Chapter 26:
Piera, the home of the muses. Suffice to say, there was a great deal that humans got wrong about the muses. For instance, not all of their number were born in this area. Not all of them were musicians or artists. Not all of them were present here.
…but enough of them were.
For a brief moment, Hephaestus wanted to punt that idiot Potamoi across the ocean. It was a rather perplexing feeling all around. Irritation like this was rather rare, though pettiness was a better descriptor. Avoiding Olympus would have been easy, considering his divinity didn't leak. But this close? It would likely come off as a snub if he avoided the place entirely. He was already stepping on political toes with the whole "avoiding Olympus" bit, he was certain of it.
Now that he was here, he knew that Zeus would be coming. The muses weren't singing at the beach at random; there was just no way. Even with the mountain far into the distance, it wouldn't matter.
Even as a God, with all the endurance and strength that such a designation entailed, he found that irritation and worry washed away with the notes of the muses. Intellectually, he knew they were manipulating him or something…yet it was hard to care. He smiled, watching Eri dance in small circles.
He smiled ever wider as the music sped up in tempo, matching Eri's erratic movements perfectly. When he looked up, he saw them. A woman singing with just her voice, another playing a harp, and a third holding a kithara. A small percussion instrument was also in play from a fourth muse.
Out of all the Gods that Hephaestus encountered, it was the Muses that seemed entirely devoid of deception. So entranced and infused with music, the idea that these beings held any sort of malice within them was hard to fathom. He knew that each of the muses was a specialist in some ways, but it was interesting to see that they were all skilled in a variety of arts.
The song ended, and the singer approached. She smiled as Eri settled down, bowing to Hephaestus.
"Welcome to our home, Lord Hephaestus. I am Euterpe."
The Muse of Music itself. It would explain the beautiful singing.
"I apologize for disturbing you," he bowed back, "I must admit we were not intending to arrive–"
He coughed a bit as he forced a smile.
"Unannounced. I–"
She smiled softly, winking at him.
"We are aware. We saw your…diversion not too long ago. It is quite alright."
Did they know? He narrowed his eyes, and she only smiled wider. For a moment, he was concerned. He would have focused everything on getting to the bottom of it if not for his bundle of energy. It wasn't as if they were close to Olympus. In the home of the muses, the mountain was far in the distance. But alas, distance mattered little to the gods.
Even this far out, this land was still Olympus territory. As he considered his next moves and how to get out of this as fast as possible, a flurry of motion caught his eye.
She was hiding behind a tree, dispersed into raw divinity and invisible for the most part. If not for the tiniest of shimmers that his eye caught, he would have never thought to increase his senses.
"...is…everything alright with that one?" he asked.
Euterpe smirked, side-eyeing her sister.
"That would be Clio. She's…a fan."
"...what?"
Eri giggled and stilled, realizing something.
"She's…the Muse of History, right?"
Shocked by her knowledge, the Muse of Music smiled.
"You're very well informed. Not many know of her domains."
Eri frowned.
"Wait…but that doesn't make any sense? She writes about the past?"
"She inspires the past," stressed the muse.
Eri's face scrunched up at the logical fallacy of her statement. The past already happened, that's why it's the past.
"But if she inspired the past, wouldn't that just mean she inspires the present and then records it?"
Euterpe's smile never wavered, but he could feel the way she was put off by the statement while they communicated.
It's what prevented Ares' every word from coming off as a threat, even though it sounded that way to normal ears.
"Well….I guess that's….my sister inspires, er…"
She struggled with the word, the term historian not likely having been invented yet. Herodotus was a man from the 5th century B.C, hundreds of years from now…though that was a somewhat generous assumption. Hephaestus had no idea what segment of the historical timeline he was even on, much less if this one even lined up with what he knew from EMIYA.
For all he knew, Herodotus would never exist. He chewed on his thoughts for a moment before explaining them to Eri.
"She records history," explained Hephaestus, "inspiring others to take record of the events that have occurred so others can look into the past. Hear the words of those who have gone by and know their own history."
Euterpe smiled, nodding.
"Yes, that's precisely it."
"...than just say that," muttered Eri.
She was too used to Gods, cringing as her father gripped her head. His face was obscured by shadows, two glowing gold circles for eyes as mist crept from his mouth.
"Apologize," he stressed.
"...sorry," muttered Eri, blushing a bit, "I didn't mean it like that. I just found it odd."
Euterpe smiled, her expression soft in a way that Eri had never seen. Her father and Hecate loved her, yes, but they were stern. Rarely did she see such utter peace on anyone.
"We do not talk to humans much," she explained, clasping her hands together. "Our very presence inspires, so rarely do we have need for words outside of song."
Like humans, most of the gods' communication was non-verbal, their divinity and the feel for what they were coming into play. Even with humans, their very presence inspired a feeling of some sort. Eri looked down, guilt mired within her.
"Sorry. I forgot that not all gods are like my dad and mom."
Euterpe smiled, her humming bringing a smile to Eri's face.
"Have no fear, child, we know. However, your father is right to be concerned. Not all gods share our tolerance for man and their ways. Be careful and listen to him."
Eri nodded and Euterpe stood to address Hephaestus. Her sisters continued to play their music. Each was a darker olive in skin tone than their father. Their hair was also dark, pulled into tresses and designs of the era. Their robes bore a unique color, matching the color of their eyes.
"Now," said Euterpe, "we are here for more than entertainment. Clio, if you'd please."
Her pleasant smile collapsed into an aggrieved annoyance as Clio dispersed even more, becoming invisible even to Hephaestus. Actually, he was certain she had just left outright. Eri couldn't help herself, prancing on her feet without a care for the music once more. He turned to the muses, noting that they were still playing without their singer. They've adjusted the tempo to a more serene pace, the notes soft and light, smiling as Eri danced.
He eyed the sky, wondering what was taking Zeus so long.
"He's busy, so there's no need to fret," assured Euterpe, a vein bulging on her forehead as her serene smile remained. "Clio, if you'd please."
It took him a moment to realize that the music was obscuring their words in the same way that Artemis had taught him years ago. The small wink she gave him did little to reassure him, though. He smiled at Eri, but narrowed his eyes at Euterpe.
"Why are you?"
"Helping?" she whispered back, leaning forward. There was a smile there, a twinkle to her eye. Something only she knew. Yet…for the life of him, he couldn't understand why he felt nothing malicious or deceptive. It was the strangest feeling this woman had. Her brown hair curled around her eyes as she smiled, the emerald sheen a perfect match to her chiton. "Well, we owe you a debt, Hephaestus. Thanks to you…some of our roles are easier."
"What does that even mean?" he asked.
"I'm afraid if I tell you, our goodwill would wither."
Now that, that he could feel. She was serious. He didn't trust it, but he could feel that the way she avoided the topic was important to her. He clicked his tongue.
"Papa?"
Seeing Eri's concerned look put a smile on his face quickly, his expression morphing to a perfect, serene smile.
"It's alright, Eri, just asking questions for our…new friends."
He lifted her, keeping her in his arms, just in case. Euterpe bowed.
"I swear on the Styx itself, my siblings and I would never do you or your family harm."
They spoke as one, the sky darkening to an absurd degree with the sound of thunder. He could feel Styx reach out to the sisters, her cold divinity wrapping around all the sisters present and reaching out to those that were absent.
"You–"
"Like I said…we owe you a great deal…well, specifically one of us more so, but you've already met her."
"...Clio?"
"I've already said too much," chuckled Euterpe, "and I'll say even more if she doesn't come here, now."
The oath on Styx assured him their intentions were benign, but it did little to assure him that their designs were selfless. It was easy to manipulate people without bringing harm to them after all.
Still, he'd worry about it. Just not right now.
"Do the muses always come to greet visitors?" smiled Hephaestus, Eri swaying to the music once more. He was starting to chuckle a bit at the way Euterpe was quickly losing her cool. Her expression smoothed out to her usual serene, eye-closed smile as she answered him.
"No. We are entertainers, not greeters. However, we have never directly met, so it seemed appropriate when we noticed your arrival. We also wanted to help you."
"Oh?"
It would seem Euterpe was the spokesperson for her collection of siblings. In a way, it sort of made sense. They all shared a singular domain with many faucets, inspiration. He felt a kinship with that. He could see, in the corner of his eye, another Muse. Her hair was shorter, her build more angular than her siblings. When he turned to lock eyes with her, he knew instantly who she was.
