This chapter is going to be short, in comparison to the sad ending. I don't know why but it just happened.
This chapter is going to be short, in comparison to the sad ending. I don't know why but it just happened.
Thank you for your lovely reviews.
Mara: Thank you for your lovely reviews, they certainly help with the insecurity. Solon, yeah, when I saw the name in the ancient greek name list, I just had to take it. I'm glad you saw it. Watch our for this one, ancient greec names will make your head explode in this one ;)
Shioban: Nope, they don't waste any time, would you ;)
Ending One: The Happy One
Alexander stayed true to his promise and stayed home with his family. No more conquests and exploring. Everyone thought he wouldn't cope, but after seeing the birth of Solon, for that's what they called him, Alexander changed. He was calmer, more at peace. He enjoyed spending time with his family whenever he could.
He still remained The King and still took care of the affairs of state. He involved himself in the design and construction of Alexandria. He still sent scouts to investigate new countries and tell him about the riches and customs. He brought scolars from all over the lands to teach his children who were growing stronger and wiser.
He was loved by all his citizens and was respected by other kingdoms. Alexander had everything he dreamed of and thanked the gods for his happiness.
Years Later
Alexander and his family were back in Babylon returning from Egypt, inspecting the construction of Alexandria and enjoying a well earned rest. When they returned to their chambers, a letter awaited Alexander.
Alexander recognized the royal seal of his mother and sat down while Eudora began unpacking, ushering some servant away who tried to help. Hephaistion smiled, shaking his head not believing that even after all these years of being Queen, Eudora still wanted to do things herself. Eudora caught his look and threw a nearby cushion at his head, not sensing the danger Hephaistion was hit straight in the face. After seeing his look of shock Eudora started giggling before laughing, not wanting to let her get away with it Hephaistion chased her around the bed wanting to catch her. Their laughter was cut short as Alexander suddenly stumbled upright, smashing his goblet of wine on the floor. They both stopped in their tracks and watched Alexander as he shook slightly.
"Alexander? What's wrong?" asked Eudora placing a hand on his shoulder, Alexander shook his head sitting back down handing the letter to Eudora who read it out loud as Hephaistion stood behind Alexander rubbing his shoulders.
Mathaeus, The Queen's Royal Doctor to Alexander, King Of Kings, Hail!
My King, I write to you to let you know your beloved mother, Queen Olympias has fallen ill. At first it seemed like a common cold but I fear it has progressed to her longs.
The illness is now in a state I can do nothing more then make her comfortable.
I tell you this in confidence for the Queen Mother did not wish you to know, so you would not worry. But I know she misses you dearly and wishes to see you and her grandchildren, many see has not seen yet, again.
She loves you very much and I know you love her dearly. I did not want to deny your last goodbye's so I write in hope you would come and visit soon for I do not know how long she will hold on.
Hope you are in good health!
I hope to receive word of your visit soon.
Eudora sighed and knelt before Alexander,
"Oh Alexander." Alexander just stared in front of him unmoving. Eudora sighed and looked at Hephaistion, they conveyed a message trough their eyes and Eudora nodded before kissing Alexander on the head and leaving to talk to a servant. Hephaistion followed Eudora with his eyes as she left, when she was gone he moved in front of Alexander,
"Alexander?" When no reaction came forth he took Alexander's face between his hands and stared in his eyes. He moved closer and softly kissed Alexander's lips before hugging him close and softly whispering in his ear,
"I'm here my Achilles. I'm here and I'm not leaving." Suddenly Hephaistion felt tears soaking his chiton and trembling arms coming round his waist. He said nothing else just stroked Alexander's hair as he cried.
A few hours later, due to Eudora's quick orders, they were freshly packed and ready to leave. Eudora and her children rode in a chariot and Alexander and Hephaistion went on horseback. Joining them were all of Alexander's companions, all eager to return home and twenty Royal Guards.
About two months later, due to their quick pace they entered Macedon and rode strait to the palace at Pella, where they received a royal welcome. Alexander immediately went to his mothers room, while the others were shown to their rooms.
