Title: "Hephaistion's Gift" 1/1
Author: CharlieMC camelotslash-1 at qwest.net
Fandom: Alexander the Great
Date: November 26, 2004
Archive: Sure, contact me first, please [template must stay with fic]
Archived at: CamelotSlash.com -- http://www.camelotslash.com
Category: slash
Pairings: Hephaistion/Bagoas, Hephaistion/Alexander/Bagoas (Jared Leto, Hephaistion -- Francisco Bosch, Bagoas -- Colin Farrell, Alexander)
Disclaimer: Don't own them and mean no infringement or disrespect. Alexander, Hephaistion and Bagoas belong to the ages and not to me! No money made, it's merely for fun.
Summary: Hephaistion gives Alexander a gift...
Warnings for this chapter: Slash, somewhat graphic sex, discussion of castration. Basically a PWP excuse for threesome sex! (smile)
Beta: Thanks as always to Mistress Marilyn for her wonderful help.
Dedication: For mereneith -- in answer to her challenge posted here: Alexander-the-Great-Slash
Author notes: The problem in studying ancient history is the best we can do is read the oldest manuscripts available then try to access and compare multiple sources. But when these sources are rarely (if ever) those of eye witnesses, it's clearly impossible to speak in terms of FACTS. We have to speak, rather, of possibilities -- even then there are numerous factors we would want to know, but never can. It's difficult not to use modern values and beliefs as standards for people from a distant past. I can only create a fanfic based on my best research and personal speculation -- and hope that the tale I tell is good enough to involve the reader in spite of my historical inaccuracies. If the story speaks to you, I'll count myself happy...
Research: Basic, for an Alexander the Great 'student.' And though you might disagree with my account of Bagoas' castration, it's generally seen that a eunuch castrated to be a male concubine *did* keep the penis and only lose the testes...

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I stared across the huge expanse of the harem in the citadel of Babylon, as anxious as the others there to see these barbarians from the west who had not only conquered the High King Darius, but all of Persia.

Indeed, it was unthinkable that these strange men who dressed in short tunics and skirts could so blatantly enter into the realm of 'those who must be guarded.' And yet I stood there with several other concubine eunuchs and watched as they pushed inside the large doors, raucously moving among the women.

They did not seem to feel any of the awe that would be expected of those who had come into a place held sacred; this harem was never entered by men at all, excepting those who had been castrated for the express purpose of guarding and serving inside the seraglio of the High King. Or by those eunuchs who -- like myself -- were male concubines.

The men of our own country would have been shamed beyond belief should they have stumbled into these garden rooms of pools and perfume, filled with wives and concubines -- both female and male -- especially in light of the importance of those contained here.

Here were those who had been graced by the 'favor' of the Great King -- he who wore the mitre on his brow and dressed in the royal purple robes.

But even though I marveled at such crass barbarity, I was too curious to withdraw to a secluded corner. I stood with several other eunuch concubines and stared freely at these boorish men who tramped in like drunkards, some even sprawling on the very divans and pillows where only women reclined in the past.

Their language was as coarse and unpleasant as their actions -- it seemed fitting that their words should grate on the ear. We stood and stared, not bothering to lower our eyes. After all, it was not as if we were in the Presence! These men and their wild king might ravage the Persian armies and ride victorious into the great city of Babylon, but such actions would never elevate them beyond their barbarian roots...

Then I saw him.

In Persia, the most attractive of men are tall and stately. The dark hair of head and beard is carefully groomed and curled in the most immaculate fashion. A nobleman would compose his features as stringently as his hair, allowing but few to see his face contorted by more than the smallest exhibit of passion, humor or pain; such a man would prefer to be flayed alive rather than weep openly before any but his closest friends or relatives. Even a minor king or chieftain would use great care in the wearing of his garments, making sure his trousers fell in straight folds to his feet and that his robes would lay in perfect symmetry.

He was golden. The mane of his unruly hair was bright and fair, catching the light. His skin was paler than I am accustomed to, but also seemed like burnished gold. Though not tall, there was something about his carriage that drew the eye. And his smile! It was radiant as he moved through the room.

