Della
Location: Hephaestus' forge
Who: Hephaestus and Calliope
Early in the morning before the forge is even fully going for the day, Hephaestus gets a visit from the most unlikely of people...
Patrick
The sky was painted with hues of pink and orange, signaling the early hours of the morning. The sun had just begun its ascent over the towering buildings, casting long shadows on the empty streets below. Despite the early hour, Hephaestus was already hard at work, having risen before even the first rays of light appeared. As he stepped out of his forge, the lingering scent of smoke and metal filled his nostrils. 

He quickly made his way to the small shop attached to the forge, checking inventory and making sure everything was in order for the day ahead. With skilled hands, he stoked the fire back up in the forge, coaxing it into a steady blaze that would fuel his creations throughout the day. Every morning brought this routine, a ritual that kept his craft alive and thriving. He never let the fires of his forge fully burn out but it did take a little work each morning to fully waken the fires again. 

Like a ritual performed daily without fail, Hephaestus reached into the blazing forge and plucked out an ember, his bare hands showing no fear of the intense heat. With the strength and power of a god of fire and forges, he handled the fiery coals effortlessly. A contented smile graced his face as he sauntered over to the iron lantern hanging on the far wall, which he of course had fashioned himself, and dropped the glowing ember within. Instantly, the dull metal transformed into a radiant source of light, casting its warm glow upon that corner of the forge. The air was thick with the scent of burning wood and molten metal, a familiar aroma that Hephaestus found comfort in as he began to get ready for the day's work.

Hephaestus moved with a slow and deliberate nature, every step carefully calculated as if he were conserving energy for a marathon. Today was going to be a slower day regardless, the weight of fatigue and pain weighing heavily on his body and mind. The night had been unkind, sleep once again eluding him and leaving him lost in memories of the past. His dreams were fragmented, filled with visions and images he would rather forget. The constant agony from his leg and back made it nearly impossible to find any peace or rejuvenation. 

With a deep breath, Hephaestus stepped out onto the porch, leaning heavily on his cane for support as he watched the sun slowly climb into the sky, its rays casting a warm glow over the world below. After a few moments, he turned and strode with purpose into the forge, the steady clank of his cane reverberating off the stone floor. The weightier sound of his brace added to the symphony as he made his way towards the forge, his shoulders slumping with a heavy sigh. With a sense of resignation, Hephaestus settled into his usual spot in front of the blazing forge, knowing that he had no real reason to leave it unless someone happened upon him during the day. 

The heat from the fire enveloped him like an old friend, comforting and familiar. He closed his eyes and let himself get lost in the rhythmic hammering of metal on metal, finding solace in his work as he always did.
Albert
***The City of Olympia was none other than beautiful, both day and night. A far cry from Calliope's hometown. Since the death of her mother Grace, she sold their shop in Bedford to a family friend who would care for it. Once the arrangements had been done for the funeral, she set to work on leaving home. Nothing was keeping her there, she had no one really worth staying for. Now here she stood, in her own penthouse she could afford with the earnings she saved from the business. Now all she needed was a job. A place where she can do what she loves. She had been in Olympia for only a week now, and so far she had found nothing. Yet in her search, she had heard of a forgery within the city. She jotted down the information on her cell phone that day, seeing as it wasn't too far from where she lived. Calliope stood before her mirror, applying a bit of mascara to her lashes. Once she finished, she did a once over of herself. Because she was going to the forge today, she wore a pair of baggy, black jeans with her favorite combat boots. Her top also black, yet somewhat cropped just above her belly button. Over her shirt she wore a green and black flannel, one of her favorites that she liked to wear whilst working. Her blonde hair tied up into a messy bun, just in case she would be allowed to do any work today. She didn't like having her hair in the way, not only was it dangerous but it got irritating to her at some point. She grabbed her bag from the side of her bed, checking herself over one more time before leaving her bedroom. She swiftly made her usual morning coffee, pouring it into a to go cup then exiting her penthouse. While the forge was close, she still needed to hail a cab to take her over there. She sold her car before she moved here, to cover some expenses in case she couldn't find a job in an ample amount of time. Calliope hailed a cab from the sidewalk, hopping in and instructing the driver where to go.***

