mpxhephaestus

[mpxhephaestus]

the busy night is a delightful buzz of energy. exactly what the god needed after everything that had been dealt with. his file at babylon was all in good standing, and the god may take advantage of that since he'd been feeling rather stressed and lonely lately after the sudden departure of his pretty winter goddess. but he wasn't shocked at all. after all, people tended to leave him all the time. but there wasn't time for such depressive thoughts in his brain. he was at minx to pay a visit to a dear friend.

he is rather pleased to see the other and the crushing hug hes pulled into delights. "i'm genuinely glad to see you around, though," he states. He allows himself to be pulled along to a quieter area so that they can talk, catch up.

Hephaestus lets himself admire Invidia's outfit and the god compliments his friend. "You look amazing today. The color really suits your hair and skin," he adds, grinning.

"I did come out to see you, since it's been a while since we last talked and I know that may have been super awkward at babylon earlier," he states, apologetic for his slight ignorance of their friesndship.

{{ Setting this a little after the thread with Malea, Intake Forms, in which they see each other briefly to clear up Hephie’s old account! I’m so sorry for the wait time friend but I’m ecstatic to get this going!

♮

  It’s a busy night at Minx and a myriad of people from the city are visiting the burlesque lounge. All around him people buzz with conversation. It’s a constant and happy sort of atmosphere in the space and were he a little less tired it would be more than welcome that he’s stopped what feels like every few seconds as he walks to greet someone. He likes people. He likes seeing people happy. But underneath the smiles and talks he gives to others, Invidia is secretly the sort to crave the peace of his home. To be curled up in some corner reading a good book or ingesting the social media updates of others he knows and loves deeply.

   Still, he presses on and mingles with people between his performances. He’s wandering through the elevated VIP section when he hears his name. That voice! Though he doesn’t get the time that he used to with this person he’d know the sound of that voice anywhere! Whirling around, his dark lined warm eyes find the face he’s seeking almost instantly. Hephaestus! The god is saying something and over the music and the chatter of others between them Invidia can hardly hear him. Excited he weaves back through the crowd toward the god and instantly pulls him into a hug.

  “You!” He says it with such happiness. His embrace crushes the god to him for a moment before he’s pulling back a bit to look at him. Invidia is dressed tonight in a beautiful dark maroon outfit that drapes him well, his dark hair in the soft waves much like they had been when he and the god first met. “Hephie! You look marvelous! Come, come! Let’s go sit over here and talk!”

  His hand is offered to guide the god to follow him to another table slightly away from the full ones where they are.

[mpxhephaestus]

Hephaestus simply relaxes in the chair. "Sometimes I think I've led the life of the gambler. Every bad hand, gets a lucky twist and a good hand gets dealt to me," he states, pondering quite seriously. "Lived as a hunchback in Olympus, life decides to give me this pretty face for life on earth, for example," he said, blinking in a cute way with his head in his hands.

As she agrees with him regarding family being the ones most likely to bury knives in the bad, the god chuckles. "A bit ironic in my case. I'm the one who makes the blades they so graciously stick in my back. But my petty rivalry really only extends to Ares, Aphrodite and Hera. Zeus is just kind of there by mere association,"he laughs, amused at his own statement. The god is momentarily distracted by the new arrival though.

"My dear friend," he states, delighted to see invidia around.

☽༺𖤐༻☾

🔮

   Hephaestus goes on to talk about his looks changing and it gives Malea just enough of an opportunity to make a note about him in her personal notes app on the computer. Just a reminder to brush up on his story a bit more in the inner sanctum of the library and perhaps after speaking with some people who know him better. Like perhaps other members of his family without a cruel streak in their usual disposition.

   The comment that about riches gained from snide remarks made by those called family earns him a polite chuckle. “Believe me, that is something I am deeply familiar with. It is often family that has the sharpest of blades to bury into our backs.”

  A short silence is between before he comments on Babylon being in good hands. She does smile genuinely then to him, lifting her eyes from the screen that she types on to offer, “Thank you. I aim to exceed the previous notions of what this place could be.”

   There’s a light knock at the door and she smiles brightly. “Come in Invidia.”

