strong as metal

Hephaestus: The God of Fire and Metal [Olympian] He’s been hurt more times than he can count. Ruined.

[iswearby-the-physician-deactiva]

Asclepius raised his eyebrows and nodded with interest. Would the scars from birth stretch over time or was he covered in lots of little ones? The deity seemed more comfortable with talking about his scars now, quickly filling in the rest of Asclepius’s earlier question. He decided for now to just have a go at his arm, baby steps.

Whilst his replies were short and to the point Asclepius now felt he wasn’t treading on such sensitive ground. While Asclepius knew his reasons for wanting to help him were relatively selfish, he’d heard of the God’s slight seclusion and some of the more hurtful things some other deities had said, so it wasn’t an entirely selfish act on Asclepius’ part. It would be satisfying to help someone else mental state with healing rather than the usual wake-them-up-in-a-war-zone which he could only imagine would lead to some sort of trauma. Anyway back to the scars.

"Hm. I don’t know if the birth ones could be healed. At the very least we we can start with arms," Asclepius  crouched down to the side of Hephaestus to have his eye level with the freshest scars, they were red and looked as though scabs had freshly fallen off. He extended his index finger and dragged it along the smallest injury. The skin’s colour went down to a more natural less pink tone and slightly taut and torn skin refreshed itself, dead skin dropping off to leave a decent sized patch of smooth, unscarred skin. Asclepius grinned and hopped with some excitement, "These are fixable! Ah, wow. I’ve never tried to fix scars at this stage before …"

He felt the patch of skin and it felt like normal,perfectly healthy skin. Asclepius looked up to see the Hephaestus’s reaction.

[stokethefires-archive]

'-Hm, I don’t know if the birth ones could be healed-' There was a rather irritating feeling of dissapointment that formed in Hephaestus' chest when hearing that. The God did his best to ignore it, however. It was foolish to think that someone like him was getting dishearted by this. The scars and burns had made him who he was, and without them he might not have found his passion towards the forge and crafting. He should not want them healed, he should have been above such things and dissapoint. And yet he found that he wasn't.

Distracted by his thoughts and only half listening at this point, the God idly nodded at what Asclepius had said next. It wasn't until the demi-god was before and peering at his scared hands that Hephaestus had thought to give a definite answer of... well he wasn't quite sure what to say. Instead he simply watched and waited as the healer went to work.

It was truly the queerest sensation Hepheastus had felt, this healing. Undescribable really. It was queerer still actually watching the scar change, first in color, then in overall appearance before it seemingly vanished completely. In it's wake was smooth skin once again in it's natural hue. I'd gotten that one just the other day, he thought suddenly, and now it's gone. In truth, the God was unsure of how to feel. He decided it didn't matter. It was healed now. "Yes, it would seem so."

[stokethefires-archive]

a little behind; open

[hisladylombardi-deactivated2014]

“I wish I could say I’ve spent time developing a counterstrike, but sadly our kin is too busy snapping at one another to listen to any sort of reason," she told him, shifting the aegis in her left hand. It seemed every time Athena even attempted to discuss a plan of attack, the others were already fighting over something of less importance. “I’m hoping they’ll get their heads out of their asses quickly and we’ll actually accomplish something.”

She noticed him taking in her armor and weapons. The goddess of courage had kept the same armor and weapon she’d appeared from Zeus’s head with. It wasn’t that she doubted Hephaestus, or his skill in crafting. It was simply that she shared a bond with what she already had. Though, there was no one else she trusted to mend her things than the god of metal. For a moment, a brief smile graced her usually stoic expression. “I am glad to see you’re unharmed as well," she replied, truth in her words as well.

Like her, Hephaestus preferred to keep his stance from the others. Though her sanctuary was Earth, with the mortals, his was in his shop, with his tools. A good part of her respected the man, cared for him even. Looking down to the danaides, her lip lifting in disgust. “They are fast. I chased him for quite a while before catching up. And even then he was injured," she informed him, shaking her head. "I’m about to search the city for more." Lifting her gaze to him, she raised a brow. "Would you like to join me?”