She had felt her touch more than any other of the muses.
"Urania," his mouth answered.
The oldest of the Muses smiled. While she represented Astrology and Astronomy in this age, she was the Muse who inspired invention and scientific progress. He knew his ideas were his own, having only felt her presence once or twice in his current life. Once for Hermes, and another for Hades.
It was less the giving of ideas and more the revelation of paths obscured within the mind. It was a rather odd experience, one that he found he was equally reprehensive of as he was thankful.
He nodded to her. A thought came to him as he eyed Euterpe. She grew a bit pensive at his staring, blushing a tad.
"It was to my understanding you were…a taken man," teased Euterpe, looking away.
"That is…that is not what I am…I apologize," muttered Hephaestus weakly.
Eri merely giggled. The damn brat knew he wasn't doing that, but he knew Hecate would hear about it. He would either be endlessly teased over the matter or grilled about it. He didn't rightly know, as the idea of looking at other women wasn't a question that either of them even considered. Eri and Hecate were his focuses.
"I…it's just to my knowledge, isn't…Calliope, your usual leader?"
The name was harder to mutter than he had given credit to, but the wound and guilt didn't sting as much. Euterpe blinked, her smile wide.
"So even our names have reached the reclusive Lord of Fire! It's nice to know we are famous even to you. Yes, our sister is usually at the head of our little group, but she's busy with our father at the moment. They are beginning to allocate the resources for ascribing the tales of Perseus and Zagreus."
"His two sons."
"The very ones. Our father needed to intervene in their early lives…sadly, he's still recovering from the repercussions of it. We would normally have already started our tales and songs."
He blinked, wondering what she meant.
"But I digress," she smiled, her hands unclasping. She curled her right into a fist, the limb trembling as her divinity spread around them.
"But they will be here to greet you in full in a moment. Excuse me for a moment."
She glitched in place for a moment, returning to her smile as she eyed Hephaestus.
"Thank you for waiting."
Her divinity was dragging something in. He stared at her, deciding to change the subject as he cleared his throat.
"Is there a reason they're coming here?"
He was thankful, but the Gods were grandious beings. Coming to a beach to greet guests rather than receive them in the palace in the sky?
Euterpe leaned in close, the music becoming louder, just in case.
"It is best that you keep it to yourself that Olympus was never your goal."
He stilled, eyeing her. The sharp gaze of the muse was dulled a bit with her smile, but the wit was ever present.
"Present yourself as wanting to repay the favor of Zeus' visit. To grant him the chance to grant you the privileges as a guest, as you have for him."
"...I know the laws of Xenia clearly, but such laws of hospitality are finite. Isn't this already pushing the limits of such a practice?" muttered Hephaestus.
"Yes, which reminds me."
Her divinity was dragging one of her sisters by the shoulder. She carried scrolls in one arm, but a massive, actual book in the other. Clio was a tad shorter than her sister, appearing beside her almost immediately. Her chiton was a dull pink, just like her eyes. Her dark hair was disheveled, and her eyes squinting, like she needed a pair of glasses. Her hair flowed all the way down to her lower back in wild, unkept curls, a man that flowed across her shoulders, with tufts of hair framing her face. She couldn't even look at him, her face entirely gold, a contrast to her coloured skin. She suddenly thrust several scrolls in front of him, making even Euterpe raise a brow.
"No, the book is mine!" hissed Clio.
Euterpe groaned, her calm facade completely breaking.
"Sister, we asked for the scrolls. No one wants your book, so long as you don't–"
"Not in front of him!" blushed Clio.
She hugged the book as if it were her lifeline, both arms wrapped around it, keeping the book bound to her chest. Euterpe sighed before noticing the scrolls that were hovering in front of Hephaestus. Her eyes widened.
"...you are sure you wish to give him the original handwritten edi–"
The silent sister glared at her, eyes narrowing. Euterpe smiled, shrugging as she turned to Hephaestus. Her eyes shut in that fox-like manner, her smile turning impish as she bowed to him again.
"It has come to our notice that you, for the most part, are rather uneducated in the more…social graces of the gods. These should help."
He put Eri down for a moment, grabbing a scroll and giving it a brief read. His eyes widened as he realized what they were.
"These…these are historical records….somewhat."
They were ridiculously exaggerated, as most myths were. He eyes the soured expression on Clio's face, cringing a bit.
"I didn't mean to off–"
"It's not your fault," grinded Clio, her voice soft. Her voice was hoarse, as if she had been yelling her whole life, "it's just the way the gods…prefer it. Besides, I have one that I can write to my fullest ability."
Her smile grew distubingly obsessive, her eyes taking on a strange glint. "One without censorship or exaggerations."
She then looked him in the eye, spazzed out, and dispersed with a pop. Eri looked up at him, the father and daughter sharing one brain cell in this instance.
"She was weird," they both thought.
He decided not to dive deeper into the subject. Instead, he nodded to Euterpe in thanks.
"These would be helpful, thank you. Please give Clio my thanks as well."
The fox-like muse smiled even deeper, a joke only she knew about.
"Aunt Hestia and Lord Zeus have been teaching me, but they haven't covered everything," explained Hephaestus.
Zeus only taught him what he found respectful, deigning any other traditions or formalities as dead and gone. To be fair, a good number of them were. Hestia was always helpful, but he visited her rarely, though, and their conversations would be cut short one way or another. These scrolls would be a big help as his business expanded.
Over the years, Zeus and Hestia had filled him in on norms and traditions for the most part, but when it came to divine law, their own experiences were lacking. It wasn't something that could be taught.
He was also pretty sure Zeus was a horrible teacher, but if even Hestia, Ares, and Demeter all struggled to explain it, then it just added to the aggravation.
Divine law remained a rather strange mystery. Their teachings were varied, but the few lessons they had made little sense. His mind was still geared towards a rather human way of looking at the world. The twisted logic the gods ran on could twist and turn in ways that still boggled his mind. Hell, it boggled all of their minds as well.
It got so bad that they had Clio write down any of the ironclad laws that they've discovered over the years. All of it was written in a tome ascribed to the ancient rules.
A rather shoddy name in Hephaestus' opinion, but he digressed. Supposedly, Clio guarded the text, preventing any gods from having simple access to it. Knowledge was power after all, and it was smart for Zeus to keep the advantage. Sadly, there was only one copy and each of the Gods had…well, for lack of a better term, checked out the rules for actual centuries of length.
It was all so infuriating. You'd think an autonomous system would be easier to understand. Yet, the convoluted laws of men made more sense than this disaster.
Why function this way? Why bother reinforcing such strange interpretations of right and wrong in certain circumstances with little explanation?
For instance, depending on the circumstances revolving around the incident, it was entirely possible for one god to harm a human with no repercussions. It was than possible for the god to exact payment for the annoyance of having to smite them.
It was a rather unique circumstance, true, but the sheer absurdity of the concept made him think of those modern legal shows that EMIYA would sometimes watch as a kid. The law was interpreted by people who knew little of it.
He needed a source, something he could study for himself without leaving openings for deals and retribution in some stupid way. The ancient rules would be best, but that book was hoarded. With this, an opportunity just fell into his lap to better arm himself. He eyed the muses, all of the ones that were present. There was something here. This wasn't their will alone.
The thought left him with the sound of thunder, the noise bringing him to his knees, along with everyone else. Even Eri, for all her energy, quickly knelt. She emulated her father down to the same gesture.
Lightning struck the beach with a torrent of force. Eri smiled at the sight, the lightning surging for a moment longer than necessary, the showboat.
"I have arrived!" declared Zeus, stepping out of the lightning. Electricity still curled across his large frame, his blonde hair wild as he smiled at the sight of red hair. He was as large as Hephaestus remembered, the boistrous voice echoing deep in the chests of all present. His yellow chiton surged with electricity. Yet…he was reduced in some way.
He was weaker than normal. Eri didn't notice her father's concerned look, instead looking up with a grin.
"Is that my Granddaughter?" Zeus teased, rubbing his jaw, "Couldn't be, you're too tall to be her? What was her name again?"
Before he could stop her, Eri laughed and launched herself at Zeus. The King of the Gods, the Slayer of Titans, laughed as she barreled into him. He picked her up without a thought, Eri laughing at the little sparks that danced harmlessly on her skin.