[mpxhephaestus]

Hephaestus hid a discreet smile as she called Invidia to verify. "How recent? About a couple centuries, about 200 or so, maybe more. I kind of lost track since Olympus and everything. I've been exploring the world, learning weapons craft, perfecting my skills, blessing those who are worthy to carry on the skills of Hephaestus," he laughed. He straightened his jacket. "The good looks just helped a bit in the beginning," he added. The god rarely did ever pay attention to time and what year was it. Before, he'd get into some interesting crafting and would be years before anyone saw him again. Nowadays, he'd be busy working, perfecting his own techniques, but this was a brief important matter that needed to be attended to.

"Malicious apparent lies left behind by family.... story of my life," he muttered, as they waited. "If I had a nickel for everytime that sort of thing happened in general, I'd be rich," he laughed. His voice was tinged with something crossed between sorrow and annoyance but he shook his head and offered Malea a delighted smile. He wasn't about to burden her with all the Greek drama. Although if she was curious it would make for an interesting conversation. One that he'd probably need alcohol for.

"I do have to say, I think Babylon is in the right hands."

☽༺𖤐༻☾

🔮

   He got himself settled and as soon as the mention of the prior owner leaves his lips Malea rolls her eyes. Ares. She didn’t need to meet him to know that he had wrought both trouble and a fair deal of grief to those in employment prior to her arrival. He was the reason that the filing system was a joke before the two workers got their hands on it and before Malea reset it better. The notion that he may have falsified records due to merely disliked someone is also a concern that she will now have to address with a staff meeting and many phone calls later. For the moment she tackles this individual task.

   “My apologies,” she says smoothly regarding the issue of Ares. “I find that a great many things are still working themselves out since his departure. I am sure however, we can clear your account of any negative marks he may have left behind. Do you have an escort who can vouch for your character that you would like me to call in? If they are still working here I can verify that you are in good standing and that will help settle a lot of things.”

   Malea stands and goes to the file cabinet to pull open one of the massive drawers with records. Her fingers skim over tabs to the letter H before she is carefully carding through the files in there. As she picks through them she asks, “This prior owner, do you suspect he will cause trouble should he return? Or do you think he will simply amuse himself with other ventures?”

   There it is! She plucks a file out and flips it open before sitting down at her desk again and letting her fingers fly over the keyboard that livens her computer. She pulls both the handwritten file and the newly made digital one up so that she can compare notes from each and make corrections.

[mpxhephaestus]

Hephaestus was quite impressed. She made art as well? He could consider his own craft art as well in a specific way (since he dealt in metalwork mostly). That was rather impressive to him. "What sort of art? Do you paint, sculpt?" He asked, genuinely interested in what the demigoddess did with her skills. After all, Arawn had mentioned the demigoddess briefly to him when he'd been boasting about how precious everyone is in his pantheon and boasting about how everyone is so skilled.

He led her over to the table he was sharing with Skadi and some friends, so that she could rest for a moment. "May I offer you some water so that you're not stuck with a hangover tomorrow morning?" He asked, bringing Mai a glass of water. "I don't think you should drink anymore. That wouldn't be too good for you," He stated.

"Wooow, that's so interesting," Mai responded in genuine amazement - or was she just more excitable with the alcohol in her system - finding the contrast between the god's profession and his voice. "Your voice," she clarified with a nod, "is teal."

She swayed a bit - again, not sure if the alcohol or the general vibes at the gala - on the rhythm of the songs, surving the endless waves of colors around her.

"Hm... He does have that aura about him, doesn't he?" Mai remarked thoughtfully. Her voice was dreamy, almost absent-minded. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Hephaestus. And don't worry, your secret is safe with me. I won't say a word to Arawn," she assured him, returning his laughter with a warm smile

[mpxhephaestus]

"Your secret is safe with me," he stated, making a cross my heart sign. "She's not going to know, and I'd love to hear about her reaction to the final product," he added.

He laughed. "Well I am the master craftsman to the gods. My history with my pantheon is only negative in regards to Aphrodite, Ares and Hera. There's only so much in the family that we can deal with," he added. Fotia leaned her head on Khonshus lap, quite pleased with her comfortable spot next to the Egyptian god.

