The celebration lasted late into the night. Bellies full of food and wine, one by one the men began to retire their tents. Finally, only Alexander, Hephaestion, Ptolemy and Craterus remained by the fire.

Ptolemy raised his cup, taking the last drink of his wine. "Alexander, I am happy that this day was all that you wanted it to be." He glanced at Hephaestion, who was dozing with his head on Alexander's shoulder. "You are a lucky man, Alexander. Few are fortunate enough to find what you have been blessed with. The gods smile on you." He rose, nudging Craterus who had begun to doze as well. "Rest well. And Alexander? Never forget the gift you have been given. Treat it with care."

Ptolemy and Craterus left, leaving only Alexander and Hephaestion sitting by the fire. Alexander had his arm around the dozing Hephaestion, and for a moment he simply watched him. He spoke softly, to himself. "No, I will not forget." Gently he pressed a kiss to Hephaestion's forehead and bumped his shoulder. "Hey, sleepyhead. Time for bed."

Hephaestion stirred and sat up, yawning. "My apologies, Alexander. I did not mean to fall asleep."

Alexander stood, offering a hand to Hephaestion and pulling him to his feet. "No apology needed. It has been a busy day." He smiled. "But a good one. Come, let's get some rest." He tugged Hephaestion's hand. "And before you say it, no, you're staying with me."

Hephaestion was certainly not going to argue. He leaned affectionately against Alexander as they made their way to the tent. Once inside, he sat down on the bed and began unlacing his sandals. He watched as Alexander rummaged through a carved wooden chest, the same one that held his precious copy of the Iliad, and pulled out a parcel wrapped in fine blue linen, and then came to sit beside him.

Alexander tenderly tucked Hephaestion's hair behind his ear and smiled softly. "I have something for you, Hephaestion."

Hephaestion looked startled as Alexander placed the linen wrapped bundle in his hands. He looked up at Alexander, a question in his eyes.

Alexander shook his head. "Just open it."

Hephaestion untied the silk cord that held the linen cloth in place and slowly, carefully unfolded the fabric. His eyes grew wide and he gasped as he lifted the item to examine it. He was speechless for a moment, simply staring at the precious object he held. Finally he lifted his gaze to see Alexander watching him expectantly. "Alexander…it's exquisite. It's…I don't know what to say…" he shook his head. He turned the object in his hands, holding it up to see it more clearly in the torch-light.

It was a dagger; one of the most beautiful pieces Hephaestion had ever seen. The blade was long, slightly curved, and razor sharp. The handle was a work of art. Intricate designs were engraved on it, inlaid with gold. Icanthus leaves made a border around above the grip, and several figures adorned the upper part of the handle…a lion, a gryphon, and the Macedonian star. But, it was the thing that adorned the end of the dagger that caught Hephaestion's attention the most. Set into the end of the dagger's hand grip was a type of stone that Hephaestion had never seen before. It was a beautiful shade of blue, hard to describe. At one angle it resembled the blue of the sky, at another angle it appeared to have the color of the blue flowers that grew in the fields of Pella. At yet another angle, it took on a faint lavender hue. Hephaestion turned it and looked at it from all angles, noting with fascination how the color shifted and changed. He looked up at Alexander again, feeling slightly stunned.

Alexander scooted closer to him and gently took the dagger from his hand, holding it up and examining the beautiful stone. "I had this made for you. I hadn't decided when to give it to you until today. I can't think of a better occasion." He smiled at Hephaestion. "This stone, it is called tanzanite. It is rare and I had a difficult time obtaining it, but it was the only one that would do. The color, you see…it matches the color of your eyes perfectly. They change, you know. Just like this stone. And just like this stone, they are breathtaking." He handed the dagger back to Hephaestion and studied his face carefully. "Do you like it?"

Hephaestion hardly knew what to say. "It is the most beautiful thing I have ever owned. I…I have no words, Alexander. Just…well, thank you. I love it." He leaned over and kissed Alexander tenderly. "But not as much as I love you." He turned his head away, trying to hide the yawn that he couldn't suppress.

Alexander noticed, of course. He stood and turned, offering his hand to Hephaestion. "Come on, let's get undressed and get to bed. I can see you are exhausted, and if I am honest, I am as well."

Hephaestion allowed Alexander to pull him to his feet. He wrapped the dagger in the linen cloth to protect it and laid it gently on the bedside table. He finished undressing and climbed into the freshly made bed, holding the covers up for Alexander to slide in beside him.

After putting out the torches, Alexander settled himself on the bed beside Hephaestion. He lay on his side, facing Hephaestion, idly tracing circles on Hephaestion's chest with his finger. He appeared to be deep in thought.

"What is it, Alexander? What is on your mind?" Hephaestion asked softly.

Alexander reached down and took Hephaestion's hand, interlacing their fingers together. He smiled, but there was a touch of sadness there as well. "I know things will not always be like this. After today, everything changes. Nights like this will be rare and our times together will be more difficult to find." He pressed a kiss to Hephaestion's shoulder and laid his head on his chest, the steady beat of Hephaestion's heart soothing to him.

Hephaestion felt his eyes burn as tears wanted to form there, but he fought them back. Tenderly, he stroked Alexander's soft curls. "I know this, Alexander. Believe me, I have thought of it. But, Alexander, I chose this life. I have always known it would not be easy, but it is my choice. Living a life without you would be harder than anything I might endure at your side."

Alexander lifted his head and met Hephaestion's gaze. "Hephaestion, you never cease to amaze me. You are the most honorable, selfless man I have ever known." He tenderly kissed Hephaestion's brow and brushed the hair from his eyes. Hephaestion's eyes were heavy, and Alexander felt the gentle grip of Hypnos pulling at him as well. "Hephaestion? Love? Do something for me?"

Hephaestion yawned and focused a heavy-lidded gaze on Alexander. "What is it, Alexander?" he asked softly.

"No matter what happens in the future and no matter what the gods have planned for us, hold this day in your heart. Never forget that I love you and that you are my Patroclus. That will never change."

"I will remember" Hephaestion said quietly. "I love you" he said, barely above a whisper as his eyes drifted shut. He was asleep within minutes.

Alexander watched the sleeping man beside him for a moment, his heart full. Tomorrow they would head east to join up with Parmenion and the rest of the army, and from there, on into Asia. Alexander knew that with his Hephaestion…his Patroclus…by his side, he could do anything. He had no doubt that, just as Achilles and Patroclus, they would be remembered in glory some day, and that made him happy.

After giving a quick prayer of thanks to the gods, Alexander snuggled against Hephaestion's side and let Hypnos claim him as well.

Their destiny awaited.