***She scrolled aimlessly on her phone, looking through her instagram and twitter accounts. Anything to distract her from the growing anxiety. Her free hand fidgeting with the hem of her flannel shirt. The young demigod prayed this would work out. As much as she missed her mother, she couldn't avoid forges forever. She felt a need, a desire to be in the heat. To watch as the flames heat the metal, making it easier to bend it as she willed it. Callie wanted to feel the beads of sweat that formed on her forehead whenever she worked in the forge, spending hours crafting anything that came to mind. Whether she had planned it or not. It was in this daze, she was startled by the driver. Having not realized the cab had come to a halt, she quickly payed him the amount she owed and jumped out. Her heart thundering in her chest as she admired the shop. Taking a deep breath, she finished off her coffee and tossed it in a nearby trashcan before entering. Her green eyes gazed around in curiosity and wonder of the shop. A sense of nostalgia instantly filling her. Calliope wasn't too sure if she was ready to do this again. She didn't have the person who encouraged her, who eased her worries. A hand gripped onto her bag tightly, her soft voice ringing through the shop as she spoke. "Umm... Hello? Is anyone here?" She asked, her eyes darting around to see if she may have missed the manager of this place. From her searches, she didn't get many answers about it other than it was the best shop in town. While she waited for someone to come out, she took her time to walk arround. Eyeing the mixture of products sold.***
Patrick
If Calliope ventured further into the workshop, she would be greeted by a sprawling workbench to her left. It was littered with unfinished projects, each one a masterpiece in its own right. Swords with shining blades and intricately designed hilt guards, spears adorned with feathers and jewels, shields that boasted intricate patterns and symbols, and helmets fit for a king. All of them were works in progress, waiting to be brought to life by skilled hands. To her right would be a massive forge, its fiery embers still glowing from the previous night's work. The intense heat radiated off of it, causing the air to shimmer and dance around it. 

Though quiet now, the forge seemed almost alive, anticipating the next project that would breathe new life into its flames. Hephaestus was completely absorbed in his work, hunched over one of his smaller forges and leaning in close to the table. The orange glow from the fire danced across his face, highlighting the sharp angles and strong lines of his features. His calloused hands moved swiftly and surely over a piece of bronze, adding intricate details and engravings that were reserved for only his most special creations. 

Suddenly, a voice called out and broke through his intense focus, causing him to startle and squint in the brightness of the forge's light. Glancing over towards the entrance to the forge. Hephaestus expected o see one of his regulars, maybe Alastor, or Pan, or even his brother. But he saw neither and his curiosity was instantly piqued at who had come to see him in his forge.

Trying to hold back a small groan, Hephaestus stood slowly from his seat, grabbing the cane as he did. He limped over, a grunt escaping him as he shifted his weight onto his cane. The forge was already warming up, the growing fire chancing away both shadows and the cold as the morning work was just beginning. His breathing was a little labored, but he managed a smile as he saw he had a visitor... And someone he didn't recognize. A rare thing indeed. "Ah, good morning," He greeted warmly. "Welcome to my humble abode." He nodded towards a stool by the workbench and wiped his brow with a forearm covered in black soot. "I see you've found my little place here. How can I be of service?" He said with a small bow of his head as he stood before Calliope.

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Albert
***Calliope walked further into the workshop, eyeing the littered workbench. It look much like her old one, only hers had her sketches and designs sprawled all over. The white paper stained by her blackened fingers. She admired the many projects, unfinished yet still beautiful in their own right. It was when she felt that pull, a feeling to complete these. To turn them into works of art, yet also useful tools for someone to use. Though to her, she figured they would be more so display pieces than anything else. Unless people still fought with swords and shields... She shook her head, taking in a deep breath. The smell of burning coal and hot metal filling her nose instantly. She walked back towards the entrance, waiting to see if anyone was here. Otherwise she would have to look elsewhere.*** 

