Poor Hephaestion. He is strong and more than capable, but his poor heart...

Alexander is definitely under some bad influence and it seems some supernatural powers are at play too. For how long? Hephaistion is the only one who would be able to break the spell but even he so far is failing. He will need some additional help and pretty soon.

How clever of Parmenion to use "He is Alexander too" phrase to convince the army to accept Hephaistion's leadership. Nice to see that at least in this AU Hephaistion has so many supporters.

Black Kleitos deserves the recognition of his contributions to the success of the Macedonian army. He deserved the funerals too, even if it was against the law.

Thanks for writing and sharing this new chapter. I hope you're working on the next one already. :)

Sorry for catching up so late with this recent chapter. Horrible things are happening and it seems like the evil side is winning. I hope it is temporally only. Both Alexander and Hephaistion need strength to overcome the current situation. They are both strong, aren't they?
I liked very much how you wrote Hephaistion's thoughts and memories in the beginning of this chapter. I hope to read more of those.
On a slightly different matter. I miss reading the updates on the stories you post on LJ. I hope to do so soon. I still didn't figure out how to set up alerts on LJ. I am checking it from time to time and hope not to miss it. If you can, would you let me know when you post anything new?

Oh bagoas remember what happened to your namesake;) Thank you for this new chapter:)

Hi there! I just loved your idea of showing these characters under a different light, particularly a more independent Hephaestion and a more tender Cleitus - in fact, you even inspired me... I'm thinking of writing a short fic about him. It's also fantastic that you are showing women under a different light, making them more likeable characters. It's a little sad that there are so many fanfics that portray them as always evil and dissimulate, instead of giving them a chance. I'm so glad you are making it work with them! Congratulations!

I do like your fics, really ! But this story takes much tooo long ! 7 Years ! Whenever there is a new chapter, I have to reread the others because I can't remember what exactly happened.
Since I don't have hope, it will be finished in the forseeable future : sorry but I quit.

Good thing Bagoas does not wear pants, because they surely be on fire. So exited to see an update and that we are about to see BAMF!Hephaestion.

What a wonderful surprise, I am so happy you decided to continue with this story! I hope all the previous chapters were an introduction and now you're going to describe the events that really show the strength of Hephaistion and Alexander's mistaken ways!

I feel as if an important part of my life is back. I have missed this more than I can remember. I hope you continue with this amazing story. You make the stories start floating in my head again. Hephaestion will always be my favorite.

OMGOMGOMG! I just put this fanfic on my "to reread" list last month. I love this fanfic and I couldn't believe my inbox. I'm so happy!
I think this has the most original take on Hephaestion in fanfiction and I never thought I would get to read a new chapter.
Thank you!

It is so sad that you left this story as you did. I hope one day you come back and finish it.

Wow...I never think that this would be written!
It's so magnificent! Phae...had done too many things, had save Alexander's life too many times...is normal to reach a limit!
Alexander is so possesive, and proud, and-and...drunk! How many times did he hurt 'his' Patroclos just to sleep with someone else? And he doesnt even let Hephaestion have his own life! Arrrrrg...is so enerving!
And I'm so happy you saw the true potential, the true...nature of Haphaestion! He deserves so much better...to be respect and loved and trusted.
Also, I never saw Olympias as the perfect mother (she's way to selfish and manipulative) but I dont think she deserves Alexander's treatment towards her...he is too cold and unfair whit her.
I'm sooooo looking foward to the next chapter of your history!
How I want to see Phae in all his glory, and Alexander figuring out that now his army has more respect for Hephaestion than for the 'king'!
Poor Cleitus...I feel sorry for him...
Please tell me you plan on go on...Please,please,please,pleasee! ñ.ñ

Kisses

Lovingly devoted to her son; critical of his lover; and, with pure hate in her very soul for her husband, King Philip, this was a formidable adversary. You do really have to wonder about the love-hate relationship she must have had with her son and while there is no doubt that he loved her, Alexander always kept her at a distance from him even in the letter writing. I would suspect that his Regent would have had a terrible time dealing with her constant whining, bitching and just the fact that she was a running complaint department. Unless something crops up accidentally, I don't believe they ever saw each other again after Alexander led his army out of Macedonia toward Persia.

Hephaestion has always, to me anyway, been the centre of intrigue in the Alexander stories. An accomplished soldier and diplomat like his father, with his own strengths and weaksness as we all have, and yet he stood in the shadow of his Prince almost all his life. We know the story of Alexander from his birth to his death but, so sadly, we really know very little about his shadow, his other self if you will, and the role Hephaestion really played in Alexanders life.

Dear Toobeauty,

Many thanks for sharing this warm and interesting tale with us. I am becoming more and more fond of *your* Olympias. She is of course very strong in her feelings but I like it a lot when she is fond of *our* Hephaestion and that she cares for him. It puts a smile on my face when she and Alexander are *fighting* at Hephaestion's sick bed. It is deeply moving how she cares for the young boy, feeling as he is her second son.

Their exchange of letters through the long years of Campaign is deeply moving and they get to know one another better and better from afar, too.

I see that you are taking a break from writing and I wish you welcome back when you feel that your Muses return, :) All the best wishes, Muchas grazias por todos. Wishing you and all a Happy Easter, too,

/ NorthernLight