[stokethefires-archive]

'-but sadly our kin is too busy snapping at one another to listen to any sort of reason-' When hearing this the God sighed and ran a calloused hand through his hair, frowing. "Of course they are." Hephaestus had feared and expected as much when he learned of the impending meeting. It was a good idea in theory but the Gods were petty and always quick to devolve into fighting. It was why he was out here rather then on Olympus aiding in the arguments. At least in this ruined city he could do something. He suspected Athena felt the same.

As for Gods with their heads up their asses- "I certainly wouldn't bet on it." Came his reply. Perhaps if they were lucky enough, or rather, unfortunate enough, then Hades would do something henious enough for the Gods to stop fighting over meaningless greviances and actually realize they must work together. Until that happened though... "I fear it'll be a long wait."

His gaze lingered on her figure but a moment longer- It truly is a beautiful set of armor -before flicking up to gaze at Athena. Mismatched eyes regarded her for a moment before Hephaestus smiled. "If it means actually being of use and thinning the enemy numbers then of course." He said. Sparing one last glance at the creature he quirked a brow. "This makes, what, two out... forty-nine? Suppose that leaves forty-seven more to go." Lifting up his hammer the God balanced it across his shoulder and turned. "Shall we make a sort of game out of this?"

[partywithhedone-deactivated2014]

“Anything else that Hedone likes,” the redhead chimed with a sharp and amused raise of her brows accompanied by a pleased smirk, “I love the sound of that.” She tilted her head to the side, her eyes narrowing in a pensive matter. “Speaking of your forge… do you ever leave it? The mortals and Earth can be a blast, even in the state the world’s in at the moment, there’s still enjoyment to be found.”

She bubbled a laugh, touching a hand to her chest, “you’ve caught me redhanded, Hephaestus. I am quite possessive of my favourites. I don’t think I could bare sharing you with the others. Like I said, those rippling pectorals. They just get to me.” Hedone joked, directing a quick wink at the God with a mock expression of sincerity.

Her hand settled to rest on the thigh of her leg as it crossed over the other, fingers stretching painfully slow as they reached her knees. A simple enough movement, but one that if payed attention to, could appear a whole lot more suggestive than just a shift in her leg and hand position. Hedone was a devious flirt, and even in the presence of a married God, it was hard to turn that off. 

[stokethefires-archive]

Hephaestus could not help the smirk that subseqently followed after Hedone's words, nor could he help the smoothly added comment of "I knew you would." He chuckled after that, rather amused with himself. At the personifications thoughtful look, however, his expression and demeanor become a bit more serious. "Not often, no." He answered.

In truth, Hephaestus saw little reason for doing so outside of bathing, eating, or resting. Staying within his forge kept his interactions with others to a minimum and, in turn, kept him in an evironment that he was far more comfortable with. Gods and Goddesses had to come to him for the things he crafted and the deity found it far easier to deal with their digust and japes in a place where he could theoretically turn any of them to ash. Not that he ever would of course, but the knowledge in itself was comforting.

At the mention of the mortals below Hephaestus had to wonder if Hedone was planning to invite him to some social event. He hoped not...

Deciding to simply ignore it for now, as well as that rather suggestive movement she made moments later, the God let out a guffaw before grinning. "And we return to subject of my rippling pectorals! Anymore talk of this and I'll start fearing you only like me because I'm pretty." He quipped. Jokingly the God crossed his arms over his chest and huffed.

[stokethefires-archive]

The forge is my true home

— TROH Hephaestus

[star-bright-maia-deactivated201]

As he spoke, Maia split her attention in two, half of it focusing on his words and the other half thinking. She didn’t want him to think she was just asking to be a nuisance or because she had to. Maybe it was a strange habit, being so interested in what other people did and could do. But as she rocked back and forth, she made a path in her mind, following the steps he took to work his craft, something she herself would probably never be able to do. It was fascinating.

