Different ...

[3scoremiles_10]

This story was a response to a challenge from Nicky (again!) and it did not, in the end, turn out the way I expected. I'm not sure if I like it or not, but I wrote it so I'll own it

Comments

[qaddafi]

Hmm, interesting. Everyone seems to speculate about how Pausanias felt about that incident, but I've never heard much speculation about how Philip might have felt. The implication is usually that he didn't care much at all (though that's never stated out right). That Philip might have loved Pausanias, but then put him aside for politics, is incredibly sad -and tragic, considering that Pausanias eventually killed Philip. It makes me wonder if, even if he couldn't seek public retribution for Pausanias against Attalos, Philip could have done more to help Pausanias, other than putting him in charge of his bodyguard. So, whether Philip felt that way about Pausanias or not, this opens a whole new box of speculation. I like it.

[3scoremiles_10]

I actually quite like Philip. He's ended up being overshadowed by his son in terms of history, but Philip's own achievements were pretty damned impressive. I think it's clear that Philip was a very political animal as well as a solid general, he would have understood expediency. To that end, I think it's plausible that he might have been motivated by political necessity rather than simple indifference when it comes to his treatment of Pausanias, especially considering who was involved. I know Philip is often portrayed as being a notorious lecher who amused himself with a string of lovers, but that doesn't rule out the possibility that he did actually care for Pausanias. Well, it's all just supposition really, but it seems at least possible to me

[susa_938]

I enjoyed this. It's another excellent, atmospheric piece - again with a poignancy of its own. It says a lot about Philip and his sadness and regret at a love lost; whilst at the same time it's a touching insight into the love shared by Alexander and Hephaistion, which we know will endure, withstanding the trials and sacrifices that Alexander's kingship will bring;

'the way they spoke in smiles and glances when anyone was near. He knew that language; he’d spoken it himself, once'

Poor Philip.

(And good to hear that Thais and Heph are on the back burner still)

[3scoremiles_10]

Thanks for the comments, I'm pleased you enjoyed it. I wanted to show Philip's human side, so I'm glad that came through. I think he tends to be presented in some quite unsympathetic ways in fiction, but I rather like him. Poor Philip indeed - and not just with regards to what loves he might have lost. With Olympias for a wife and son like Alexander, and then an expanding kingdom to hold together on top of that, he must have had his work cut out for him

Your Fic

[as_im_babbar]

Hello, I have spent the last couple of weeks reading (and rereading) your Alexander fiction. It is wonderfully written, truly. A tremendous cheek but could I email my feed back to you. Just a hotmail addy, if you like to keep things separated. You can reach me on wriothesley@aol.com. Also do you write in other areas as I would love to read more of your fiction?

Re: Your Fic

[3scoremiles_10]

If you would like to email your feedback, by all means go ahead. I'm open to any comments, queries, criticisms or suggestions, I would be interested in your observations. I'll flick an email to you so you have the address.

As for other fiction, you'll have to wait for me to write some - chances are it will be Alexander related (it's such a rich source and it works in with a larger project I'm working on) but you never know where the Muse may take you. And now I mentioned the Muse and I sound like a pretentious prat - ah well, I'll get over it. ;)