***Calliope's green eyes snapped to the older man who walked out from the back, must be where the workshop is she thought. She could feel the itch in her hands to go spend hours in there. To be back in a zone that brought her peace. She smiled politely at the older man, adjusting her small backpack onto her shoulder.*** "Good morning, I'm sorry if I am rather early." ***She said sheepishly in response, continuing to explain her current situation. He looked kind and understanding... She had high hopes for this.*** "Well, I am new to the city and I have been searching for a place to work... I happened upon this one. Are you by chance hiring anyone? I have a resume printed out if you need it." ***She gestured towards the black soot along his arm. He must have been working on another project.*** "I used to be covered in that when I worked in my mother's forge. I sure hope you are taking new people, it has been awhile since I've used my talents. It is why I am looking for someplace similar... Your work is beautiful." ***She rambled off a bit, her anxiety taking over. Her eyes widening a bit as she realized she forgot to introduce herself to him.*** 

 "Oh apologies for my rudeness... My

Name is Calliope Winters. Many like to just call me Callie." ***She held out her hand, smiling softly. She hoped he didn't think badly of her already, she was nearly desperate for this job. Her green orbs flitting over to the workstation she had seen, then back to where the workshop was. Since she could remember, she always felt some sort of pull when around places like this. A desire to feel the heat of the fire, to work for hours bending and twisting metal to her will. Seeing the red glow of it. She never understood why she felt this way, she often tried to pass it off as merely being passionate about the craft. Yet as she grew older, it became harder to ignore it. She noticed how much stronger she was compared to others... How attracted she was to fire and the art of metal working. Nothing could explain it, even now as she thought about it she felt that pull. Callie shook her head again, having lost herself in her thoughts.***
Patrick
Hephaestus smiled at her as he reached her and took her hand in his larger but surprisingly gentle hand and took her offered one. He looked at the young woman with a twinkle in his eye. He took her hand and gave it a firm shake, feeling the warmth of her skin against his calloused fingers. "Ah, Callie, it's good to meet you," He said. "My name is Hephaestus. Welcome to my forge." His voice rumbled with surprising tone that was bold but also calming in a way, even as it echoed off the walls of the workshop. He motioned for her to step further inside the forge itself, his thick blacksmith's apron swaying with the movement of his body and the noticeable limp. The shinning metal of the leg brace caught the light of the fires as he lead Callie into the heart of the main forge area.

The place was vast, larger than she likely could have imagined from the outside, and filled with all manner of tools and metals. Great hammers, files, rods, and other tools hung from the walls, their forms gleaming amidst the soot and glowing coals. The air was thick with heat and the scent of molten steel as Hephaestus finally stopped and faced Callie with a somewhat proud smile. "This is where I create wonders for the gods," He said proudly, gesturing around him. "The very weapons they use in their battles against monsters... And each other... Are fashioned here these forges. Of course there is much more that comes from the fires but lately it seems weapons and armory are in high demand."

As they walked further inside, Callie could see rows upon rows of anvil stations lined up like soldiers waiting for orders. Each one bore evidence of recent use - there were still sparks dancing on the cooling surfaces of some, embers glowing red-hot beneath others, many of them seeming to still crackle with the impact of the hammers. "As it happens," Hephaestus continued as he led her through the cluttered workshop, "I am always on the lookout for talented hands to help around here. And your passion is palpable - quite refreshing." Stopping at a massive anvil, Hephaestus turned to her and gave a small smile as he tiled his head and looked at her. 

"If you wish to work here with me, this will be your workspace, for now at least," He said with a chuckle. "Simple enough, isn't it? However, don't let appearances fool you - this anvil has seen more epic creations than any other in this world. It was one of the first anvils I ever worked with, so it has its fair share of wonders and secrets to reveal." He stood and watched Callie, trying to judge her thoughts and reactions as he waited for her response. 

