Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2006 22:44:03 -0800 From: Lael Stalnaker <lael_stalnaker@hotmail.com> Subject: Alexander and Hephaestion Swirling clouds mask the earth below as a conversation is held above. Eros argues with his brother, Anteros, on the scene playing out beneath. Gentle winds ripple the pearl white water vapor, tattering it to ribbons that conceal the objects of their discord no more. A hillside is revealed, lush greenery an emerald glare in the light beams of the uncovered sun. The hill is crowned with intensely white marble columns set in a ring, roofed over. Dimly, from their great height, two figures can be made out chasing each other in and out among the cloth draped gleaming stone pillars. Aphrodite's twins refuse to leave off their bickering long enough to make out the mortals' conversation. Theirs is a long-standing rivalry, such as only immortals and brothers may have. One claims that the mortals are in fact in love while the other asserts that this is not so. "Alexander loves no one nor thing save power," declared Anteros heatedly. "In this you are most certainly wrong, o' brother mine. The darts were placed truly many years ago by my own hand. Do you claim to have used your own somehow to challenge my will in this?" demanded Eros. "Why would you bother? Or I for that matter? The age of heroes ended with Troy's fall and no more to come hereafter. What need have we to meddle in the lives of man in these times of change? I say leave them to their own devices and let Hades sort out the rabble!" spat back Anteros. "Fulfill my nature I will and have. You are partly right in this, Alexander does love power. Without my darts, a monster would he have become, bane of the world. Now his love of his friend will hold him steady and the wiser. Do not interfere, for in this I have Zeus' own blessing!" retorted Eros. "Bah! Your darts grow weak with age and last but a little. What makes you think that it will have any bearing on the deeds to come? I say loose my own darts and end the scourge before it is begun. The world will run with Ares' blood-bound lust, men turned savage with Alexander's crazed grasp for power. Tell me that his mother's poison whispered in his ear from birth will not simply melt your dart and leave naught in its place." "This I tell you, you black-winged he-harpy, the dart is well-seated and intact! Lodged within his young heart lies my arrow golden. Hephaestion will be his anchor. Their love will conquer savage intent and bring about moderation. Consider well on this, should there be need, taking Hephaestion to Hades' realm will tear my arrow asunder. The heart that holds it will break and bleed, reuniting them thereafter. No monstrous tyrant can there be while both shall live and in my love shelter." Declared Eros calmly. Anteros paused to consider as instructed. "Then you say that neither shall live without the other?" "It is so, by Zeus' own will. The term of their lives is set, spun and measured. Leave off with threats and sour disposition. The Fates have done their duty and Apollo sees far. Theirs is a destiny born of heaven and shall not be deemed fair game for the likes of immortal folly. Thrice blessed by our own mother were the bolts used, strength such as has not seen use since the days of Achilles. Each shaft kissed by my own wife Psyche to catch within their souls. Trust me, brother, all is well," said Eros earnestly. "Perhaps." Anteros grudgingly admitted. "How do you know that they are in fact working?" "Will you cease your bickering long enough to see? The fruit is at long last ripe and about to be plucked if I am not mistaken," answered Eros smugly. "So be it then, let us observe the efforts of your labor," agreed Anteros grudgingly. The twins leave off their squabble and turn their attention downward. The light around the pair shimmers and leaves two sparrows in their place. Down and down they wing, leaving behind the clouds in their wake. The sun approaches the earth, night drawing nigh now. On a rose bush do they light, close together, eyes bright. Near the marble gazebo they take up their watch, intent on the doings within. Fine linen gauze panels hang in the spaces between impressive marble columns. The breeze wafts them softly, swaying them gently. Several divan couches, cushioned with costly silk pillows, are placed 'round a great iron brazier. Aromatic woods burn there, scenting the air. Tables placed for ease of use hold silver kraters and pitchers of fine wine. Bowls heaping with fruit and roasted meats lie within easy reach. The floor is tiled in a brilliantly colored mosaic depicting fauns and nymphs at play. Alexander and Hephaestion have long left off their playful chasing. They recline and eat, staring into each other's eyes. The silence is broken with the occasional crackle and pop of the low