Hephaestus pondered Khonshus opinion. "Well, curses have their own thing. A lot of the time, it's items associated with misfortune and unluckiness. It's similar to the idea of the evil eye amulets that exist because people believe that they ward off malevolent thoughts from them. Cursed items and jewelry are similar," he stated. "I tend to specialize in such items." He added.

The god pondered the others suggestion of balck jasper. "Yes. Black jasper is also doable. It would take some time to procure the right stone and the right amount but it should be doable enough. I have a contact who can get the rarer stones for me," he added. He pondered the ideas. "I think a classic Greek style with an Egyptian flair would be appropriate as a union of both pantheon. We do a lot of gold as well. I think," he grabbed the sketchpad he often had on the table, "we could go a few ways. A classic Egyptian style as inspired by Cleopatra with black jasper as a focus stone with a surrounding of black veined howlite with a Greek design motif," he said sketching out his thought. "Or we could go Greek style, as inspired by Helen of Troy, with black jasper as many stones and a central gold motif of your respective symbols," he added.

"Granted it is up to you," Hephaestus added.

Khonshu rubbed his head before looking down at his shoes, his hands in time were stuffed into his pockets. "I know. I'm sorry...I guess I was just...urgent?" Clearing his throat he looked back up at the other. "I took...some time off from the island and I lost track of schedules for others so I thought...this would be the best place to find you."

He walked into the living room after taking off his shoes. He wondered over to Fotia, letting her smell him to get used to his scent. "I also don't really...want wandering eyes to see me around - not you...but it's a secret with what I'm needing your help with. Khonshu looked at the god before giving a soft smile.

" I want...to make or gift something to Hecate. We're more serious...an I don't want a ring - I don't think. But I want to give her something to show her I'm more serious." He sat down beside Fotia, trying to get comfortable. " I was hoping to get your advice - and maybe some detail into Greek heritage?"

[mpxhephaestus]

As Skadi mentioned that she's glad he's there and that they could go on walks or even skiing, the Greek was rather intrigued. He'd never actually skied in his life before but he was eager to learn. "I've never actually skied before, but if you're willing to teach me, I'd love that, and as for walks, I'd love to explore the area with you," He added. As for warm clothes, the god just laughed. "Ah, I should be good. I run hotter than normal in general," he added.

He prssed a kiss to her cheek as she watched his puppy for a moment. "Yes, Fotia will let us know once she wakes up. I think she just really likes your fireplace and home," he stated wrapping an arm around her once she leaned on his shoulder.

He felt extremely happy that she liked his gift for her. He'd spent some time wondering what to get her and had some hesitations on the necklace but seeing how happy she was to get it made the Greek God extremely pleased. "I'm glad you like it," he stated, pressing a kiss to her lips, pleased with himself.

Skadi was an independent person and she was glad that Hephaestus had accepted that. She loved to spend time with him but, sometimes, she longed for the loneliness of her cabin. They had always given their space to each other and she couldn't be more thankful.

She came back, placing her cool hands against Hephaestus' cheeks. "I am glad that you are, my dear" she commented, smiling. "I plan to bring you on walks while you are here ! We could even go skiing" she added, chuckling. She couldn't wait to share that new adventure with him. "I do hope that you brought warm clothes though." She reciprocated his kiss, leaving the freshness of her lips against the warmth of his skin.

Skadi turned to look at the sleeping puppy. She knew Fotia since she was a baby and adored her. "I guess so ! But let her sleep, she is comfortable, she will let us know if she gets hungry." The goddess sat back next to her guest, resting her head against his shoulder. "As long as you can would be a good start." 

The necklace had a nice weight around her neck and the metal was smooth and warm against her skin. She turned back, giving Hephaestus another kiss, snuggling into his arms. "Thank you, I truly love it."

[mpxhephaestus]

❛ you’re welcome to stay, if you want. ❜

Clearing Old Memes - feel free to reply!

"I appreciate that, Ama-chan. I just got caught in the rain without an umbrella and your place with Eros was the closest. I'll be out of your hair as soon as the rain let's up," he stated, setting his jacket to dry and shaking his hair like a dog. "I genuinely dislike the rain," he added.