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Albert
***Calliope shook his hand, offering him a small smile. His calloused hands felt rough against her own, as she hadn't been doing much forge work in awhile. His kindness made her feel more relaxed, the tension leaving her body as she released his hand. She thought Hephaestus was a rather... Odd name. Not many named their kids after infamous Greek gods, but she could see why they would in this city anyways. City of Olympian, a sort of worship to the ancient gods and their histories. It's why she chose this place, she was always fascinated by the Hellenistic era and its beliefs.*** 

"It is a pleasure to meet you Hephaestus, your forge is beautiful." ***She said in awe, stepping further into the forge as he motioned for to do so. Oh how she felt so at home, she wanted to begin crafting immediately. That pull only grew in strength, but she was used to feeling it now. She still couldn't explain it, many would think her insane. Maybe Hephaestus would understand, if he asked why she is so interested in working at his forge. It was almost ironic, a man named after the greek god who is known for his various crafts running a forge. A funny coincidence, she told herself. This city was far more devoted to the history than she so expected.*** 

***While the forge looked rather small on the outside, Calliope was far from prepared on what it truly looked like. She immediately felt the heat of the burning coal meet her skin, the smell of metal and soot filling her nose instantly. Without thinking, Calliope ventured towards the various tools that hung from the walls. Her hands reaching out, gently touching each and every tool there was. She recognized all of them, but hardly ever used a vast majority. More was crafted here than back in her little jewelry shop, and it filled her with excitement. The many possibilities, ideas that she can pull from her own head and make a reality.***

"There is always more that can be crafted from the very flames we start, but what do you mean by the gods? Is that just a advertisement thing or... Well I don't know something to draw in people? I noticed there is many designs for weapons and armor, I never made something larger than a dagger. I didn't realize people collect them more so here, but I should've. Knowing the history and all, I guess I should have assumed people would collect these things as if they lived in ancient Greece themselves." ***She said with a light laugh, truly unknowing that he only spoke of something beyond her own knowledge.***

***Calliope turned to face Heph now, following him further into the forge. Though she was still confused by what he meant, about the gods and monsters. They weren't real... Maybe it was just something to draw her wonder in. Yet, it didn't explain why so many weapons and armor needed to be crafted. She could think of a million explanations, but none of the rational ones really stuck. She shrugged off the thought, her green eyes now casting out at the anvil stations. Various lined up by one another, looking either recently used or hardly ever used at all. She continued to follow Hephaestus through the workshop, taking it all in. Trying to remember every detail of where things sat.*** 

"Thank you, I've always had a passion for crafting things from metals and such. I never worked in a forge as large as this one, but I believe I will adjust once I get a feel for it all. It is much larger than it appears really, I think it's very beautiful what you have going on here. I must admit it is also somewhat ironic, you being named Hephaestus and running a forge. It's almost as if the myth has come to life here." ***She commented, turning towards him with a bright smile. Calliope was more than ready to start her work here, especially knowing how much it had to offer. She could further her skills even more, her mother would be proud.***

"I would really enjoy working here if you will have me sir. I would like to further my talents even more seeing as my experience is limited to jewelry and daggers. As for the anvil, well I do like discovering the mysteries and secrets objects often hold. Seeing it was yours, I am sure it has experienced many amazing and beautiful creations." ***Calliope complimented, green eyes meeting his own. Happiness was all she felt, but something kept her from feeling it fully. Hephaestus felt almost too familiar to her, but maybe that was her own mind playing tricks on her.***
Patrick
Hephaestus nodded thoughtfully as Calliope spoke, her words stirring old memories within him. How long had it been since he walked among mortals? It had been a while... Several decades at least by the count of mortal years... He used to love visiting the mortals, seeing their villages and towns, marveling at their ingenuity and creativity, just being among them almost as if he could ever be one of them. Their lives were so fleeting yet filled with such passion, such fervor and such love for life.

He remembered one village in particular, a small little place nestled in picturesque mountains, with woods, rivers, lakes, and more sunning plant and animals than he could barely imagine. The small town had welcomed him in easily enough, and despite his usual week to a month venture into the mortal world Hephaestus had stayed there for what the mortals deemed to be an entire summer season. He lived among them, worked with them, and grew very fond of some of them... It had been a happy time for him certainly.

