Another Musketeer Arrives

[not_apriest]

Who: Aramis and OPEN
Where: The Grounds
When: October 15th. Morning.
Rating: PG at worst? We don't really know what to expect yet.
Summary: Aramis wakes up on a beach and isn't sure how he got there.
The Story:


He opened his eyes and immediately squinted against the glare of the sun. And that was already wrong. He put his hands down to push himself up and noticed they sank in hot sand. He frowned. Very very wrong. There were no beaches in Paris. Where the hell was he? He pushed himself up to a sitting position, patting himself down, taking stock. He still had his weapons. His hat was on the sand near his left hand. He was still wearing his cloak and his boots. He grabbed his hat and stood, looking around. There was sparkling blue water to his right. Rich green grass to his left. Beyond, some distance away, he could see what appeared to be a great manor house.

He headed for that.

Comments

[thestormcomes]

[Don't point it out, Athos' dignity is at stake.]

It's barely noon, I should think it's time for a drink.

[not_apriest]

[Oh, there he is. Time for some light sarcasm.]

What a relief. I was concerned you'd changed. [He claps Athos on the back.] Can I just take any room that I want?

[thestormcomes]

[This prompts a rare smile from Athos.

It's good to have friends.]

Any room that hasn't already been occupied. Shall I show you the hall?

[Since he's already showing Aramis the door in...]

[not_apriest]

Please do.

[He glances around as they step inside.]

Posh.

[thestormcomes]

You have no idea.

[Athos' room is fairly humble. He has no doubt that Buckingham's is covered in gilt.]

There's a library down this way, two stories tall. You may like it; I know several scholars who frequent the stacks.

[not_apriest]

I expect you visit it rarely.

[He gives Athos a dry but fond smile.]

What else do they have here?

[thestormcomes]

[Athos visits on occasion. He just never stays for too long because he never finds anything he wants to read.]

A kitchen, a dining hall, a music room somewhere around here...much of the time, I find myself outside.

[Are you surprised?]

[not_apriest]

Outside does seem... expansive. [He glances at Athos.] I woke up on a beach.

[thestormcomes]

It is expansive.

[He chuckles.]

There is a beach, the checkerboard hills, the forest...the gardens and orchards are well-maintained, but it's still not home.

[Not that Paris is actually Athos' home, but it happens to be where all his friends are.]

[not_apriest]

You still must feel its boundaries quite keenly.

[He knows Athos and a prison is a prison.]

[thestormcomes]

[He's quiet for a moment, then,]

...more than you know.

[not_apriest]

I assume you've tried to escape.

[thestormcomes]

Walking the length of the grounds, be it forest or fields, will only deposit you back where you started. There's no end to it.

[He pauses thoughtfully, recalling an important detail.]

Mortality does not pose a problem here, though.

[In case he neglected to mention...]

We are permitted to die four times, returning each time as if rising like Lazarus.

[not_apriest]

[Aramis looks over at him sharply.]

Four times? And what happens the fifth? True death?

[thestormcomes]

I'm not certain. I have yet to hear of anyone who has lost their life more than five times.

[Tantalizing as it sounds to experiment, Athos isn't exactly up for testing the results on himself. He already lost one life to carelessness.]

[not_apriest]

[Aramis gives his friend a wary glance.]

... Has it happened to you?

[thestormcomes]

[Merci, he appreciates the skepticism. Even if it is warranted.]

...Once.

[That is all you need know, my friend.]

A mistake I will not make again.

[not_apriest]

[He doesn't ask for details, but he does cross himself.]

What sort of food do they serve here?

[thestormcomes]

[The subject is dropped, thank God. And speaking of God, Athos watches Aramis cross himself with obvious interest. It isn't as though Athos does not believe in Him, but His presence isn't here.

Wonderland is devoid of whatever spiritual guidance might lead a man.]

Anything you can think of, the kitchen or dining hall will provide. [A beat.] Hungry?

[not_apriest]

[Aramis huffs out a small laugh.]

No. Just changing the subject.

[thestormcomes]

Very subtle of you.

[Athos chuckles in return.]

I'm afraid there isn't much call for men like us here.

[not_apriest]

[Aramis smirks a little.]

There wasn't much call for men like us back there lately.

[thestormcomes]

Touché.

[There are, unfortunately, very few "great causes" in Wonderland.]

At the very least, I'll finally have a fencing partner who poses a threat.

[God in Heaven, Athos hopes he hasn't grown excessively rusty. He leads the way into one of the manor's many parlors, moving to a closet to fetch a drink.]

...Wine? Or water, Padre?

[not_apriest]

Wine. Please.

[Passing the time by sparring with Athos. That actually sounds... fun.]

[thestormcomes]

[A nice cup of Wonderland's finest Chambertin, then? Athos takes a sip of his own drink after handing the other to Aramis. He doesn't bother making a toast - he's always been terrible at at that.

Better to leave wordsmithing to those more suited to it.]