Something Sacred

...or, Five Times d'Artagnan Called for Athos and One Time Athos Called for d'Artagnan (whew that's a long title)

a/n: so this is my first The Three Musketeers fanfic (in fact, my first fanfic outside of Tolkien for ages!) but I'm just in love with the book so I thought I'd give it a go. This will have strong implications of Athos/d'Artagnan, especially as it goes on, although some of the chapters can be read as friendship. Book verse, rather than bbc series verse as I haven't seen that...! :)

1: The Grand Choice

He has barely been two days in Paris but already d'Artagnan finds himself, sword in hand, caught up in the heat of battle. On one side stand three of the king's musketeers and on the other side the cardinal's musketeers, blue and red, all skilful, seasoned soldiers. D'Artagnan has admired these men for years, but now, there is no time to do so. Although he is a mere boy of 18 dwarfed amongst such talent, he duels for all he is worth, his youth putting vain confidence into his step.

Mere seconds ago he has been a foe to the three king's musketeers, offending all of them in the space of a few minutes. They had come here to settle the score and d'Artagnan had been willing to die at such noble hands, if die he must, when the musketeers of the Red Duke had arrived. There was talk of breaking edicts and an argument had entailed. As so often arose between the two sets of warriors, hearty conflict erupted. Looking back on it later d'Artagnan will know that this was one of the turning points in his career: the king or the cardinal, the grand choice laid out so obviously before him.

Now, he fights beside the three men he previously drew his sword to. He knows they are unsure of such a young new boy yet with a throbbing heart, he endeavours to show them what he can do. Not one for cowardice, it is the mighty Jussac who he determines to take on. The older man does not anticipate what befalls him. What d'Artagnan lacks in experience he makes up for in spirit, and Jussac is forced to repeatedly turn as the Gascon circles him like a predator. When they clash swords, it is with a ruthless intensity: d'Artagnan in the excitement of combat and Jussac in the retaining of his honour against this youth.

Maybe before Jussac knows it himself, d'Artagnan realises he has ensnared him. Soon, the musketeer begins to make mistakes in his desperate haste, and d'Artagnan smiles slyly, infuriating him further. He defends himself without stumbling once and sees the humiliation spread across his foe's countenance. They strive for only moments more until the withering of his pride overcomes Jussac. In one strike, d'Artagnan is able to drive him to the ground. He is insensible before he reaches it.

Again, it will only be later that the Gascon realises the full extent of what he has done here. Panting in the sheer warmth of the afternoon sun, he turns to his companions, still facing their own opponents. They are beautiful in their poise and combat, and he would have willingly watched them all day. But it is to Athos who his eyes are drawn more closely to. He recalls he is wounded, and in the fierce duel, he is becoming more and more pale. D'Artagnan feels himself gripped by a sudden horror, surprising in its passion. He cannot bear the thought of this brave man falling in front of him.

Such a proud creature would never ask for help but d'Artagnan cannot ignore the look he shoots his way. It speaks far louder than words. Before he can restrain himself, he cries in terror "Athos!" and feels the name vibrate upon his lips, as if it will have some great meaning in his future. In one bound, he is upon Cahusac, Athos' foe, and disarming him easily. Stunned, the man rushes for his sword only to have d'Artagnan, in his abrupt fervour for standing between him and Athos, reach it first. Obtaining one of his fallen company's swords is also no use as now, Athos rises again and stands alongside d'Artagnan. Staring at the dark-eyed pair before him, he soon meets the same fate as Jussac.

D'Artagnan is thoroughly breathless with ardour. Athos is in a similar state, but he wonders if that is from the wound that is obviously troubling him. He turns to him to offer more aid, already realising how much he would do for this relative stranger. Yet he is immediately struck by the fair manner the man still exudes even in this situation, upright and strong. To d'Artagnan's delight, he bows slightly to him. There is no hint of discomfort in his voice as he speaks. "I thank you, jeune Gascon," he utters. "You surprise me greatly."

"It is my pleasure, M. Athos," he replies, the name already engraved deeply within him. "I could not be deprived of such honourable company."

A small spark dances in Athos' eye in response to this compliment. He nods politely.

Within minutes, Aramis has also dealt with his opponents and Porthos' man has surrendered to them. D'Artagnan follows their lead as they politely salute him and aid him with carrying his wounded comrades to the nearby convent.

They then stand before d'Artagnan, eyes fixed upon his young, flushed face. He expects some reprimand for his brashness, or even a continuation of the duel they were interrupted from. Yet, if he is truthful, he cannot face the thought of combatting these brave men now, not after having fought at their side. He feels awkward in front of these obviously inseparable friends, as if he has tried to break in on something sacred. It is all he can do to reach for his sword, about to salute them and simply leave. Before he can, Athos steps forward to him. The sight of a calm smile upon that handsome face stays his hand.

They do not say a word but they do not have to. In a gesture that means the world to the Gascon, he links an arm through his and places him amongst his two partners. Between Athos and the massive frame of Porthos, d'Artagnan walks with his new friends down the road, taking up the entire space of it. He cannot help from smiling. An hour ago he was without connections in the city, but now, he is the company of three of the greatest men in the world.

(Tbc)

Feedback always appreciated :)