ALEXANDER THE GREAT STORY: LOVE LETTERS by Moon71
LOVE LETTERS by Moon71
Chapter 4: Summer arrives and it looks as though matters are settled amicably with Hephaestion, but Alexander is beginning to realise things will never be same…
NOTES: Not much to say here except thank you for the warm response so many of you continue to give this story. I’m sorry I don’t always reply to reviews but I do read and take note of each one! Read on, my dear ones…
“…Forgive me!”
Alexander woke with a start, for a second thinking it was he who had called out in his sleep. But then he realised it was Hephaestion, who had been tossing restlessly in the bed next to his. Alexander stared across at him through the shadows, astonished to find himself reluctant to approach his friend’s bed, even more so to learn the contents of the dream which had caused him to call out. Ashamed of his own weakness, he slipped out of his bed and went to Hephaestion’s.
The other youth turned sharply towards him, a small whimper of distress escaping him before he caught his breath. Suddenly this was Alexander’s Hephaestion; the little boy with whom he had, quickly if unconsciously, fallen in love while they played carelessly in the palace grounds. He had no qualms about climbing into his bed, wrapping his arms about him, kissing his cheek; offering comfort. He gave a deep, happy sigh as Hephaestion stroked his hair.
“I’m… sorry, Alexander…” Hephaestion whispered tremulously.
“For what, my love?” The endearment slipped from Alexander’s lips before he could think, warm and filled with relief as he was just then. He felt Hephaestion’s head shift on the pillow, his arms tighten about him.
“It doesn’t matter.”
My dearest… my love.
How much it means to call you that, even in a letter. Forgive me for writing to you, forgive me if any word I write disgusts you or causes you pain. I do not know where else to turn, for I cannot risk speaking out loud.
I have tried, I have tried so hard, but I don’t think I can do it. I listened to your words, I followed your arguments, I vowed to try to think as you do; forgive me I couldn’t vow to do so absolutely, but to break a vow made in your name - that I couldn’t do.
I love you. I have loved you for a long time. You know that, I have told you that. But my love is not just the love of the heart, it is the love of the body. Yes, I love your body as I love your heart and your soul. If only you would let me show you the reverence with which I would treat it! I would never do anything to make you feel ashamed or debased or in any way less flawless than you are to me now…
“The Gods have blessed us with such a beautiful day, Hephaestion,” Alexander declared as they dismounted from their horses and lead them slowly down to the small stream. The summer heat had grown heavy and their chitons clung damply to their bodies. “I have so many ambitions, am tormented by the urge to ride away from here to new and exotic lands, to heroic adventures, conquest and glory… yet today it saddens me to think that soon enough we must leave behind such simple pleasures as a sunny day, a cool stream and the company of a dear friend…”
Hephaestion smiled at him. “If I had your eloquence, Alexander,” he said wistfully, “what couldn’t be mine…?”
“Is there something you want, Hephaestion?” Alexander asked eagerly, forgetting his poetic mood at once and coming over to take his hand, “whatever it is, tell me and if I can manage it, it’s yours!”
“Alexander…” Hephaestion’s smile wavered as he looked down into the other boy’s imploring face. “All I want now is a bathe in the stream!” Stripping off his clothes, he plunged into the crystalline waters with a whoop of pure childish pleasure. Laughing, Alexander joined him and they splashed about, wrestling playfully and ducking their heated faces into the cold depths.
Finally they dropped shivering on to the bank where the sun beat down hot upon their glistening skin. Wave after wave of drowsiness swept over Alexander as he lay upon his belly, head resting upon his folded arms, and he was almost asleep when he felt Hephaistion’s chilly fingers feather across his back.
Alexander gave a small, sleepy moan. He couldn’t help it; Hephaestion’s touch was so gentle that it brought a pleasant shiver down his spine. For a moment the touch was withdrawn, but then it was back, this time lower, following the curve of Alexander’s bottom. Alexander remained still, keeping his breathing regular, letting Hephaestion think him asleep. The last time he had overreacted; this time, in spite of himself, he decided to practice caution.
For a moment Hephaestion simply stroked him, but then the hand lightly squeezed his buttocks; finally trailed over his thighs, sliding down between them.
Suddenly the touch was gone. Alexander remained frozen, half expecting it to return with more determination and not sure what he would do if it did. But when Hephaestion came closer again, it was only to smooth away Alexander’s golden curls and press a tender kiss to the back of his neck, as if in silent gratitude for his forbearance. He heard him sigh, then turn over on to his front some inches away from Alexander. Alexander wondered if he was asleep, but did not quite have the courage to check; he lay as he had, his heart beating very fast.
TBC