fire. Sunset paints the gauze panels with Iris' palette. "Where are the others Alexander?" asked Hephaestion as he pauses in his meal. "They ride escort for my father, off to bring back his new bride. Better that I do not go. My mother is taking this turn rather poorly. She plans to make a dramatic exit upon their return and no doubt will drag me with her. We only have this little time to ourselves." Explained Alexander. "What of the servants? I see none here. Most unusual!" teased Hephaestion. "I think we can do without them for a time. Slaves do talk and I want no ears here save yours tonight." Said Alexander as a blush slowly climbs his cheeks. "Why ever not, surely nothing they hear can not be heard by any," replied Hephaestion with wide innocent eyes. Unable to keep from grinning, he let his eyes wander over the form of his friend. "Continue to speak with the forked tongue of an adder and not even you shall hear the words, for they will not pass my lips, you cur!" gasped Alexander while trying to suppress a shy smile without much success. To cover the heat rising on his tanned golden cheeks, he grasped a krater and drank. "As you command, my prince. Shall I come sit closer so that you may whisper your words to me? I would challenge any who would eavesdrop on what you would impart to my waiting ear," suggested Hephaestion. "Aye, do that. There is room enough for two here on my couch," Alexander said as he placed the emptied krater back on the table. He scooted back after turning on his side. His linen tunic hitched up a bit with the movement, showing more of his well-muscled legs, crossed at the ankles. Hephaestion rose smoothly from his own couch and crossed quickly to Alexander. He lay carefully on the divan, keeping to his back with his head resting on the backrest. Alexander draped an arm over Hephaestion's stomach and leaned his head in closer to Hephaestion's ear. "I love you my friend. I have loved you dearly since the day at the practice arena and you refused to let me win the wrestling match though I am your prince. The feel of your body straining against mine has haunted my dreams thereafter," whispered Alexander into Hephaestion's ear, his breath barely stirring the slightly curling locks that tumbled from the tousled head. Both young men startled as a sparrow burst into frenzied song from the bushes. Another sparrow scolded the singer and then both went quiet in the dimming sunset's light. The pair grinned at each other and relaxed once more in each other's nearness. Alexander's arm was still draped over Hephaestion's stomach and he could feel the heat radiating up through the tunic. His own arm felt aflame with the touch. Hephaestion could feel the complete weight of the utterly relaxed limb and found he liked it very much. "I love you as well, my prince, my friend. How would it honor you to give or do less than my best, even against you in practice? An enemy would not pull his blow, nor give a moment's hesitation to harming you. Should you become used to that deference, even in practice, it might mean your life upon the battlefield. I would not care to live past the last breath you took. You are my prince and lord and I will guard and serve you in whatever way I may," murmured Hephaestion into the gathering twilight. The arm on him twitched as Alexander reacted. He smiled as the hand cupped against him and pulled him closer. Alexander felt a surge of love wash through him at his friend's words, also desire. The muscled stomach beneath his arm and hand felt firm and heated. He nestled his head into the crook of Hephaestion's shoulder and set his lips to the neck now in reach. Hephaestion nearly gasped as the silken lips kissed him and did in fact jump when the tip of Alexander's tongue slowly traced a line up and behind his ear. He slowly turned onto his side while lacing the fingers of his left hand into Alexander's. Now they lay face to face. "Will you make love to me, my prince? I have waited a long time for such," asked Hephaestion as he gently kissed Alexander's chin and cheeks. "We will make love to each other as equals. I will have no dominion in love as that belongs to the gods alone. I too have wanted this," answered Alexander. He kissed Hephaestion full on the lips, the smoothness caressing him with tantalizing sweetness. The fingers grasping his felt strong, though rough from weapons practice. Alexander's free hand began to toy with the black curls wreathing Hephaestion's face. Hephaestion felt his breath quicken as blood rushed to his loins. The touch of Alexander on his body was an aphrodisiac beyond any other. Their bodies were by now firmly pressed together along their lengths and he could feel Alexander's arousal was as obvious as his own. Neither young man had any reason for shame in the endowment the gods had seen fit to give both. Alexander