This is an adoption of Japanese folktale. In Japanese version of folktale, which was originally from China, Vega; Orihime (weaving princess) is a daughter of the emperor, and Altar; Hiko (puller of cows) is her lover. In lunar calendar, seventh day of the month, and seventh month of the year falls on 8/26 this year, but in modern Japan, we still celebrate it on July 7. When I remembered this tale, I had to make it to A/H as this is one of the most romantic Japanese folktales I know.
Tanabata 七夕
Long, long time ago, there lived a beautiful lad named Hephaistion who resided by the Milky Way on the other side of the Palace. He wove the most exquisite clothes from the tips of his slender and elegant fingers. The King Philip, the ruler of the heaven, loved the beautiful clothes that he made, and had him send them over the river to his palace every day. He admired his collections to grow day by day.
The King had a prince named Alexander who was very handsome with sparkling golden hair. One day, the prince was sitting beside the river of heaven. On this particular day, he was very sad that he had not found his love. Everywhere he looked, there was a couple; a pair of happy swans glided away on the mirror calm water, a pair of deer joyfully leaped into the woods, and even heavenly flowers bloomed in a pair. He sighed deeply looking over the river. King Philip saw his son when he greeted with the wagon that delivered his daily merchant from Hephaistion, and came down to talk to him.
"What bothers you my son? You look very sad."
"I am sad because I have nobody to love or to be loved."
The King felt sorry for his son, and gave him the clothes he just received from Hephaistion.
"Here my son. Take these clothes. They may comfort you."
Alexander took the clothes in his hands. They were as soft as fluffy clouds, and as warm as the afternoon sun. They were so beautiful, and twinkled in rainbow colors. Alexander pressed his cheek onto them. Sweet aroma surrounded him, and the happiness seeped into his heart. A small smile curled up onto his lips. The King was happy to see this effect.
"Would you like to meet this person who wove these beautiful clothes?"
Alexander's eyes lit up with an excitement.
"Oh, yes, father. I would love to."
Next morning, King Philip sent the messenger to Hephaistion, and summoned him to visit the palace. Alexander was anxious all morning, and he was pacing in circles in the king's chamber where he supposed to meet with this weaver. The guard finally announced the arrival of Hephaistion, and Alexander took a seat by his father.
Hephaistion's slender form entered the room with newly woven clothes in his hands, with his head slightly bowed, looking down the palace floor. King Philip encouraged him to come closer. When he came close, Hephaistion lifted his clothes to gift the King. He raised his gaze for the first time after entering the room.
Alexander sucked his breaths. This young man was the most beautiful with amazing blue eyes. Silky auburn long hair flamed his delicate face. Two drops of the clear summer sky brightly shined under the thick curtain of brown rushes. The bridge of his nose was high but slender, and the tip of his nose curved up slightly adding warmth otherwise too cold due to the perfection. Flawlessly shaped and fully kissable lips followed the smooth crease under the nose.
A blush crept on Hephaistion's cheeks when his eyes met with Alexander's intense stare. Hephaistion felt his heart melted when Alexander took his hands in his, and kissed them slowly, a knuckle by a knuckle. King Philip understood this instant attraction between two young men, and gladly arranged their marriage.
Their marriage was the sweetest and the happiest from the beginning. Their happiness grew each day. Then, King Philip became angry. Because in spending so much time in his happy marriage, Hephaistion started to neglect his weaving. The king decided to separate the couple, ant sent Hephaistion back, to the other side of the Milky Way.
On one night of the year, would he allow them to meet; on the seventh day of the month, and the seventh month of the year. Every year on that day, a boatman from the moon comes to Hephaistion to ferry him to his beloved Alexander. But, if Hephaistion had not done his weaving to his best, then King Philip may make it rain. When it rains, the boat man will not come due to the flood. However, magpies may still fly to the Milky Way to make a bridge for Hephaistion to cross.
On this seventh day of the month and the seventh month of the year, Alexander and Hephaistion make passionate loves all night long to savor it for the rest of three hundred sixty four days in their dream. When you look up at the sky tonight, you will see Alexander and Hephaistion blinking happily together by the heavenly stream of Milky Way.
End