A touching story that was bittersweet - just cant have everything without some loss... again you captured a lot in so few words.. a rare talent which you have proven you are swelling with.. great job my friend!!

Dear Sandy,

This is a deeply emotional tale. It is short, but it tells so much about our Dear Ones. We are thrown directly into the marriage preparations. Of course Hephaestion was much involved, with his logistic talents. He is so busy that his emotions are set aside. It's good that he at long last finds the time to meet his bride to be. Stateira and Drypetis are endearing. The young girl is very lucky indeed.

“She will be very lucky to have you as a husband Hephaestion, any woman would be.”

I sure agree. ^blushing^

There is a trace of sorrow towards the end. Of course Alexander wants this marriage, he has planned for them to marry sisters for a very long time. Now when it is to take place he realizes that they will be estranged to each other. Fortunately they do not know about the sorrows of Ecbatana.

All the best wishes and many thanks for sharing,

// NorthernLight

There are a lot of little things in here that lend an air of realism to this story and I like the progression of that from some of the other pieces. (I like all the other stories, but this one in particular really feels like Alexander and Hephaestion, their period of time, instead of just their contemporaries.) The language ("Aye") and the wardrobe (the veil is both a bridal thing and period specific for women), the traditions -- all woven together, they flavor this so nicely.

I'm not sure if this is based on research or just development over time, but I'm liking it. Now you are starting to let the real voices emerge.