wanted to feel naked skin against his own and moved to act on that desire. The two silver buttons at the top of Hephaestion's tunic gave way easily to his frantic hand. He let go of the hand he had held all of this time and pulled loose the belt that held the tunic closed. Without those three simple items, the tunic front fell away easily. All Hephaestion now wore were the laced sandals and a smile. Hephaestion quickly returned the favor so that they were on even footing once more. Hephaestion ran his hand along the muscled flank and side of Alexander. The only real light now came from the brazier at his back. Shadow and light flickered over them, creating an incredible mood of sensual mystery. They kissed once more, tongues brushing against each other. The fire within their blood quickened to higher intensity. Hands wandered over bodies, exploring hills and valleys of supremely fit musculatures. Alexander ran his hand down to the stony rod that aimed at him. Gripping gently, he stroked it, enjoying the velvet skin that sheathed rock solidness beneath. Hephaestion gasped and moaned with that touch. He clasped Alexander's face between his hands and kissed him fiercely. Teeth briefly clenched his lip, pulling slightly before releasing. Hephaestion felt Alexander let go and push him to his back. His head flew back against the headrest of its own volition as warm wetness encapsulated the tip of his throbbing shaft. Soon over half his length was encased in that heated mouth. Hands kneaded Hephaestion's inner thighs. His hands went to Alexander's hair of their own accord and ran through the ringlets over and over. Alexander liked the taste of Hephaestion, slightly salty though essentially clean. The rod within his mouth stretched it to his limits, the girth being at the edge of his ability to comfortably take Hephaestion in. Alexander gripped the shaft with a hand and stroked in time to the movements of his head. Hephaestion's fingers in his hair soon gripped and guided under the onslaught of the prince. Just as his jaw began to ache with the effort, Hephaestion released his seed into Alexander's suction. Desperately the young prince tried to swallow spurt after spurt of the salty yet sweet liquid. Some spilled out of his mouth and onto his chin before the spasms faded then ceased within his tightly locked lips. Hephaestion nearly passed out as his orgasm rocked open the universe for him. His eyes finally opened once more to gaze into adoring eyes hovering near his own. The sight of Alexander with his seed on his chin was not something he had ever expected to see. Hephaestion took his tunic and gently wiped away the evidence of his release. "My turn now, my prince," stated Hephaestion firmly. He rolled over, flipping Alexander onto his back. The prince's erection had lost none of its firmness in the interval. Alexander's eyes shut with intense concentration as Hephaestion got down to business. Hephaestion leaned forward and licked Alexander's lips using only the barest tip of his tongue. He could taste the faintest trace of his essence. Somehow that was highly arousing for him. Moving with infinite slowness and care, Hephaestion traced Alexander's jaw line with his tongue. When he reached Alexander's ear, he nibbled on the lobe before kissing behind it. Meanwhile, his hands explored the hard warrior's body laid invitingly before him. Alexander's eyes drifted shut as he savored the touch of his friend and lover. Leisurely, with absolutely no thought of hurrying things along, Hephaestion drifted at will up and down the outline of Alexander's muscles with his tongue; chest, arms, stomach, thighs, literally everywhere he could reach. Save one. That he wanted to linger on longest and last. The heat from the skin beneath his lashing tongue spurred him on. Faint tremors occasionally rocked Alexander as he endured the slow torture of his nerve endings. It took enormous will not to grab Hephaestion by the ears and guide him to where Alexander most wanted him to go. The torture intensified as Hephaestion licked tight circles around the straining erection yet never quite touched it. "Eros take you! Please get on with it!" Alexander gasped and begged. With a brief laugh, Hephaestion stopped his toying and took Alexander's balls into his mouth, one by one alternating. Brief suction before switching soon had Alexander squirming with insane desire. Hephaestion finally relented and grasped the blood-engorged member with one hand as he brought it ever so slowly into his mouth. Alexander's hands now tightly grasped the edges of the couch, anchoring him as he writhed in pleasure. Amazed at the width of the cock his hand encircled, Hephaestion was astonished that he could barely touch middle finger to thumb. A goodly portion of the rigid rod overflowed his hand, leaving plenty still for his hot mouth. He