AN: Technically an interlude, but more like a short little prologue in preparation for chapter 10 :-)

Fire roared as flames lapped at iron. The forge was sweltering and tools glowed with heat. Considering they were on a table inside a volcano, that was to be expected.

The clanging of metal on metal set an almost hypnotic rhythm as Hephaestus, god of the forge, continued to work on his latest masterpiece.

The entrance of the forge opened. Hephaestus did not turn from his work. With the sound of impurities being beaten out of iron, the god almost missed the faint thumps of the delicate and deadly huntress's footsteps.

Artemis, goddess of the moon, stood silently, waiting patiently for the other to finish his work.

The rhythm slowed steadily as the god inspected the iron. It was only on its fifth fold, so the metal was still far below the craftsman's standards. It would be another five before Hephaestus would even consider calling it metal on a stick, let alone a sword.

Laying down his hammer, he ambled his way through the forge, finally addressing his unexpected guest.

"Have you news, sister mine? Or has our brother earned your ire once again?"

The goddess let out an amused huff, taking the initiation of conversation as an invitation into the other's sanctuary. While his other forges proved to be more efficient with the assistance provided by the cyclopes, Hephaestus set this forge aside as his place to be alone with his thoughts. Away from eyes that judge him not based on his skills and crafts, but on the shape of his face. Few knew about the location of this forge (Artemis being one of the lucky few), and the goddess of the hunt was all too aware how long the other could spend here, working on whatever craft took his fancy.

Usually a few years without contact would not bother the huntress, as she had her own duties to attend to.

But this request could not wait that long, it seems.

"While Apollo has been more irksome than usual the past century or so, that is not why I come to you, brother."

Receiving a "hm" in acknowledgement, Artemis continued.

"Did you hear? The descendant of Dolos made a camp."

"Oh?" Hephaestus replied, cooling the iron in the vat of water nearby. "I didn't think you'd be one to care about what other god's descendants got up to."

"I wouldn't, had the conman decided to set up shop anywhere else." The goddess's grip tightened on her bow. "He decided to place it near one of your old forges. Sleepy Peak."

"Sleepy Peak?" A singed eyebrow raised in confusion, as he turned from his vigil to look at the goddess for the first time since she arrived. "I've never had a forge in a mountain named as such."

"No, that's what the humans named it after you began favoring the forge in Mount Saint Helens. It used to be called Wide Awake Peak, I believe."

Realization dawned in the craftsman's eyes as he let out a boisterous laugh. "I remember now. Humans have such a way with words."

Turning back to his work, he took the blade out of the water and held it over the scorching fire. "It was one of my favorites. A lot of natural energy from the forest surrounding it. Good for tempering the blades."

Grabbing his hammer, the god began swinging away at the iron once more.

"So, dear sister. What about this brought you all the way to my forge? You and I know that you cannot stand being in the presence of men unless you have an ulterior motive."

The goddess sighed. "While you, Hephaestus, are one of the few men I can stomach being near, you are correct in your assumption for the reason behind this visit."

Hephaestus laid the iron onto the anvil, turning to meet the goddess's gaze. Holding out a piece of parchment for him to take, Artemis spoke.

"There's something we need your help to make."

AN: Next up is the long awaited David chapter. All will be revealed very soon~