She smiled, nodding satisfactorily at the answer, oblivious to the way he was stretching the truth. She was too cheerful, too naive to notice the small differences between someone saying they were happy and actually being happy. To her, it was answer enough to set the small, almost instinctual worry to ease. However, she noticed the change in his tone and dropped his hand, clasping hers behind her back and taking a small step away.

"Oh. I didn’t think the gods needed anything more special than what they already had I mean…everyone’s already really powerful. Do you get more requests for things now, then? Since the war started. And do they pay you at all or do you just make it because…well, because you can?" She asked the words nervously, peering up at the god through her lashes as she fiddled on her feet again. 

[stokethefires-archive]

Hephaestus was quick to notice how she let go of his hand and stepped back, the God thinking he must have said or done something wrong. He thought better of asking, however, and simply returned his hand to his side. Oddly enough it felt a little empty without her hand... He ignored it.

"Sometimes the Gods just want something that can push them a little further." He replied. "Athena's aegis with the Gorgon Medusa's head on it for example. Or Zeus' thunderbolts if you're more familiar with that." Both were something special he'd fashioned for them. At her next question he nodded. "War often keeps me busy, with many a God and Goddess requesting at least some. New weapons, armor, repairs..." He trailed off.

When it came to Maia's question of payment, Hephaestus shook his head 'no' and made a face. He'd never thought to be payed for his services truly. Hell, when he first began working the forge he had just been happy to have Zeus recognize his skill and give ugly, scarred him a job of worth and a beautiful wife. But alas, that was a lifetime ago. He was far less niave now.

"I just... make it because I can." He answered.

[iswearby-the-physician-deactiva]

Asclepius let out an audible sigh of relief with a small nervous laugh tacked onas Hephaestus eventually replied without a hint of anger or annoyance. 

"Well it depends, some can’t be healed because technically they are already healed, " Asclepius felt much more comfortable switching his gaze from the man to his scars as he spoke with some renewed vigor, "From birth?"

Asclepius found that slightly troubling and began clicking his tongue as he thought - scarred could be his bodies natural state for some areas then. Unless they were to cut every scar off completely  then he could heal it over as fresh skin …  It sounded like gruesome and painful attempt at plastic surgery. The mere thought made Asclepius feel ill so he decided to leave that idea to himself.

"That must be why I can’t make out some of them," Asclepius nodded to himself. He stood up and walked over," You don’t have to answer this but are they - " Asclepius gestured over his whole body.

The arm Hepahestus had pointed to seemed to have some recent injuries, “Are those the most recent?”

The arm he had motioned to seemed to have slightly fresher burn marks. They would be easy to fix.

[stokethefires-archive]

Hephaestus nodded and listened to what Asclepius had to say whilst various thoughts came to mind. A part of him was rather affronted by the idea of healing his scars. He earned a good deal of them working the forge and thought of them as a sort of reminder. One that said he must always be careful. Another part of him, the one he was currently refusing to listen to, was ridiculously hopeful. Perhaps most of them could be removed. Without the scars and burns, what did others have to mock him with? What would they have to stare at in digust?

He pushed such thoughts and questions aside and nodded. "Yes," He grunted in response,the God annoyed with himself. "From birth. Most I've had for as long as I can recall."

Hephaestus watched as the healer rose and remained still as the man looked him over. It felt odd to be on the opposite spectrum, to be seen as something interesting rather then horrifying, thought he did not mind much. "Are they... over my entire body?" He asked, finishing the other's questions. There was little point in being dishonest so he nodded. "Yes, yes they are." Then, looking to his arm, he again nodded. "They are."

[stokethefires-archive]

a little behind; open

[hisladylombardi-deactivated2014]

Athena’s feet carried her quickly through the city, her armor in place instead of the civilian clothes she occasionally wore. It hugged her like a second skin, protecting her from the attacks she’d been enduring. Now, however, the tables had been turned. The creature - one raised out from Tartarus - was the one on the run.

