Athos watched as Gabriel quickly made his way into the crowds of people that filled the docks. He had barely said a word to the young Fontin, since the morning that he had confronted the boy about what might have happened between the two of them, the night before. He had to admit that he had felt foolish, embarrassed; but the kiss........well, it had felt so real; so real that he had to know the truth, even if it was not what he wanted to hear, he had to know. Yet Gabriel had made it quite clear to him, that absolutely nothing had happened but him taking Gabriel's bed and snoring all night. Athos just having to presume that it had all been in his drunken mind; but why it had been in his drunken mind.......now that was a different matter.

Despite the fact that he and Gabriel had barely spoken to one another, it didn't mean that he hadn't been watching the younger man; keeping his eye on his progress, his training and how he conducted himself, as the newest member of the Musketeers. Athos having to admit that the king had not made a mistake in allowing him into their ranks; and even though there had been times that Gabriel had faltered, he would always get back up and learn from his mistakes. He would always come back stronger, standing by him and the others, whenever he was needed. The young Fontin being there when they had had to face a number of drunken Cardinal's men; the two fighting together, fighting so well together, that it was as if the two had been standing shoulder to shoulder, for years.

"He will be fine, Athos..........." Aramis assured, placing his hand on his friend's shoulder.

"Gabriel knows what he is doing. As Porthos said, our young Fontin is a smart one. If he sees anything, hears anything, he will come and find us. He is not the type to do anything foolish........." Aramis added. Athos simply nodding his head in agreement, before looking to D'Artagnan and Porthos, as they made their own way to the more southern part of the port.

"Come on. Let's find that assassin so that we can get back to Paris......." Athos once again nodding as he looked over one last time, to where Gabriel had disappeared into the mass of people that frequented the dock, before following after Aramis.

                                                     >>-----------------------------------<<

Gabriel felt foolish as she raced through the crowd, looking around for somewhere to change. She had to do this quickly; she had to do what she needed to, for the queen, and then change back, so that she could look out for this assassin. The young Fontin smiling slightly, as she saw a small hut that was just out of the way enough, so that she would not be noticed, going in. Gabriel opening the door to the shack to find that it appeared to be full of old crabbing pots, that looked as though they had not been used in years. And though the small space had the worst odour of fish that she could imagine, she knew that she didn't have time to find anything better. Gabriel closing the door behind her and pushing a number of the pots up against the weathered ingress, before she pulled the clothes from the bag that Isabella had given her, the morning before she and the others left the capital.

As quickly as she could, she removed the clothes that she was wearing. The feeling of being so exposed, of no longer having the comfort of her male clothing and appearance made her feel incredibly vulnerable; and it was a feeling that she really didn't like, yet she pushed on; Gabriel unbinding her chest, before pulling the simple dress over her head and tightening the bodice. She no longer Gabriel Fontin, son of Remy; but Gabriella Fontin, daughter of Remy, the young woman she really was. Though after doing everything she could do to seem like a man for so long, she had to say that being back in a dress, felt strangely uncomfortable; but she had to do, what she had to do. The queen had been good to her, she had kept her secret, made sure that she had been able to dress better; Gabriel happy to no longer have to live in her father's old clothes. So, delivering a message to an unknown redheaded man, was the least that she could do in exchange. Gabriella bundling up her male clothes and hiding them under some old canvas sacking, before pulling on her shoes and placing the simple white cap on her head. The young woman taking a deep breath, and sending a short prayer to God, before she moved the crab pots from in front of the door and made her way out back onto the docks.

                                                      >>-----------------------------------<<

Gabriella looked around. She had to find something; a suitable guise that wouldn't make her stick out as she made her way back to the main part of the dock to find the man. A smile gracing her features, as she spied, sat on a worn step, a young flower girl, looking through the contents of her basket.

"Excuse me..........." The little girl seeming slightly started at being addressed; yet smiling as she looked up to see the woman in front of her.

"Qui, mademoiselle........." The child replied. Gabriella having to remind herself that yes, she was in fact a mademoiselle again, for at least as long as she looked like this.

"I was wondering........I would like to borrow your basket and flowers for a little while. I will bring them back, I promise........." Gabriella continued, pulling her purse from her pocket and taking out a few coins, as she saw how apprehensive the child was.

"Here..........." She continued, holding out the coins.

"I will give you this in exchange for the basket. I do not need it for long and I will bring it straight back when I am finished......." The young Fontin assured. Smiling as she watched the girl's eyes light up; Gabriella aware that this would be more money than the girl would earn if she were to sell every flower she had. The dark-haired child quickly taking the money, before handing over the basket.

"Thank you. Now, you stay here, and I will come back as soon as I can........" The little girl just nodding and smiling, before Gabriella quickly made her way back to the main dock.