Hephaestus took a deep breath after getting his shoes off. "I sincerely apologize for intruding like this," he added. He hadn't realized that it was going to rain when he'd left the shop for his errands and being caught in the rain with a bag of stones and metal for his works, made him slightly annoyed. He took a seat on the couch, careful to keep everything dry.

[mpxhephaestus]

"i was never on your side to begin with, don’t you get that?"

Clearing Old Memes - feel free to reply!

      He was no stranger to betrayal and double agents. The God was familiar with being blind sided by those he considered close. "Ah, so you have the blatant audacity to go against a God? I'm known to hold grudges," he stated, crossing his arms. He glanced at the cards he was holding. "You do know Maxim, that I can  make this all hell for you?" He stated.

"Plus 4!" He exclaimed, setting down the uno card he had in his hand."You can take your words back and I will be merciful, otherwise we can keep going like this!" Hephaestus laughed. He was having way too much fun messing with Maxim. He was genuinely enjoying the game he'd been playing with Maxim.

"We can play another round if you want after this one," he added, reaching for the can Of redbull he had close by.

[mpxhephaestus]

LEE JONG-SUK as Kang Chul in 'W: Two Worlds Apart'

[mpxhephaestus]

Hephaestus put away the cleaning materials and nodded. "Honestly, that's perfectly fine! I was just surprised to see you, since like you said, you took some time off the island," he added. The God pondered. "And you know, your're always welcome here as well. You're like an honorary brother since you're going out with my favorite person," Hephaestus clarified.

As Khonshu settled close to Fotia, after letting her sniff him, the normally picky dog flopped her head on his lap. "That's a fair thought, And as I am the only god who resides in the Manticore apartments, that makes sense to come directly to me to avoid wandering eyes and people whispering," Hephaestus stated, in agreement. That was the right way to go about things.

Hephaestus settled into an arm chair close by, pondering as Khonshu described what he needed. Something to show serious but not a ring since that would be too obvious, but also it had be suited to Hecate and who she was as a person. "Of course. I see the dilemma and will of course give my advice and details in Greek. I may be a bit biased since my experience with the Greeks has been....less than favorable," he started.

"I'd recommend going with a necklace or bracelet. I happen to be quite good with cursed items, so that may be something interesting for her since she's the goddess of witchcraft and something cursed sounds right up her alley," Hephaestus started after a few moments of deep thought. "As for stones, there's howlite and tourmaline," he added. "Depending on which aesthetic you'd go for, classic Greek or modern," he stated, in full craftsman mode.

Khonshu rubbed his head before looking down at his shoes, his hands in time were stuffed into his pockets. "I know. I'm sorry...I guess I was just...urgent?" Clearing his throat he looked back up at the other. "I took...some time off from the island and I lost track of schedules for others so I thought...this would be the best place to find you."

He walked into the living room after taking off his shoes. He wondered over to Fotia, letting her smell him to get used to his scent. "I also don't really...want wandering eyes to see me around - not you...but it's a secret with what I'm needing your help with. Khonshu looked at the god before giving a soft smile.

" I want...to make or gift something to Hecate. We're more serious...an I don't want a ring - I don't think. But I want to give her something to show her I'm more serious." He sat down beside Fotia, trying to get comfortable. " I was hoping to get your advice - and maybe some detail into Greek heritage?"

[mpxhephaestus]

Hephaestus decided that she was rather adorable with her approach. As she clarified that his voice was teal, the God noddded. He didn't really understand it all that much but he'd agree with her without arguing. "That makes sense. I will accept teal. It's a unique perspective," he stated, agreeing with the girl. He steadied her with a hand, making sure that she didn't fall again.

"Do be careful, there," he stated.

As she agreed with his point about the death god, Hephaestus laughed. "That's good and I'll keep yours too . I'm sure you don't want him to know that you were drunk," he added, with a twinkle. "So, what color is the music?" he asked, out of curiousity. "Have you mentioned the color thing to others?"