sucked Alexander inward until his lips met the top of his hand. He nearly gagged as the helmeted tip hit the back of his throat, nearly lodging there. Hephaestion raised his head, letting his full lips slide along the length as he rose. Thick veins corded the shaft and he could feel each distinctly as he went. The moans from above him on the couch were extremely satisfying, telling him that his efforts were not lacking. He bobbed his head, slowly gaining speed, keeping the suction steady. When the tip was nearly out of his mouth at the apex of his motion each time, he ran his tongue swiftly around the sensitive under-skin before plunging downward yet again. Alexander was thrashing in place now. The experience was almost overwhelming. Just as he felt pressure from deep within beginning to build, Hephaestion stopped. Though he still gripped his toy with a death hold, the moist mouth no longer sought to empty his soul. Alexander's eye flew back open in confusion. Frustration was beginning to mount and that pleased him not at all. He started to say something but a finger pressed against his lips silenced him before the words could be uttered. Alexander wondered what new mischief Hephaestion had in mind as he watched the smile grow on his beloved's flame lit features. "Patience my prince. I have something else in mind. Though I would gladly do this for eternity, I think we can do better still," explained Hephaestion. Alexander swallowed, his throat gone dry at the thought of other possible delights. He watched as Hephaestion rose from his side and stepped out of sight for a moment. He quickly understood once Hephaestion returned hold a small amphora of olive oil. Some of their early education with the tutors had concerned techniques for love making among men. He nodded as Hephaestion tilted the amphora and spilled a generous quantity of oil over his hands. Then he understood. Hephaestion grinned as he grasped his prince's shaft between his hands and gently rubbed on the thin slick oil. Within a few moments it gleamed in the brazier's flickering light. He poured another small amount onto his fingers and then applied it where he would need it most. Carefully he set down the container of oil and climbed back onto the couch. This time he straddled Alexander's thighs and shifted until he was nearly over his stomach. He grasped his prince's shaft and tilted it nearly upright. The tip brushed along the valley of his buttocks, sending shivers up his spine. Alexander watched in fascination as his friend slowly impaled himself on his erection. He watched the tightly compressed lips suddenly come apart as Hephaestion cried out his pain when the large bulbous head pierce the tight opening suddenly. Alexander held completely still, fearful he had wounded his love. Slowly the grimace of pain faded from Hephaestion. Alexander could feel the tight moist warmth clutching him begin to take him further in. Hephaestion was leaning back, truly impaling himself on the thick shaft of his friend's cock. Soon he rested his buttocks on the thighs of Alexander and stopped once more breathing heavily as he fought his instincts. After a little more time, all the pain faded away, forgotten. The invading rod was stretching his innards, caressing with the slightest motion. Hephaestion now flexed his thighs, rising upward. The skin encircling the impaling shaft, at the opening, tingled with the friction. He groaned as the tip rubbed along his prostate on its way. Stopping just before he completely released Alexander, he then let his weight push him back down. Now Alexander's hand explored his torso, thumbs rubbing lightly at his nipples. Soon they were as erect as his shaft. All of the sensations had fully roused his desire once more. When he reached the bottom of his downward descent, he rotated his hips a little, grinding his friend inside him. Then he lifted once more. Up and down, slowly was the pace he set. He loved the look of utter bliss on his prince's face. He gasped as that special place inside was repeatedly touched and rubbed during their coupling. Hephaestion nearly screamed with ecstasy as Alexander grasped him firmly and began to stroke swiftly. His own speed increased to match. Both men were gasping with the impact of Hephaestion into Alexander's thighs now. Internal tides tore and ripped at their consciousness. Alexander found the pressure within building, yet was not ready to find release. He wanted it to go on and on. Letting go of Hephaestion, he shifted position so that he was now sitting. Hephaestion's cock was locked between them, rubbing on the washboard of Alexander's stomach. Hephaestion cried out as Alexander lifted him at the waist and rolled them sideways. He caught the gist of the change quickly. Once Alexander was finished, they were now both on their sides with Alexander behind