Nicholas
Location: Hephaestus's home forge late one evening
Who: Hephaestus and Hygieia
Scene: A friend stops by to check on the forge master
Isela
As the night wore on and many others were turning in for the night or enjoying some leisure time with a special someone, the forge was still surprisingly alive and bustling with activity. The fire roared with intensity, casting bright orange flames that danced and crackled in the darkness. Hephaestus, the master craftsman, was consumed by his work once again. His skilled hands moved effortlessly among the burning embers, shaping and molding metals into intricate designs. Weapons, armor, trinkets, and other fine things decorated the walls and tables in the corner of his personal home forge. Here he was usually alone, save for when any of the other craftsmen who used the space were also burning the late night embers with him working on their own projects. 

Here at home, he was able to work on matters close to his heart, putting the pressing war-related affairs from his mind... As much as he could. The air was heavy with the pungent aroma of heated steel and rare materials, a reminder of the god's unmatched talent and dedication to his craft. Despite the late hour, there was a sense of energy and purpose in the forge, entertaining Hephaestus' restless mind as sleep proved to be elusive for yet another night.

The resonating clang of metal striking metal reverberated throughout the cavernous room, filling the air with a symphony of sound. The skilled forge master stood at his anvil, sweat dripping from his brow as he poured all of his passion and expertise into each swing of his hammer. Around him, the flickering embers of his roaring furnace illuminated his face, highlighting the intensity in his eyes as he transformed shapeless blocks of steel and rare metals into works of art. His hands moved with expert precision, molding and shaping until every piece was imbued with beauty and purpose. In this moment, he was a true master of his craft, finding solace and fulfillment in the challenge of creation.

Despite another sleepless night, mind twisting in on itself and tangling up in knots of regret, frustration, and worry, Hephaestus found some solace and direction in his forge. Within the walls of his workshop, the chaos of his thoughts quieted somewhat as he fell into the almost automatic rhythm of his work. In the midst of tumultuous emotions and overwhelming responsibility, Hephaestus knew he could always rely on his forge. The fire burned ever-strong, never faltering, offering a constant source of comfort and stability. Even as his mind wages war with his heart, the forge master tried to pull some peace, some reassurance from his work, desperate to keep that mask in place. It was hard on a good day but on the bad days... Well, it was even harder.

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 the gods, but he was also going to keep creating for his own sake. Amidst the monotony of fulfilling endless requests, Hephaestus found solace in his own creations. Hidden among the swords and shields were delicate goblets, stunning crows, and ornate mirrors, each one a testament to his unparalleled skill as a blacksmith. These were the treasures that brought joy to Hephaestus' heart, a welcome respite from the never-ending cycle of violence and destruction. 

It was in these things that his heart truly found joy-even when his mind and his body seemed determined to take it all away. And so caught up in his work that evening was the forge master that he didnt sense someone approaching the forge until they were nearly standing in the doorway. 

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Edna
It had been a long day, and it was difficult not to be overworked in the current conditions of their world, Hygieia being able to attest to that. As an advocate for health, she worked tirelessly wherever she was needed nowadays, answering the prayers to her name, assisting as much as she could, especially to the less fortunate of the present where battles were now prevalent. It was not their choice to be in-between a war, even more so, a war that might change the dynamics of their reality as they know it. 

Hygieia gravitated to wherever she was needed most. Often times, these would be in hospitals, clinics, or even the simplest camps that housed the sickly and ill. She wasn't as skilled as her father, and she specializes in a different field than him too. After all, 'to prevent is to protect', and that was how she made a name out of herself, helping any being, mortal or immortal alike by solving the issue before it'd present itself. Unfortunately, there were cases that a problem develops a complication before she could answer the call for her help, uttered or not. She often followed the ideal of limiting the use of her abilities, mostly in respect to the mortal advancement of the medical field, but in situations such as today, she followed through with her oath to serve and protect all that existed within this world. 

When her final call of the day led her to the forges owned by the renowned god of fire, she was surprised at first to have been brought here out of all places. Surprise turned to worry, and forgetting any reasons for hesitation, she approached further past the entrance, to the concerning connection that led her here. 

