Wow ... this was pretty heavy ... man, I feel tired just finishing the fic, then again, it's late here and I couldn't draw myself away.

You're fantastic writing is worth a little sleep, I think.

I'm touched. I don't know how else to describe it.

I love it when Hephaestion tries to make things better :0 It always comes out so awkward and charming :P this is really good BTW

That was so sad! I feel like bawling my eyes out...you write so beautifully...your words flow so well.

Whoa nelly this was good. Supernatural stories are pretty good, but this is one of the best ones I've read. Go you.

That was a whole new thing. Almost plausible. I liked it _

I'd just like to ask why you were so bothered by Bagoas' thoughts toward Hephaestion in 'The Persian Boy'? It's completely understandable, him feeling that way. And I'm sure in reality Bagoas did not feel so much tension towards Hephaestion. But he was in love, and I didn't notice much complaining of Hephaestion.

But, as a side note, if you enjoyed the Persian Boy and Fire From Heaven then The Nature of Alexander would be a good one. It's by Mary Renault and it's a biography. It's almost the same as reading one of her novels.

Brilliant! I used to get so mad at Bagoes during The Persian Boy...your story has reflected exactly what I would have liked to say him about Hephestion and his bond with Alexander. Very good

.THIS! I wish I could use bigger font! You weren't THAT bad to Bagoas, but I have to admit this part did make me laugh -

"I know he used to tell himself he lay with me only because he loved me, and though we both knew it wasn’t true, it put a barrier between us… until you broke it down! Yes, you, Bagoas! After you, love with Alexander was truly… divine! He had always been - been my boy, if you will, but after you, he… Oh. You’re not enjoying this at all, are you?"

I literally had tears coming out my eyes LOL. I completely agree with your assessment of Hephaestion's place in Alexander's life, that he was his sanity, and that his actions post Hephaestion's death were not only out of grief, but because Hephaestion was no longer to help him fight the darkness, and I like that you showed that Hephaestion was no saint either; he had his own shortcomings.

Very, very enjoyable, and superbly written.

Looking forward to reading much more from you,

Tionsbabe.

Thanks so much for the final 'exorcism'. I loved the lighthearted "hippie" Hephaestion (being a bit of a fading flower child myself). I too think it significant that Roxanna and his other wife did not become pregnant until after Hephaestion's death...the child was born 3 months after Alexander's death and he lived 8 months? after said death so? they were young, they thought they had plenty of time...I also don't think it's unrealistic to assume Hephaestion came to take Alexander wherever. Similar events have been reported by people who've been with a dying person and I myself have seen one instance. The romantic in me hopes it was that way. No apology needed to this Renault fan; I still love her work, just feel she let us down by presenting "The Persian Boy" as a sequel to "Fire From Heaven."

Thanks again. Bagoas can now rest in peace.

Fredericka

P.S. I second your recommendation of Qaddafi the Ripper. I'm a huge fan of his work.

ate my first review so here goes again: this was delightful, as your other stories. I hope you continue to be inspired to produce this unique brand of fresh stories, they are greatly appreciated.

As for the zine, I've been asked to contribute before, but due to hectic RL, I forgot to send the work by the deadline. Also, the work has to come off the Internet and I thought that to be a mission. I'd like to help though.

*grin* don't apologise for disliking Bagoas as a result of The Persian Boy. i learned to loathe the evil little boy after reading that book. i really wish the book had had the same type of narration as Fire From Heaven... but back to your fic, i adored it. poor Alexander losing his mind without Hephaestion there to keep him sane. the death scene itself was especially bittersweet. Hephaestion being there right up until the very end.

So sweet fic! *sobs* i love it! ;_;

Bagoas, Roxana and the gang certainly miscalculated with respect to a post-Hephaistion Alexander, didn't they? I liked the honestly evil Cassander here. Dead Heph is a tad too holy - but it's nice that Alex and he will be enjoying divinity together! Loved these lines:

"He glanced up as he heard Roxana, sniffing behind her veil, give a sudden shrill scream and faint dead away. He thought he caught a quick glimpse of silver, gold and bronze"...

Wow . . . this story was amazing! I never thought of Alexander's death like that . . . ya know how maybe Hephaistion was waiting right beside him before death took him.

I do have to admit though . . . I really don't like Roxana! She just bothers me for reasons I don't know.

Bagoas got to have an experience that few others could. It's always amazed me how Hephaistion has always been able to forgive everyone without a moments hesitation (just as long as they hadn't done something to Alexander of course)

Great Story and I hope to see more from you soon!

-Fanfic Fish-