"Wooow, that's so interesting," Mai responded in genuine amazement - or was she just more excitable with the alcohol in her system - finding the contrast between the god's profession and his voice. "Your voice," she clarified with a nod, "is teal."

She swayed a bit - again, not sure if the alcohol or the general vibes at the gala - on the rhythm of the songs, surving the endless waves of colors around her.

"Hm... He does have that aura about him, doesn't he?" Mai remarked thoughtfully. Her voice was dreamy, almost absent-minded. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Hephaestus. And don't worry, your secret is safe with me. I won't say a word to Arawn," she assured him, returning his laughter with a warm smile

[mpxhephaestus]

Now that the holidays were done, and it was the slow month, hephaestus had plenty of time to spend with skadi. it was nice with someone who shared similar values and vibes. it had been a long time since the last time that the god genuinely felt like this.

He blushed brightly at her compliment that she liked seeing him too, and he brushed a strand back as well, admiring how pretty she was too. they were quite the opposite in aesthetic visuals, hephaestus all dark and lanky and skadi, bright like the snowfall around them. his cheeks were still rosy from the cold. "ah, the cold doesn't bother me that much," he stated, laughing. He pressed another kiss to her cheek, delighted to be in her company.

His puppy was still snoozing away. "Fotia loves the fire. She's normally around my forge at the store since she was a puppy, so she may have gotten influenced," he added, laughing. As she told him that he's allowed to stay as long as he wants, Hephaestus couldn't resist the amusement. "Can I stay forever?" he asked, laughing.

He kissed her back sweetly and took the necklace from her, so that he could put it on. He carefully snapped it closed with a grin. "There, it really suits you~" he added.

Skadi was glad and thankful for Hephaestus's understanding. There was something reassuring in sharing the same values than the person she was attracted to. And now that the holidays were approaching their end, she only hoped that they would be able to spend more time together.

"Mm () That is true. I am glad that you came." She gave him another hug, enjoying the warmth of his body against her cool one, her blueish skin sparkling in the soft lights of the cabin. She giggled at the kiss, escaping his arm, snowflakes swirling behind her. 

Skadi moved closer to him, smiling at the sleepy Fotia. The puppy had grown beautifully in the last months, becoming an adorable dog that she had come to love. "I like seeing you too, dear" she said, sliding one of his wild strands behind his ear. He was so pretty in that moment, his eyes bright and his cheeks still rosy from the cold. "You will get used to it very quickly."

The goddess looked around her, smiling. The cabin was maybe small but it was cozy and warm, welcoming. She didn't need palaces or ices or caverns full of gold and silver, she only wanted something where she felt safe and comfortable. "You are allowed to stay as long as you want. There is so much things that I would like to show you." She took a sip of her tea before placing her mug next to his. 

"You are so sweet" she whispered, kissing his lips again. Then she turned around, lifting her long white hair. She handed him the necklace. "Would you mind putting it on me ?"

[mpxhephaestus]

Seeing her roll her eyes, Hephaestus nodded. "I take it you've already heard of my dear brother." he stated, leaning back in the seat. As the prior owner of Babylon, the fire god was sure on the fact that the other may have screwed around his file just because they had a weird tense relationship. "I'm sure the falsification of files only extends to me, I highly doubt he'd go further than family," he stated, looking at her.

"well, i can see that you're putting a great effort to make Babylon a more functional place after the departure. I'm sure he left you with a lot of work to tackle," he added. As she asked about if there is an escort who still works there who can vouch for him and his standing, Hephaestus pondered. "well, I was never a frequent visitor, at least not as bad as Arawn, but Invidia and I met up a few times and I consider him a dear friend," he stated. "We met at the Pits a long time ago," the God added, clarifying.

He looks at his hands as she asks whether he will cause trouble if he comes back and Hephaestus laughed. "I don't think you have to worry about him. I'm sure he'll find other passions in his life. He always does, snd even if he does, you can always call me, Ill keep him away from you," he laughs with a playful wink.

He watches as she settles back with his file. "I'm sure there some bullshit about my past escapades," he adds. "The good looks are a very recent card I"ve been dealt," the God leans forward for a moment.