As Hephaestus led Calliope further into his workshop and showed her the wonderful things he had, his mind wandered back over the eons to when he first built this place. After being rejected and largely seen as an outcast among the other gods, he had found refuge here, channeling his anger and bitterness into crafting magnificent weapons and armor for the gods and heroes as well as fashioning all manner of stunning items that would stand the test of time.

At first, he rarely left his forge, happy to lose himself in his work. But over time, curiosity drew him out into the mortal world. He would take on human form and walk among them to better understand their hopes, fears and desires so he could craft items that spoke to their spirits. He made joyful discoveries of music, art, food and drink that were new to him. And while he always enjoyed the company of the mortals, often more than his own divine brothers and sisters, there was one that would always stand out clear in his mind- Grace Winters. There was no doubt that Calliope had an uncanny resemblance to her, though it was probably just that aura that many of the mortals had about them.

As Hephaestus studied Calliope, noting her delicate features and curious, intelligent eyes, he felt the glimmers of a long-buried hope. Perhaps this young mortal could reawaken parts of himself he thought were lost forever. Hephaestus let out a deep, rumbling laugh at Calliope's comments about his name and this forge being like the myth come to life. If only she knew how right she was. 

"I would really enjoy working here if you will have me sir. I would like to further my talents even more seeing as my experience is limited to jewelry and daggers. As for the anvil, well I do like discovering the mysteries and secrets objects often hold. Seeing it was yours, I am sure it has experienced many amazing and beautiful creations." 

"The forge remembers," Hephaestus said with a knowing grin. "It has seen many projects in its time. It has much to show and I will teach you how to sharpen your skills, as I can tell you already have the fire of the forge inside you. Especially to have had such experience already at such a young age" He said with a kind smile as his eyes fell to the necklace around Calliope's neck. "Is that one of your creations? It is quite stunning indeed."

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Albert
***Calliope ventured further into the forge with hephaestus. The flames of the fires lighting the coals casting a glow over her pale skin, her green eyes appearing brighter. Almost in a trance, she walked closer to one of the work tables, her hand gliding against the surface of it. Feeling every indentation in the table, the scratches of many years of hard work done on it. She could understand almost what he meant by the forge holding its own history. One could almost sense how many times this table itself had been used.*** 

~

***She felt at home once more, even though this wasn't her true home. Her home was with her mother, before she had fallen ill and the world crumbled around her. In the small forge they had where they worked together for hours on end, creating the most beautiful pieces they could to sell to others. She enjoyed the happiness on her customers' faces, and maybe here she would be able to have all that again. Some enjoyment in crafting, whether it be alone or with someone who would be working with her. It was a fairly large forge... Surely more worked in it.*** 

~

***Calliope glanced down at the necklace she wore around her neck. It was her mothers locket, one that she never removed until she had died and passed it onto her daughter. It was also the last creation of her mother's that she would ever have. She grasped it in her fingers, fiddling with it a bit. The necklace was made entirely of silver, with a medium sized locket in the shape of an oval with floral engravings on it. Moving her hands up, she unclasped it and removed it from around her neck. Stepping closer to Heph, she would open up the locket. Inside rested two pictures, one of her mother and another of the two together when she was a baby.*** 

~

"It was my mothers', her name was Grace Winters. She crafted this when I was only a few weeks old, put the pictures inside of it as well. She is the reason I have so much experience at my age, I've been around her forge for almost my entire life for as long as I can remember. She used to take me with her when I was a child, and when I grew old enough she started letting me help around more. Would even let me attempt to make my own pieces of art...***She trailed off.*** I am very grateful that you are allowing me this opportunity to get back into it. I feel I will learn much from you.
Patrick
Hephaestus watched closely as Callie spoke, his eyes never leaving hers, and as she moved closer to the work table, he couldn't help but feel the rush of emotions resurface. He remembered a mortal woman named Grace who held a similar gaze, and who also possessed such a fine flare for metalworking and crafting, her fingers dancing over metal as if it were silk. She had been beautiful, just like this girl before him, with long flowing hair and eyes that could light up a room. She had been the first to welcome him when he had arrived in the mortal realm on that particular trip. They had formed a close bond though Hephaestus never revealed his true nature to her. 

