Hello All,

Here comes the conclusion of my Illyrian tales. My apologies for the delay.

Now Spring has come, with all its longings and promises. Alexander misses his home and station. He is also missed by his Royal parents and all others in Pella and Macedon. A time of change is coming for them all.

All the best wishes, Read and enjoy,

// NorthernLight

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TEMPLATE:

Title: Illyrian Spring ( 1 / 2 )

Author: NorthernLight

Email address: aur_

Category: Love/Friendship/Adventure story

Pairing: Alexander&Hephaestion

Date: August 2009

Feedback: Yes, , on and off list, as you please.

Archive: Yes, but please tell me first.

Disclaimer: I don't own them. This is for entertainment only, and for my deep interest in Alexander and Hephaestion, their times and great adventures.

Beta: Denise. Many thanks for interesting discussions and suggestions. You sure make my stories a far better read.

Summary: Alexander and Hephaestion experienced hard times during their Illyrian exile. There were some memorable moments, though.

Warnings: One OMC. Amanda is my alter ego, a wishful dream come true.

Author's note: I don't know much of Ancient Illyria. The Mountain Illyrians are a proud and stubborn people of my own invention. They might have actually existed, but probably not so very similar to my own Nordic ancestors.

Astronomy note: I don't actually know if the arising of the planets at twilight occurred like that in the Spring of 337 BC but I let them appear in this manner for the beauty of it.

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Illyrian Spring, Part One

Pella, Spring 337 BC

The King's Remorse

Once he had a worthy heir, a beautiful golden haired son and Prince. Now he had no one who was able to follow him and inherit his prosperous Kingdom. He missed Alexander so very badly. His young bride Eurydice had recently been delivered with a baby girl. She was as beautiful as her lovely mother, but so very small and defenseless and certainly not the heir he needed. King Philip wondered why he had been so unable to sire strong and healthy sons with his many wives and mistresses. There was Arrhidaeus, of course, but he would never become King or ruler of anything. His Witch Queen Olympias had seen to that, with her poisons and scheming.

Olympias ! He even missed HER. Once he had loved her and cherished her. She had given him the best of sons, the bravest of warriors, the most worthy of Crown Princes.

King Philip looked through the vaulted window. The sun soared high up on the azure blue sky, its golden rays bathing his proud city in their warming splendour. For a moment he could see Alexander riding on Bucephalus, leading the cavalry charge at Chaironea, winning him and Macedon the day and supremacy over all of Greece. His young son was so brave and beautiful, but also so very vulnerable in his total recklessness.

Fortunately he had a strong, calm and reliable friend at his side, a friend that would never let him down and always offer him absolute protection and sound advise.

King Philip missed Hephaestion, too. His calm and serene mind, his dark haired beauty and his wonderful blue eyes were precious gems adorning the Macedonian Court.

One moment of drunken recklessness had lost him all his hopes, plans and prospects. The wedding festivities were played and re played time and again in his mind. The humiliating events stood crystal clear amongst the wine drenched vapors.

He should have chastised Attalus for his intolerable insults towards Alexander. Instead he had leaped at his gallant golden heir with a brandished sword, almost killing him in his wine drenched rage. Good Fortune had let him stumble and fall before he could commit the heinous deed. He now felt like he actually deserved the cold words spat at him.

"Look at this man. He plans to cross The Straits and conquer Persia - but he cannot even step from one couch to another!"

King Philip was a proud man. It had taken him forever and ever to change his mind. The winter had been long, cold and lonesome in Pella without Alexander and his golden vitality.

Now the King wanted him back !

He called on his servant.

"Bring me Demaratos from Corinth! I have an important mission for him. "

Dodona, Spring 337 BC

The Queen's Longing

Olympias was no longer Queen. She was nothing but a lonely exile in her own homeland. Her brother Alexandros of Epirus had offered her reluctant hospitality, giving her a small hunting lodge to live in, far away from his castle in the capital Dodona. She missed her former glory and station, she even missed King Philip and his constant unfaithfulness and escapades.

Most of all she missed her beautiful golden son.

Alexander! She had dedicated all of her life to him, to his success and to helping him to be the greatest King that ever was !

