Title: "Battle"

Author: Ayden

Email-Address: [email protected]

Category: Romance, angst

Pairings: None

Date last revised: March 17, 2007

Rating: G

Summary: Bagoas watches Alexander and Hephaistion head off to battle

~~begin

They rode away on their great stallions, these two men he loved, to places he was not allowed.

To battle, they said, like it was some great game they played.

Sometimes they made him wish he could be a warrior, too. Instead of the pretty eunuch who served their meals and danced for them. Until he saw the dead and broken bodies that returned from these games.

He thanked all the gods he knew that they had always come back whole. Alexander, his heart, and Hephaistion, the heart of his beloved.

After he washed them, and cleaned their wounds, if they were not serious, they would let him stay to hear the glorious talk they shared.

They did not know he stayed only to hear their voices, to reassure himself they were well. He did not think their battles glorious.

Sometimes, Hephaistion would stay and he would be dismissed. He had learned early that this was the way of things. He had learned not to grieve that Hephaistion was the one his beloved most desired. It was the way of things.

On the occasions when he was left alone with Alexander, he would touch his body, and give thanks for whatever place he had in his heart.

When they left today, he had embraced them both, in secret, wishing them good fortune. His wishes were sincere. Should Hephaistion not return, he knew only a part of Alexander would return. He could never wish for that.

When he saw them ride back in the late afternoon sun, he gave thanks again.

He could not run to greet them. It was not his place.

He would be allowed to approach later. His presence was accepted now to that small degree.

But, instead, he waited patiently in Alexander's tent until they should call for him or come to seek his service.

The water was heated. The bath would be ready. And he would hear their talk of glorious deeds.

He thanked the gods.

End~~