"Do the thing, D-do the thing, Grandpa!"
Zeus' smile was broad as an electric buzz hummed in the air. Then Eri's hair poofed up with static.
"Hehehehehehehehehehehe," she laughed as she played with it, looking right into Zeus' eyes.
"Ah, how are you, Eri?!"
"Hmm."
Zeus' face dropped, all the joy sucked away as he gave Eri a droll stare. The voice hummed again, trying to get him to act properly, but he ignored it.
"This is not proper, you know this, Zeus."
He rolled his eyes, hugging Eri a little closer as Hephaestus and the others rose, resting the girl on his forearm like a chair.
Her feet dangled as she grew more solemn. Eri blushed and wilted a bit at her father's stern look, but her expression widened as she beheld the woman who consumed her thoughts as Zeus turned to greet her.
Hera, the queen of the gods. Eri's mouth fell open at the sight. She was beautiful, her brown tresses framing her face perfectly. She seemed more accustomed to jewelry, yet all she wore was a stunning swirl of purple robes, complete with a small crown atop her head. A scepter was held in her hands, a shining jewel socketed within the metal, right at the top. Her face was devoid of expression, a serene indifference that added to her stately aura. Her eyes looked at Eri, never shifting or showing any emotion.
"Proper, this is my Granddaughter!"
Zeus bounced Eri off his arm, grabbing her in mind-air with both hands. He held her as high as his human form would let him hold Eri, smiling at her face even as she grew a bit more uncomfortable.
"Look at her! Hephaestus, you've outdone yourself, my son! Why, she's the equal of my Perseus, I tell you!"
He laughed as he set Eri down, the girl bowing again.
"See! She's respectful. Family is family," intoned Zeus, "we have no…oh sorry, I have no need for this foolishness of familial distancing. You do as you wish, Queen Hera, for your family, and I'll do what's right by mine….did you want to see lightning, Eri?"
Hera scoffed, her eyes twisted at the ignorance of her husband. Eri gave a quick nod as Zeus wiggled his fingers, lightning shooting to the ground with a thunderous applause. It was only for a moment, though. Zeus' brow raised as Eri bowed to him. She turned away from him and shuffled forward, Hera's eyes instantly locking onto the small girl.
"I give my greetings to the Queen of Olympus, health be to you."
Hera blinked, her face softening as she gave a brisk nod.
"Finally, enough of that stuffy annoyance," grinned Zeus.
Eri and Hephaestus grew apprehensive at the obvious jabs Zeus was giving Hera, but they remained silent. Hephaestus was also growing more agitated. Why was Eri not returning to his side? She remained bowing to Hera. It was bad enough that he almost forgot his own greetings.
"My apologies for the sudden arrival," stated Hephaestus as he came closer, bowing to the queen, "my trip was unexpectedly hurried by a Potamoi I–"
He saw the muses in his peripheral vision and smiled.
"Would have sent you notice far earlier. We're days ahead of schedule."
He ignored the way the Muses blinked, staring at him. Ifrit formed in a burst of fire, resting on Hephaestus's shoulder. She perked up at the sound of a screech. Above them, a Rok flew around, a legendary thunderbird. It was an eagle, Zeus' divine beast.
Weirdly enough, it was an animal that was rarely seen, preferring the solitude of storm clouds. Hephaestus smirked a bit as Ifrit suddenly flew to the skies, joining her fellow divine beast.
"I see Vronti has shown himself."
Zeus grinned as he grabbed Hephaestus and brought him in.
"Of course he did! That shy bird never shows himself except to Ifrit. It's rather adorable, actually. Now come on! Hug your father!"
Hephaestus groaned a bit, feeling his ribs creak at the strength of Zeus. He hugged him back, having gotten used to it.
"Come on put your back into it!"
He sighed, squeezing in turn.
"URK!"
Zeus laughed as he heard something crack.
"Ha! That's my boy!"
Pop. The god's ribs came back into place, taking a deep breath and enjoying the presence of his son and granddaughter. He put his fists to his sides, eyeing Hera.
"Now, onto more pleasant matters. Hera, I have it from here."
His wife scoffed, never moving. Zeus' eyes narrowed a the blatant disregard, but his own divinity faltered for a moment.
"It's improper for guest to be received by only one head of the household. They are a guest of Olympus, we must both be present. Especially in your reduced state."
"Careful wife," warned Zeus.
"Grandpa, are you ok?"
THe god blinked, smiling at Eri's concern.
"Sweet child, I am fine. I had to…resolve some things. Your poor cousins almost suffered quite a tragedy. BUT!"
Hera rolled her eyes as Zeus flexed, thunder echoing around him. The muses laughed with their father, one even conjuring two metal discs to slam together for a more thunderous echo.
"They have cymbals?" thought Hephaestus.
"It was a dark and stormy night my dear, my child in danger from my lover's…er…"
He stared at Eri and for once, felt a tad bit of shame for his philandering ways. It dispersed in a second.
"Friend!" he smiled, "yes my lover's friend!"
"...you mean her husband right?" drawled Eri.
"...no," muttered Zeus.
Hera actually cracked a smile, quickly hiding it with a fan. Her husband turned to her, narrowing his eyes but saying nothing.
"Anyone! That damn human threatened my lover and my child, so I had none of it! So I smited the bastard!"
"...actually?" said Eri.
Her suprise was shared by her father. To smite a human was a more involved process than the gods would ever admit to. It was stupid easy in practice, but divine law had a way of twisting things.
On the one hand it made it difficult for the gods to…wlel basically destroy the planet with their stupidity. On the other hand, it made it extremely difficult to actually get involved in mortal affairs….even demi-mortal affairs.
"As if I'd let something like divine law stop me!" declared Zeus with a large grin.
He glitched for a moment, a small groan echoing. His form was unstable, along with his power, divine law enacting it's repercussions for Zeus' involvement.
"Made me miss my damn lightning," grumbled Zeus as he unglitched. "I had to make sure my children were safe…and so, I'm a bit weak right now."
The fact he admitted it was still shocking to Hephaestus.
"Arn't you worried about the other gods?" asked Eri.
He looked at her, kneeling to rub his elbow into Eri's shoulder.
"That's why I have you, isn't it?"
Zeus locked eyes with Hephaestus, his smile becoming more tame, more sincere.
"Family protects family."
Zeus glitched again.
"GAH! That never gets better!"
The king of the Gods stood, undeterred even with the pain. It sucked, a part of him detesting the feeling. But the sight of his sons unfettered…it dulled the pain. Made it manageable.
"Your…heroism aside," muttered Hera, "that's beside the point. We are here to ensure proper etiquette is maintained. Your insistence that we meet them here was already acquiesced to. So please, husband, abide by your station properly."
Hera was nothing if not proper. Hephaestus made to grab Eri but was shocked when Eri shuffled out of his grasp. She looked at him with an expression he couldn't quite place. Something…inquisitive. She looked between all of them, connecting dots he couldn't quite place. Zeus grumbled, but stood and shook his arms. He held them aloft, his smile growing.
"It is my utmost pleasure to welcome you, not as a fellow Olympian, but as a guest in my lands!"
Zeus' smile was infectious, spreading amongst his daughters and the spirits that swelled around them. Their music played again, something soft and sweet.
"I'd bring you to Olympus, but none of us here are really formal people."
Zeus' eyes held a spark of something. Like he knew something no one else did.
"Yes, yes, prim and proper and all that. Besides, I doubt you wish to stay long, my boy. It is to my understanding that you and your daughter are on a grand adventure!"
Eri giggled, nodding.
"We're going to Athens!" she declared.
"Oh ho! Off to see your mother, little spark?"
She nodded. Hephaestus gave her the stink eye. She didn't seem to have any issue with Zeus referring to her as little. Speaking of, the god sighed dramatically, staring into the sky wistfully.
"Ah, what I wouldn't give to adventure with my own young children. I can only spend time with them periodically."
"If you kept your distance properly, you'd have already recovered," stressed Hera, "your flattering station is already causing problems."
"Bah, what's life without a little drama," smirked Zeus.
"Drama?" asked Hephaestus.
"Oh just some routine nonsense. My brothers no longer enjoy the freedom they once had. As King of Olympus, I've made some decrees they've…struggled to accept," he smirked. "Trade deals my boy, if you didn't understand what I meant."
