Aramis affects a shrug. To let Porthos witness this particular weakness is one thing - he has already pledged to love and respect Aramis no matter what comes. Athos is as dear a friend as can be, but he is Aramis' comrade, and Aramis would not seem a poorer soldier in Athos' eyes. "There was some trouble with that storm the other day. All the signs were obscured in the drifts and the wind, and I got turned around. It will hardly be a problem today."

He stands and collects their coffee cups, taking them to the sink. "I expect you to be on my side today. All the food has been left in Porthos' purview, but if he is to choose the groom's cake, I get to choose the other."