Hephaestion smiled as he stood back and watched Alexander. Alexander was in his element…the center of attention and loved by all those around him. Their companions crowded around Alexander as he proudly displayed the shield and armor. If any of them had any negative or skeptical thoughts, they kept them to themselves, for which Hephaestion was most grateful. He wanted nothing to ruin this glorious day for his king.

Alexander looked up from the circle of men crowded around him, turning to meet Hephaestion's warm gaze. A soft smile curved his lips and he inclined his head slightly, a subtle hint for Hephaestion to join the group. As Hephaestion stepped up beside him, Alexander casually draped his arm around Hephaestion's shoulder.

"Well, gentlemen", he began "I believe we have a race to run." He looked up at sky, the position of the sun indicating that it was approaching midday. Fortunately, it was late spring, and stifling heat of summer had not set in. It was a clear and perfect day, with just enough of a breeze to keep them cool and comfortable. "Why don't we rest and relax for just a bit, then meet back here in about an hour?"

The men broke up and went in separate directions. Some of them went into the village to do a little exploring of their own, and some of them settled themselves under a stand of trees at the edge of the village, nibbling on dates and having a bit of watered wine. Alexander and Hephaestion decided to wander over to the tombs they would be honoring this afternoon.

Hephaestion chuckled softly as he noticed, just as he predicted, Ptolemy and Nearchus set off in search of the lovely girl they had seen earlier. No surprise there. He glanced at Alexander, who was walking beside him, and felt his heart swell. He had no need to seek such companionship. He had everything he ever wanted or needed in the blonde man at his side. Lost in his musings, he was startled by Alexander gently nudging him with his elbow.

"Where were you Hephaestion? What has you so deep in thought?" Alexander smiled at him. "You were smiling…I hope some of those thoughts were of me."

Hephaestion met his gaze steadily. "My thoughts are always of you, Alexander."

Alexander reached for his hand, raising it to his lips and kissing it tenderly. "Are you ready for our race, love?"

"I am. I look forward to it very much."

Hephaestion smiled at Alexander and then turned his attention to the site of the tombs just ahead of them. His mind wandered to the story of Achilles that Alexander loved so much. It was a story full of love, courage, strength, glory…but also sadness and loss. His mouth turned down at the corners slightly as he pondered that part of the story. Alexander so wanted to emulate Achilles, and made it clear he considered Hephaestion to be his Patroclus. While it was an honor to be thought of as such, Hephaestion couldn't help but wonder just how closely their own story would follow. Would he suffer the same fate as Patroclus? Would Alexander follow him, as Achilles had done? Would they live long, fulfilling lives and grow old together, or would they burn brightly for a short time…live a short life full of glory as Alexander talked of so often…and die much too young. He stopped as they neared the well-worn path that circled the tombs of their heroes, kicking at a small stone and lowering his gaze for a moment.

Alexander instantly sensed the shift in Hephaestion's mood, and laid his hand gently on Hephaestion's arm, trailing his fingers over the tanned skin on his bicep and down to his wrist, finally taking hold of Hephaestion's hand. "What is it, Hephaestion?" he asked softly. "Why the somber mood? You certainly don't seem to be looking forward it." Alexander squeezed Hephaestion's hand lightly. "Talk to me, love."

Hephaestion shook his head, laughing at himself ruefully. "It's nothing, Alexander." He gave Alexander an apologetic smile, mentally kicking himself for even having such thoughts on a day that meant for celebration.

"Hephaestion" Alexander prodded him gently, "stop it. I know exactly where that beautiful mind of yours has gone." He turned Hephaestion to face him and grasped him firmly by the shoulders. "Think of it, Hephaestion. One day you'll have to help me shuffle out to our balcony so we can watch our grandchildren play." He laughed. "Will you still love me when I'm eighty years old and all my hair has fallen out?"

Hephaestion laughed at that, his mood lifting. "I will have to think about that." He winked in response to Alexander's glare. "I should probably ask you the same."

Alexander looked horrified. "No! Not your hair!" He loved Hephaestion's long, silky hair. "Surely the gods would not be so cruel!"

They looked at each other and laughed, the moment of sadness forgotten.

The older man who had initially greeted them upon their arrival approached them, smiling. "I trust your visit to the temple was pleasing to you and that your sacrifices were well received." He thought for a moment. "I know of something else that may be of interest to you. Would you like to see the lyre that belonged to Paris?"

Alexander snorted in distaste and shook his head. "I think not. Should you have the lyre of Achilles, that I would see, for he used it to sing of the deeds of great men and glory."

The man wasn't quite sure how to respond to that, and cleared his throat. "Well, then, is there anything else you would like to see, or anything I can assist you with?"

Alexander nodded. "As a matter of fact, yes, there is something you can do for me. I wish to sacrifice at the tombs of Achilles and Patroclus. I am aware of the traditions. My companions and I will run a race around the tombs, and then Hephaestion and I would like to honor our heroes. I would like something to leave on their tombs in remembrance." He grinned sheepishly at Hephaestion. "It seems I didn't remember everything when I was making our preparations."

"I can help you with that. I will get garlands that you can place there, if that would be acceptable to you. You may, of course, pour libations to them as well, as is traditionally done."

Alexander glanced over at Hephaestion, who gave a slight nod of approval. "That would acceptable, thank you. We will return in about half an hour to make our preparations."

The man nodded. "I will have everything ready for you."