The only sound he had been able to hear for many long minutes was the crashing of the sea as it met land. Even before he had been able to see the ocean against the multi-coloured horizon he had heard its voice in the distance. A lone figure stood at its edge, his gaze trained on the advancing waves. The sun was to his right, but even so his silhouette was cast in shadow. Still, he knew who shared the horizon with him. He knew that body as well as he knew his own. Knew its shapes and its secrets. He knew its scars, having been there for most of its hurts.
Lost in his own contemplations, it seemed that the other figure did not notice his silent approach. This was of no immediate consequence as he was content to simply observe the other man. A man that he had not seen in what to him felt as long as a lifetime.
"I had hoped you would not be here so soon," the figure sighed, turning his head to the side slightly. "I am glad to see you again, though."
Closing the distance between them, he pulled his long absent friend into a tight embrace. "I should not have left you that day, Hephaistion."
"You could not have known, Alexander," he sighed, returning the embrace with full force. "I am the one who took the food when I should not have."
When the two men separated, Alexander touched his forehead to Hephaistion's, looking with relief upon the man who was his brother in all but blood.
"I can assure you that there is a far greater sight than my face," Hephaistion murmured, a smile gracing the corners of his lips.
Alexander felt his hair ruffled by a gentle breeze then turned his gaze just enough so that he could see the waves as they lapped upon the shore. The encircling ocean was finally there for him to behold. Looking back the way he had come he could make out the shapes of the massive alters he had built to mark the end of his journey.
"A day and a half, two at most and we would have been here," Alexander lamented. "I had nearly traveled to the edge of the world, but I allowed myself to be turned back."
"And the men loved you more for it. For putting them above your own ambitions. There is no shame in that," Hephaistion attempted to soothe him, just as he had done in life. "Had you forced the issue there would have been trouble."
He knew there was truth in Hephaistion's words, but he could find no comfort in them. Knowing now how close he had been he could only feel despair. Had his will been greater he would have seen the vast ocean that encircled the world in life and not merely in death. The only peace that came to him was that now he shared the sight with Hephaistion alone, his most loyal of companions and dearest friend.
"Is it what you thought it would be?" Hephaistion said quietly, maneuvering himself a half step behind Alexander so that the other man had an unobstructed view of the ocean.
Alexander leaned back till his shoulder touched Hephaistion's, grateful for a contact he thought he'd lost forever. "I would see what lies beyond it. If it truly is the end of the world."
Hephaistion touched his lips to Alexander's golden curls. "You shall see it all. We have the rest of eternity."
The sun rose still higher, bathing the earth in its warm light. Without time to encroach upon them any longer Alexander and Hephaistion remained much of the day at the shore of the ocean. The two men, Achilles and Patroclus reborn, stood with arms entwined, watching the waves slide onto the sandy shore and back again. Then, as dusk began to set behind them, Alexander and Hephaistion shed their chitons and sandals, and waded out into the sea to begin their next journey.