The thing had viciously torn into a mortal, tearing her apart as she screamed for help. The goddess had come running, but by the time she’d arrived it was too late. The woman had died with fear in her eyes, staring up at the immortal as if pleading for forgiveness.

But it had been a huge mistake for the prisoner to make. Limping and bleeding its disgusting black blood, it fled from the warrior goddess. Quickly she dashed after it, her brain spinning with the details of the kill she was about to make. As the monster took a turn and a familiar voice rang out, demanding the identity of who’d ever made the noise, she brought back her spear and threw it with all her might.

The weapon soared through the air, a perfectly crafted weapon that soon found itself imbedded in the skull of monster. Still running, Athena’s feet skidded across gravel as she ripped her favored piece free and aimed it at the voice from only a moment before.

When her eyes landed on Hephaestus, she stopped. Her speared lowered to her side and she nodded at him. “I wouldn’t have expected to see you down here," she told him. "What’s the occasion?" The god of fire was among the few immortals Athena truly liked or respected and she was glad to see him instead of someone else.

[stokethefires-archive]

The first thing Hephaestus saw after barking his question was another one of Hades' damned creatures running towards him. For a moment he tensed, steeled himself for battle, and readied to smash in another skull. The danaides had become quick, savage things with knives for fingers and entrancing, empty eyes but this one, like it's sister, would find that the God of Fire and Metal was no easy prey. Then a weapon flew from on high to slay the creature.

Still a fare distance away, Hephaestus started towards the now impaled monster when someone else skidded to a halt. Weapon quickly retrieved and subsequently raised to strike him, the figure- ...Athena? There was a moment or two of honest surprise, for he had thought that the women would be amongst their kin helping plan strategies rather then here, but when she nodded it faded and he relaxed. Returning the gesture of lowered weapon and a nod, he continued forward until coming to halt a few paces before her.

"I could say the same for you." He replied. "Here I thought you'd be on Olympus helping the others plan a counter-strike to, well, this." He motioned to the area around them. As for the occassion- "Aphrodite made mention of the destruction and I'd thought it time to see for myself. Truth be told I was hoping my wife was simply being dramatic but... she was right." His gaze wondered over Athena's figure, though it her armor and weapon he was examining, not her.

"I'm glad to see you're unharmed." He said, words earnest. Hephaestus had always respected the Goddess, for both her wisdom, skill in battle, and the fact she was one of the few to actually thank him when he repaired her things. He often felt as though she returned that respect. "These things prove to be fast and I can only imagine how problematic more then one could be."

[stokethefires-archive]

a little behind; open

"So Hades has released the prisoners of Tartarus..." Hephaestus drawled, mismatched eyes surveying the most recent scene of destruction. It was old news to be sure, and a rather obvious observation given the danaide currently crushed underneath his hammer, but there it was. Great.

Pressing a heavy foot to the creatures head, Hephaestus pulled free his weapon with a sickening squelch and the danaide gave one last shudder. Then it stilled. Blood, thick and black, began to pool before spreading forth and tainting the earth with it's color. Disgusting, he thought. Stepping around it, Hephaestus started forward and walked into the city.

In truth, there hadn't been much change when transitioning from the outside to the in, though he'd thankfully been spared the smell of carnage up until that point. It blanketed everything and had he been a weaker man then Hephaestus might have gagged. He didn't, however, and the God began searching. If he were lucky he might come across survivors or another danaide to--

Hephaestus whirled around at the sound of footsteps, eyes narrowed and weapon raised. Not seeing anyone he barked "Who's there?", his voice echoing in and out of the rather empty area.

[iswearby-the-physician-deactiva]

Hephaestus rose and began to stretch and crack a few joints. It was simply amazing seeing all of the scars moving and twisting, they looked to be mostly caused by fire but a few others were proving trickier to place their origin. The man made it impossible for Asclepius not stare.

"Even if it is your job, don’t you think you deserve some thanks every now and then?" Asclepius had now completely lost his fight to keep his gaze fixed on the god’s eyes. There a few fresh looking burns which looked like something Asclepius could easily heal … he finally caved and lost all will to keep the conversation on weapons.

