Nicolasa
Location: Hephaestus' forge late at night
Who: Hephaestus and Arsenio
Leticia
The forge was a lively as it ever was that time of night- meaning that Hephaestus was once more at the burning embers working on a new project. It was what he did, when the mind couldn't rest and sleep was a elusive as ever, he sought solace at the glowing embers of the forge. The air was thick with the rich, smoky scent of heated steel and exotic materials. The clang of metal against metal echoed through the cavernous room as the skilled forge master shaped shapeless blocks into something new and purposeful. 

Sweat beaded on his brow as he poured his passion and skills into each piece, finding solace in the glowing embers of his craft. With expert hands, he molded shapeless blocks of steel and rare metals, transforming them into something new and wondrous. He reveled in the challenge of creating something both beautiful and practical, a true master of his craft. Sleep may have eluded him again that night, but here at his forge, he found peace and purpose amidst the chaos of his thoughts.

When everything else seemed to spiral out of control and when the weight of it all got too much, Hephaestus knew he could trust his forge. The fire never let him down and even when the bade flare days came, the metal would still eventually surrender to him and he could still find a sense of satisfaction in the work he did. Long ago he had tired of the war and the endless stream of weapons and armor that seemed to pass through his forge. Hephaestus decided he would keep making what was requested of him as the blacksmith of he gods, but he was also going to keep creating for his own sake.

Among the weapons of war, there were also delicate goblets, ornate mirrors, majestic crowns, and other items crafted solely for the purpose of beauty and admiration. These were the creations that brought joy to Hephaestus' heart, a small but significant part of his vast repertoire. With each piece meticulously carved and adorned with intricate designs, it was clear that these were the projects he poured his soul into the most. And as they glittered in the light, they served as a reminder that even amidst all the chaos and violence, there was still room for art and creativity in the world.

So, in many ways, tonight was little different from many others that had been spent hammering on a project through the early morning hours. Except this time, Hephaestus was not alone. He couldn't help but smile as he glanced to his right, watching the young man intently working at the smaller forge. Arsenio had become a frequent visitor to the forge, and Hephaestus didn't mind one bit. There was something fascinating about the demigod, like a puzzle with endless pieces that needed to be deciphered. When they first met, Hephaestus learned a little about Arsenio, but there was still so much that intrigued him about this fiery-hearted young man. Arsenio's passion for his work mirrored his own and it was a pleasure to have such a dedicated apprentice. As he watched the demigod work, Hephaestus couldn't help but wonder what other depths lay hidden behind his intense gaze and stoic demeanor.

"How are the flames treating you this evening, Arsenio?" He asked as he set his tools aside and sat down for a brief break, genuine curiosity evident on his face as he spoke.

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Carl
In the fire, the concept of trial, endurance, boundaries and integrity are explored, pushed, scorched, and excavated. 
It's why Arsenio loved it. Not just because of his name, which more and more felt like a precursor to his interests and the direction of his life, but because it was a testament to his passion.
Finding the forge wasn't an accident. He had sought it out after taking to a library and finding the God's name..."Hephaestus." 
He wasn't exactly what texts depicted, but it made no difference to the demigod. He just wanted to know if the man was interested in sharing his space and letting him create - to have an outlet other than the late night nosebleeds and iron weights.

It had been some time since the God had approved the use of his space, and after finding a vendor for the blow pipes and tools needed, Arsenio was blowing glass in a crucible. 
The sound of the steel rod sliding over the yoke revealed a bubble of glass that was already formed and being reheated so that he could take it to the bench and begin shaping it out.
Sweat dripped down the side of his face, even if he wore a bandana to keep a majority of it from his eyes.

Seeing movement, he glanced up to the God, before plopping the wet cherry wood paddle back into the bucket of water that was it's home, after flattening the bottom of the piece. 
He'd roll the blowpipe over the bench seat edges, checking for any imperfections before standing. His hands were constantly moving, constantly turning the piece so that gravity wouldn't ruin it. Even as he guided it back into the crucible to warm for transfer to a different rod, it turned, the melodic sound of steel continued to scrape back and forth through the yoke stand. 

Arsenio finally looked at

Hephaestus as he spoke. 

**"I can't complain, but I don't want to jinx myself,"** He spoke with a steady level of focus as he looked back to the fire, having gotten special glasses that dulled the flames' brightness, but they weren't exactly sunglasses. His eyes could be seen from behind them, and the demi god's gaze moved back and forth between the God and the crucible.

**"What are you working on tonight?"**
Leticia
Hephaestus' wise eyes gazed thoughtfully at Arsenio as the young man poured his soul into his work, every movement deliberate and filled with purpose. The rhythmic clang of metal on metal and the softer sounds of Arsenio's more intricate craft echoed through the forge, a symphony performed by the skilled hands of both master and apprentice. It had been many long years since the Blacksmith of the Gods had shared the space with another in this way. 

Though crippled in body, Hephaestus was still hale in mind and spirit, and he cherished passing on his skills to a promising student. His daughter, Callie, was a master craftsman, skilled in the art of metalworking just like her father. As he thought of her and the exquisite pieces she had created, he couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride. And now, to his delight, there was Arsenio. Not only was he proving himself to be a skilled and talented individual, but it seemed he might even have some new techniques or ideas to teach the seasoned forge master. The thought excited him and filled him with anticipation for what they could create together.

