This is a beautiful gem of a story. Your writing is wonderful, engrossing, richly-detailed, and truly brought me into the historical time period. I am a bit of an Alexander buff, have always found the relationship with Hephaistion to be utterly romantic. And have always really enjoyed the side-relationship of Ptolemy and Thais that the histories mention. I really loved the way you brought both relationships and the characters involved, especially Thais, to life. This one will go into my favorites. The best Alexander fic I have read in a long while and of such length I feel completely spoiled.

T'is a rather outdated review, as i've only just stumbled upon this beautiful story (and read it through in a single day!). It's among the best fiction i've read on this site - certainly under this archive! Alexander and Hephaestion are the best pairing in the world - Romeo has nothing on the king! I love the way you address the different sort of loves they had - everything must have been simpler then, a lot more liberal. Modern times could definitely benefit from looking back at them! Thanks again for supplying one of the finest online stories i've had the pleasure of reading, looking forward to your next fiction!

M x

So I stayed up way too late like 4 nights in a row to read this and it was completely worth it - that was awesome. Ha ha.

Your characterizations stay so true to the time and are really individual - Thais was especially good since there's so little about her out there. Plus the academic conversations were really well done, it was like a lesson at the same time. lol

But of course, Alexander and Hephaestion were the best part, and the ending was perfect. 3

Awesome fic, it’s nice to read something so thoroughly thought out and interesting. :)

I'm so crap at reviews, but that just left me with a lovely feeling at the end. It was so intricate and tightly woven, a really great story.

And now I'm off to read some more of your stories, I'm never going to get to sleep tonight!

This was a good story. I admire your style of writing! So fluent and interesting to read.

Well-done, complex characterizations kept this story going into areas I was unsure of. I LIKED that I didn't know where you were going to end to story.

As other reviewers noted, Thais and Ptolemy storyline really added to the story, they weren't just filler. They were ANOTHER complex relationship in which one character (in this case Ptolemy) had the "hand" in the relationship but in the end had to make the first move to get back the "desired beloved" after a faux-pas (Ptolemy behaving in a way that pushed Thais away: he was so pleased Alexander had given Adhita to him that he hadn't considered what it would do to his relationship with Thais). I enjoyed that what he needed from Thais was what what Alexander needed from Hephaistion: an understanding heart.

The story was about different "love combinations" and Ara/Bagoas made me happy TOO.

Not much really "happens" in the story but the characterizations really sparkle.

I kept hoping you could have Alexander request Ara as a dancer to return with him and that would keep Bagoas happy; I liked that Alexander gave Bagoas his own household. I enjoyed that Alexander and Hephaistion discussed Bagoas' situation and that it was just a mark of respect from the two that they did.

These were all adult people living long-ago that were understandable in their behavior/psychology.

I even appreciated Oxyartus sending somebody to spy on Hephaistion to protect his daughter's interests. That was believable to me.

Thank you for this intricate well-thought out story.

Eva

An exelante storie, you are very talanted. I really don't know what to say but I hope you continnue writing.

I really enjoyed this fic. It had depth, there were some parts where i just wanted to scream and yell THANK YOU! It was so awesome. I've been hunting down Alexander/H fics all over the place, And i think this one was a price! Congrats! *muah* And good luck on starting you next one!

That was gorgeous. I loved it. V. big fan of yours in general though...

Oh my God. This was an absolutely brilliant fic! I loved the Thais/Hephaestion angle as well, it added just that something more to the story and so well written. Amazing job.

okay hi...

i just love your story...especially your "game" with the kings name and the way around Alexanders wife, how she is stupid but wise at once.

Missus Dane

Dear moon71,

Your Rediscovery has all the things I like, complicated intrigue, triangulations, colourful descriptions, close tie ins to *real* history - and - best of all, a Happy Ending. Now all our dear friends are back with each other, happy together before they are out for another hard campaign. The hunting scene gives us some more beautiful imagery, letting us see our dear friends complete once more.

Many thanks for sharing this. Also many thanks for your kind words on my reviewing and writing. All the best wishes, and also hoping you've spent a very Merry Christmas and wishing you a Happy New Year, in *real* life and in writing,

/NorthernLight

I like your Thais a lot. She is strong willed and holds her own. At the same time she is wise and emotional, and she truly understands the relationship between Alexander and Hephaestion. I hope she and Hephaestion will remain good friends and perhaps enjoy some more conversations in the future.

The hunting scene towards the end is filled with violent emotions and you give us a lovely H/C sequence at the very end. It has some very strong and telling imagery, clearly showing us how much Alexander needs his True Steadfast Friend.

All the best wishes,

/NorthernLight

Another great chapter. I like your backgrounds to the Susa Weddings. Hephaestion is both pleased and honored to be asked to marry the Princess Parysatis, but he has his pride and is somewhat reluctant when asked to give up Thais and give her back to Ptolemy.

Ptolemy sure wants her back, but, as a female, she has her pride and doesn't want to come back to him to quick and easy. He asks her with all respect, and I find the triangulations and dialog amusing.

Your Rediscovery is a truly an intriguing merry go round, and it'll take some more rounds until all our dear friends are back where they belong. :)

All the best wishes,

/NorthernLight

Lovely chapter, lovely reunion and Rediscovery. I like the love scene and that our friends are once more friends and together! The dialog towards the end is natural and adds realism and introspection. I like your imagery of Alexander's beauty, also their falling asleep together is so warm and beautiful. It's so good, Hephaestion's presence chases all demons away!

All the best wishes,

/NorthernLight