☽༺𖤐༻☾

🔮

   He got himself settled and as soon as the mention of the prior owner leaves his lips Malea rolls her eyes. Ares. She didn’t need to meet him to know that he had wrought both trouble and a fair deal of grief to those in employment prior to her arrival. He was the reason that the filing system was a joke before the two workers got their hands on it and before Malea reset it better. The notion that he may have falsified records due to merely disliked someone is also a concern that she will now have to address with a staff meeting and many phone calls later. For the moment she tackles this individual task.

   “My apologies,” she says smoothly regarding the issue of Ares. “I find that a great many things are still working themselves out since his departure. I am sure however, we can clear your account of any negative marks he may have left behind. Do you have an escort who can vouch for your character that you would like me to call in? If they are still working here I can verify that you are in good standing and that will help settle a lot of things.”

   Malea stands and goes to the file cabinet to pull open one of the massive drawers with records. Her fingers skim over tabs to the letter H before she is carefully carding through the files in there. As she picks through them she asks, “This prior owner, do you suspect he will cause trouble should he return? Or do you think he will simply amuse himself with other ventures?”

   There it is! She plucks a file out and flips it open before sitting down at her desk again and letting her fingers fly over the keyboard that livens her computer. She pulls both the handwritten file and the newly made digital one up so that she can compare notes from each and make corrections.

[mpxhephaestus]

the floating box claiming another victim made him laugh. that was quite amusing. "that's quite funny, the floating box," he stated, laughing still. that was totally easing the awkwardness and the tension.

as his offer of help was accepted, hephaestus adjusted the box with a grin. "ah, i'm on a higher level in 7, but still we should see each other around quite a bit, if I'm at home and not out at the shop," he stated, grinning. sure, there was always something that screamed power with him even though he often tried to keep it on the down low as the kids said.

"ah, there's no need for formality! it's a delight to meet Morpheus's kid. I like Morpheus. Actually one of the few gods whos generally tolerable, and not incredibly picky at all. I'm sure we'll get along!" the God of fire exclaimed, hoisting the box with ease on his shoulder. He may have looked weak, but he was actually quite strong never having lost the strength he had at the time of his time on olympus.

"so, Leto, where did you move from?" he asked, genuinely curious. By the other's name, he could wager a guess, but he'd better just ask.

"...the mysterious floating box in the stairwell claims another victim..." he softly mused and gave the box a little wiggle while 'OooOoooOooooo'ing spookily, followed by quiet chuckle. He could hear the awkwardness in the stranger's tone and was trying to lighten the mood of any embarrassment either of them might feel in the situation by being slightly silly.

An offer for help? "That is very kind of you, thank you," he admitted, letting the man assist to adjust holding the box, now able to actually see the fellow with his line of sight cleared which prompted a warm smile. "Hi," he greeted properly. There was...there was something about this guy that just screamed POWER to Leto. "I'm in Eleven," he explained, nodding the direction of his apartment. If this fellow was in the Manticore apartments, then that meant they were somewhat neighbors, right? Maybe different floors, but at least they would see each other in passing on occasion, wouldn't they?

However, he nearly tripped over his own two feet upon learning the IDENTITY of the GOD that was helping him carry this box and, well, his shock and awe was in no way hidden from his face as eyes widened and brows lifted. "Oh..." He couldn't help but stare...and scream internally at the fact that this was THE Hephaestus, the legitimate legendary blacksmith of the gods Hephaestus, god of FIRE Hephaestus. Oh shit. "It's uhm..." This was the first god of his own pantheon that he had met outside of his own father and though he had imagined a million different scenarios of what he might say upon actually meeting one of them, it all completely slipped his mind in that moment. "It's an honor to meet you, sir..." he finally managed. "My father has spoken very highly of you. I'm Leto Leroux. Morpheus's boy."

[mpxhephaestus]

As she asked to confirm whether he was Hephaestus, the God offered her a polite smile and nodded. "I am indeed Hephaestus, the legendary god of fire and forge, master craftsman to the gods," he stated, sweeping his arm in a bow before straightening and looking at the chains that she had displayed before him. He held up the one with all the knots closer to the light, so that he could analyze the structure closer.