Hephaestion. Alexander raised Hephaestion's right leg upward and clasped it to his hip. Then he began a very slow thrusting that buried him to the hilt. He ground his nether hair into Hephaestion's backside, which caused his shaft to rotate within the clutching embrace. Hephaestion moaned as the sensation within changed so dramatically. The new positioning hit areas unreached with the prior one. Alexander's pace was slow and unstoppable. He pulled out and immediately re-entered, burying himself to the base once more. This he continued, steady and sure. With each new re-entry, Hephaestion cried out. The skin at his opening was becoming very sensitive and felt heated in his namesake's forge. After what seemed an eternity, Alexander sped up his thrusts. Eventually, the speed of his rhythm slammed home with each inward thrust. His balls slapped into Hephaestion with considerable force. The rising tide of ecstasy was near cresting for them both. Hephaestion gripped the headrest with both hands now to keep from getting knocked into it. Alexander gripped Hephaestion at ankle and hip, pulling him into the primal pounding he was giving. "Sweet gods!" screamed Hephaestion as he came. Violent spurts of white fluid fountained from him. Spasm after spasm caused him to clench his whole body. Alexander grunted as the heated tunnel he drilled began to clutch at him and the opening he invaded locked down. The tightness heightened the experience and soon he too orgasmed. He continued his thrusts, though had now slowed to a leisurely pace. When his dick became too sensitive to stand the movement, only then did he stop. Even then, he remained buried deep with Hephaestion. "No wonder it is frowned on to only have relations with men!" murmured Alexander into Hephaestion's ear. Hephaestion nodded, sated, drowsy now. "Still, now that we have found this, I find I can bear the thought of you with a wife, if only so that we may have this too. The kingdom does need an heir. And your mother will never let you forget that," replied Hephaestion. He grunted a protest as Alexander finally withdrew himself. "I want you always near, my love. The only way I think I could stand a wife is if you are with me. Were I not prince, I would say to Hades with them all and we could simply leave," Alexander shifted upward a bit until his was spooned with Hephaestion. He gently kissed his lover's ear and snuggled into the warm body in front of him. "I swear that I will never leave your side. I am yours for as long as the Fates have given me to live," declared Hephaestion. "So swear I also," agreed Alexander. Moments passed in agreeable silence. Hephaestion chuckled as he felt a stirring at his backside. He turned so he was facing his prince. Alexander blushed at the humor that glistened in Hephaestion's eyes. "Now you must return the favor, my love," whispered Alexander once he realized he was not the only one with rekindled desire. "As you wish, my prince. Let there ever be give and take between us." Hephaestion leaned over Alexander and picked up the oil. He again poured a measure into his hand. Alexander lay down flat on his back and waited to see what Hephaestion would do. He grinned as Hephaestion warmed with oil with his hands and then reached for him. Hephaestion drew up Alexander's knees until his feet rested flat upon the couch. Then he gently probed a finger into Alexander's backside. The muscled clamped down around the finger. Hephaestion waited a moment then continued to slowly push inward. Alexander gasped, slightly pained by the intrusion. It passed in but a moment. It felt strange to have something coming in when always before things passed out. His back arched as Hephaestion found his prostate. A surge of energy course through him, electrifying his cock into utter hardness. The finger withdrew and returned, joined by a second. Again his back arched as that spot was rubbed. Hephaestion grinned at the rapt expression on Alexander's face. He understood, since he had just himself experienced the intensity of just that action. He fingered his friend until he could feel how completely relaxed Alexander was. Then he added yet a third finger. Alexander was shocked at the sudden surge of pain. Three fingers were very different from just two. He felt stretched to his limit. Slowly the pain receded. Again the pleasure returned. Now he noticed how intensely he felt the friction as Hephaestion moved his fingers in and out. Nothing had ever prepared him for this feeling. He knew that it didn't matter, he would always want this from now on. Hephaestion judged the time was now and removed his fingers. He stroked himself a couple of times to slicken his throbbing cock before starting. He lifted Alexander's legs to his shoulders. Carefully, Hephaestion prodded the opening he had just been working on. He guided himself in and