AN: Just found out last night that my doggie has Lymphoma, and that it is terminal. This is both a tribute to him and a way for me to work out my emotions. Please be kind.
Alexander sat in his tent surrounded by his Companions. Cleitus had just brought the news that Peritas had been wounded during the battle they had just won and now sat on the floor at the king's knee with a hand on Alexander's knee as Alexander sat on Hephaestion's lap and wept.
Hephaestion for his part was slowly rocking his devastated love back and forth, whispering words of comfort and love into his ear. Ptolemy was at Alexander's side, simply holding his hand to let him know he was with him in his time of need. Even Cassander was with them, but he stood apart from the group, arms folded over his chest solemnly as he stood in the tent's entryway.
"It's all right, my Love. The soldiers are bringing him to us so that you may say goodbye. It's all right, shh... Shh..." Hephaestion's comforting whispers broke the somber silence that had settled over the tent other than Alexander's sobs.
Finally, the soldiers arrived with Peritas on a makeshift stretcher. Alexander climbed down from Hephaestion's lap after they had settled the stretcher on the ground and knelt by the dog that had been his companion since he became a man at thirteen years of age. He knew this would happen eventually, but that knowlege did not make the actual event hurt any less.
"My good boy... Achilles will find the best of companions in you..." he looked up at the men situated around him, "Will you help me? I want to hold him as he passes on into Elysium," The three men nearest Alexander began to help lift the wounded animal onto his master's lap, earning a yelp and a quick pant as a result before the wounded dog was settled as comfortably as possible in Alexander's lap, "Oh yes, such a good boy... You fought well today, Peritas. And you are the most loyal of my friends..." Alexander began to weep once more as he began to pet the gray fur that was matted with dirt and blood, "You will forever be in my heart, Peritas. I love you-" he set a slow, gentle kiss to the dog's head as Peritas' eyes began to close.
As Peritas' body went limp in his master's lap and Alexander began to sob over his body, even Cassander came close to gather his king in comfort. And Alexander knew he was loved, just like he hoped Peritas knew he was loved as well.
AN: Thank you for letting me share this. It was a quick write, but it was extremely difficult to get down. Nevertheless, I hope you enjoyed it.