Of all the trips to the mortal realm that he had taken over the eons, the sabbaticals away from the pressures of he forge, the chance to just exist and be... Of all the trips away from Olympus, Hephaestus had never met someone like Grace. Where his usualy trips to the mortal realm would last weeks by the count of the mortals, it had been said that his time in that little mountain town lasted 'an entire summer.' 

Hephaestus was the happiest he had been in some time... Until his brother came looking for him. Threats against the mortals if he didn't return to his duties and forsake the ridiculous nature of his trip, Hephaestus had no choice but to leave. Leave the town he had grown to adore. Leave the woman who had come to earn his affection, and even his love. If there had been another option, he would have opted for that in a heartbeat but in the end he had to go home. It had been an unbearable loss for him, one that haunted him still.

As Callie spoke of her mother and the necklace, he looked at the locket she held out - it was almost identical to the one he had seen Grace make all those years ago. Hephaestus listened intently as she described her mother's skill and their time spent together in the forge. He could see it all playing out like a movie in his head: the familiar forge he had been working in alongside Grace all those years ago, the conversations they had had, the eventual date nights, and the unexpected love that had blossomed between them both.

He nodded slowly, his eyes not leaving the necklace and the picture there within the locket. "Your mother sounds like she was quite skilled and passionate about her craft," He murmured softly. "Reminds me of an equally talented Grace I once knew years ago..." Hephaestus finally pulled his eyes from the locket and looked up at Callie and it was suddenly like he WAS looking at Grace Winters again. Was it true? Her daughter was here, in Olympian, at his forge? It couldn't be... Could it? "Callie..." He hesitated a moment. "If I am not being too forward or personal with this request... May I ask how old you are?"

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Albert
***Calliope's mother had never talked much about who her father was. From the time she was born, she has only ever known her mom. She assumed during her youth that her father had died, and that the loss was so painful Grace couldn't bring herself to speak of it. Callie didn't mind it really, not having a father. Her classmates in school and other parents often wondered how she was doing without one, but the young girl at the time was unphased by it. Grace herself often faced a bit of scrutiny from the happier families, judging her for raising a child all on her own. Yet to Calliope, she admired her mother for it. The strength she had to raise her all on her own, with no help from others. When she grew older, she aspired to be like her mother in that way. Self-sufficient without needing the help of others during times of struggle or hardship.*** 

~

***When Calliope was in her early teens, Grace had finally told her about her father... Or at least the truth of him. She had gotten into a fight with her mother over it, demanding to know something. Anything about him so she didn't feel the need to ponder over it every single day. Grace gave in, telling her a short little story. From what Callie knows to be true, Grace met her father one day in the summer. They had a very short lived relationship full of passion and love, but then one day he simply disappeared from town. With no means of contact, Grace was forced to move on from him. Yet, she then birthed Calliope nine months later. A tragic story, and she knew her mother still questioned what had happened to him up until the time of her death. Grace hadn't been with anyone else since then, his disappearance made her wary of all relationships.***

~

***She brought herself back to the present, her mother's locket in her hand. She never could wrap her head around the fact this was the last piece of her mother. How a life could be reduced to a single item... She would never understand it. Her green eyes danced along the pictures, a sadness creeping over her. She missed Grace's smile... And her laughter. Oh she missed her greatly, she had left her too soon. But, it brought her a joy knowing her mother died peacefully and now is free of the pains she suffered.*** 

