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Title: FIC: I, Too Am Alexander ( 2 / 7 )
Author: NorthernLight
Category: Love/Friendship/Adventure story. Alternate History.
Pairing: Alexander&Hephaestion
Date: July 2005.
Feedback: Yes, all kinds, on or off list, as you please.
Archive: Yes, if you like, but please tell me.
Disclaimer: I don't own them. For entertainment only...hopefully. Not for gain - my work is for my deep interest in Alexander and Hephaestion, their time and adventures.
Rating: R
Beta: Denise. Many thanks for good discussions and suggestions.
Summary : After resting in Maracanda Alexander takes his army further into the East. They come to the Paradise of Nysa and decide to have a feast under the starlit sky. It turns into drunken revelry and orgiastic pleasure.
Warnings: This is AR, very close to but not "real" history. I wasn't invited to the feast at Nysa but wish I could have been there! Some of the events taking place there never happened but in my twisted imagination. Drunken revelry and orgiastic pleasure, leading to unpleasant consequences.
X-tra warning: As you might have seen before in my fics I have strong opinions about the hazards of heavy drinking. The demons of alcohol causes many tragedies in my country and I cannot resist some moralizing.
Historical note: Nysa is a real place, mentioned in the old sources about Alexander's campaigns. Arrian and Curtius tells about a wild feast taking place , with much drinking and pleasures in worship of Dionysos.
Dedication: To Denise. Thanks to your excellent and positive fic challenge about Alexander being kidnapped and Hephaestion taking over the army for a daring and dangerous rescue operation.
I, Too Am Alexander, Part II
Maracanda 327 BC
Morning came and went. Alexander was still sleeping, lying in a drunken stupor. Hephaestion didn't dare to move from his supportive position behind his back. He was now feeling most uncomfortable - but he must stay put. It was for the best if his Beautiful Golden One could sleep off the unpleasant effects of his excessive drinking to be in a good mood when he woke up. Later in the afternoon the King rose from his bed, still unsteady from too much wine. Hephaestion got him a herbal infusion that used to be helpful and soothing. Alexander thanked him and drained the smoking cup. After bathing and dressing himself in a white, purple rimmed chiton and the red royal cloak he ordered:
"Bring Cleitus to me immediately! I have something important to tell him!"
Hephaestion looked in vain for signs in the King's behavior. What would become of Cleitus after mouthing all those horrible insults the evening before? He told the guards to fetch the General immediately, trembling in fear. Alexander was dangerous in his drunken recklessness - but even worse when stone cold sober. Stefanos and Alexios returned with Cleitos between them. The culprit held his head high, looking confidently around him. Alexander was sitting in his finely adorned armchair. He greeted the General.
"Well, Cleitus, what shall become of you? I've never in my whole life heard such bad language at table!"
"It was the truth, my King. Nothing but the truth! I can't take it back. Someone had to tell you."
Suddenly he was on his knees, ardently pleading:
" You must pardon me! I live only to serve you - and your father before you. Don't dismiss me to dwell amongst those Bactrians! I don't like them - and I don't think they'll like me and my outspoken manners!"
Alexander pondered his words for a long time, chin in hand, letting the older man remain on his knees. At long last he answered, in a very serious manner.
"You are right, my old friend. The Bactrians might not like you - but many Macedonians do. I have always listened to your sound advice! There are too many sycophants and flatterers around me and too few really honest men! You are not old enough for retirement yet! I need you when we march for India!"
Alexander rose from his armchair and forcibly lifted Cleitus from the floor, embracing him. Both men were crying and sincerely pardoning each other. Hephaestion looked at them in confusion, glad that once in a while Alexander's strange mood swings guided him into making the right decision!
Rock of Chorienes 327 BC
The mighty warlord Chorienes sat looking at the magnificent view from his impregnable mountain castle. He was not afraid of the foreign invaders, reckoning that he could sit safely on his high rock letting them march by to harass someone less fortunate. A warm fire roared in the open fireplace and he looked into it, stroking his long gray beard with his callused hand. He was a big, strong and impressive man, not yet weakened by old age. Someone knocked upon his door. A servant came before him, hesitant and trembling. He fell upon his knees and Chorienes asked him:
"What is it, Karagoz?" Are the invaders coming near?"