"I can try and heal some of those," Asclepius blurted out at long last,he began to fumble over himself, "I mean if you want like some people love scars so if you don’t. Just …Are they all from smith-ing? I mean there’s nothing wrong with them. Professional curiosity?”

His sudden loud ramble came to a quick stop and there was an awkward moment of silence. Asclepius grimaced at his own words and stared to his hands. I am so sorry thought Asclepius to himself, he considered apologising immediately but he didn’t despite feeling incredibly rude it may be the best way to speak to him. Straight out. He can apologise like a mad man afterwards. Hopefully. He hesistantly looked up to the God.

[stokethefires-archive]

A look of earnest, albeit mild surprise adorned the God's face when Asclepius next spoke. It was soon masked, however, with Hephaestus then leaning back into his chair. '-don't you think you deserve some thanks now and again?' Of course he did, that went without saying for the God of Fire and Metal. He'd just never actually had someone else say it... For a moment a smile pulled at Hephaestus lips-- only for it to move into a impassive line.

Asclepius' wandering gaze had him remembering the previous instances of stare-and-don't-say-anything. Thinking he might as well get it over with, Hephaestus cleared his throat and went to speak. The demi-god beat him to it, however, and the deity could not help but quirk a brow. He'd expected questions of how he'd gotten them, if they covered every part of his body, sublte mocking, and so on and so forth. What he had gotten was an offer to heal and words practically tripping over themselves to said. As such, Hephaestus found it hard to be annoyed.

He also found it hard to speak until the other man was again looking at him, the silence between them spent with Hephaestus simply staring at the bent form of a conflicted healer. "...I wasn't aware that scars could be healed." Came his eventual reply. "But no. Some I've had since birth-" He motioned to himself as a whole "-and others from my craft." He motioned to the adjacent arm.

[stokethefires-archive]

Your mockery is taken in stride

— TROH Hephaestus

[iswearby-the-physician-deactiva]

Asclepius watched with some amusement as Hephaestus actually smiled after his idea had been complimented so enthusiastically by the healer. The God was easily distracted from the conversation and so Asclepius as he got lost to his thoughts of how he would go about crafting the armour and staff.

The scars didn’t stretch as he smiled and he found their stillness fascination. “Snakes…” Asclepius watched the scars stay still overthe moving facial muscles. As the God continued speaking Asclepius moved his attention back to his eyes in a vain attempt to keep his attention on the conversation. Getting distracted to the same degree Hephaestus did when thinking of his craft wasn’t accepted very well.

"Thank you," Asclepius smiled now without having to force it in comparison to the conversation’s awkward start,"I probably should’ve got some armour earlier. Wandering around earth is very dangerous for an unprotected healer who can’t fight worth a damn!"

Asclepius shuffled in his seat, ”Is there anything I could do for you in return?”

[stokethefires-archive]

Hephaestus nodded in agreement before crossing his arms. "Yes, you probably should have." He said, voice taking on a slightly more serious tone. Not to mention you had weapon either... Besides the man himself, who knew what what fiendish things Hades had released on the mortal plane. It was foolish, though admirable he supposed, that Asclepius had spent much of the last few weeks completely defenseless. He must have truly wanted to aid the humans. "And you're welcome." He added a moment later, lest he forget.

After that Hephaestus had rosen, thinking the conversation done and over with. Armor and staff had been requested and he'd agreed to make them both. Typically this was the part where both parties would split and go their own ways. Asclepius, however, remained seated. "..." Alright then.

Playing off his rise as a simple need to stretch and crack a few joints, several audible pops filled the space in-between their silence before Hephaestus once again sat down. He'll ask about the scars and burns, The God thought. To his surprise, and rising confusion, Asclepius did not. "Well... uh..." His brows furrowed considerably. "You don't really have to do anything in return, it's my job to keep you people supplied." Meaning that Hephaestus had no real answer. His kin rarely ever offered thanks, let alone returning the favor.