Striding trough the hallways like a mad man, Alexander entered his mothers wing stopping in front of her rooms. He was informed upon his arrival, that her condition had remained the same. After a small knock he quickly entered his mothers chamber and found her on the bed. He gasped at her appearance, in the years he had been away she looked like she aged at least two decades, her hair, once black was now mostly grey, her skin looked a sickly white and she had lost a lot of weight. Tears sprang to Alexander's eyes as he moved to her bedside. He fell on his knees beside her and stroked her hair. Slowly her eyes fluttered open,
"Alexander?" croaked Olympias,
" It is I mother."
"What are you doing here?" asked Olympias shocked to see him there,
"Can I not visit my mother?" muttered Alexander with a patient smile,
"It's that doctor isn't it? He told you I was ill." Argued Olympias trying to sit up but ended up coughing,
"Calm down mother. I did not receive any news from any doctor." Lied Alexander not wanting to upset her more, "I just came to visit you. Do you not wish to see your grandchildren? Or Eudora? You always liked Eudora."
"She is here? You brought her And the children?" asked Olympias, a new light shining in her eyes, before Alexander could answer a voice cut through the room,
"He did…" the both of them turned to see Eudora and the children standing there, all wearing the clothes Olympias had sent them. Olympias smiled and reached for Eudora who ran to the bed and hugged her close. Alexander moved away with a smile, gesturing his children closer.
"My child, I missed you so…" whispered Olympias,
"And I you… mother.." muttered Eudora before moving away.
"Now, who are these lovely visions…" asked Olympias with a smile gesturing to the children who all looked nervous as they met their grandmother for the first time.
"This young man, is Uraeus…" said Alexander putting his hands on his son's, now 16, shoulders. Uraeus stepped forwards and kissed Olympias on the cheek. Olympias grabbed his head stilling him, she looked at his face before smiling.
"So much like Alexander. But your eyes… you have your mothers eyes…" she hugged him close before releasing him, eyes moist. Eudora smiled at her son before slightly pushing her daughters, now 11, forwards,
"These lovely ladies are: Euthalia." Eudora pointed to the left, " And this is Nike.." and then pointed to the right. "Say hello to your grandmother girls."
"Hello grand mother." Said the girls in unison, before bowing and each giving her a kiss.
"Such visions. Very much like their mother. Not much of you in there is there Alexander?" asked Olympias with a raised eyebrow as she looked the girls up and down. Eudora and Alexander shared a quick look of worry as Olympias continued. "There's something about their eyes as well, they seem familiar…." Olympias trailed of,
"My father had blue eyes, as do you my Queen…" explained Eudora and she took her children by her side,
"Maybe…. And twins as well. There are no twins in my family, nor in Philip's…"
"Maybe in…" started Eudora getting worried,
"And not in yours my dear, your father showed me your family tree. It's quite rare but I do believe Amyntar had twin sisters. " knowing Olympias had them Alexander tried to explain,
"Mother, I…"
"Oh, do not fret Alexander. I am not mad, I knew what to expect. I would have liked you to tell me the truth, I may be old but I am not blind."
"You are not mad?" asked Alexander still shaken up,
"No. Now who is this young man?" asked Olympias, dismissing him and gesturing to the youngest present,
"My name is Solon, grandmother. And I am pleased to meet you." Answered Solon, now 6,
"My, such manners." Laughed Olympias hugging Solon close before stifling a yawn. Seeing the yawn, Eudora ushered her children out, kissing Olympias goodbye. Alexander made to leave as well but his mother called him back.
"Alexander…" she whispered and hugged him close when he stopped at her bed, "I am glad you are here…"
"I love you mother…" whispered Alexander back,
" I know…"
Alexander and his mother talked for hours and when she fell asleep he watched over his her. Sometime in the night Olympias slowly passed away. Everyone thought Alexander would lose his mind with grieve but instead he took it quite well and said she was with his father now and happy. That same week they burned her body and put her ashes in an urn placing it in King Philip's grave so they would be closer together.
Alexander and his family decided to stay for the mourning period of 6 months, staying for the summer in Pella, seeing as it was too hot in Babylon in any case.
