"I never noticed that the other evening........" Aramis said, as he came up behind Gabriel; his eyes taking in the beautiful sword that the young Fontin had just strapped to his hip.

"Is that.............?"

"It's the one the old king gave to my father when he saved his life, yes. Normally, I use my grandfather's sword; but I thought as the training area seems to be packed with every Musketeer there is, it was fitting to use this. I still don't know who I am to fight; but it feels right." Gabriel explained, as she slowly drew the glistening blade from its sheath and looked at her reflection in the highly polished metal.

Their weapons had really been the only material things that she had inherited from her father and grandfather; and each and every one she cherished. It feeling as though they were there with her when she wielded them; as if they were guiding her hand, moving her feet. Not letting her forget all the long, long hours of training. Gabriel feeling as though she needed both of them at this moment; hoping that neither of their spirits would let her fall and make a fool of herself. And even if she didn't win, then at least they would aid her in making a good impression.

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

"Have either of you seen Athos?" Aramis asked, as he left Gabriel's side and made his way over to Porthos and d'Artagnan.

"Not since last night, when he staggered out of the tavern, with a bottle under his arm." Porthos replied, as all of them looked around. None of them catching sight of his face in the crowd.

"Maybe he's just running late. Though I thought he would want to be here to see this. I mean, everyone else does. I must admit that I feel a little sorry for Gabriel, he's got a lot of pressure on his shoulders. No man here is gonna want to lose to him; and they might push even harder given his family name......." d'Artagnan sighed. Watching as the other young man pushed one dagger into his belt, and another into the inside of his right boot: before pulling on his gloves.

"Who do you think the captain will choose......." The young Gascon continued. Wondering who else wasn't there, who Captain Treville might have called to his office.

"There are a few I would look at if I really wanted to test the young Fontin. Bernard is a big man, the total opposite of Gabriel. It would show if he had any issues with fighting against larger opponents, if Treville chose him. Blanchet is smaller, quicker; choosing him would let us see if the boy was nimble on his own feet. And then there is Boucher, who likes to use his daggers, for the close quarter fight. But if Gabriel is anything like his father, then I am sure he will know all those tricks..........." Aramis mused, folding his arms and leading a little further up against the wall.

"But if I really wanted to see if Gabriel was a true Fontin, I would only pit one man against him...........The marksman continued, looking back to his two friends.

"Athos............."

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"Me..........?" Athos asked, as he stood in front of the captain.

"But why...........?"

"You are the one that makes most sense, Athos. If I wanted Gabriel to be tested in just one way, then there are others I would look to. But with you, I know you will test him in every way. Remy was always secretive about his family, he wanted to keep them separated from what he did with the Musketeers; to keep them safe. Though I do know that he and Louis wanted to pass on their skills to Remy's child. That they wanted that child to follow in their footsteps and wear the tunic of the king. And with your help, we will be able to prove whether he has the blood of his fathers, of the Musketeers, running through his veins." Treville explained, as he got up from his chair and made his way over to Athos. Athos slowly nodding his head in agreement.

"Good, well, as you can see, everyone is waiting for a show. And I am sure that the young Fontin is anxious to see whom he will be fighting........" The captain continued, as he made his way out of his office. A reluctant Athos not far behind.

Despite his night of thinking.......or should that be, drinking; Athos had yet to work out what it was that was troubling him about the young man. And he had to admit that it was getting the better of him. Though perhaps if he faced the boy one on one, then it might help Athos make more sense of him. Might help him get a better understanding of why he had felt how he had felt when he had looked on the young man's face. The mass of Musketeers parting ways as Treville and Athos made their way to the courtyard. Athos taking his position by the well and removing his tunic so that he was left in his shirt. The once liege lord le Comte de la Fere, fixing his gloves, before turning to face his opponent.

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"Gabriel........" A voice came, her eyes looking over to d'Artagnan. The young man pointing over at the courtyard. The breath catching in her throat, as she saw Athos removing his tunic.

She had not realised that the crowd had gone silent until this moment. Gabriel getting to her knees and holding the hilt of her father's sword to her head before beginning to pray.

"Lord God and my fathers. Give me the strength to win this fight. To prove myself not only to these men, but to all of you. Let me not forget all that you have taught me. Lead my hand, calm my heart and quell all doubt in my mind. All I do, I do for you. Amen.........." She said quietly. Gently kissing the blade of the sword before she got back to her feet. The young Fontin taking a deep breath, before making her way to face Athos.