I had already heard the telling of his entirely un-Persian appearance, so I knew immediately that he was the young king of Macedon and Greece who now laid claim to the ancient throne of Persia. This, then, was Alexander! My curiosity should have been sated; I should have withdrawn behind the sanctity of a curtain.

Then I saw the Other. Our eyes locked and we knew; both of us were tied to this golden one who strolled through the harem with bright eyes and smiling face!

This man was dark, though even from a distance I could see he had eyes of blue. I can understand why the Princess Stateira mistook him for the new king when she descended from the balcony and begged for the lives of her family...

And as these barbaric men chuckled at her mistake, Alexander kindly told her she was not wrong -- that this man was Alexander, too.

I knew for certain then that I had earlier stared into the handsome face of he who was kindred in love! For though I would never have guessed it, my heart belonged to Alexander from the first moment I saw him...

Later it was this other man who came to me, boldly entering and surveying the interior of my private chamber. His eyes moved curiously here and there, lighting on the makeups, unguents and perfumes of my dressing table, then turning to the ivory comb with which I had been brushing out my long hair.

He told me his name, though being unfamiliar with the language I could not make out anything else he might have said. So now I knew him as Hephaistion, though I could only guess at what title he might hold.

He'd brought along a Greek slave who quickly began to instruct me in both Greek and the vulgar Macedonian tongue. Within a few days I had gained enough words to be able to speak what might prove necessary in simple interactions. But being a quick study with a gift for languages, I understood far more than I could articulate. Every evening Hephaistion came to my chamber and spoke with me, testing my knowledge. By the end of the week he was satisfied at last.

"I want to take you to the King," he said, using his fingertips to firmly lift my chin. These people made it impossible to even attempt to display the appropriate modesty that had always been a part of my role as a royal concubine! I lifted my gaze and let his bright blue eyes bore into mine.

"You were the lover of Darius?" he asked, still staring into my eyes.

"Yes, Lord," I responded in a quiet voice, managing not to dip my head. It seemed odd not to gaze at him through my lashes; he might be a high lord in his own land, but he had the manners of one who had been brought up in the streets of Babylon! Even so, I could sense something fine in this Hephaistion -- something that made me realize I would need to rethink all that I had been taught in my life...

"You have caught the eye of Alexander," he said. It was plain that he felt this to be a great honor, though I can hardly say I was unpleased to hear him say so. Even though I had been a favorite of the Great King Darius -- who was descended from a long line of monarchs that went back into times unknown -- I, too, was delighted to know this youthful leader might be taken with me. Though his family line was new to any royal title beyond a few decades, I did not feel myself slighted to be facing service with Alexander.

"I am pleased, Lord," I managed, only barely slurring my words. As I said, I'm a quick study.

"He is..." He stopped and turned, beginning to pace back and forth over the carpeted floor. Whatever he wanted to say, it was clearly something that would not come easily to his lips.

"Sit, my Lord, and be comfortable," I said, gesturing toward a chair. When he had seated himself, I moved in front of him and sat cross-legged on the floor. "Say what you wish. I will keep your secrets," I added, my voice dropping in volume to the point of whispering.

"He is my king," Hephaistion began, looking down into my face. His expression seemed to plead with me, though I could not guess what it was he wished. "He has been my friend since we were boys. The dearest friend of my life."

There was little need to tell me they were close -- that much I knew in my bones. I found it no surprise to hear they'd been raised up as friends. I tried to imagine such a thing, but failed. I had never had a friend like this, nor was I ever likely to have one in the future...

"You are both blessed," I replied, seeing that he waited on me before continuing.

Hephaistion nodded and I could see he was relieved by my words, though it was hardly more than a polite response. Perhaps there was a lilt of warmth to what I said, or my expression changed enough to display understanding. I do not know. I only know it was as if the icy barrier between us had crumbled.

"I would do anything in my power to please him," Hephaistion continued. "I would give him any gift, or do him any service. There is no act too small or too large that I wouldn't attempt it for Alexander," he said, a trace of hoarseness in his words. He was managing to suppress his emotion, but I suddenly realized how important this moment was to him; I felt awe to know that this foreign leader had enough trust to make such an intimate declaration to me.