That Summer
Alexander sat in the grass watching his children play with a ball, kicking it to each other. He laughed as Hephaistion joined their children, falling to the ground as they all jumped on him when he made a point. A little further away stood Eudora petting a horse, smiling to herself.
Alexander suddenly realised they all looked happier here then anywhere else and made a decision. He stood up, keeping it to himself for the moment and joined Hephaistion and the children in their game laughing as he was pulled down as well, and tickled by both girls.
That evening after saying goodnight to the children, he entered the bathing room where Eudora and Hephaistion were both enjoying a nice hot soak after a long day. He disrobed and joined them, sighing as he closed his eyes. After a long silence, Alexander opened his eyes and looked the two people he loved up and down and he smiled. He coughed slightly catching the other two's attention. They both looked at him in question.
"What do you think of staying here in Pella?" asked Alexander suddenly, "Permanently, I mean?" They both stared at him in shock, not quite believing their ears.
"But what about Babylon?" asked Eudora as she waded closer sitting to Alexander's right,
"We can still go in the winter. I can leave the city to Prince Pharnakes when I am not there. He can be trusted." Answered Alexander pulling his wife closer.
"Are you sure Alexander, you always loved Babylon." Asked Hephaistion as he sat to his left.
"I love you two more and seeing you happy is what I want. You are both more happy here then I have ever seen you. Besides this is home." Confessed Alexander. Eudora and Hephaistion shared a quick look before each starting to nibble on Alexander's neck, softly kissing him, reducing him to nothing but a moaning mess.
From that day on Alexander and the royal family lived in Pella, only going to Babylon in the winter, seeing as it was still hot there and caught up with the state of affairs in Alexander's Asian Kingdom.
Alexander stayed king for many years and was loved by all his citizens, and respecting by other kingdoms. He was a just and right king, doing what seemed best at heart.
When he turned fifty, Alexander stepped down and proudly gave the throne to his oldest son Uraeus, now 30. Uraeus was married to a Greek princess named Chrysanthe, who he had met when he went to visit the oracle of Delphi, ten years ago. Together they had a son, named Alexius and was 9 years old, a girl named Eirene, who was 5 and a baby boy named: Helladius.
Euthalia and Nike both 25, were married on the same day. Euthalia married Ptolemy's son: Ptolemy the second and together they had two sons: Eleutherius and Euclid, respectively 2 and 4. Nike, married Cassander's son: Eutychos and they had two daughters: Eumalia and Kallisto, also both 2 and 4.
Solon, now 20, was newly wed to a girl who was neither royalty and neither from noble blood but was loved dearly by his family. Ligeia was her name and already bore him a son: Pelagius and a second was already on the way.
Alexander, before he retired, divided his empire between his companions naming them regents in his name. Ptolemy got Alexandria, Cassander Greece, Lysimachus ruled in Thrace. Antigonus ruled for a while in Asia Minor and Syria, before giving the burden to his son. Seleucus in Mesopotamia and Iran. Perdiccas lived in Egypt, ruling together with Ptolemy. Prince Pharnakes stayed in Babylon. Many old generals got satrapies in Asia.
Alexander lived to the old age of 84 before quietly passing away. He was mourned all over the known world. Soon after Eudora and Hephaistion died as well, not able to live without him, seeing as their souls all intertwined they followed him to the house of death.
Alexander was known trough history as Alexander the Great, The King with a vision of a world united. Loved by all.
This was the happy ending. I had to struggle trough it and it probably shows. I just hope you'll read the other ending as well. Let me know which one you liked best, alright?
I think Cassander had children but couldn't find any names so I made one up. If you happen to find a name of Cassander's son, please let me know and I'll change it. Thank you.
All names used were ancient Greek and don't belong to me. Here's what they mean:
Chrysanthe: Golden Flower.
Alexius: Defender.
Eirene: Peace.
Helladius: Of Greece.
Eleutherius: Free.
Euclid: Glory.
Eutychos: Fortunate.
Eumalia: Good Apple.
Kallisto: Most Beautiful.
Ligeia: Clear-voiced.
Pelagius: The Sea.
Names were found on w w w. behindthename . com / nmc / gre-anci . html