iv.

[athosing]

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muselist.

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[illuminescent]

[She takes his hand and clasps it, tightly, as if it will hold them together, here.]

I am glad you are alive. For all that I am heartbroken, and ruined by your sorrow, I am so glad you are alive.

[desequilibre]

[ He is so unused to such displays of affection that it shows in his face and the hesitant way he squeezes her fingers in return. For while his friends care for him they do not know the man he used to be and therefore do not feel as much sorrow for it. Lucy being here and expressing herself in such a way is strange. But it reminds him more of the young man he used to be and had lost. ]

I used to believe it better were I not to be. [ He's not saying it to shock her or upset her, his voice has the edge of honesty to it that means he only wants her to know the truth. ] But this new life has allowed me the ability to do good. And it means I can still do right by you too.

[illuminescent]

I-

You should guide me back.

[She is blushing a but, pleased.]

Someone is likely already frantic.

[desequilibre]

[ He straightens up, every bit a Musketeer in that moment. His hand moves to open the door once more, his posture full of patience but quiet servitude too. ]

Of course. I imagine your guards are wondering who's head will be lost first. [ He watches her with his vivid blue eyes, the vaguest hint of amusement inside of them. ] You'll have to hire better ones.

[illuminescent]

I am terrible to them, I know.

[The Captain of her guard is known as the Minotaur, for all he's an enormous man, and terrifying. He is likely beginning to issue quiet, sincere threats.]

You should recommend them to me.

[desequilibre]

[ Athos doesn't think much of any guard who can let a young girl disappear into the murky streets of Paris. In fact even now, as they are walking through the Garison, he sticks close to her, his posture straight and protective. He looks every bit a soldier now and not a lazy young noble. ]

Perhaps. Or I can have words with the ones you do have. [ The others are better at cheerful threats, but he's sure he could drag something up from somewhere. ]

[illuminescent]

[She cannot help but laugh a little]

You cannot be more frightening than the High King, I think, but I welcome you to try. It is my fault, truly, do not think so poorly of them. I have too much in the way of experience in losing my guard.

[desequilibre]

I have changed in my ways a little, my friend. I have ways.

[ He knows more about stabbing and shooting than he did. But it's the quietness of him now, the carefulness that alarms most men. Athos does not seem a threat until he fixes his blue eyes on you. ]

You know how I feel about that. [ He had chastised her when they were younger. But then Athos had rarely gone anywhere without Thomas at his side so guards were of little care. ]

[illuminescent]

I do.

[She has been bad about it her whole life, always willing to see the best in people.]

You will forgive me, won't you?

[desequilibre]

Lucy, there is nothing to forgive.

[ If anyone needs to ask for it then surely it is Athos. He is the one who disappeared. He is the one who let Thomas die. He should be begging her for it. But he doesn't say it, guiding them both through the streets carefully. ]

[illuminescent]

There is always something to forgive between those who love each other, and no words enough to express that there is always forgiveness plenty.

[And maybe that's answer enough.]

[desequilibre]

I have had trouble with the second more often lately.

[ His friends have been kind, have made sure to keep him sane and well while his wife continued to cause havoc. He is glad for them in so many ways. ]

But I am learning.