Now she had lost him all. Her jealousy of King Philip's new Macedonian bride had cost them both dearly. Alexander was far away in distant Illyria. She didn't even know if he was alive.

// "He must be, "she thought in her heart of hearts. "I would have felt it if he were gone. And - with Hephaestion at his side he can endure anything!" //

Her house snakes came and rested in her lap, hissing friendly as they tried to comfort her. Big Glaucos and little Hypnos had followed her into exile. They, too, missed Alexander and they were very worried for their dear Mistress and her beautiful golden haired son.

"My Queen, there is a visitor for you, "old Hyrmina announced.

Olympias was quite surprised. No one ever came to see her these days. It was as if she were hidden away, as the Black Sheep of the family. Rumours even said that King Alexandros had a witch hidden in the desolate hunting lodge on his vast estates.

"Bring him in immediately, "she answered, hiding her curiosity with great difficulty.

When she saw who it was she rose from her humble wooden chair, almost embracing him from sheer joy.

"Demaratos! My old friend, "she exclaimed. "You are most welcome. What brings you here to this distant realm?"

"My dear Queen, "the merchant replied, "I bring good tidings from Macedon to you and your son. King Philip misses Alexander and wants him to return to Pella. He has sent me and some of his friends to escort him back. The trouble is that we do not know how to find him. Perhaps you could address us to his present whereabouts. "

Queen Olympias felt her legs give way under her and she had to sit down again. It took her some time to regain her composure and answer her dear visitor.

"These certainly are good tidings, my friend, "she exclaimed."Yes, I had words from Alexander some months ago. He is staying with the Mountain Illyrians. I think that he is still there together with Hephaestion. The winter has been very long and hard. We must hope that they have endured and prevailed."

"They sure have. Those two together are simply unbeatable, "Demaratos answered with a happy smile. "Then we will be on our way as soon as we have rested ourselves and our horses. I have brought some reliable friends to help me find Alexander. "

Now Queen Olympias' humble hunting lodge filled up with familiar features. There were Black Cleitus, Ptolemy, Perdiccas, Craterus, Lysimachos and Leonnatos, also the faithful Guards Stefanos and Alexios. They bowed before her, and she was happy to see them. The snakes were happy, too. Glaucos and Hypnos merrily coiled around their feet. They all were used to the Queen's unusual household pets, but still they shuddered as the scaly snakes slithered around them.

Queen Olympias swiftly ordered her servants to bring wine and food, also to fetch some extra beds and cushions to put in the guest room of the hunting lodge. This evening there was a merry feast at the humble hunting lodge. They all shared fond memories of Alexander, looking much forward to seeing him again.

Queen Olympias sincerely felt in her hearts of hearts that things would change to the better for her and her beloved son.

Soon Alexander would be home again, restored to his former glory and station. And - she would be there to share it with him.

Illyria, Spring 337 BC

Spring Feelings

It had been a long and hard winter, filled with hardships and danger, but also much of new found friendship and unusual experiences. Hephaestion had never thought that he would enjoy being away from his home and family for such a long time. He and Alexander had truly found each other and felt their friendship deepen and mature during their exile. Alexander was his family now. They had grown up together, having to share all, both good and bad in this desolate wilderness.

Their faithful horses and beloved new animal friends had been of great help, of course. Even more the Healer Amanda, their unexpected neighbour. At first they had thought that she was a dangerous Forest Nymph, but now she had become a very dear and helpful friend.

Hephaestion was feeling a bit selfish. He truly enjoyed having his Golden One all for himself, to take care of him and share adventure, love and friendship with him. There were no detractors, no intrigue and no King or Queen marring their dear son's life with constant quarreling and intrigue.

Best of all, now they could spend as much private time together as they liked. No more stolen moments, no more fear of interruptions from spying Companions or over zealous Guards, no more Cleitus constantly chiding them and interrupting their more tender moments.

Out here in the Illyrian wilderness there was only Amanda. Hephaestion knew that she sometimes spied on them, but her female curiosity was harmless and she always respected their privacy.

Now Illyria was awakening after the long, hard winter. The snow was swiftly melting, uncovering new sprouting green grass and lovely spring flowers. Crocuses, snow drops and colts feet were sprouting like a multi coloured sweet smelling carpet all over their meadow. Hephaestion sat on a moss clad boulder, enjoying the beauty of spring and the awakening Nature. Bucephalus and Castor galloped around on the meadow, nibbling at the fresh green grass and taking an occasional and refreshing drink from the burbling river.