"They don't like your terms?"
"Course not my boy!" said Zeus, slapping his hand on Hepahestus' shoulder, "they'd rather everything be free for them as it used to be! But…well, the family discount…is for family."
He said it, staring directly at Hera as he did. She grimaced slightly, for once unable to maintain her gaze with another. She was usually the victor, the unyielding force. Yet, ever since Typhon, the unrelenting storm that was her husband, finally reared its head towards her and her siblings.
To say it had been unpleasant was putting it lightly. Zeus snapped back to his joyful grandpappy energy, eyeing Eri.
"So how's my little spark been, hmm? It's been ages since we last saw each other!"
"You saw me eight months ago, Grandpa!"
Hephaestus was still not a hundred percent comfortable with Eri being so close to Zeus. Yet, the god beamed at being called Grandpa, his grin wide and true. The lightning that sparked in his hair turned yellow in joy.
"Oh, that's an age in and of itself! I saw Perseus just days passed. My boy's growing big, but I think you've got a few inches on him yet."
Hephaestus stalled, eyeing the God. Even now, he seemed so different than anything he would have expected. Hera sighed, rubbing her brow.
"I've told you time and time again, you are a danger to your child if you keep being so close! They are not like Eri, Zeus. They absorb your energy and will die if you don't keep your distance."
He scoffed, tossing his hands up.
"Such ridiculous circumstances! Why I killed a python that almost ate my dear Zagreus, barely felt a tickle!"
He glitched again.
"Hmm." Hera stared at him like he was an idiot, which he was. Even Hephaestus could feel the way Zeus' divinity was in flux. Much more, and Zeus may not be able to maintain a corporeal form, a key advantage of being a God.
"The repercussions can be greater if you're not careful. There's still a lot we don't know in regards to Demigods and their circumstances. Young Eri is the outlier, not the norm. So pace yourself, husband…lest you lose a child."
For once, he could hear concern in Hera's tone. Even Zeus sighed, turning to Eri. He lifted her, Eri grinning without a care. But even her energy became muted as he looked upon her wistfully.
"A shame that I can hold you like this almost whenever," sighed Zeus, "yet my sons barely know my face."
"...I'm sorry, Grandpa," whispered Eri, putting a small hand on his arm. Zeus smiled widely. He hugged her close, sighing in regret.
"Such is the lot of life, my dear! We can never prepare for the winds of change, nor how turbulent they can become! Live every day like it's your last, and you will never tire of the zest of life!"
Hera seemed less than enthralled with her husband's laughing.
"Zeus…stop wasting time. We are here for a reason."
"You are here for a reason," chuckled Zeus airily, smiling with Eri, "I'm here for my granddaughter…but you have a point." Zeus cleared his throat, the once easy-going posture shifting to a more rigid stance. A stately tone echoed as he reached out to Hephaestus and Eri. "In accordance with the ancient laws, gifts are to be expected, of course," smiled Zeus, "neither of us cares for procedure, nor do we have an audience to cater to, so we'll skip that."
Hera actually groaned. Her mouth was closed, but she looked up to the heavens, wondering what she had done to earn the punishment. Yes, the irony was lost on her. Hephaestus, however, was uncomfortable for an entirely different reason now. He sweated a bit, concerned about what sort of stupid gifts the gods could conjure up when left unattended.
He couldn't actually say that, though. Much like his mother, his face was the picture of calm, even though internally he was anything but.
"...but gifts seem a little much. Isn't that only for–"
Zeus smirked as he interrupted his son, a single snap of his fingers echoing like thunder.
"Did you not forge me a symbol of power, demanding nothing in return? Did you not provide Hera with her own materials to create her own?"
To his utter shock, even Hera nodded. It was begrudging, but a nod all the same.
"No matter the name you call it, Hephaestus, you've given a gift. A tradition on Mount Olympus is to always give a gift in return. A gift for a gift. It prevents…unexpected favors."
He had never actually considered that. The idea that a God could simply give their power to another and then demand compensation without cause. It would explain Demeter's hesitance in regards to him and why Poseidon seemed so on edge. Zeus smiled, enjoying the way the gears within Hephaestus' head moved.
"It has taken me some years to figure out a decent gift for you, my son. It unfortunately cost you these supposed favors, but let's be honest, you were never going to use them!"
That was true. He didn't even know they existed.
"Behold!" declared Zeus, pride in every word, "the perfect gift!"
He snapped his fingers, and a woman appeared.
Eri and Hephaestus stared blankly at Zeus.
She looked like an ocean nymph, yet her body was covered by a strange mist, leaving only her face discernible. Wavy blue hair and eyes as clear as a navy sky. She was bubbly, smiling awkwardly.
"Well!"
"Oh god," thought Hephaestus, "that moron gifted me a woman."
Zeus pouted a bit, playfully at first. His pout squeezed into a sweat as he eyed the dead looks from both Eri and Hephaestus. They looked upon the nymph like she was something…the thought hit Zeus, and Hephaestus started to speak.
"...Lord Ze–"
"Eh HEM!"
Hephaestus grimaced as he coughed.
"...um…father, I am a taken man."
"...well of course you are?" he muttered quizzically, "do you think I'd subject a poor nymph to Hecate's unique wrath? Heavens no! You…oh, right. Hephaestus, meet Cabeiro!"
He blinked. Eri looked between Zeus and Hera. Hera snapped her fingers.
"Husband…he doesn't know what you've done. Explain yourself before you embarrass this nymph further."
"That's a nymph?" Hephaestus muttered, "I could have sworn she was an air spirit of some kind?"
"She has some talent manipulating mist, like Iris does. Not to her grand extent, but enough."
It slowly started to dawn on Hephaestus what Zeus had done. Cabeiro smiled as her form shimmered, revealing the faces and images of countless gods and even some divinely connected mortals.
"...is she?"
Zeus smirked as Hephaestus' eyes widened.
"It took some years, my boy, but I've managed to gather enough people and resources to create your very own access to the network Iris has created. Through Cabeiro, you will have access to all the requests from Gods and mortals alike that have use of Iris' services, without the hassle of having to manage them or have them intrude on your lands. It protects the mortals, buffers you from outside influences, and, more importantly, no one enters your home with the excuse of having requested your services! She also makes nectar, too."
Gratitude. It swelled within him right from the heart. It was thoughtful, considerate, and assisted Hephaestus entirely in his endeavors while maintaining his desire for seclusion, to a degree. He looked to Zeus…and saw everything. Hera twitched at seeing her husband's core, and her eyes widened.
He could see it in the core that Zeus showed him. This was genuine, pure, and true. It was even done with oaths that should their standing change from one another, that this network would remain untouched by Zeus' own influence.
It wasn't just a show of strength, but a sacrifice. Favours and demands that were not done in service for himself, but for another. It wasn't just his own favors that were consumed, they were mostly Zeus'. This was not a temporary service, but one that was induced and embedded into the structure of Olympus.
"...I…I don't know what to say," whispered Hephaestus.
"Say nothing and just accept it. Now, before you simmer down and question anything, Cabeiro does this of her own free will. Actually, she volunteered."
"Volunteered?" says Hephaestus as he looks at her, "Why? .
"My old employment did not give me much opportunity to expand my own influence, sir," she bowed deeply, "it is my hope that through you, I can develop my own standing outside the sea. I much prefer the duties of attending to your orders, as Zeus calls it, than my previous responsibilities."
"...I see…you understand that the content of the contracts and their payments are entirely to be kept to yourself, yes?"
The bubbly Nymph's eyes turned sharp, an edge to her smile as she giggled.
"Don't worry, sir. Not even the likes of retribution can harm me."
A comparison…but one that implied Zeus' full knowledge of why Hephaestus was beginning to open his services to others. He did not need drachmae or any other currency. Instead, he was looking to offset Nemesis's own network of favors and demands. One thread at a time.
"Now, onto Eri!"
"Let's not be rash," drawled Hephaestus, holding up a hand, all gratitude absent.
Eri grinned, wide and shark-like.
"Nonsense!" declared Zeus, "Eri is our guest and she deserves a gift. Now, as she is a child, the reciprocation of a gift is not expected from her, obviously."
It also didn't hurt that Eri couldn't actually use divine law to her advantage.
