Chapter 2
It's been almost a full three months since then, and Ares and Aphrodite still hadn't been released from the net every god has gone to Hephaestus on their behalf, but he refuses to relent.
Without Aphrodite work around the temple was slowly becoming a mess; without her guidance, the ladies were getting more agitated and hamstrung as duties were piling high, offerings going unanswered, and certain festivities that required Aphrodites' attendance were cut short. And being a Charites for Aphrodite didn't make things any easier as Aglaia and her sisters were being pulled to their limits with the demands that were going unfulfilled. As of now Aglaia and her sisters couldn't afford much longer for Hephaestus's scorn against Aphrodite and Ares to continue because without her Lady's order chaos was beginning to ensue.
The debauchery soon began to weigh in on Euphrosyne who slammed the door open to their private lounging in rage,
"If I have to tolerate another second of Antheia's belligerent talks over having to handle the 'bloody' parts of the offerings made for Aphrodite I'm tossing her into the Aegean Sea!" she shouted slamming the doors shut behind her,
Euphrosyne isn't known for committing acts of violence but considering the number of complaints that have been piling up against them it's of no consequence for her to act out this way.
"Euphrosyne calm yourself" Thalia sighed in exhaustion flipping through the bottomless paperwork that has stacked up on her desk.
"Speak for yourself," Euphrosyne derides "all you've had to do is sit and do paperwork not a pretty little nail of yours is covered in goat blood"
"Do not. Test the patience I have so very little of germana" Thalia threatened sharply, pointing her quill threateningly at Euphrosyne's face.
"Pasithea has been waiting for a confirmation of an offering approval; I must get that sent out immediately—" Euphrosyne continues ignoring her sisters' threat; she sat down across from her desk trying to figure out which portion of a giant ledger held the paperwork "That should have been done hours ago" she snaps causing Thalia to frown deeply.
When Thalia gave her sister a disappointed look Euphrosyne merely rolled her eyes.
"The offerings have been piling up like cattle in front of me day after day and honestly I can barely keep track of them anymore" Euphrosyne sighs knowing that at least one of those pesky women is keeping track of the incessantly increasing amounts of requests and complaints about an insufficient offering to Aphrodite.
"There's too much work to go through I doubt we'll be able to give it to Pasithea in time" Aglaia sighs wiping sweat from her brow, she pauses a moment to get her emotions under control before continuing.
"The larger temple floorings haven't been checked properly and the whole thing is in dire need of repair. Have you spoken to Chrysothemis?" she asks.
Euphrosyne gave a frustrated growl but managed to snap her attention back to the papers that lay on top of the massive scrolls "No, I haven't. I've been too busy tending to gifts and breaking up spats between the ladies that are blaming one another for mistakes being made" She shrugs off.
"Maybe if you coordinate a little better you wouldn't have to juggle so much at once" Thalia shoots back without looking up from her stack of papers "But it seems your inflexibility to manage what's given to you causes hiccups to not just befall you but us as well"
"Don't you fucking dare try t—"
Before Euphrosyne could deliver back her callous remark; the doors fly open yet again and Pasithea bursts into the room.
"HELLO?! I asked for that document hours ago! King Boutes is literally in the temple with six horses, nine bouquets of roses, twelve turtle doves, and TEN PIGS!" She practically yells breathlessly while clutching the large parchment that lists out the expected offering specifications.
Tired of it all and not having any better choice than take action, Aglaia slams down her quill—catching the attention of her sisters in the process— and storms out of the room in a fit of ire.
"AGLAIA WHERE ARE YOU GOING!" Euphrosyne calls after her as she trailblazers through the hall.
"TO GIVE THAT STUBBORN BASTARD FIRE GOD A PIECE OF MY MIND!" Aglaia shouts over her shoulder throwing herself through the entranceway of the palace and slamming the doors shut behind her causing a loud boom.
Crossing the courtyard and through another set of doors Aglaia calls the charioteer to bring around the chariot and take her to the Forge of Hephaistos immediately. When Aglaia first came to Olympus centuries ago she already had hindsight of the spitefulness of the gods and did her best to stay away from such trouble for in doing so brought upon plenty of mishaps and paperwork, but Hephaestus always stood out as being different compared to the rest; he was quiet and mostly kept to himself whenever she saw him around, so when he pulled this stunt in front of all the gods and selfishly left them there her expectations dropped significantly. Her shock still had her wide-eyed in silence as she allowed the chariot to drive off through the streets toward the forge.