"Hephaestus... Hephaestus..." She called his name once, twice. Whatever it took to get his attention from the, admittedly, hypnotising process of forging what his new project might be. Her gaze darted quickly above his head, a little scared to check, but relief flooded her when she noted that the space was empty as it should be.
Isela
Amidst the crackling of the blazing fire and the rhythmic sound of metal being etched at the workbench, a light, melodic voice called out. It took a moment for the sound to carry to the forge master's ears, but as soon as he heard it, a warm smile spread across his face. Turning towards the entryway, he saw Hygieia standing there, her radiant beauty illuminated by the fiery glow of the forge. Her presence brought a sense of peace and serenity to the otherwise chaotic workshop.

"Ah forgive me, my dear, I hadn't heard you come in at first" He said as he set down the tools he had been working with and wiped his hands on the towel hanging from his apron. The once pristine white fabric was now stained with streaks of dark metal and ash, evidence of the hard work he had been engaged in. Despite the mess, the blacksmith's smile was warm and welcoming as he turned back to face his guest.

At his side on the sturdy workbench sat one of his canes, crafted from simple, unadorned wood and built for everyday use- a reliable and dependable companion. Some days he needed its support more than others, but lately, he had been fortunate enough to go without it. The work at the forge, usually back-breaking, had surprisingly eased up in the past few days. The constant stream of orders from Ares had finally slowed down, giving him a rare opportunity to work on a personal project. It had been a refreshing change of pace for him, physically at least. However, that was a topic for another time and place.

With a small groan and stretch after sitting for what felt like hours, Hephaestus made his way over to where Hygieia was waiting. He couldn't help but notice how her robes almost seemed to glow somewhat in the firelight. Giving her a warm smile, he gestured towards the nearby table and chairs. "It's always a pleasure to see you, my dear. Please, take a seat," He said, pulling out a chair for her. "What have you been up to lately? I'm sure you've been keeping busy with your healing duties..." 

His words trailed off, not wanting to bring up the constant state of war that seemed to loom over every corner of Olympus and cloud every aspect of their lives.

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Edna
When he'd taken notice of her, her tense form relaxed somewhat, though her concern remained clear on her friendly face. His acknowledgement that led to his approach momentarily made her step forward, ready to help at a second's notice should there be any trouble that she could observe. Such is the blessing and bane she was to embody, a, perhaps overly, caring nature that could pass as demeaning should it be with anyone else who failed to recognize her. Millennial instincts honed and taught by experiences, good and bad, the goddess of health only breathed a little easier when she saw how her friend could handle himself as normal, something she'd been hoping to witness to disprove the alarming, unexpected call that led her here.

While it was not somewhere she'd frequent, lest given permission, the warmth radiating from the fires never scared her despite her proximity, near or far, from them. In fact, she could understand why working at the forges might be an enjoyable past time for those who are truly passionate of it. Letting her eyes wander for just a second, she was reminded of the thought that came to her mind upon stepping foot in here for the first time, when their relationship was still at the seeds and not the lovely sprout it now was. Her past self thought that, should a child or any being that she took care of where to ask of a place worth seeing, Hephaestus' forge would be among the first that she'd mention. A place where fire can be conquered, mastered, into making what is desired. She'd keep that thought for some time for now, focusing back on Hephaestus with a small smile.

"Thank you, dear Hephaestus." She stated as she approached him, respectfully lifting the skirt of her robes a tad so they wouldn't drag, mentally reminding herself to trim the hems soon. Hygieia gave him a polite bow before she took his offered seat, waiting for him to settle himself as well before she spoke once again. 
** **

The glint in her eyes upon his following statement was bittersweet, giving him a short, slow nod to indicate that she understood, and very much agreed with him on that matter. Simply remembering... Was worrying enough. "I've been doing fine, my dear friend. While it was a busy time, I'm happy to mention that many little ones are already on the road to a swift recovery. They currently have a fascination for stickers though, so should you see one or two on my clothes, do not be surprised."

She mentioned with a grin, though it softened once more as she surveyed his form again. "How about you, dear Hephaestus? Is... Everything alright?"

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