"No, my Lord. not yet. There is someone else to see you..." "Let them in. I'm not afraid of anything!"
His faithful guards came, seeing a fearsome delegation inside. It consisted of a whole band of fierce mountain bandits. They were overwhelmed by their leader, a mighty Scythian warrior with magnificent long red hair finely braided and impressive armor adorned with much exquisite golden details. A necklace in heavy gleaming gold adorned his muscular neck, a blood red ruby glaring ominously at all party. It was Ohrlasz, the mighty Scythian warlord, the only one who had managed to escape from the conquering King Alexander and his horrible army alive and with his own army intact to fight another day. They had met twice, the first time at the Danube, the second time in the hostile desert beyond the Jaxartes. Two bitter fights, with many casualties on both sides...
Chorienes let his clear, calculating yellow eyes rest upon him for a long time before speaking. The Scythians gleaming, cat green orbs met his gaze with cunning contempt. Chorienes felt a cold hand of merciless iron clutch around his brave old heart. This was a very dangerous man. He shrugged away his fear and addressed the unexpected visitor:
"Ohrlasz, I take it. I have heard many impressive things of you. Why do you seek me out? I have no quarrel with you, nor with anyone else. "
"Your people and your lands are threatened. Sikandar is marching against you with his whole army. You sit here cowardly and snugly in your formidable fort and let him pass by - but you do nothing to help your people against his pillaging and harassment. "
"Whatever made that your concern? Armies come, armies pass. My people will prevail as they always has. "
The Scythian continued his address, his green eyes glowing with hatred:
"I have a grudge against Sikandar. He is the only one who has managed to defeat me and scatter my brave warriors away. I want to get rid of him once and for all!"
"Don't we all! It's no easy thing to get hold of him. For that we need to conquer all of his horrible army - and it has grown both bigger and more dangerous over the years. "
"This time I don't plan on open combat. I have seen the futility of that twice already! No, I will rely on his one weakness - his excessive drinking! "
"Yes, everyone knows of that - but how do we get access to his person when dead drunk? He is closely guarded..."
"I have an infallible plan. Let us talk. "
"I will listen to you. Karagoz, bring us some wine and food. Serve me and Ohrlasz here at the fireplace. We will speak privately. "
Soon the fire burned red and ominous, enlightening plans and plotting fuming with ingenious evil.
Nysa 327 BC
The whole army had been marching along under the hot Persian sun for several days . Supplies were getting scarce, water even more. What little they had must be purified with vinegar to be fit for drinking. The steppe was dry and dusty and clouds of choking yellow earth surrounded them, making it difficult to see and breathe. Hephaestion rode at the side of his Beautiful Golden One, General Cleitus at his other side. They enjoyed their places of honor even more after the happy reunion - but it had been some days filled with much hardship. All the men were most uncomfortable with their heavy armor and gear and suffered from thirst and fatigue. The heat was getting almost unbearable and the few sips of vinegar water they could allow themselves from their canteens only made it worse. The air was quivering from excessive heat waves and they found themselves reeling in their saddles. The horses were also suffering and Bucepalos and Castor gave each other sulky looks, wondering when they were to find some decent food, drink and rest. A wonderful cool breeze wafted towards them, soothing their fevered brows. When they looked around they saw that the burned, red and yellow grass and dry herbs had been replaced by a thick carpet of lush light and emerald green grass, flourishing bush like herbs and flowers of all kinds and colors. A verdant forest rich with foliage beckoned in front of them and they heard the refreshing and rippling sound of moving water. There was a mountain slope with several springs and creeks throwing themselves down with sparkling beauty. Grapes grew in abundance in beautiful vineyards everywhere and one could hear the friendly bleating of sheep and goats. Alexander gave his army a sign to halt, telling them:
"Let's make camp here on this soft meadow. Sent out scouts and guards to secure our surroundings. "
The scouts came back with amazing news.