It wasn't until the journey was complete, that she regained some form of composure, she entered the grand bronze-colored doors embellished with his signature hammers and stepped into the brightly lit cavern.
She makes her way past row upon row of glowing furnaces each with the heat pushing outwards emitting yellow fumes that rose above their respective walls. The sound of metal clashing against metal rang loudly in her ears accompanied by the brightly burning flames licking against the walls. It took every ounce of self-control she had not to collapse from the immense heat hitting her face the deeper into the Forge she went. Every step forward revealed a view of more flames behind the dense clouds of steam; with each step, the heat rose higher against her body; it was almost a struggle not to gasp out for air. Upon reaching the end of the path to the workshop the area engorges to a larger room the igneous rocks bright white, orange, and yellow upon the reaction to the magma below. At the center of it all the forge burned feverishly; surrounded by black iron melted liquid metal and gray slag littered everywhere causing the temperature to rise to a high boil point that a mere mortal would melt in just a second from being too close to such heat.
The cyclops brothers hard at work smelting down metals clashed a hammer, producing sparks to add to the flow of hot molten lava erupting into the forge chamber when striking the hardened earth. Wrought iron, copper, silver, gold, and bronze erupted like a volcano spewing forth jetting projectiles from the machine creating pools of molten metals as it trickled down into the larger pit below where it seemed to make its home. There it cooled beneath the black water giving the metals their crystalline finish.
Walking down the stairs Aglaia walks towards a desk off to the side where a young man sat scribbling away at a few scrolls. He looked up as she approached staring at her curiously for a moment before breaking eye contact and slipping a book to the back corner of the desk.
"May I help you" His voice was soft but sturdy with a focus on his task.
"I am Aglaia of the Charites, and I would like an audience with—"
"He's not available at this time, if you don't have an appointment I must ask you to leave" he cuts off rudely without looking up from his scroll.
His sudden change in tone completely caught her off guard, finding her thoughts she takes a deep breath.
"You don't seem to understand I need to—"
"From the rose branding on your neck you are from Aphrodite Court, yes?" He questioned without ceasing his scribbling on his documents.
For the life of her, Aglaia can't figure out why he was so abruptly unfriendly she's never met this man before, and yet he sounds like he was ready to toss her into the pit of molten metals.
"I am"
"Then you must surely apprehend the importance of scheduling a meeting with such a self-effacing god along with being one of the 12, would gather a large audience of requests, but unfortunately he is still ameliorating from your goddess's little liaison" he murmurs curling his lip disdainfully and twisting his lips slightly downwards.
Aglaia has a sense of being punched in the gut, but refusing to back down she straightens her posture and returns his remark.
"Lady Aphrodite affairs are not the concern of you nor I in this matter; your master has trapped her within a net for a series of months leaving a build-up of duties that are burdening our entire temples without her guidance, so forgive my callous stance on not caring about your master's feelings being hurt from her nature his pettiness is infringing on our work and that's the only reason I'm here; I'm fighting solely on the responsibility of keeping the balance of her domain in check" she bit back coldly causing him to come to a halt in his writings; he finally looks up at her and his expression is nerved and bitter.
"As I said," he responds matter-of-factly "No appointment. No audience. You may take your leave now" he dismisses with disgust and then slips another volume back into the pile on the table and resumes working on the papers.
"You would incur her wrath?" she growls back disdainfully.
"I've had to deal with Eros, Phobos and Deimos, Lady Hebe, Hermes, and many others, all a lot better than you I might add, that have called for his attention without going through the proper procedure on Aphrodite and Ares's behalf. Lord Hephaestus is far too busy and tired to deal with anyone right now, so have some respect and leave or you shall be escorted out by Cassandra" he threats lowly, his hands gripping tightly onto his quill moving faster and faster the longer she stood there watching him scribe his letters and made notes.
With no other choice, Aglaia turns her back to him and carefully decides on the decision she is about to make with all options exhausted what other choice does she have? She feels the energy rushing straight to her head and cooly over her lips her eyes taking over a soft pink hue. Turning back to the desk she leans over it seductively and coos at him.
"I understand you are very busy and you wish nothing more than to protect your master, but I must speak with him"
The man looks taken off guard as his eyes widen considerably at her sudden change in demeanor.