That quelled some concerns, but now Hephaestus was worried about what stupidly obtuse thing his daughter would demand. He had tried his best to be a stern father for her, but…Hecate was surprisingly less than helpful on that front.
She was stern, to a point. But whenever Eri wanted something, it would mysteriously find its way to his daughter's hands. Hell, she demanded a dragon one time, and a damn little lizard was given to her not three days later. The debacle of finding a proper home for the newborn was nothing compared to the distraught tears in Eri's eyes.
It took bringing her to Demeter's to meet her own beasts, extracting a promise of pets and visits, for Eri's despair to quell…and for Hecate to allow him back in her bed. As adorable as it was, Eri could not take care of an animal.
The countless dead fish in her wake spoke to her sporadic attention span.
"I demand the gift of speech!" smiled Eri.
Hephaestus' brain fizzled out.
"The what?" he thought.
"The what?" asked Zeus.
Hera chuckled. It was an actual laugh that made Zeus and Hephaestus' heads creak slowly to the sound, disbelief fresh on their faces. Even Hephaestus' stoic defenses fell short of the utter blasphemy of a smile on Hera's face, slight as it was. Neither had ever heard the sound in their life. It wasn't boisterous like Zeus, chittery like Hermes, nor as arid as Artemis' own.
Rather, it was melodious, not unlike Apollo's. A soft weave amongst the wind. Her eyes alight with mischief as she eyed Eri fully.
"Quite the clever child, aren't you," she whispered, "to invoke the gift of speech…you must have something you want to ask, that you're uncertain about."
She turned to Zeus. She rolled her eyes.
"The gift of speech is derived from an old Titan tradition husband. Mother taught us all before…"
She took a breath, eyeing Eri. Suddenly, a fan snapped open, her eyes narrowing playfully as she realized something.
"It cannot be our…King," she muttered, "no. You have him wrapped around your finger."
Zeus scowled a bit, annoyed at the entirely untruthfulstatement.
"It cannot be your mother, nor Hecate. You would have no reason to invoke the gift."
Her fan opened, spread open with peacock feathers as she lazily waved it.
"So it is me you seek to question, is it?"
Eri gulped…yet she nodded. Hephaestus' eyes were wide, staring into his daughter's side, where her eyes refused to meet his.
"So ask away, child, I admit I'm curious….though," muttered Hera, looking to the side, "I think I may know what you wish to ask."
Eri opened her mouth, her focus full as she tried not to stutter.
"A-a-are you my grandmother?/Am I your grandmother?"
Hera's words overlapped Eri's own, overpowering the human's tone with the strength of her certainty.
"She's doing that annoying thing again," muttered Zeus to Hephaestus, "that finishing the other person's sentence. She's never failed at it."
He looked to his son, utter disappointment oozing from every bit of his posture.
"It's disturbing, if I'm being honest."
Hephaestus, however, was simply not having it.
"Eri! How could you ask such a thing!"
She turned to her father, pouting, before turning back to Hera, curiosity written all over her face.
"By technicality," muttered Hera, "I suppose I would be, in the context of human relationships. Now…your next question…yes…"
Eri blushed, but her next question barreled out without a thought.
"Does that mean my dad is your son?/Does that mean Hephaestus is my son?"
Eri stalled, her face turning red as she pouted. Yet, to Hera's quiet amusement, the girl attempted to pull her emotions back. It was a rather cute display.
"...am I that o-o-obvious?" muttered Eri.
"Quite," smirked Hera, the fan closing from her face, "if I were to estimate your reasonings…your father likely has not discussed anything of his relationships with others. You've learned that Ares was his brother, and though Zeus calls him son, it is obvious to anyone that he shares more of his physical traits with me. The lack of discussion has brought you to here, with me, taking advantage of the gift of speech to ask without repercussions or emotional turmoil."
Eri blinked, paling a bit. She realized very quickly that this wasn't going at all like she planned. She was supposed to be in control of the situation, taking advantage of the queen's arrogance. But there was none to behold, no arrogance to grip. Instead, it was the cold, deadly experience of a slayer of titans before her.
Hera's eyes narrowed, a playful tint to them. Daring her, egging her, to say what she really wanted to ask, what she really wanted to know. Her heart beat in her chest, Eri's mind immediately stating the stupidity of asking such a thing of the queen of the Gods.
"Eri, whatever questions you have, I will answer," said Hephaestus, "but please, keep your mouth shut. Lady Hera, I apologize profusely."
Her father bowed again. The sight made her fume. He was the strongest there was…yet here he was, bowing to the woman who had abandoned him. She had heard rumors throughout the years. Hurtful comments from the witches, questions from the mortals…a few choice words from the rare times Hermes had visited.
She looked up, locking eyes with Hera's now disinterested eyes.
"...Why did you abandon my father?" she demanded.
The air went quiet. The fan was done away with entirely, leaving Hera's bored expression.
"...that's all you wanted to know? Pity, I was expecting something a little more belligerent from a mortal as youthful as you," she admitted.
"What?" asked Eri.
Hera scoffed.
"I don't hide my disdain for your father, girl. Never have. You wish for the truth?" asked Hera, "Very well then. Your father is a mistake."
Eri's face fell. Hera ignored Zeus' glare but was, ironically, impressed with Hephaestus' indifferent facade. He didn't hesitate, standing behind Eri. Hera continued as if this was the same as stating the sky was blue and the grass was green. A statement of fact, nothing more. Not a horrendous thing, not an unspeakable sin.
"He shouldn't exist. I had hoped he'd be erased, but alas, the fates had other plans in store for him. Shocking, considering where I had disposed of him."
"You…tried to kill him?"
Eri's face turned pale.
"Kill is a rather inaccurate description," sighed Hera, "it implies I wanted to leave anything behind. Erase is much more accurate."
"You actually threw him away," whimpered Eri, her face exploding in rage, "that's! That's evil! That's wrong! That's–hmmm!"
Hephaestus' calloused hands covered his daughter's face. His body wrapped around Eri, his divinity swirling around him, puffs of fire igniting the air. Zeus stood behind him, his own divinity in play. Even though Zeus' power fluctuated heavily with his transgressions, the two of them were more than a match for the queen.
Not that it was needed. Hera smiled, not bothering to hide it. It was a small thing, barely a twitch of her lips, never touching her eyes. Yet, for Hephaestus, it was the first smile he had seen. If anything, it seemed almost prideful.
"The duty of a child," smiled Hera, "is to honor their parent."
She would have laughed at the smith's confused and worried expression. Her smile was open, but beneath hid machinations even Hephaestus couldn't consider.
"She worships you. Don't punish her foolishness too much, she only wished to learn that which you refused to share."
She clapped her hands, and an attendant appeared beside her. Hera looked to Eri, the shadows around her warping a bit.
"I extend you this mercy only once, Eri, for services rendered."
Eri was agape, wondering what it was that Hera was going on about.
"I extend you this mercy, as your father saw, rightfully, to keep our….relation, to himself. Still…I admit some warmth to you, girl."
Hera signed a scroll that an attendant bore to her, they could all feel a subtle shift as the scroll shimmered with divine energy. Hera continued writing, her eyes never leaving the scroll as she spoke. "You have acted in such a way that any parent would be warmed by, even me. But your words cease here. Any further insult…will be met with proper retaliation, regardless of the gods you have in your corner. You'll find me a far more cunning viper than the ilk that typically surrounds you…as Hecate can attest to."
Eri stiffened, her eyes wide.
"Let this be a lesson to you," stated Hera, "you represent your father in all ways. Your conduct, your words, your actions carry consequences beyond you. If I so saw fit, I could have used you to enact greater restrictions on your father. Perhaps even limit him from the council, if not for his own merit."
Zeus blinked and even Hephaestus faltered for a moment. The Queen of the Heavens addressed her unwanted child fully, her eyes never leaving his own. "Still so emotional," thought Hera. She eyed her fellow Olympian, noting the way he was ready to kill her should the need arise. Beneath her calm facade would be a smirk, if she felt so inclined.
"You've done well," muttered Hera, "that much I will admit to you. As a fellow Olympian, there are no flaws in your conduct. Certainly better than others. The fact that you raised your daughter with our separation clear in mind is another point in your favor. She is curious about you, so do not punish her. Do that…and I will forgive the transgressions."
