Upon the realization of loss

[averygoodshot]

There is little that will keep Aramis away from his son. Even trips to exotic beach locales only serve as temporary diversions from what he considers his family. He has not gone back to Paris to appease the Queen, he has been diligent and loyal and good (love, he tells himself, is a powerful force).

Then comes the day when he knocks on the right door and no one answers. When he's told that Anne, Queen of France, no longer resides in the Nexus at all. How, he wonders, his heart clattering in his chest, can he keep the Queen safe now? How can he protect his son?

After a thorough and emotional search, resulting in nothing, not even a door back to Paris, Aramis does the only thing he can think to do. He drinks (and yes, he does let the others know of his findings, or lack thereof) and he wallows. This is how he finds himself in the tavern, a wine bottle and goblet in front of him, and his head in his hands.

Comments

[averygoodshot]

"If the Queen is no longer here," Aramis posits, hands on the table between them. "Can I be faulted for wanting to go back to Paris? To see what awaits us?"

[armedagainstlove]

"Aramis," Athos says his warning and leaves it at that, knowing that whatever will happen at home will happen and they won't be able to stop it. "I know I won't be able to stop whatever foolhardy decision you've already made, but do try to keep in mind the fact that it's safe here. Why not wait for Porthos or I or d'Artagnan to visit home and see whether it's safe for you before you rush back?"

[averygoodshot]

"Have you known me to run from danger?!" Aramis nearly jumps out of his seat, hands fisting even as he settles again. "Have I suddenly become weak," he wonders, "that I should be sat here in this place when I could be serving King and Country, Athos?"

[armedagainstlove]

"You should remain smart," Athos corrects calmly, feeling already weary for the passion and zeal with which Aramis seems keen to charge into the situation with. It is, honestly, exhausting. "Your head could be in danger. Allow others to venture home first and scout the land for you, so to speak."

[averygoodshot]

Like someone not weak enough to defend themselves.

Argh.

Aramis's hands tighten around his cup enough that his knuckles whiten.

"Do you think death awaits me?" he asks, looking over at Athos, knowing he will not lie. "To die at Rochefort's command.... " does not sit well with him, not by a long shot.

[armedagainstlove]

Athos thinks of Rochefort and of all the perils that are involved in this disastrous situation. He nods, eventually, because he does not trust that things will be resolved before there is death. "I think you would be in grave danger if you returned," he admits. "I'm sorry to say."

[averygoodshot]

Well.

That's what Aramis gets for asking. He cannot fault the answer, though, for it comes after his own question.

"So," he says, exhaling the word, "perhaps it is that I am prolonging the inevitable."

[armedagainstlove]

"Or perhaps you wait here, we assess the threat, and bring you knowledge that will prevent any harm from coming to anyone," Athos says, patience already strained as he regards Aramis. He's far too sober to deal with this and it's beginning to wear on him. "Aramis, listen to reason for once in your life."

[averygoodshot]

Sitting back, Aramis sighs, too, both chastised and sullen in turns. He does, though, know enough about Athos to not push anymore or he will regret it quite heartily. He reaches for his goblet, holding that in his hands as he nods. Yes, Athos. Aramis will try to be good, Athos.