"My Lord, there is wild ivy growing everywhere in the forest. We haven't seen it for a very long time! What is this place?"
"Don't you worry. The wild ivy is favored by Dionysos. It is a good sign for us. "
Camp was now ready set with Alexander's big and comfortable tent in it's middle. The King was sitting on a simple camp stool, dusty and travel stained, still wearing his armor, his helmet on his head and a spear in his hand. He was waiting for his servants to prepare a refreshing bath - and then an even more refreshing meal for all of them. The local supplies seemed most ample - especially the vineyards. Stefanos entered:
"My Lord, there are some locals wanting to have some words with you. "
"Send them in, Stefanos. I should be glad to know what this place is called. "
A delegation of thirty distinguished men came before him, led by a venerable elder with soft snow white beard and hair. They looked with terror and surprise at his warlike appearance and prostrated themselves upon the ground in trembling silence. He let them be for a long time before he beckoned:
"My friends, do not be afraid. I come to you with peaceful intentions. You may rise and answer my questions. Who are you - and what is this unusual place called?"
The venerable elder rose with great difficulty together with the rest of the delegation.
" My Lord, I am Acuphis, the chief here. This is Nysa at the slopes of Mount Merus, founded by Dionysos and named after him as a memorial of his journeys and victories in Asia. If you want proof of my sayings just look around you. This is the only place in Asia where ivy grows - and Dionysos planted our fine vineyards all by himself. His very special grapes have given us rich harvests up till now. It's the finest wine in all of Asia. You really must taste it - and all of our hospitality. "
Alexander soon made friends with Acuphis and all of his men and promised them that they would remain in freedom as before. He liked to hear the tales of Dionysos over and over again and looked forward to surpassing the God's impressive journeys and victories in Asia. The army got a well deserved rest and enjoyed the generous hospitality of the friendly people. Nysa and Mount Merus was one of the most beautiful places in whole Asia, it's food succulent and nourishing - and gifted with strong, sweet flavored red wine. They remained far longer than intended, and were feeling strong resentment when the time for departure approached.
Drunken Revelry
There was still a place Alexander wanted to explore. He ordered his servants and the friendly villagers of Nysa to bring food and wine in a procession to the slopes of Mount Merus. There was a wonderful grove where ivy and laurel grew in abundance in a dense woodland full of game of all kinds for hunting. The Macedonians were delighted with the wonders of the place and made wreaths of the ivy to put on their heads. They sang songs of praise to Dionysos and offered sacrifice on the sacred spot. Alexander presided over the sacred ceremonies with solemn piety. He silently thanked the God for staying his hand and preventing him from committing a most foul murder.
All afternoon went, in worship of the God. When evening grew near, Alexander invited them all to a feast in honor of Dionysos in his very special place. He stood there proud and strong, brightened by the warm scarlet rays of the setting sun. The sky over the verdant foliage was flaming and overwhelmed by crimson colors, making a spectacular background for the King's banquet. His beautiful golden hair was flowing like a river of gold down his mighty shoulders, resting on the back of his shining white chiton. He wore a sparkling diamond on his brow and a golden belt around his waist. His faithful guards formed a protective wall around him. Hephaestion dwelt in his shadow, close to his Beautiful Golden One. He had been taking good care of Alexander after the ominous banquet, even managed to keep him from strong wine and excessive drinking. This drinking party was something necessary to encourage the troops - and one must certainly take advantage of such a wonderful place with such well temperated climate. The King addressed his men with his most generous hospitality :
"Welcome to this party, my dear friends and my invincible army! I invite you to an exquisite banquet - a lavish feast upon succulent meats, fresh vegetables, sweet and ripe fruits - and wine in abundance. Eat and drink and amuse yourselves. Soon we march for India. Our campaign will be long and hard. I need you well rested and encouraged before we start!"