She smirked as she turned, eyeing her husband. All her confidence fizzled at Zeus' dark expression, the way his once yellow eyes darkened like thunder clouds. She said nothing, turning to her attendant.
"We meet with Hecate now. Begin preparations."
The attendant nodded, leaving Hera with her final address.
"I do not hate you, Hephaestus, nor your daughter. Of that you can be certain. It is merely that you should not exist. However, as you have shown us all, life finds a way. Now, I must take my leave," she explained, turning in the cardinal direction of Hecate's home.
Hephaestus stiffened as he realized what had happened, why Hera even bothered showing up. He looked down at his daughter…and sighed. They'd been played, right from the beginning. It didn't matter that Hera forgave Eri's transgressions with Hephaestus…she was likely going to use it against Hecate.
He didn't really know how she'd do it, but it would likely abuse the relationship between master and student. Eri must have drawn the same conclusion, paling further. Zeus grumbled, the thunder clouds above them disappearing.
"She's quite the…person, isn't she," he muttered weakly.
"She is," sighed Hephaestus, lifting Eri up. He didn't care what divine law Hera enforced upon them, he was going to have words with Eri. His daughter couldn't look at him, her fatal flaw full and clear.
Hubris. The hubris of believing that at the ripe age of nine, she was somehow able to contend in a battle of wits with creatures centuries her senior. It was doable, but unlikely….as Eri had just learned. Her raw intellect was honestly greater than Hephaestus' own, a testament to Athena's own immense wit.
But, to err was human, to have faults mortal. Even in the case of Athena, there was no such thing as an all-encompassing intellect. Odysseus was considered the smartest man of Greek myth, but that did not make him the equal of Daedalus, nor vice versa.
He wanted to actually punish Eri…and Hephaestus couldn't. He physically could, nothing could stop him…but Hera's words echoed in his mind. Even the slightest opening, and she would abuse it. Her goodwill, likely a mask. While Gods could not lie, they could easily misdirect. He couldn't trust her social cues…so instead, he put it away, for now.
His smile turned bitter as he realized this was Hera's punishment. This constant torture in his mind and worry for the future.
Eri was in no mood to talk either, looking away from him even as she sought solace in his arms.
"Still," said Zeus, looking to the skies, "hopefully the scrolls from Clio will prepare you both for more of the future. Your clients will pull their own teeth out if only to reduce what they'd deservingly owe you. Shame," shrugged Zeus, "if this had been your plan all along, I could have avoided all of this."
"...you knew?" asked Hephaestus.
"About you passing Olympus entirely? Of course, my boy. I know you well enough. Coming here just brings unnecessary hurdles to your visit to Athena."
Zeus snapped his fingers, the ocean nymph bowing as she dispersed.
"I almost couldn't get her summoned," admitted Zeus, "a little short notice even for her. Transplanting ocean nymphs is rather complicated without Poseidon's express permission."
"..."
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
Eri snuggled into Hephaestus' chest more, trying her best to bury herself away from it all.
"You're angering Poseidon for me, even bolstering my divinity with your own with Hera…why are you helping me?" asked Hephaestus, exhausted emotionally from it all.
He didn't want games…so Zeus gave him none.
"Because you are family," smiled Zeus.
He laughed at the confused look. The way his newest son couldn't grasp the idea of family was so sad, but also hilarious, that it made him chuckle a bittersweet one. He clasped his hands on Hepahestus' shoulders.
"You fought Typhon for me."
Eri stiffened, her eyes snapping open, her ears attentive.
"You did. You inspired my children to step up. You know what you said to me, as you lay dying."
Eri stiffened.
"Zeus–"
"Do you know what you said to me?"
For once, Hephaestus let himself be dragged by the flow of the conversation, any thoughts for the future or considerations for politics absent from his thoughts.
"I said not to be like Kronos," he whispered.
"Yes," said Zeus, poking him on the chest, "you told me not to be like that…thing. I almost was. I was right there on the precipice of it. I had Ares in front of me, and my thoughts were only concerned about hurting my siblings."
Zeus smiled, the electricity across his form seeping seamlessly into Hephaestus' body. Eri noted it, her eyes studying the strange phenomenon. After all, the divinity of gods didn't simply seep into something so easily.
"Hephaestus, you didn't just give me perspective," smiled Zeus, "you gave me a family. I saw that day that family was more than just blood…it was a choice. Just as you chose to stand by my side…I've chosen to stand by yours. Now, we'll disagree," smirked Zeus, "oh, we will disagree! But you've always made it known where you stand. Shadowy remarks or false emotions were never your forte, but that's beside the point. With you…I know where I stand."
Zeus stood before him, a proud smile forming.
"Hera is a fool. I promise you, anyone would be proud to call you son. I know I am."
His hand was warm on Hephaestus' shoulder…and for once, it felt right. The awkwardness of wondering what it was that Zeus was after had faded for the most part. For all that Zeus' core made his sincerity obvious, Hephaestus was more of the material world than the ethereal one.
"My boy," smiled Zeus, "I always thought that I was close to my children…but you showed me how wrong I was. These last few years…I've really gotten to know Artemis, Apollo, and yes, even Ares. The family that I was looking for in my siblings…it was there with them, with you."
Zeus smirked.
"My siblings had their chance, so if I can give you the tools you need to fight Nemesis and give Poseidon a bloody nose for it? Well, why wouldn't I!"
He shook Hepahestus' shoulders before waving his hands. The air around them shimmered as Zeus moved them, and for once, it didn't make Hephaestus almost barf, which was new. They were placed at the very edge of Olympus territory, the doorstep of Thessaly. The region was covered in woods with naught a human settlement in any foreseeable direction by human eyes. A trip that would have taken days on foot, reduced to seconds.
Hephaestus looked to the god who was slowly becoming something of a father figure.
"I've…never had someone take care of me before," admitted Hephaestus, "so…thank you, for helping."
Zeus clapped him on the shoulder, a small smile on his face.
"I know you're not one for physical touch, my boy, nor for long-winded words of affection. So go, Athens awaits you. It's become an actual city now, under Athena's grace."
"It was a city before," muttered Hephaestus.
"Well, by their definition, perhaps, but the humans are slowly developing civilization into something interesting. Enjoy your trip, Granddaughter."
Hephaestus hesitated for a moment…before awkwardly bringing Zeus in for a hug. The god blinked before chuckling as she hugged back. It was a quiet moment, soft smiles as the two separated.
"Now, believe it or not, I have actual duties to attend to. Do what you must…and know that the winds will always be in your favor."
Lightning struck beside them harmlessly, and Zeus was gone. Eri moved to get out of her father's grip, but for once, his arms were unyielding. The warmth that used to feel so peaceful felt suffocating. She was breathing heavily, but Hephaestus didn't let her go. He wouldn't until they made camp for the night much later.
-With Hera-
To say she was disappointed was an understatement. She had agreed to meet Hecate on her terms, in her place of power. It was a show of respect, yes, but also to prevent any ludicrous thoughts of advantages and what now, once they started to get down to the more… undesirable parts of the deal.
They were in the clearing of Hecate's current abode. She was reading the scroll that Hera had written only a few hours ago. It was the third time she was reading it, double-checking for any flaws. Hera remained seated in a chair her servants had brought, sipping from a cup. Her attendant, a wood nymph, remained by her side, a serious expression on her face.
She was ready to fight if need be. Hecate kept reading, her eyes narrowing more and more as she read through it.
"...You're serious?" scowled Hecate.
"I am."
"These demands are…"
"Fair," stated Hera, "I am not the chthonic goddess who has decided to venture and stay out of the underworld. The ancient laws, our divine laws, are clear."
A book shimmered beside Hera, thick and worn.
"Check yourself, if you feel so inclined."
The Witch Queen narrowed her eyes, but remained silent. Hera took another sip of her drink, eyeing Hecate.
I've sought ways to free my brother from the constraints of the Underworld," explained Hera, "to no avail, of course. Yet, you are able to walk free simply due to the technicalities of your domain."
"That is no fault of man," scoffed Hecate, putting the scroll to the side. One of her witches delicately lifted the scroll, carefully rolling it back to a pristine state.
"No, they are not," agreed Hera, "However, consider these demands as a reflection of the difficulty of your request."
"They are well within my domains! These acquisitions are entirely beyond any scope of fair!"
