that the men inside were both on edge and armed, a potentially deadly combination for all involved.

In that moment though that mattered little as Glenn's body had finally yielded to his injury causing the injured man to pass out in Talbot's arms about a hundred feet from the door sending a whole new wave of panic to flood the former musketeer's system and the ability to think rationally flying from his mind.

True to expectations his sudden, and dramatic, arrival resulted in him being greeted by weapons pointed at his being while the holders of said weapons shifted into defensive stances. Thankfully for all involved however they were able to react just as quickly when they realized the sudden intrusion was not due to a threat. Recovering first Aramis was quick to demand the other occupants lowered their weapons, especially as his keen eyes clocked the heavily bloodstained figure now cradled gently in Talbot's arms.

Knowing that the man's injury would have to be serious for him to be in the state he was Aramis was quick to gesture to the bed he had occupied for the majority of their stay at the church, his medic trained mind quickly working out what supplies they had and how they could use it to help the unconscious man before them. "Lay him there," he directed gently but with a firmness that demanded compliance. "What happened?"

The moment Glenn was placed on the bed Tristan was moving from D'Artagnan's side to begin his silent assessment of the unconscious man, ignoring the growing tension in the room as he worked to cut away the blood-stained shirt, his supreme focus proving why he had the trust of the two garrison physicians despite not yet being a physician himself.

"Rochefort happened," growled Talbot the man barely containing the urge to punch something, which was probably a good thing considering there was a red guard in his presence. Instead, he settled on glaring daggers at the young man when he dared to move away from Aramis's side and towards Glenn's, though his anger did diminish a fraction when he saw the honest surprise in the young man's eyes at his news.

Anger and frustration flooded Aramis's system at the revelations and he couldn't help be scoff, "Of course he's involved." His gaze drifted back to his unconscious brother and while he was pleased he now knew who to blame for the youngster's condition he was annoyed that Porthos hadn't revealed this fact when he brought the boy to them as it would have been helpful to be prepared for the former red guard Captain's involvement.

Knowing that adding his own anger into the mix right now would not help matters Aramis forced himself to calm down and focus on the situation at hand. "Fredrick?" he asked as he watched Tristan work. It was more than a little obvious that the marksman wanted nothing more than to get up and assist the man in treating their fallen friend but Tristan put an end to that without even looking up.

"Your hands are still shaking Aramis, you're of no help to me right now."

If he was surprised at being called out on a desire he had yet to act on Aramis hid it well, choosing instead to let out a huff of annoyance before turning to Talbot, who was calming slightly the more he watched Tristan work on Glenn.

"He's taking care of Rochefort," explained the former musketeer, smiling gratefully at the marksman for his intent even if he couldn't do anything to help. Letting out a small, somewhat distressed sigh before adding, "I'd go to him but…"

For a moment Marin didn't understand why the former musketeer had stopped speaking and was simply back to glaring at him before he realized what the man was silently implying and an almost comical look of offence grew on the man's face.

"I joined the red guards because I had to! Not all of us are cruel like Rochefort and not all of us even like him! I had no idea he was involved and I have no plans on helping him in any way. I was tasked with protection and that's what I'm going to do!"

Aramis almost wanted to cry then, Marin's indignant speech sounding all too much like one D'Artagnan would have made had the situation been reversed so while he appreciated the younger man's loyalty, his words mostly reminded him of the unconscious boy lying next to him.

Looking up at Talbot, who was now sending him a questioning glance Aramis nodded before gesturing to the door, sending up a small prayer for the man as he left after one final look at Glenn.

For a moment Athos doubted his convictions as he held a dagger against the throat of Brother Liam, the man appeared genuinely terrified as he tried to convince the furious and grieving musketeer of his innocence. Part of him wanted to release the man, to make a hundred apologies for his actions but there was a larger part of him that stood by his decision, remaining determined as he glared, unmovingly, at the pleading Brother.

Then Liam hung his head, apparently nonplussed by the dagger now pressed deeper against his throat because of his actions. Athos thought it was the man giving up so it was a surprise when the man who had been a sobbing mess mere moments ago was now chuckling darkly.

"It took you long enough," mocked Liam as he raised his head, tears gone from his eyes as a confident, smug smirk tugged at his lips. "I was wondering how much longer I'd have to play the simpering priest before you finally figured it out."

Then, before Athos could stop him, too surprised by the sudden personality change to act in time, Liam punched the inner elbow of the arm keeping him pressed against the wall, causing Athos's hold on him to slacken enough for him to escape, his other hand moving to grab Athos's other wrist, twisting the joint with such a sudden viciousness that the musketeer could only cry out in pain as the blade fell from his fingers.

With both his arms screaming in pain Athos was too slow to grab the fallen blade as Liam made a grab for it the moment it left the swordsman's hold, as such Athos was forced to bite back a groan of pain as he drew his sword from its sheathe just in time to block an attack which would have resulted in a nasty scar across his face had he reacted in time.

"Nice," mocked Liam as he smirked at the musketeer, twirling the stolen dagger as he spoke, his expression darkening, "But I'm better."