Although I can see where Hephaestion's coming from, I still must agree with Alexander when he says the others "don't know what real love is about." Or rather, I agree that what they're doing doesn't demonstrate "real love" - not the kind Alexander has in mind anyway, the kind he and Hephaestion share. (beams) But of course, I sympathize with Hephaestion - what an insightful way to describe how he might feel with this prince/dreamer/possible son of a god who's such an idealist: wondering whether "to bring Alexander down to his level or to raise himself to Alexander's."

Hephaestion's behavior being "somewhere between a lost fawn and a stalking lion." Oh. Oh-h-h-h-h.

And that's all I'll say about that.

But (laughing) poor Hephaestion, choreographing everything mentally beforehand...he even rallies after Alexander says he doesn't want the other boys talking, but then Alex says "What for? Anyway it's too cold." I could just imagine all the music winding down suddenly - you know, like the needles sliding off those discs (phonographs?). Ack, "whoever wants him can have him?" Reminds me of Hephaestion in "Pseudoalexander" - though, to be sure, he trusts all these boys here to some extent.

Of course there are references everywhere to Achilles and Patroclus when it comes to Alexander and Hephaestion, but this is the first time I've seen Briseis and Andromache mentioned, which is nice. Seems natural Alexander would like women like that - not to mention, all the better for him to act chivalrously.

Alexander's face "lighting up" with a "smile that is beautiful and filled with joy" at the kiss - how lovely!

Personally, I feel you've written it so that they found the middle ground Hephaestion (and the philosophers!) think of - but in a way, they've also raised each other up - beyond even what the philosophers thought of. Go them!

Hello moon 71,

Many thanks for sharing this beautiful story of the awakening of adolescent love. The lake in moonlight is a beautiful place and I can see it, all the boys going there for bathing and other pleasures. Your imagery is wonderful...

I like it when Hephaestion at long last makes his Prince Perfect understand his needs and when he stops his moralizing and goes to the lake as everyone else, submitting to the pleasures of life, becoming the Beautiful Golden One in the moonlight.

Perhaps they will go there to be all by themselves some other night...

All the best wishes,

NorthernLight

m m that was hott and kinky and kinda sweet lol great story.

I am LOVING your stories right now ! Who cares if you're the only one with balls enough to write them ! If I had any talent for writing at all, then I would help you out, but alas my skills are more in the reading and reviewing area... However know your stories are being read and thoroughly enjoyed ! Keep up the most excellent fluffy and racy works !

This is a beautiful story which really captures the early relationship between Alexander and Hephaestion.

I'm looking forward to your next story - hope there won't be long to wait!

Wow - you certainly are productive *admires*

Neat and honest story. Very much in character for Alexander to think that somehow he has to deny himself the pleasures of mere mortals only because he feels that he has to be better as their future leader. How he discovers that at some level he actually longs to be like them and feel normal, if only as a break from his overachieving self. And how it is only with Hephaistion that he can achieve this normalcy.

Just something I noticed: when Alexander says "you’d sooner be at the river..." shouldn't that be the "lake"?

Hoping to read you soon :)

A great one shot. It was very well written and I like the emotions shown by both boys. The only things that at times got sketchy was when we went back to little snip-its of flashbacks. But other than that it was wonderful.

See more soon,

Baliansword

Another fic from you! Sque!

As always, another awesome fic! You done a good job with your another theme from one of Heph's qoutes. I never get bored reading your fic. Nya, I don't mind if this fandom begining to look like 'Moon71' website...actually, I would be so happy to read more fics from you! And don't hold back on posting your fics... most readers out there needed more amazing stories out there like yours.

Beautiful and oh-so heart-meltingly romantic! Great visuals of all the lovely boys splashing and playing about in the moonlit lake. Very Dionysian but in a gentle way! For some reason, I kept visualizing the swanmaidens from Swan Lake as I read this!

Alexander with his ideas about sleep and sex reminding him of his own mortality thinks himself above that of his friends. But he is very quickly brought to earth and made to face his own earthliness when he realizes just how much he needs Hephaistion's love - the thought of it cooling sends the poor boy into a panic! (If he knew that Hephaistion had kissed Laomedon and Erigyius, he probably would have had a nervous breakdown!) But what I love most about this story is Hephaistion. Here he knows what he wants, suffers in silence at first, but then realizes he cannot give into Alexander all the time! He turns his back and then resolves to go down to the lake and "get some" with or without Alexander. And again at the end, he demands to know when the next time will be! This is not the "passive shadow", "yes-Alexander" Hephaistion that we see often, including in Fire from Heaven (Tionsbabe beat me to it!) Here he is strong, sensual and demanding in an understanding and gentle way. seems to be someone who would be able to hold Alexander's love for a lifetime.

Thank you for another great story! I, for one, don't mind at all a Moon71 website!

"moon 71 webstie" would be a good idea IMO...;) This fic is so sweet and hot in his way! The way you show the Hephaestion's desire and Alexander's fears...so real. Love it!

*Shameless squealing and thunderous applause ensues*.

Thank you, humbly, for my dedication. And this story! What a wonderful surprise! This was just PERFECT. You totally captured the way I picture young Alexander, battling boyhood desires in his aspirations to honor, nobility, and greatness. I could feel Hephaestion's angst, and Alexander's confusion and scorn for his friends. When he finally understood Hephaestion's actions at the lake, I was beside myself with happiness, even more so when he said, "I know you'd rather be down at the lake," facilitating honesty, and revelations. When Hephaestion said he'd envisioned making love to him at the lake, I was almost as gooey inside as Alexander. How does one's heart not melt at a declaration like that?

Upon consummation of their love, I experienced a tiny moment of panic when Alexander seemed to withdraw into himself and I thought, "No, tell me she's not pulling an 'R' on me (you know who!) so when Alexander said, 'Tomorrow,' I literally grinned in relief.

The line that stood out the most to me, "He still hasn't decided what he really wants - to bring Alexander down to his level or to raise himself to Alexander's."

Hephaestion's struggle in a nutshell.

An expertly beautiful story, as always.

Thank you!

Tionsbabe.

I should be doing a lot of other things, but I am adicted to Alexander and Hephaestion as well. This is a wonderful, sweet story of discovering desire and longing, of knowing htis is the love of your life and wanting to act on it. Beautifully, thoughtfully and delicately told, thank you