Hera rolled her eyes.
"They are well within your domains, yes. Yet, you seek a deal with Olympus to create a….what did you call it? Ah, yes, The Crossroads."
Hera held out her hand, the wood nymph conjuring a jug. Red wine was poured within the cup, Hera swirling it before taking a small sip.
"You are the Goddess of Boundaries. I have little doubt you've surmised a way to connect your crossroads to the land of the underworld and the mortal realm, creating a fixed point in which you never have to return to the underworld, as you would technically be connected to it."
The goddess of witches scoffed. Hera was always so annoying to deal with, not because she was petty or vindictive, though she was both those things, but because she cut off every argument one could make on any political ground.
"I am not the one looking to create a permanent home elsewhere," muttered Hera, "you were lucky enough to get an island that stayed the process for a time. So long as you have students and are searching for regents, the mortal world is yours to walk. But you want more…and hence we are here. Agree to the terms, or tear it up, I don't care which. Just do not mistake me for a fool that will shoulder the divine consequences of what you're doing."
Hecate's frustration was not just her own, her witches knew better than to speak in this moment…though…the stragglers of Circe's inner circle still remained, even these years later. A chance, a possibility, one that was taken. The woman stepped up, homely and normal. Nothing was unusual or exemplary about her. She sneered, opening her mouth.
"We know how restrictive you are," stated the witch, "all we have to–"
Flick. Squelch.
Hecate shut her eyes, screwing them shut as the headless body of one of her students fell to the ground. There was nothing left of her skull, pure divinity erasing it from her shoulders. The rest of her students stiffened as Hera looked lazily at the smoking body.
"There's always one," she muttered, "Eri's rudeness has been made up for."
Hera's smile turned predatory,
"But that witch was beyond the pale," smiled Hera, the woman entirely in her element, "concessions would have to be made for such…rude behaviour."
The authority of the gods was not something that was overbearing in everyday moments. Instead, its sinister presence made itself known in times like this, where even the slightest action against them could be taken to rather odd extremes. The clever ones, like Hera, were the most dangerous.
"...what do you actually want?" muttered Hecate, "these demands are too numerous and ridiculous to even consider, and you know that."
"Do I?" drawled Hera.
"You do…so what do you want?"
"If I said to leave Hepha–"
"Never happening," stated Hecate firmly.
It wasn't even a thought. The idea of having to go back to the Realm of Hades on a more permanent basis was a better alternative than the thought with Hephaestus and Eri being ripped from her life.
She knew she had made a mistake the moment Hera actually smiled.
"Cute. Well then, perhaps a more…formal alliance would have to do."
She stiffened. She had always remained neutral. Yet, she knew this day would come. The day she would have to choose between Olympus, Atlantis, or Hades. To be fair, Olympus was, unironically, the best choice.
Poseidon's realm lacked a diversity of regents. Not to mention that the king's own lackadaisical attitude most days meant that she could trade for what she needed from the ocean. Hades, while a great boss, was in the end a cage. Not to mention that Hades ruled with an iron fist. She wouldn't be able to practice witchcraft with him at the helm. Only things that bettered the realm would be in her purview.
As a goddess of magic and witchcraft…that wasn't going to happen. That left Olympus. But that came with its own problems.
"I want you," stated Hera, "to enact a border."
"...excuse me?"
"Create a space for us," she stated, "and I will allow you to create your crossroads, barring some exceptions to its creation."
"Like?"
"You cannot bear entry to me, your liaison. I would normally allow all Olympians free access, but…"
Hera sneered in disgust, both she and Hecate sharing a knowing look.
"Agreed," muttered Hecate.
"You will provide me a portion of the regents you grow here, specifically those of the cthonic variety, for my own experimentations."
"..."
That was a much harder sell…but one Hecate nodded to. Some of those regents took time, but their loss was bearable.
"Finally, you are to be available for any commission the gods demand of you. You can, of course, reject specific opportunities, but be aware of the consequences."
On the surface, it meant being a lap dog of Olympus. Yet, in practice, with divine law, she needs only to heed the request, not actually fulfill it. But as Hera said, the consequences of doing so were on her head. It all connected seamlessly, so Hecate narrowed her eyes.
"What sort of boundary do you demand for me to make?"
Hera leaned in, granting her a single leaf of papyrus. This was written by hand, not by divine will. Hecate's eyes widened.
"You cannot be serious? This would take everything I have…"
Hera smirked. She could feel the way the gears turned in Hecate's head. The way she slowly began to rationalize to herself the need for such a place. After all, Hecate had a child of her own now. What sort of mother wouldn't want to have a safe place for her daughter to be trained and looked after when they were busy?
It was a monumentous task, one that required expertise the gods simply couldn't have. Only Hecate did. But it required sacrifice, a great deal of the queen of witches' power. A sacrifice she normally would never give in any circumstances. Not even for a permanent home.
Hera's smirk grew as Hecate looked at her.
"...when do I start?"
Hera hummed, finishing off her drink. She had quite a lot to thank Eri for, it would seem. Perhaps a flower made for the girl. It was thanks to her that Hera got everything she could have ever wanted from the ever-stingy witch of the crossroads.
There was no greater weakness than love.
"After we make a…few more deals," smiled Hera, giving an attendant her cup, "then we can talk about what we need for this…camp."
-With Hephaestus and Eri-
The fire between them burned strongly, the warmth cascading around them as it always did. The stars above Eri's head burned bright, the tapestry of chaos ablaze across the sky. She always loved staying out at night, seeing the stars above. She would lie between her father and mother (Hecate), and enjoy the stories and love they shared.
Tonight, even with the fire, it was cold. Hephaestus had caught fish and was cooking them on sticks over the fire. He seasoned them, keeping a bulk of the portions for Eri as he always did. She never finished, but considering her heightened physiology, he never wanted her to go hungry.
They were across from each other, sitting on the ground. Eri's pack was beside her, opened with a small cloth blanket that Hephaestus had sewn for her. His face was as calm as ever, but his eyes held a weight to them, burdened with his thoughts.
"...Dad."
"..."
"...Papa," whimpered Eri.
His eyes closed. He hadn't meant to punish her with his silence, but any words that came out threatened to bark more than he would ever mean. His reprimand needed to be a lesson, something that would stick to Eri's morals. It was important that she learn from this, and not simply bear the brunt of her father's anger. It was foolish and stupid to allow Eri the opportunity for a gift. He had been reading the scrolls when they first made camp, finding the section that discussed traditional gifts. The age of Titans was rife with combat, but even they carried a smidgeon of traditions.
The Gift of Food was the demand for a spread as a guest.
The Gift of Surprise was leaving the gift up to the host. This was the most common, as it severed any possibility for future favors.
Then, the gift of speech. A holdover from the Era of Titans. It was used when broaching sensitive topics. It was done away with for the most part, as conflict was inherent to the gods. Trying to avoid it only made it fester and worsen over time.
Which means that Eri only learned it from Hecate. He needed to have a talk with her, but about what? That she was teaching Eri? In the end, the knowledge was used by Eri herself, not to further her own ambitions, nor to grant herself more power.
She had done it because she was curious about him. Which led to his quiet contemplation. Did he tell her? That he was an amalgamation? That he carried memories of an immortal soldier whose mind was broken? That he was an abandoned son?
Where did it end? There were aspects of his story that he genuinely saw no need to go into. How did you explain all that he was to an adult, much less a child? But, he couldn't be silent forever.
"Eri," he muttered.
She perked up instantly, a piece of fish stuck in her mouth. She basically inhaled it as she tilted her head down, keeping her eyes on him.
"...what made you believe that you could control anything of that conversation?"
"I was just asking questions," she muttered, "that was the goal anyway."
He took a breath.
"I am not Hecate. Do not lie to me. I can see it on your face."
"...they talk about you," she muttered, "the other witches. They call you a bastard…that you aren't worthy of mom."
…the fuck?
She couldn't laugh at her father's shocked face. He looked as if he had just imbibed sour vinegar, so complete was his confusion. It didn't make any sense? Why would anyone go to such drastic measures?
"You wanted to…prove them wrong?" he whispered.
She nodded.
"If I proved you weren't a bastard, they wouldn't call you nameless, or-or son of none!"
Her eyes filled with tears.
"You're awesome! You make me laugh, and you-you help people and-and–"
Her words became watery with her tears.