stopped as he popped past the circle of muscles. Alexander bit his lower lip to keep from crying out at the immense new pain. Hephaestion waited until his prince released that bitten lip. Then he slowly pressed forward. Inch by inch his rod disappeared into the body below him. Alexander gasped when the tip of the invading penis dug straight into his prostate. He shivered as it passed, feeling the shaft continue its caress of the pleasure button. Alexander was amazed when he realized that Hephaestion was fully within him. It felt as if another inch would have burst him wide open, having nowhere else to go. All of his focus was now on the bottom portion of his body. The stretched feeling was beyond description or understanding. All he knew now was that he felt wonderful. Alexander's eyes were shut, but he felt dizzy. The world was spinning, with him the center point. If he was the center, Hephaestion was the fulcrum. Hephaestion gripped the top of Alexander's thighs firmly. Now he pulled back and then pushed forward. He could feel his stomach touch Alexander's balls when he was buried to the hilt. Again and again he repeated the inward and outward motion, slowly. Alexander now, in his turn, gripped the headrest to anchor them. Hephaestion took that to mean that it was time to increase his speed. Now each inward stroke ended with the slap of his nuts against Alexander's buttocks. A continuous moaning, deep in the throat, escaped Alexander's tightly clenched lips. Little grunts punctuated the moaning, breath forced out with each impact into his backside. Alexander lost himself to the feelings sparking within him. Waves of sensation washed through. His universe was expanding with each moment, with each penetrating thrust that seemed to search for his heart from within. When Hephaestion began stroking his erection, Alexander cried out, over and over. Light burst behind his shut eyelids. His back arched yet again as every muscle went rigid. He felt his whole being gather and explode. Sprays of white fluid rained down on Hephaestion's chest and neck. As the force lessened, the fluid began landing on Alexander's stomach. Pumping at his fastest speed possible, Hephaestion plowed into Alexander now. As the inner muscles gripped onto him, he too found himself exploding. His seed flew from him and far into Alexander. Eventually his body felt weighed with lead. He withdrew reluctantly and collapsed onto his friend. Sweat drenched them both, creating a gleam in the flickering firelight. Both men were breathing heavily, as if having just run a race. When they both could breath normally, they sat up. "I think this may be the best gift the gods ever gave to mortals. Surely this is a glimpse as to what the Elysian Fields themselves must offer for all of eternity!" whispered Alexander. "Surely that is so. I know that I am certainly leaving flowers and doves for Eros and Aphrodite. It is only right to thank them for the miracle of you. I will give thanks to them for all of my days for that gift," Hephaestion murmured back. He embraced Alexander closely, nuzzling into his neck, nibbling his ears. Alexander returned the kisses eagerly. His hands ran through the tangled locks of Hephaestion's hair, smoothing the tousled mess. From there he gripped Hephaestion closely to him, not wanting this night to end. Deep drowsiness was overtaking them. At last they parted, but Alexander noticed that he was sticking to Hephaestion. They had completely forgotten the aftermath of making love. Alexander grimaced at the tacky feel of the partially dried semen. It had mixed with their sweat and nearly covered the entire torsos of both men. "Look at the mess we made!" Alexander was astonished at how much he had shot onto Hephaestion. The sticky mess was now plastered to them both. Hephaestion pulled one of the tunics from beneath them and wiped down Alexander. Nodding, Alexander did the same for Hephaestion. Once both were relatively dry, they laid down again. Hephaestion's cheek rested against Alexander's chest. Their arms encircled each other as the watched the last of the fire die down and finally go out in the brazier. As the last light gleamed and then faded, the two were asleep in each other's arms. The night sky circled overhead, the stars glittering down their diamond light. Artemis drove her chariot, the moon, along the stardust trail laid out for her. Iris, goddess of the dawn, would find them still that way on the new morning. Neither woke as a sparrow sang out in triumph. Nor did they wake as two birds flew up into the heavens. The twin gods returned to Olympus. Eros felt his point was made. Alexander and Hephaestion would never be parted now. His arrows were well and truly placed. Anteros agreed, reluctant no more. These two mortals were now inseparable. Zeus help the one that tried to step between them now.