"You are, indeed, a good friend," I said, lifting and extending my hand.

Hephaistion took my hand between his, gently -- yet firmly -- pulling me to stand. Somehow I ended up wrapped in his embrace, cradled gently on his lap.

His lips were like the petals of roses as he kissed my cheek, one hand softly moving through my hair. "It's like silk," he breathed, pressing his face into the locks. "And it smells so lovely. You are even more perfect than I have thought."

There was no answer for these words that were spoken from the heart. I had been flattered many times in my life for my physical beauty, but one always knows when the words are a matter of form. Hephaistion was unable to hide his admiration, nor do I think he even attempted to do so.

"Show me how to use those," he said, gesturing to my dressing table and the jars and vials there. "I want to make myself more lovely -- like you. It would please him," he added.

I was amazed that this man would wish to be more like me! He was strong and manly, easily holding my slim body in his muscled arms. He was one of the leaders who had fought to vanquish our army, yet he wanted to emulate me, one who was a castrate!

I felt a huge emotion rise up in my breast; I reached my arms tightly around his neck and hugged him to me. "I will show you everything," I said, my words slurred by my Persian accent. "Everything you wish, Hephaistion."

Then we rose, still embracing for several seconds. Finally we broke apart and I led him by the hand to my dressing table. I pressed him to sit on the stool that faced the table with its fine mirror of polished silver embedded in a panel of ornately carved wood. He stared at his own face as I opened several jars and began to paint his beautiful eyes.

When we were both perfectly prepared by my skills, we walked together through the hallway that led to the chamber of the king.

There were young men guarding the door who merely nodded when they saw Hephaistion move to open it. These youth stared blatantly at me; their eyes traveled up and down my body in unseemly fascination and revulsion.

Inside the king was standing with his back to us, his Persian robes hanging crooked and his hair tangled. He looked as if he had just risen from a nap! I glanced over at the huge bed that had once belonged to Darius and saw that the covers were strewn this way and that; the smooth sheets had clearly been rumpled. Had the king had another here with him, in his bed, sharing his passion? Perhaps we were only seconds from having found him engaged in such activities!

I glanced at Hephaistion, but saw that his face was serene. If the king had been with another, it clearly did not disturb his friend! I governed my own features and stood quietly waiting.

Hephaistion moved forward and laid a hand on Alexander's shoulder, not bothering to speak to announce himself as being inside the king's private rooms. The king tilted his head to one side and seemed to lean back against Hephaistion. This was, perhaps, the most intimate action I had ever seen -- I who knew the ways of pleasure better than most trained in such skills!

"I have brought you a gift." I could barely hear Hephaistion's words. His face was buried in the king's hair.

Then the king turned around, smiling into his friend's face. I caught my breath as I saw the flash of white teeth; he was the most beautiful of men!

Without a word Hephaistion turned his gaze toward me. The king's eyes followed; he left Hephaistion's side and swiftly moved across the room to stand directly in front of me.

I dropped my gaze and lowered my head, immediately offering obeisance to him. I did not think to question my own actions; it was suddenly plain to me that I was, indeed, standing in the Presence.

A gentle hand lifted me up and guided me to the rumpled bed. There was no subtlety in his actions, but I found it mattered little to me. He yanked at my belt of gold, breaking one of the fragile links. He tossed it aside and began to fumble with my trousers. I found myself laughing with pleasure at his actions, though I had never done something so unseemly while I served Darius!

Soon all three of us were lying sprawled naked atop the covers of the bed, our clothing discarded randomly to the floor.

"The bed is already very..." I stopped, unable to think of how to describe it.

"I was napping before," Alexander said.

"But surely you did not do this by yourself!"

"He often thrashes about when dreaming," Hephaistion said, smiling. "This is nothing, truly."

How well Hephaistion knew the habits of the king!