"You were always there!" she said, "you-you didn't l-leave like mother did."
Athena. At first, he thought it would have been easier just to play pretend with Hecate, but the ramifications for that were unknowable. Not to mention that EMIYA had lived without the knowledge of his own birth parents. While it never bothered the man in life, it had always been a question that would crop up every now and again.
It was a question he didn't want Eri to wonder about…though it carried its own consequence.
"Eri," he whispered.
"When-when she just said she threw you away, it felt-it felt…"
Couldn't finish, she didn't need to. He simply stood, and wrapped her in a hug.
"I'm-I'm sorry! I'm really sorry! It-it won't happen ever again! I promise! Just don't leave me!"
"I promise you," whispered Hephaestus, holding her, "that I will never leave. Never."
Her tears didn't stop, but her grip tightened on her father's chiton. He rubbed her back softly, looking down at her with a smile.
"I will never lie to you, Eri…but there are aspects of my history that I don't think need be shared. My life with you is all I need."
She looked up, her eyes narrowed.
"B-but you fought Typhon!"
….His gaze slowly fell as Eri grew mad instead of sad. She beat her tiny fists on his chest, her tears pooling in her eyes.
"You-you've done so much and-and I barely know any of it! It's not fair! I wanna share stories to!"
His gaze completely went dull, his brain attempting to follow the childish logic her brain operated on.
"I…I want people to know you!" she whispered, "not just at home, but everywhere! They…they say you hurt Mother, that you're ugly! That you forced Aphrodite to marry you!"
His brow sweated a bit.
"The myths spread that fast? Do the gods have nothing better to do than spread gossip?"
"Surely Hecate has set it straight," he smiled.
"She did! But they won't be quiet! It–"
"Wait," he interrupted, holding her out from him. Her face fell as she realized where this was going, "is that why you fought Agleia? Because she said something about me?"
"...no." she muttered.
"Eri," he sighed, "humans, witches, and even monsters will have their stories about anything. Hell, the world believes that Zeus created men for gods' sake."
She pouted crossing her arms.
"But they're…they're mean! They needed to be punished!"
"We'll be having a talk about this, but for tonight…get some rest," he said, "tomorrow we cut through Thessily's territory."
He never bothered to pray. His gut told him all he needed to know. As they lay under the stars, Eri snored away on his chest. As they got up and cleaned up camp. As they made through the woods onto a beaten path, Hephaestus knew.
His luck would always rear its head.
"GET MOVING!"
He closed his eyes as Eri's went wide. They had been walking down the beaten road, both wearing the modified Chiton that bore a hood. Further up the path was a man. He rode a carriage pulled by horses. The beasts were in a lazy trot, nothing but the carriage and the man being pulled. In front of them was a group of people, all young and able-bodied.
WOO-TSSH!
The whip in the man's hand cracked against a slave's back, bringing the poor man down to his knees. Blood oozed as tears flowed down his face, Hephaestus' grip tightening.
"...Dad," whispered Eri, grabbing at his clothes, "what is this?"
He knew the practice was around, but seeing it in front of him was something that would always boil his blood. Lemnos as a community entertained the idea once.
ONCE.
The very thought of it revolted him, the concept reminding him of Alaya's own unmoving chains. There was only one time that he had ever declared anything in Lemnos, and it was the abolishment and banishment of such a practice.
"Eri."
She quickly moved behind her father, her hood falling. The driver sneered as he saw the child. Hair that was entirely inhuman, golden eyes that were just the prettiest he had ever seen. A girl like that would set a man like him up for life. He grinned, noting the father. Sure, he was large. Larger than a good number of men, but the mercenaries he had riding in the back would make quick work of him.
Still, a deal could be made.
"HEEL!" yelled the man, the horses digging in their hooves. His men all looked at Eri, the poor girl shivering a bit. Her defiant look only made them grin.
A young woman fell to her knees and looked at Hephaestus. She saw underneath the hood, the golden eyes and red hair. Yet, the words that left her mouth were far from expected.
"Run!" she yelled, her hair a mess, her lips chapped, "run away now! These men are slavers! They–!"
The sound of the whip cracked out and she flinched. Yet, the pain never came. She flinched, startled as she saw the man now in front of her, his hand gripping the whip, his eyes ever forward. He looked down. Technically speaking, slavery came in two forms. Indentured servitude and those who were forcibly interred.
This was obviously the second one.
"Do you all have a place to return to?"
A few nodded, two shook their heads.
"Understood. Eri."
"I got it, papa!"
Hephaestus pulled the whip right out of the driver's weak hand, his face red with fury.
"What the hell are you idiots doing! Kill him!"
Hephaestus tepped out of her view, leaving only the bubbly red-haired child in front of her. The woman's arms were bound in thick rope, her skin blistered from her attempts to escape.
"Child, you need to go, I–"
Bzzt!
The poor woman's eyes bulged as she stared at the ropes splitting apart, a surge of green energy ripping the material to pieces. She looked between that and the child, noting the little girl's wide smile.
"I'm fine. Papa's the strongest!"
The girl turned, her eyes widening further. One armored man was held by the throat, the bone snapping as Hephaestus finished him. Another charged at him, the blade being caught by his bare hands. Crimson blood seeped from the edge, the metal turning a cherry red from the heat and melting apart.
A simple toss for one man, and he was gored to a tree. A single step and another was blown off their feet. A sword magically formed in Hephaestus' hands, the sharp edge pointed at the remainder of the mercenaries, three remaining.
The heavy driver was sweating, reaching into his robes.
"I have mone–GRK!"
Hephaestus threw the sword, gouging a hole into the driver. He looked to the remaining mercenaries.
"You are the only three that did not rush to attack me."
"We surrender!"
Their swords clattered to the ground, but Hephaestus' eyes stared into one in particular. His grimace spread, turning to the poor man who was left bleeding on the ground. Eri stood above him, her small hands trying to magically stitch the wound together. A far more difficult task than one would imagine.
"...did you offer that man mercy?" he asked, looking at one of them.
"I–URK!"
"What of you?"
"S-s-sto–"
The last one standing fell to his knees, his ill-fitted helmet falling to the ground. He was barely a kid, shivering as he looked up at Hephaestus.
"Yo-you're not human," whimpered the man.
"...neither are you," muttered Hephaestus, "selling your fellow man for coins."
"Y-you don't get to judge me!" growled the boy, "we are poor! We need this money!"
"...I'm sure," muttered Hephestus distastefully. To him, it was always the same argument. I needed money, I needed it to survive. In many ways, perhaps it did justify some things. But ultimately, he viewed it more as a sign of laziness than grit. Too lazy to swing a scythe rather than a sword, preferring money to the results. For a moment…he considered simply killing the last of the mercenaries. But…it was a boy, barely past his fifteenth summer.
Ares would criticize him for sure…but Hephaestus ignored the young boy, turning instead to join Eri beside the bleeding man. The wound on his back was stitched together, the bleeding having stopped. Eri looked up at him, smiling.
"What?" asked Hephaestus.
"Nothing. There, all better now, mister! Well…. somewhat. Just don't move too much and you should be fine!"
No one admitted to hearing Eri mutter, "I think."
Hephaestus turned to the woman who stood. She wore far finer clothes than the men who surrounded her. Not to mention the relative fairness of her skin. In all accounts, she was a woman of means. Yet, her eyes blazed with a defiance that made even Hepahestus feel respect. She was also the only one who didn't shiver in his presence.
"You were the only one that didn't speak," said Hephaestus, "Is there a place for you to return to?"
She nodded, her teeth grinding as she rubbed her wrists.
"I do. My father's foolishness will be the end of our territory if we're not careful! He needs to be stopped. I…can you please help me return? I don't expect you to fight for me, but just getting me back home to confront my father would be more than enough."
"And who is your father?" asked Hephaestus, helping her up.
She scowled as she said it, every letter dripped with hate and betrayal.
"Erysichthon," she said hatefully.
His eyes narrowed, his eyes almost rolling as he heard the name.
"Fuck," he thought.
"You said the bad word."
He blinked, looking down at his daughter. Her eyes were wide and alert as she tilted her head.
"...well…you thought it," she admitted.
He scoffed, shaking his head as he eyed the Mestra, the daughter of Erysichthon.
The man cursed by Demeter.