"It's shocking, right. I am quite different to how i've been painted in the myths. I think that this form is retribution for giving me a bad hand so many centuries ago," he stated. Of course, looking at him now, the shock was more so how would have Aphrodite left him for another god, but back then no one would have batted an eye. He had been a rather unsightly sight to look at. But that train of thought raised another question, if he was like this now, who was the other god? As for his relationship with Aphrodite and his thoughts on her, well, it didn't really bother him all that much.

Listening to her recommendations, the God picked up the one she mentioned, comparing the chains in his hands. "I think the Belcher chain seems to be the most like the one i'm thinking of. The herringbone might be a bit much, in my opinion," he stated. He had to admit, she had some smarts to her.

Ah, so his hunch was correct that she was a daughter of Aphrodite. "Ah, I was correct on my hunch. You have a similar air to her, so I suspected you were her daughter, but it's nice to meet you, Minry," he stated.

A chain necklace, dainty enough

continuation from here.

@mpxhephaestus :

Hephaestus offered the girl a smile with a glint in his eyes. "Yes, I'd like to see some examples. I've been having an issue with the chains breaking almost immediately to the heat and the delicate work involved, so I wanted to get one to see if I could replicate it," he stated. He paced around looking at all the necklaces, and rings and various jewelry pieces. He may have to ask that seamstress on the island, Yura for her help on the shiny side. She was someone who was more familiar around such things. He knew that he didn't look at all close to what he was descibed in the books, but that was good for him, since it was always the element of surprise on his side. As the girl stated that the ones on display may not be ideal for what he was looking for, the God simply nodded. "Alright." he stated. If this girl was a daughter of Aphrodite, he had to be careful and honestly, give his wife credit. At least she had the audacity to keep with her standards. As she came back, Hephaestus made his way over to where she set up what she brought out and took a look at the intricately braided cords, and chains. As she then asked him whether it was meant to hold heavy pieces to endure some sort of forging, the God smirked. He reached for a chain, reminiscent of the braided style he had noticed. "The commission is to recreate a gift. It is not meant to endure heavy pieces but rather a delicate handiwork that can only be done with my specific touch," he stated. Did that essentially confirm that he was the God of the Forge and Fire? Maybe.

"I see." She smiled gently at the other, taking her hands to carefully place the remaining chains along the counter, neatly positioning them so all details could be seen without the need to grab the items if Hephaestus didn't wish to. Listening to his words, Minry had now the confirmation she needed, the man in front of her was indeed Hephaestus and Minry questioned again how could her mother possibly decide to look at some other God while the one in front of her looked so appealing. "My apologies if I'm mistaken but, you're Hephaestus aren't you?" Either to simply solidify her assumption or to break the ice further, Minry decided it was better to ask directly.

There were other motives to have his identity confirmed. The thought of wanting to know more about her own mother crossed Minry's mind, even though she highly doubted Hephaestus would want to talk about Aphrodite. Yet at the same time, Minry was dying to learn more about the reality of their relationship. If there was any currently. "More delicate work I would recommend a classic chain, perhaps a Belcher chain or even Box chain. But considering you would require some sturdiness I suggest a Snake or Herringbone chain."

Minry was very well-aware of the stereotype behind Aphrodite's kids, but she was adamant to show she was not only about being pretty. "These ones, more espeficially." She reached for the two types of chains, holding them up so the other could have a proper look. "Nice to meet you sir. Minry, daughter of Aphrodite at your service." She winked playfully.

[mpxhephaestus]

Catching Up With an Old Friend

@mpxinvidia

It's been a long time since Hephaestus saw his friend. He used to see Invidia a lot, but then that just dropped off as Hephaestus found himself busy with managing the store and the unexpected amount of work that came with that. While he'd given his employees the time off to hang out with friends and family once the holiday rush died out, he'd decided to take his own suggestion and catch up with Invidia.

He'd made his way over to Minx, remembering that the other worked there as a dancer. They could have a few drinks, catch up and chat like old times. Seeing his friend again, the God smiled widely. "long time! I haven't seen you in ages. You look really good!" he exclaimed, excited to see him

[mpxhephaestus]

lee jong suk as park chang ho (big mouth, episode 1)