Suddenly Alexander grasped my face between his hands and pulled me to him, kissing me hard. I was quite shocked and wondered if my lips would be bruised by this rough use. Then he pulled Hephaistion to him and kissed him with an equal lack of skill and tenderness. It was surely time to begin teaching this young king the ways of the bedroom. I believed that even this unpolished stone could easily be turned to a gleaming diamond!

"Let me show you how to kiss, Great Lord," I said, shifting myself toward them. They were kneeling on the bed, embracing and pushing their mouths together forcefully. I moved to become one with them, slipping between them on one side, turning us into a triangle of love...

Hephaistion pulled back, panting. He looked into my eyes and nodded, making me smile. Then he waited, watching me.

"How to kiss?" Alexander asked me, sounding confused. "I need to learn how?"

"There are ways and there are ways," I said, my tone soothing. "Let me show you."

I leaned in and carefully and gently pressed my open lips to his. With deliberation I lightly touched his tongue with the very tip of my own. He pulled away, grunting in surprise, but not speaking.

I persisted, this time putting my hands on either side of his face. Again he pulled away at the touch of my tongue.

"Is all well, my king?" I asked, concealing my exasperation.

"It's wet, isn't it?" he asked.

'No,' I thought. 'It is not.' But I said nothing.

"Try again, Alexander," Hephaistion encouraged him. I glanced at him and saw that he was fully aroused by watching. I was not surprised by his reaction, knowing as I did that he desired both of us...

At Hephaistion's words, Alexander moved close to me and now his hands grasped my head. He pushed his lips firmly to mine and thrust his tongue into my mouth, nearly choking me!

I pulled away and finally was unable to hide my annoyance. "No, my Lord. The tongue never comes beyond the lips." Why was this so difficult for him to understand?

"I'm trying," he said, panting. I could not tell if he spoke to Hephaistion, or to me...

I looked and saw that he, too, was aroused. The sight of these two men in such a state quickly made me follow suit.

I abandoned the lesson as the two men began to grope one another's bodies -- and mine.

Their hands were callused from the use of weapons and holding the reins of their horses, but they were no less pleasant on my skin for that. I found myself tracing various scars on each of them, delighting to feel the shivers these caresses created.

Though we were all three enflamed, we did not go about things without some deliberation. We were slow in exploring one another -- and even slower in moving to intimate touches.

Finally I guided both men to slip under the fine Egyptian cotton sheets, sandwiching the king between Hephaistion and myself. I ran light fingers down the strong abdominal muscles and only stopped when I encountered the thick hair of his pubis.

"You would wish me to groom you, my king?" I asked, my voice unable to completely hide my shock at the lack of hygiene I'd encountered.

"Groom? If you wish," he replied.

'Ah,' I thought, 'he has been long at war. There has been no time to tend to things such as this.'

"I will fetch the necessary tools," I said, beginning to rise.

"Tools? What are you talking about?" Alexander asked. There was both confusion and exasperation in his tone.

"To groom you, Lord. I must... find the tool to scrape you."

"Scrape?" Hephaistion's voice reflected fascination and curiosity.

"As you scrape your faces," I said, trying to explain myself.

"Shave," Hephaistion gently corrected. "We call it shaving."

"The tool to shave you," I said, pleased to know the correct term.

"Shave me?" Alexander's voice was still puzzled.

"You must wish to be groomed." I was beginning to wonder why he was resisting me after agreeing to my desire to minister to him. I trailed my fingers through the hair of his pubis, amazed by how thick it was.

"You shave there?" Hephaistion asked.

"Yes, my Lord Hephaistion." Was this a revelation to both men?

"This is not our custom," Alexander interrupted. "All would see and make mockery of it."

"All?" Now I was puzzled.

"When we are engaged in sports. We do this naked," Alexander added.

I had forgotten hearing these tales! Many had spoken of the immodesty of these men who would topple and run without even a loincloth to cover them...

"Yes, I had forgotten. But none groom here?" I asked, giving his pubic hair a small tug.

"Did Darius?" Hephaistion asked.

"Indeed. Though he left a long strip of hair that ran from his navel to his... What do you call this?" I asked, touching the stiff flesh.

