Ironically, as it is a story, it is too sweet for words. I loved it; from Bagoas' grumbles about the dust and the Macedonians to that adorable scene with the kithara, I loved every bit.

ME

Wow. That was beautiful. I'm reading the book The Persian Boy currently and this scene could have come directly from it. Great job.

So wonderful and cute! I think I'm melting...

Beautiful!

It's always interesting, reading something written from Bagoas' perspective. Half the time, I'm wondering what kind of person he was..being in his position, it must have been difficult at times.

After reading this, I find myself yearning to hear the lament, just as it was..it sounds so beautiful and sad. Especially in that environment..the moment must have been magical. Just four lines, and I've already fallen for a song that I have never heard of in my life. Absurd, but wonderful nevertheless.

Beautifully written...

Many thanks for sharing this lovely Valentine story. The image of Alexander playing the kithara and singing to his Hephaestion / Patroklos is so very beautiful. Poor Bagoas who comes upon such a private moment that makes him realize all he is missing.

I felt so sorry for Alexander when he stopped playing and singing forever after King Philip's cruel remarks. It's good you made him take up his singing and playing once more - for a most well deserving audience!

The descriptions of the dust and dirt and the hygiene troubles of the hard campaign life renders extra realism and quality to your story.

All the best wishes,

/NorthernLight

aw that was romantic and the last part was cute washed my hair lol great story.

Poor Bagoas! Scrubbing himself for nothing, indeed! #snickers#

Alexander singing... Interesting idea. Not that I have never thought of it, but an idea that is not displayed a lot.

Or might it be that I am so accustomed to Jared's singing (and what an amazing voice he has! Long live 30 Seconds to Mars!).

However it is, a good, short story! Liked it ;)

how nice your story is...so poetic and romantic!they are too sweet in that tender moment...and Bagoas is not Welcome ;)

I love it...conglaturation! :)

Beautiful. Simply beautiful! I love how he said, "I could not begrudge anyone with such bliss." Wonderful. Though I can't help but wonder if Bagoas really was kind to Hephaistion. Still, it's so beautiful. It's really hard to write in the first person and I really love the way you wrote this in it. It's wonderful. Thank you for the valentine's fluff!

As Always,

Lexy

Great story! I'd almost start liking Valentine's Day. :P Anyhow, I really liked the way you've written this from Bagoas POV. The ending was just brilliant!

What a beautiful story. I wanted it to continue although the finish was just perfect. Thanks again!

What a wonderful Valentine's Day story!

Poor Bagoas. His professional pride is very strong! And to be "witness to their perfection" - that's so poetic! Both for Bagoas, who understands and respects the beauty and intimacy of the moment, and for Alexander and Hephaestion themselves. Hephaestion encourages and cherishes the more sensitive side of Alexander, and Alexander's willing to show this softer side for Hephaestion, and only for him! That little frown of Alexander's is a great touch, showing that the bad memories are still there, but Hephaestion's appreciation is strong enough to overcome them. (You're making me go aw-w-w-w-w again, it's scary . . . but I love it!)

May you have a fantastic Valentine's Day too!

A perfect Valentine's Day story! Perhaps Alex and Tion were celebrating Valentine that very day with that sweet sad song on the kithara. Bagoas comes across as a very nice well-rounded character here - able to understand his King and his needs quite well. And he seems remarkably mature with respect to Hephaistion here! Just as it should be!

The temperature everywhere certainly went up at that vision of Alexander scrubbing down a travel-weary Hephaistion in the bath in his tent!