~

***Calliope snapped the locket shut when he finished looking at it, placing the cool metal around her neck and clasping it.*** "She was, you would have liked working with her as well. Her passion was unwavering, it used to be so difficult to get her to leave her forge." ***She smiled, raising her brow. Huh... Well she supposed there are many talented women by the name of Grace.*** "Oh I do not mind Hephaestus, I know I look... Quite young. I'm twenty one years old, young yes but not as young as some think. I often get told I look more like a high schooler than an adult." ***She joked.*** "Ummm... May I ask why you wished to know though?"
Patrick
Hephaestus tried to keep the surprise from his face as Calliope spoke of her age. Twenty-one... She was twenty-one... And gorgeous just like her mother. He swallowed the lush in his throat and averted his eyes for a moment, hiding the, what he thought was an unmistakable flicker of something within them. His hands shook ever so slightly and he quickly crossed his arms over his chest to hide it from her view. "I.. I apologize for my forwardness, Callie." He said softly. "I just... I once knew someone with your name.. And I knew someone, once, named Grace.." He trailed off, unsure of how to continue without saying the absurd thought that was rattling around in his head- that Grace had bore a daughter, his daughter, and she was standing in his forge at that very moment. As much as he tried to deny it, not daring to believe it, Hephaestus knew in his heart it was true- It was written clear as day on her features... 

Oh, Hades. He had to be messing with him right now... That had to be what was going on. There was no way that was a coincidence. No possible way that he would be standing in front of the daughter of his long lost love after all these years? It couldn't be true could it... There had to be another explanation- plenty of girls could look similar and be of a similar age right? But the locket... The picture... Hephaestus rubbed the bridge of his nose beneath his glasses as if in thought but in reality, he was trying to push down the ever growing feelings of fear and hope that were bumbling about inside him like a volcano ready to erupt. He couldn't do this, not now, not here and not... Not like this... He took in a deep breath and exhaled it slowly before looking at Callie. "It is nothing. Just a silly thought in an old mind" He said with a weak smile. "I am sorry for prying into your personal life and asking such a personal question." He responded truthfully but evasively at the same time.

His thoughts were consumed now with the idea that this beautiful young woman before him could very well be his daughter. His own child - his own blood - standing right in front of him face to face when he had all but given up on ever being able to have a family. Of every having a child of his own. Of every knowing what it was like to be a father. But now? Could it actually be true? It would likely be safe to say they would both have some hard questions needing answers - if she even wanted anything to do with him if she found out?

That was assuming they ever got to hate point... How in all of Olympus was he supposed to breech this subject? What would he say when she asked him where he had been all these years? How could he look at her and tell her the truth about why he wasn't there? The guilt and sadness in his stomach coiled itself into a tight knot that threatened to choke him. He was her father. And he hadn't been- no - couldn't have been there for her or her mother when they needed him the most. How was he ever going to make that up to her?

"I'm... I'm sorry to hear about your mother" He said softly, barely trusting himself to say anything else in that moment.

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Albert
***Calliope was unsure what to make of the entire situation. Why was he suddenly so interested in her age. Either way, she shrugged it off as a mere question and nothing more. Though the way he was looking was a bit odd, like he was spooked or something. Flashing a smile despite the awkward unease she felt, she nodded her head.*** "I am sure there are many Grace's you have met, it is a very common name. Or even used as a middle name for people." ***She shrugged, turning her back to him to keep looking around the forge. A thought did cross her mind however, was he insinuating he knew her mother? And if he was... Could he be the man her mother was in love with up until she passed? Callie shook the thought from her head, he could have simply even known her from the jewelry shop back home if he visited there. Grace was a hard woman to forget when she sold someone her creations.***

***Still, she couldn't quite shake the nagging idea in her mind that he knew her mother in some way. However, she refused to believe him to be who she thought he was. No, because if that were true she couldn't be in his presence. He seemed sweet, but if he is that man... It would mean she found her father. After her mother told her the story, Callie never tried to seek her father out. She didn't want to find him and know him, not after he just abandoned her without ever realizing he even had a child on the way. The young demigod wasn't one for grudges, but she held onto this one for years. She didn't need to know her father, after all he disappeared to never be seen again. Off romancing some other woman or going back to the life he left behind, both explanations she had come up with. Or worse, he died in some accident. But Grace would have heard about it, she would have known.*** "It is alright Hephaestus, we all have those moments I like to think anyways. The question wasn't too personal, I would have been more concerned if you asked me something more personal than my age." ***She laughed lightly.***