[hedonist--poet-deactivated20240]

According to Greek Mythology, humans were originally created with four arms, four legs and a head with two faces. Fearing their power, Zeus split them into two separate beings, condemning them to spend their lives in search of their other halves.

(via ceteofthesea)

[partywithhedone-deactivated2014]

It was easy to laugh and be in Hephaestus’ presence. He had a tough exterior, almost seemed reserve in the beginning… — but with a few quips and innocent flirting, he was throwing jokes right back at Hedone. The personification had long since learned not to judge people hastily, and the God was a perfect example of why. She almost shook her head — centuries and centuries had gone past, and she’d not known there was someone as easygoing and equally as funny as Hephaestus just sitting up in Olympus, quietly working away.

It was a waste, really, for him to keep himself there so much. Hedone could think of so many outings with the likes of Dionysus, Mania and Poseidone that he would have had a blast on. And the way the other Olympians shunned him, acted as if he was almost not worthy… well, that was probably one of the main reasons the redhead preferred the company of the humans and less-judgemental Gods. "You better," she joked. 

"You deserve more acknowledgement. Maybe an award or something. It’d read: Hephaestus — God of metal and fire. And stripper poles.” Hedone flashed a grin, clearly enjoying herself.  ”Me?” she touched a hand to her chest and batted her long lashes innocently, “possessive? No, not at all.” And then more quietly, with a conspiratorial smirk, “maybe that’s the point.”

[stokethefires-archive]

Her next joke had the scarred God once again smiling, Hephaestus wondering how he'd had the misfortune of not meeting her sooner. Well, he knew how and he knew why, for there were many reasons as to both, but he supposed they didn't matter at the moment. He had her company for a time and Hedone had his. And given how swiftly this conversation had turned pleasent and friendly the deity did not think this would be the last one they'd have. Or at least, he hoped not. 

"A medal, eh? I think a placque would be better. I could hang it in my forge for all to see." Or at least for whomever entered. "Maybe tack on a 'and anything else made of metal that Hedone likes'..." It would certainly raise a few brows at the very least, he thought, chuckling to himself afterwards. Hephaestus then snorted and shook his head some.

"Not at all? For some reason I'm having trouble believing that." He quipped. "And if that's the point then I am feeling fiercly stunted over here. Think of all the Gods and Goddesses who could want me as a companion. You'll make the poor things cry by taking the whole list." There was a good deal of silent self-deprecation there, though he'd made sure to thinly viel it in humor. It was a joke, after all. Or at least that's the way Hephaestus had told it.

[star-bright-maia-deactivated201]

As he began to speak Maia’s eyes remained wide, listening intently, or as intently as the scatterbrained goddess could, to his words. It had always fascinated her, the way people would speak of their passions. Somehow, it always seemed to show through. That it was something they loved to do or to see. Despite the fact she could hardly understand what they were talking about, only catching words here and there as she would drift in and out of her thoughts, she still tried to give them the attention the deserved. She was normally the one who asked, after all.

 Six steps. That sounded like a lot and she could already feel her attention dwindling, slipping into her thoughts and the small distractions that rang clearly to her. Shrugging off the distractions, she made an effort to focus on his words, turning her attention to the hand she held tightly in her grasp. With her free hand, she traced the creases in his skin, managing to catch the majority of what he said. “What’s annealing?” She asked, glancing up at the god before flicking her eyes back down to his hand.

As one of his statements caught her attention, she beamed up at him and giggled, bouncing on the balls of her toes. “So you’re happy then, right? If you’re doing what you love because you want to do it. That means you’re happy, doesn’t it?” But again as quickly as her attention landed on the statement it was off in another direction while she continued to fiddle with Hephaestus’ hand. “Jewelry? Out of what? Does it turn out pretty? That was rude, of course it turns out pretty. Who asks you to make it for them? Is it special jewelry? I mean, of course it’s special if you’re making it, but is it extra special then?”