The ice was swiftly melting now, making it easier to bathe. Alexander was eagerly frolicking in the water. The sun shone from an azure blue sky, rising higher and higher and shining brighter for every day. Its golden rays formed a halo around the young Prince, making him even more beautiful and alluring. His Golden One had been very ill this winter, after their fight with a pack of ferocious wolves. It was only recently that he had regained his good health and strength. Hephaestion was glad to see him in his full vitality and splendour. Despite the chilly spring breezes he felt himself warming up all over, being filled with a tenderness and longing so strong that it almost overwhelmed him.

Hephaestion knew that he should have prevented his friend from bathing in the cold mountain stream so soon after his recovery.

He also knew that it was impossible to keep Alexander from doing something he truly wanted!

Now he splashed water in glittering cascades. It looked like he was surrounded by draperies of sparkling pearls and diamonds. Peritas and Pollux helped him, merrily jumping and yelping in the cold river water.

"Phai! What are you looking at?, "Alexander called out in an inviting manner. " The water is much warmer today than before ! Why don't you join me for a cool and refreshing bath!"

Hephaestion could not resist him. He did not like bathing in ice cold water, but he loved being with Alexander. Swiftly he removed his clothes and ran into the river. Strangely, he found the water most pleasant. It was as cool and refreshing as Alexander had told him. They swam and frolicked merrily together for some time. Afterwards they tumbled around on the fresh, light green spring grass, amongst the sweet smelling spring flowers. Peritas and Pollux joined them, but when the young dogs saw what was going on they withdrew, sitting under a hazel bush covered with sprouting leaf buds, keeping vigilant watch over their Dear Masters.

Spring Longings

Evening had now come. The air was mild with breezes from the south bringing warmth and flowery fragrances. Hephaestion could almost smell the boisterous aromas of wine and rich food from the Pella Palace. They sat together on the moss clad boulder, sharing their evening meal of roast hare, roots and mushrooms. Their faithful animals were with them. The dogs ate their own hare, Lyllia nibbled at some hapless wood mice and the horses ate hay, barley and apples that Amanda had given them.

The sun had set in the west, painting the clouds with colours of rose, gold and crimson. The fading sunlight remained for a while, but then gave way to a deepening midnight blue darkness. The sky filled with sparkling and shining stars. First came the brightly shining star of Aphrodite, soaring high in the West. She was soon accompanied by Zeus' blazing globe in the South, and the fiery red orb of Ares in the East. Alexander looked up to them with a longing gaze.

"Phai. The stars are looking brighter than ever this evening - and the star of Zeus has risen for the first time this spring. I have missed him during winter. Perhaps he brings some good tidings to us, "Alexander stated as he pulled his brand new wolf skin cloak closer around himself and Hephaestion. "I like it here. We have truly found a new home and new friends - but I wonder how things are at home in Pella and Macedon. I miss our Companions. I even miss Mother - and Philip. He has treated us so badly - but I am his son and heir ! Even if his new child wife gives him a new son it will take years for him to grow up....."

The night air had become cold and some hoar frost was forming on the moist meadow grass. Hephaestion felt chills ripple down his spine. Alexander would always be the Crown Prince and future King - not just his very dearest friend. He hugged him in a protective and possessive manner, pulling him closer into his strong right arm. Alexander embraced him with a warming smile.

"Phai. I know you so well, I can sense what you are feeling right now, "he reassuringly told his friend. "You need not worry. My Kingdom is important - but you will always come first. "

They rose and went into their homelike cave. There awaited a warming fire and their makeshift bed of furs and blankets. They lay down and embraced each other. Hephaestion held on to Alexander with more strength and persuasiveness than usual.

It was as is he knew that there would not be many more such nights of uninterrupted bliss and solitude.

Amanda sat watching them from her outlook in the rose hip brambles. She had overheard their conversation. She too was chilled by its hidden implications.

She had seen the cave of her new neighbours empty and deserted in a True Dream.

She sure would miss them when they were gone. Life would never be the same without her brave and beautiful new found friends.

TBC

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