Long trestle tables were already laid for the whole army and all ate with a hearty appetite and drank the strong red wine, feeling thirsty after all the long worship ceremonies. The talk was friendly and courage and positive expectations was soaring over the company. When the sweetmeats and deserts had been served with untempered wine all party left the tables and started dancing over the soft emerald green meadows, singing songs of praise to Dionysos. Cries of "Euoi, Euoi, Bacchae!" reverberated all over the surroundings and the King led them in the happy dancing, feeling safe and secure with his friends and faithful men. All made merry until they split up in twos and threes, hands around waists and shoulders, walking all over the countryside. They stretched themselves out in the lush emerald green grass amongst many colored fragrant flowers. Soon they embraced each other and grass, flowers and the fertile earth became the most exquisite bed of pleasures. A young and beautiful boy watched them from a distance, his fair face lit up by a mischievous smile. He was playing the pipes, at first a merry dancing tune, then changing into slow and languorous sounds, accompanying the many moans and sighs of satisfaction reverberating around the countryside.
Under The Old Oak
The Persian night was hot, enveloping all in a soft mantle of dark velvet. The stars were shining bright like sparkling diamonds, the silvery full moon presiding over them, proudly soaring high above the emerald green meadows and dark green dungeons. Wild ivy overflowed the trees and cliffs and all kinds of flowers shone in abundance in the silvery light from the skies. Hephaestion put his arm around Alexander's waist and told him with deep longing:
"Let's find a place apart from all others. It has been a very long time since we came together. Now I want you for myself!"
Alexander reeled drunkenly against him, stroking his hip expectantly.
"You'll have me, my sweet Hephaestion, be sure of that! Look over there! It seems we have found our Royal Oak!"
An enormous, thousand year old oak was looming over them. It looked as if it had stood there since the dawn of days, its crown was reaching for the sky, all adorned by silvery stars. The thick roots were spreading out, forming a ready made Lover's bed, complete with soft emerald green grass as a mattress and fragrant herbs growing in tufts as cushions. Alexander stumbled once more, falling towards his friend. Hephaestion took him in his strong arms and lifted him from the ground, soon placing him on the beckoning grass bed.
"Here you are, my dear one. Why must you always drink far too much for your own good? It's lucky for us that I always manage to stay sober!"
Alexander gave him a hearty and inviting laughter:
"Yes, and I'm the better for it. Now, you stop scolding me and come to me instead! This night is far from over..."
The venerable old oak welcomed the beautiful pair, embracing them with Nature's own grace and warmth. Hephaestion opened his arms for his Beautiful Golden One
A Moment Of Inattention
Hephaestion felt completely exhausted from the many pleasures of the velvet Persian night. He was warm and soaking with sweat all over. His Beautiful Golden One lay in the soft emerald green grass, resting, well sated from their wonderful lovemaking. He was soundly asleep, his face flushed from too much wine and too much ardent love play. Hephaestion gently shook him and proposed:
"Come with me to the creek for a swim. You'll feel the better for it. "
No answer. He wrapped his friend in his scarlet summer mantle. The night was getting a bit chilled towards dawn and Alexander must be protected against the cold when he was in his drunken stupor. Stefanos and Alexios were sitting under an oak close nearby, happily drinking and caressing each other. He gave them stern orders:
"Now the party is over! See to the King's safety immediately! I will be back soon. "
The faithful guards rose reluctantly but soon realized that they were truly needed. They took their spears and posted themselves on the sides of the old oak, closely protecting King Alexander from all evil. Hephaestion went down to the creek. It's cold, clear water was rippling invitingly and he quickly undressed and threw himself into it. He washed himself and swum around for a long time. When he got up he was feeling wonderfully cooled down and refreshed. The heat of the Persian night dried the water dripping from his long auburn hair and muscular body and he soon could dress again and return to the old oak. He went casually walking on the soft grass, looking forward to a long and good slumber at his Loved One's side.
Upon returning, he immediately felt that something was wrong, very wrong. The air was far too still and no guards were visible at the sides of the old oak. He swiftly ran there, seeing Stefanos and Alexios collapsed in a drunken stupor, their backs resting against the sturdy oak stem. Worriedly, he looked at the former Lover's nest between the tree roots, expecting to find Alexander in the same sad state. The sight that met him was worse than that - far worse.
His Beautiful Golden One was gone!
TBC