[stokethefires-archive]

Maia at least seemed to be paying attention, as shown by when she had expectedly used the opening that his explanation of forging (or lack thereof) had created to ask yet another question. Hephaesuts doubted she actually cared, thinking it just a sort of reflex to ask, but he answered regardless. "Annealing is where I heat the item, let's say a sword, and then allow it to cool slowly." And before she could even think to ask why- "What it does is make the metal softer and easier to grind." Which just so happens to lead into the aptly named third step; grinding

As for happiness-- "Yes, of course I am." --he wasn't sure how to respond but found himself answering regardless. His words weren't a complete lie of course, he was happy to be working the forge once again, but... well, perhaps what he said previously wasn't exactly correct. Working because one could and one wanted to didn't mean they were happy as a whole, even if they enjoyed what they did. He made no mention of this, however, and simply nodded.

"Yes, jewelry." Hephaestus gruffly answered. In truth, he was beginning to tire of these questions. "I make them out of gold, silver, bronze, various gems, and a sort of metal depending on what others want. And yes, it's-" Oh, nevermind, she answered that one herself. Completely oblivious to her fiddling he continued. "Gods such as you and I ask, Maia, that's who." And as for his crafted jewelry being 'extra special' he simply nodded again.

[iswearby-the-physician-deactiva]

Asclepius jumped slightly as Hephaestus sat in silence. He had found the man interesting (and slightly intimidating) as he spoke and found he barely registered the scars, although he did steal the odd glance on the god’s hands. He found it interesting how there was so much to know about different tools to hurts others with.

Asclepius shrugged in reply but knew it was very true he needed some for of attack as well as defense. At the suggestion of a staff Asclepius found himself actually very happy. Although he would be clueless in how to use it. Do you just wave it round? he contemplated whether he’d have the force to knock someone over the head to the point it could count as a weapon.

"That is a brilliant idea actually!" Asclepius had often seen the depictions, quite enjoyed them actually and would often go out of his way to help any who recognized out of some form of vanity,"I’d probably actually use it, not properly but I’m sure you can’t mess up too much with a staff."

He quickly added,”Could you get the snake into somehow? I’ve always like the fact they linked me with snakes.”

[stokethefires-archive]

Hephaestus broke into an easy smile at the demi-god's exclamation of his idea being 'brilliant'. Of course it was, thought the God, though he'd kept this rather arrogant thought to himself. He was a humble deity after all, or at least tried to be, and didn't want to come off as conceited. Besides, he was just pleased to have reached a solution they both enjoyed. A staff, and by extension, the armor, would help keep Asclepius safe while lessening Hephaestus' own worry.

Idly he nodded at what the healer said next, Hephaestus only half listening as his mind moved to other subjects. The staff would have to be made of either a light metal or especially sturdy wood-- No, not wood --for easier carrying, with a decent length that could provide the safety of distance. Given it's usual depicted he could easily fashion a pair of wings on the end of a pair of-

"Snakes..." He said slowly, drawn from thoughts. Hephaestus blinked once, twice, thrice, and then again nodded; now fully focused on Asclepius. "I was just thinking that myself actually, but yes, I could." For such a simple thing it was certainly going to look interesting.

[partywithhedone-deactivated2014]

Hedone touched a hand to her face as she laughed in unison with the God, only encouraged by his booming. That kind of laughter had always been her favourite, she’d only found it in less than a handful of people. And as it almost shook the room, she found herself unable not to join in. There was delight weaved in the air and she couldn’t think of a better place to be than right there making a God who probably seldom ever felt it happy. She’d always done what she was created for well, but with Hephaestus it felt a little more significant than just doing her job. “Oh my Gods,” she breathed, after her giggles finally settled, “that laugh! I’d be able to hear it from Earth.”