They both laughed and I could sense they shared some amount of embarrassment. Yet there was nothing unpleasant about the laughter, nothing mocking.

"Many call it by different names, Bagoas," Alexander said. "But there's no need now, as we clearly know what you're referring to."

"Yes, Lord. Well, this hair that remained was carefully oiled and curled, much as one would curl a beard."

"Interesting," Hephaistion said. "But why is it done?"

"To be clean. And to increase pleasure, Lord."

"Increase pleasure?" Alexander quickly asked.

"Indeed, my king."

"You may groom me," Hephaistion suggested. "Perhaps then Alexander would allow it, too."

I could see Alexander shaking his head. The light in the room was dimming as the lamps burned low.

"You could, perhaps, trim the hair," Alexander said. "Would such a compromise be acceptable?"

I nodded and felt him hug me close. His stiffness was captured between our bodies and he groaned loudly.

"We will speak of grooming later, I think," I said, feeling a pang of guilt for not being quicker to concern myself with his apparent hunger.

"Yes, we will," Hephaistion said. "But now I think Alexander has need of our attentions."

"Wait," Alexander said, staying us. "I do not wish to be hurtful to you, Bagoas. But might I touch you there?"

'Ah!' I thought. 'Of course.' I had forgotten that these foreigners were unfamiliar with eunuchs. It was natural for them to be curious...

"Of course, my Lord King. Both of you may look and touch, if you so wish."

They bent their heads over my groin and ran gentle fingers across the smooth skin where I had removed my own pubic hair, exclaiming with pleasure as they explored me. It was difficult not to writhe under such excruciating pleasure, but I breathed in and out slowly, calming myself as best I could.

Alexander's fingers tickled the small patch of closely cropped hair that I had artisically left behind, then he reached to softly glide over the scar below my stiffened organ.

"Does it hurt?" His voice was so low I could barely hear him.

"No, my Lord. It hurt when it was done, but that was many, many years ago. There is no pain now."

"I'm glad to know that," Hephaistion said, running a hand through my hair.

"Thank you for your concern, my Lords," I said. I could not recall the last time someone had shown interest or worry over my castration...

"I did not expect you to be able to harden here," Alexander said, lightly brushing my erection. "You can experience pleasure? Or must you be satisfied with the pleasure you give another?"

"I assure you that I feel pleasure -- when it is given to me."

"That's... good..." Alexander managed.

Even in the gray light of the room I could feel Hephaistion's eyes seek mine over Alexander's shoulder. We were of like mind -- it was time to take care of the man we both loved...

Hands were again moving; this time both Hephaistion and I focused our ministrations on the body of the king. Alexander was sighing loudly, squirming under our touch.

I turned and offered him my back, reaching to hand Hephaistion a vial of unguent. I felt fingers between my cheeks and against the swollen flesh of my anus; there was a brief tickle of a fingertip in the center of the rosebud as the fluid was spread.

I was trusting Hephaistion to manage the king during my submission. I felt pressure at the opening before Alexander thrust himself against my back, fingers reaching around to grip my shoulders. I was thankful Hephaistion had used good sense and been liberal in applying the unguent to both me and the king as I felt the deep piercing entry...

The king began to speak, his voice an endless litany of encouragement. He described his physical sensations at great length as he moved inside me. I wondered if Hephaistion was behind him, guiding him with those strong hands! Or was Hephaistion merely observing -- perhaps touching himself as he watched the king take me?

I was beside myself with pleasure. I felt my orgasm building rapidly and I tried in vain to slow my labored breathing and pounding heart.

"I'm going to spend," I heard Alexander say, his voice close to a shout. "I'm going to spend."

"Yes, my Lord. I spend, too," I replied, mimicking the word he used to express his climax as I pressed back with all my might, feeling the familiar churning of my insides. My heart soared and I burst into enthusiastic crying as the king poured his seed into me.

"Are you all right?" Alexander's voice was breathy, yet worried.

"I'm very happy, my king," I managed, still sobbing loudly. I was shocked by myself, but unable to stop these happy tears from falling.