***Calliope couldn't help but examine Hephaestus a bit closer. Trying to find any similarities between the two of them. Yet, she could only find that they shared the same eye color. While people can share eye colors, she happened to know green wasn't the most common to be shared. In fact, green was quite rare to have as an eye color in comparison to the world itself. She tilted her head slightly, not really thinking of what she would say next.*** "Have you ever been to Bedford, Virginia?" ***She questioned, still continuing.*** "You know, small town in Virginia right next to the Appalachians?" ***Callie wanted to know if he had gone there, it would lead her closer to the truth at least. He couldn't play off that he recognized her mother, she saw it cross his features when she pulled the locket out. All she wished to know, was if he was just one of her customers or something more than that.*** 

"My mother passed peacefully, I was by her side so she was not alone when it was her time. I am only sorry she had gone so soon, but it brings me peace knowing she is no longer in pain." ***She spoke quietly, her mind still swirling with confusion and various theories about him. But most of all, she couldn't bring herself to not outright say what she thought. What she had theorized to say the least. If there was something important she should know, an honest man would tell her without a doubt. The only question that lingered now is if Hephaestus is indeed an honest man, or if he is not.***
Patrick
There were a few moments of silence that fell over the two, only making the sounds of the forge seem all the louder and more pronounced in the background. Hephaestus' mind was immediately sent back to the last trip he had made to the mortal realm, at the time when the tensions between his father and uncles had started to bubble again. The time when the whispers of conflict and war were growing stronger but had not yet hit the boiling point. He had sought reprieve and comfort as he often did, living among the mortals.

A small almost sad smile tugged at the corners of his mouth at the mention of that tiny place nestled in the mountains. "I've been there. It is a beautiful place, nestled among ancient woods and mountains almost as old as I..." He realized the little slip there but he knew that the way things were going, Callie was going to find out the truth. He just had no idea how he was even going to begin to try and explain this to her. He could still barely believe it himself. "I spent a summer there once, about 20 years ago or so... One of the most beautiful places I have ever seen."

Bedford, Virginia... It was there that he had met Grace, a mortal woman unlike any he had ever met before. Hephaestus had never thought that he would find someone who actually loved him, but that all changed when he met Grace and the two started to get to know each other. Her laughter was like a summer breeze and her smile warmed his heart in a way that nothing else ever had. 

Every moment he could spare, he spent at her side. For a brief time, he forgot his divine purpose and duties, simply basking in the joy of being with her. Among the mortals, he shed his title and became just Hephaestus- not the forge god, not the blacksmith of the gods, but simply himself. It was a feeling of liberation and happiness that he hadn't experienced in ages. The weight of his responsibilities lifted as he revelled in the simplicity of being human, if only for a little while.

The Forge God's hiatus lasted longer than any other previous, stealing away for the entirety of what mortals called the summer. He and Grace fell in love and were the epitome of bliss for an entire summer, stealing away every possible moment to be together. Everything was perfect, they were happy... Until Ares finally tracked down his wayward brother. Hephaestus had been away for too long, it was time for him to come back and Ares knew he would have to force his brother to return t his duties, But even Ares had not expected how much Hephaestus had drifted this time. 

The forge god was going so far as to plan to stay with Grace forever, to forgo everything he had and everything he was for the sake of a life with Grace. However it was not meant to be and Hephaestus found himself forced to leave. It nearly killed him to leave her, but he had no choice... Ares made sure he had no choice. With a lump in his throat as he heard Callie speak about how Grace had died Hephaestus looked at her, wishing there was an easier way to say this. 

"Calliope" He said slowly. Softly, a silent prayer to whatever god or goddess there was who still looked upon him favorably as he did. "I knew your mother. I knew the wonderful, kind, and loving woman she was. I only wish I could have been there for her... For you" He said tentatively, watching to see what her reaction would be. "I never wanted to leave Grace. I never wanted to miss out on... Being a father."

The words hung in the air. There was a lot he still had to say, a lot Callie deserved to know. He owed her an explication, his side of the story at least. But Hephaestus wasn't even sure in that moment if it was something she wanted to hear. It was more than he deserved he knew, a chance to speak and to explain himself. So he sat, and waited, for what the looming tidal wave he had just unleashed was going to bring.

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