"Me too, I do love a good strip tease and they’re made all the more fun with strip poles, which, without you — wouldn’t be in circulation. Hi five for you.” Oops. There she went again, saying whatever flew threw her mind. That’s the way Hedone had always been, and it wasn’t as if she didn’t like it. She just didn’t want to make Hephaestus uncomfortable. With his remark, only more laughter came spilling from her lips. “And do such a good job at that. Well, you’re welcome to do it everyday if you want.” Her laughter had turned to a smile that sweetened at the way he became unsure after the joke. “Don’t sweat it, bunny. Nothing’s really too far with me.”

She executed a snort, “maybe, but only because my name would be down around a hundred times… there’d be no room for anyone else’s.”

[stokethefires-archive]

Muscles that Hephaestus didn't even know had tensed relaxed at the personifiction's confirmation that he had indeed not gone to far with his joke. Hell, according to her there wasn't even a 'too far', so he needn't bother with worrying. And that's how he felt around her, he realized. Relaxed. With the spirit as company he felt none of expectated looks of disgust or mockery, no contempt masked by false feelings, and none of the negativity he oft felt when speaking with his kin. Gods, he didn't even know when he'd last laughed like that, and yet here was Hedone, drawing out another one. Again Hephaestus was briefly reminded of another.

"Right," He said, nodding some. "I'll be sure to keep that in mind." Then Hephaestus smiled, chuckling to himself as he toyed with the idea of whether or not to comment on Hedone's mention of stripper poles. Hephaestus hardly thought he had any real hand in what the mortals crafted these days of course, but- "Again, I'm glad I could help." He the added:  "...About the poles I mean" a few seconds later, lest there be any sort of confusion. As for what she said next-

"A hundred times down, huh? Somone might think you possessive." He teased. "How am I supposed to make more acquaintances if you take up all the space?"

[temptress-aphrodite-deactivated]

”Salvation? How could they possibly see us as their salvation after all of the destruction, all of the of the death that one of our own brought upon them?” A bitter laugh escaped her, and she the hand that wasn’t resting on his arm through her hair roughly, pulling at the knots as she continued to rant.”We’ll be seen as pariahs, cast out, cursed. Or, if they decide to show kindness towards us, perhaps it’ll go back to the way it used to be. Building temples to worship false Gods, seeing us as nothing more than fantasy.”

But despite her anger, it amused her as he responded to her, stuttering under her gaze, eyes wide and in awe of her. He was like any other man, falling victim to her charm, turned back into a shy little boy. She smirked at his expression, lips curling back as she let out a small chuckle. 

”I’m just wondering if you’ve seen.. What it’s like down there.” She removed her hand, wiping it on her dress before folding her hands together as she stared down at him.”Everything is in ruins, villages, cities, societies.” She shook her head, adjusting her dress.”Like nothing I’ve ever seen before. I should hope that the ruins are still salvageable once all of this is done, I’ve grown quite fond of Rome.” 

[stokethefires-archive]

Hephaestus sighed, heavy and long, at her response. He was fast growing tired with this back and forth they were having as it was becoming increasingly clear that he wasn't going to convince or sway her thoughts on the situation in any way. And yet there he was regardless, continuing the conversation with her. "I'd like to see the mortal who would willing curse and cast out a God, Aphrodite." He replied dryly. "It isn't as if our kind has reacted kindly to that before and they very well know it." Or would if she was indeed correct.

As for when noting Aphrodite's smirk, Hephaestus soon found himself with an ugly feeling in his chest. And for a single moment there was the most shameful urge to rise and wrap an arm around her, an embrace that he knew would most certainly disgust the Goddess. For two could easily play at this game, each hurting the other in their own little ways. He was better then that, however, and as such he ignored it. He also ignored the condesending way she wiped her hand on her dress, albeit in favor of standing as he originally planned. Now peering down at her, his expression was impassive, betraying little of what he might have felt.

"I will soon enough," He said, motioning towards the door. "I don't plan on remaining within my forge for the entirety of this war." When he was actually planning to do so, however, was still up in the air, though he made no mention of this. "Compared to what I've heard I find it sad that we once thought the Trojan War as catastrophic." And when it came to Rome- "Only time will tell."