"When you're hard again, you must have me," I heard Hephaistion say.

Alexander had been cradling me in his arms, crooning wordless sympathy. But at this he turned to face his friend.

"You wish for that?" he asked.

"Yes, Alexander. I want to be taken. I want you to take me."

I could imagine them staring at one another and wondered at the glances that must have passed between them. Clearly this was a change of direction for their physical relationship...

I don't know if I made a sound, but suddenly I was shifted to the middle of the two men and tightly hugged between them. I swear to you that I would have died the most delighted of men had I been struck dead in that moment!

Lazy hands were still moving over my flesh. I sensed that they were continuing to tease me, as well as caressing one another. It was lovely...

"Bring us wine, Hephaistion," the king instructed. "I will soon be ready to drive into you as happily as I did Bagoas," he said, a smile in his voice.

"No wine, my Lord," I interrupted. "It could soften you."

They both laughed and Hephaistion guided my hands to touch both him and Alexander. Both men were stiff far beyond my expectations! It appeared that some wine might be in order, after all.

"I will join you, if it is permitted," I said, reversing my earlier comment.

We drank deeply of the good wine of Babylon, carefully cut by fresh spring water -- we had no need of uncut wine to make us all feel heady. I felt my body flushing from the alcohol and my companions. I was surprised to realize I was again entirely aroused!

"Go slow with him," I said to Alexander. "He has been wanting this for some time, I think."

Alexander chuckled. "He's not the only one, Bagoas! I'll do my best."

I wished the lamps had not burned low. I longed to stare into the faces of these two amazing men...

"I will be honored to guide you inside the garden of his body," I said, wishing I had more words to express myself. I silently vowed to begin language lessons in earnest the next day...

"Yes!" I was surprised by the vehemence of the king's response.

Alexander was trembling as we shifted around to prepare for this coupling. I touched his back and could feel a sheen of perspiration covering his skin. Hephaistion was softly moaning as I lubricated him. He was lying on his back with his legs spread wide, knees bent and raised high in the air. He reached for my free hand and gripped it tightly in his.

My hand was shaking as I took the king in my palm and spread him thickly with unguent. He moved over Hephaistion, my hand still grasping him. I pressed the head carefully against the opening and thought to gently guide him, but he grunted and thrust forward, pushing roughly into his friend's body as I quickly released him.

Hephaistion continued to tightly grip my hand as Alexander pummeled him. It was far rougher than he'd been with me, even though I suspect it was the first time he had entered his friend...

Hephaistion was soon both panting and moaning, clearly gripped by orgasm. "I'm spending!" he gasped, the words strangled in his throat.

Alexander continued to drive into him, even after Hephaistion's body went limp and he let go of my hand. I now moved to softly knead the king's shoulders with both hands -- and was even bold enough to reach around and gently pinch his right nipple. This, it seems, was enough to send him into a paroxysm of pleasure as he, too, climaxed.

Afterwards we lay entwined so tightly it was difficult to discern which limb belonged to which body. There was a strong smell of lust in the room, mingled with the perfumes Hephaistion and I had used earlier -- and that extraordinary odor of spicy musk that was Alexander's scent by nature alone...

"This is perfection," Alexander said.

"No," I replied languidly.

Hephaistion barked laughter. I think he knew my thoughts...

"No?" There was annoyance in Alexander's voice.

"Perhaps next time we will both work to teach you how to kiss," I answered, stifling my own laugh.

Alexander reached a hand into my hair and pulled it, making me yelp. "Perhaps next time the king will need to teach you both a lesson. I shall have to find a good, thick strap to beat you with."

"You're sounding rather smug, Great King," Hephaistion mocked.

"Tonight I truly feel like a king," he replied, sighing with satisfaction.

"You will truly be the High King when you learn how to kiss," I said, hearing Alexander break into a soft snore.

"Don't worry," Hephaistion replied, "we'll both convince him. But first you'll need to teach me."

I laughed, feeling happier than ever in my life. I fell asleep as I pondered how I would begin instructing Hephaistion.

=the end=