Arsenio's steady gaze was fixed intently on the glowing glob of molten glass at the end of his blowpipe, as if he were in a trance. His skilled hands moved with precision and finesse, shaping the liquid material into an intricate design that seemed to come to life under his touch. Hephaestus watched in silent approval, nodding his head as he witnessed the apprentice's growing mastery over the forge. 

Arsenio was not only perfecting his glassblowing abilities, something he was already ten times more skilled at than even Hephaestus, but he was also quickly picking up on the more physical aspects of the craft - wielding the hammer and anvil with strength and grace. It was clear that Arsenio had what it might take to become a true master of the forge under Hephaestus' tutelage.

As Arsenio asked towards his own project for the night, Hephaestus returned to his own work, the row of damaged swords and dented shields that waited for repair. They were weapons used by his brother Ares- those of his men, his own, and some pieces for his son Douglas as well. He looked from the remaining weapons and armor back to Arsenio.

"Another repair job from Ares," He said with a small hint of annoyance that most likely would not have been able to pick up on easily. "I swear my brother would be half as reckless with his weapons and armor if he did not have the forge here to come crawling to whenever something needed repairing! But is what it is, and I doubt Ares is going to change anytime soon." 

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Carl
Arsenio became quiet at the topic of brothers, though it was only because being a product of modernity, that he felt... Further away from all of this than anything. He couldn't really get a handle on the magical aspect of all of the things that his newly found blood line had to offer. 

**"I was taught to take care of my brother... But not even Gods are above the level of ego that humanity often finds themselves in.."** He mentioned, quietly. It wasn't said to find something to argue about, but rather, the wild young man was attempting to find a connection between God and Man. And how he fit into all of it. 
Sometimes he wasn't sure that it was such a good idea to have moved here, if only because of the war, and other times, he felt like he'd been called here to make a difference: like his inheritance of divine blood ties would have brought him here one way or another. 

Arsenio's eyes were trained on the piece until it was nearly time to take it to the annealer, where the alumina brick would cool it down at an exponentially slow rate, being heated to a specific temperature that wouldn't cause the piece to go through a quartz inversion and shatter. It was a tedious and yet rough art. 
He placed the steel rod into a bucket of stale water and the sound of glass exploding beneath it was casual. Those short moments of time gave the Demi God time to think. 

**"You don't have to worry about those,"** He nodded toward the pile on the table, and then made his way to the little station off to the side where there was a coffee pot, still warm. He picked up a ceramic cup and poured himself some of the brewed drink. 

**"Since I'm practicing anyways, I'll see to it. You've probably got more important projects to start on. One's that will make a difference, I'm sure. Rather than just... Training happenstance."** 
Arsenio gave the coffee a sip, before sighing and looking out to open door, out beyond the stone patio and at the night sky. 

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Leticia
Hephaestus nodded thoughtfully as Arsenio spoke, understanding the young demigod's perspective. Though a god himself, even Hephaestus knew that divinity did not make one infallible. And he also knew all too well how the differences between the mortal and divine could clash... And to feel caught up in the middle of those opposing ideals as a demigod... It was one of the reasons the Forge God had always had a bit of a soft spot for the mortals and demigods alike.

"You speak openly and honestly, Arsenio, and I admire that," He said. "There is much that even we gods can still learn about taming egos and reigning in our own sense of self-worth. That is why I believe you are destined for great things, Arsenio. You have a connection to both realms that can be both a blessing and a curse. But I see so much great potential in you, you have shown yourself to be strong in both body and mind. Tempering the anger and directing the energy may still be needed" Hephaestus said with a kind smile though his tone was still somewhat serious. "But you have come a long way since your first visit to the forge."

He watched the demigod work, impressed by his focus and determination. He knew of the facade Arsenio often wore, the harsh features and attitude and attempt to keep people at arm's length. For their protection. For his own as well. As the demigod finished up his work, the god considered his next words carefully. "Training is never happenstance if one's heart is true and the work genuine," Hephaestus said gently. "Skills forged in passion, though they may seem small, are always good. They temper the spirit, strengthen the mind, and steel the body. In time, they grow into something greater." Hephaestus watched as Arsenio expertly worked the glowing glass, admiring his skill. "And it is no happenstance you are here - you were called, as we all are, though we may not understand it right away."

Hephaestus stood with a small sigh after sitting at the workbench for so long. He walked over to the door, leaning against the frame lightly as he joined Arsenio in looking out into the night sky. "There is a storm coming... One that has been brewing for some time. No longer is this just the god's war I fear. Champions of mortal and divine blood will be the ones to tip the scale in one way or the other. If you wish it, I would be honored to name you among them. But the choice must be yours alone." 

The Forge God still quietly gazing out at the night sky, watching Arsenio from the corner of his eyes. He knew it would be a big ask, and he knew there was every chance Arsenio balked at the idea from the start. But Hephaestus knew this was what he wanted- if Arsenio agreed.

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