Wow. This is just incredible, and your characterisations are perfection. It's quite hearbreaking how you've captured the reversion of the roles of Aramis and Athos that begin to emerge as Athos ages. Suddenly, Aramis is the leader, the one with the passion and drive, but also the cold distance, and all Athos can do is be left behind with his memories and guilt. Beautifully crafted.

I really like this story. You have a good way of takig the reader through time using the different characters. Thanks for this fic!

A great story. Very good.

Thank-you for writing such a thought-provoking fic!

I really enjoyed reading it!

Wow! Great oneshot! I totally enjoyed it! Your description of each character was so realistic I could see it all happen. I personally enjoyed how you had Porthos raving over not finding the wine, and Athos and Aramis joking over who was gonna tell him to come him. That scene really struck me as showing just how close they all are to each other. But really, your characterization was great. Porthos was perfect. Quick to lose his temper, or do something stupid, but loyal to a fault. Aramis was great with his calm, logical view of the world, and knowing exactly when it was the right time to show Athos comfort, and when it was the right time to let him deal with his pain himself. And I completely adored Athos in this. You definitely brought out the emotional pangs he suffered in the movie and how they matched those of past decisions he made in his life. It was so brilliant to show him having the same want that Porthos had, to do something useful. And that end was exceptionally impressive. Philippe's simple innocence was exactly what Athos needed. All in all an excellent piece of work!

*GOOD*.

Very good. With something like this, even those who have never experienced that kind of despair can relate.

What a beautiful story! At first I was a bit dubious about the back-and-forthing with the pov, and the present tense, but it worked spectacularly well. And you've made me like Aramis much more than I have before (I don't need any encouragement to like Athos). The little prayer snippets were especially well-thought-of, though I wondered why they weren't in Latin, but perhaps I'm forgetting something. Truly excellent.

The title was a bit strange at first, but it made sense later on. I can state with a clean conscience that this is the best Musketeer fanfiction I have ever read and Athos is really the best man.

I think this is a great story. The characters are so well drawn...

I just finished reading "Man in the Iron Mask", and I saw the movie in theatres when it first came out. This story is amazing! I really admire how you manage to keep everyone in character, and also make some clever insights about Athos and Aramis. Your style of narrative is very effective, and the prayers at the beginning of Aramis' entries were a nice touch. I can't really think of any particular way to improve the story. Well done!

I have just read this, and wanted to tell you that your language is beautiful. It expresses Athos' thoughts in a way Dumas never does. Aramis is well done also, sincere and sympathetic, but detached.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read.

Such a well composed, beautiful story! You have found the perfect voice for Athos and Aramis. I really enjoyed your tale. Thanks for writing it.

Beautiful. Exquisite, even. The pain is almost tangible, so much so that it hurts to read this... Hurts in a way that doesn't hurt at all. Excellent work. :)

This was absolutely beautiful. The character development and storyline were very well thought out and described, and I can only say that I'm grateful to you and all who encouraged you for finishing this story. I could FEEL the suffering of Athos, and the frustration of Aramis. Thank you for sharing this.

Btw, I also greatly enjoyed your previous story; I didn't review it, I didn't have time, but I hope you will write more in the future. I would love to read something carefree written with your skill. Thank you again.

Oh my god! You total babes! I saw this story and loved it a couple of years ago then more-or-less lost track. Well, I'm too chicken to send proper feedback. Huurah for the "Review" button ~g~. LOVE this; subtle, literate, tender, quietly dramatic, lots of Aramis (mmmmmm). I praise you mightily :).