"Um…I— I can't…"
"Oh I know, and I'm so sorry I never made an appointment but please? Just for me? I'll be quick" She begs softly. He shifts uncomfortably, his brows furrowing in deep confusion at what was suddenly happening to him, he even hesitates before speaking again, but finally, he obliges.
"Very well, I will admit you to his room but—but only this once," he says sternly as he walks from behind his desk and motions for her to follow him.
He leads her to a hallway next to the smithy chambers and enters one coming towards another heavy wooden door that felt almost like a dungeon entrance, from inside the clamoring of a hammer against metal rang loudly from the other side of the door.
The young man rasps on the door loudly, "Lord Hephaistos! A visitor is here for you!"
A moment later the pounding stops, which causes Aglaia to become nervous. With one last knock, the banging begins again followed by silence and she nervously shuffles her feet at the prolonged wait.
"Well it's as I said he doesn't wish to be disturbed—"
Not waiting for him to finish Aglaia impatiently grabs the handle firmly pushes open the thick iron door and walks inside. The room was spacious a big stone furnace laid in the center the flames within burning loud and bright, coals and ashes laid across the floor almost like a black sea, inventions, carvings, and weapons were tossed about hazardously across the floor and tables with multiple different items save for an automation organizing the materials in a corner. The windows did very little to illuminate light within the room as the glass was coated in soot. Overhead from the ceiling numerous scaffolds built from metal beams holding up a myriad of sculptures of the gods all painted with stunning colors. All around the walls were filled with the rough workmanship of tools and vessels used for crafting with all the smoke of fire adding an acrid scent.
Hephaestus stands at the center. His hammer comes down with a solid thud upon the heavy slab of steel just cooling to a dull grey color, sparks fly into the air as a deafening bang rings throughout the room. The air of tension held around him was hard to ignore and for a brief moment, Aglaia was speechless at what she came to say. He doesn't seem to acknowledge their presence; he is deeply honed in his work and continues honing the sharp edge of his sword.
Finding her voice she says, "Lord Hephaestus I must speak with you"
His shoulders slump as if he didn't expect her to interrupt him. He returns to his work ignoring her as she waits for him to reply to her words but none comes to pass. Instead, when he does speak he addresses the young man beside her.
"Cedalion, I told you I didn't want any visitors" he replies gruffly not once pausing his work.
"Yes, well I—" he stutters as if trying to search his mind for a reasonable response to why he brought her.
"Followers of Aphrodite have a very funny skill you see, only her favorites are blessed with the ability of lepos and she just used it on you"
Cedalion blinks for a moment and lowers his head in embarrassment.
"It wasn't his fault" Aglaia defends, "you weren't willing to see anyone and I need to—"
"I know what you wish and the answer is all the same. No." He finally states without looking up.
Forcing herself to be adamant she approaches him at his side hoping to catch his gaze.
"My Lord we need her. Things are becoming kaput with her absence and your grudge is causing a mess" she pleads quietly as he had picked up the blade and inspects it tiredly.
"I thought such a disposition for a Charites would be rather easy to handle; apparently I was wrong" he replies and for the first time looks directly at her through heavily hooded lids.
"Leave. Now" he tells her gesturing for Cedalion, who has been lingering nearby, to escort her out.
"You must let her go! A broken heart will make others do many things but to erode on another's domain has its consequences " she warns pointing out the obvious risk of his angry actions. While avoiding Cedalion's attempt to grab her and direct her out.
"If anything you both should've known better than to act in this manner. She wasn't right for what she's done but you are not innocent of who she was when you agreed to have her hand in marriage!" She yells in anger and slaps Cedalion's hands away "You know you have no right to do this even being aware of the fact she was never given the choice that night!"
Hephaestus stops only for a moment and looks at her questioningly, although a sense of despair can be seen for his eyes grow dark again the glare focused in place.
"He said to leave" Cedalion orders whistling for the automation in the corner's attention that dropped its task to help him guide her out. The machine tightly grips her shoulder and arm and forcefully pushes her towards the door. Fighting against its grip she isn't willing to leave without a fight. All she's done to keep Aphrodites' honor from being tainted was hard enough as it is, but the trust that her sisters and all the other court ladies place on her as a leader? Her pride be damned, she refused to return without succeeding in her mission and knew there was nothing else she could do except try to break free and argue her way out. Struggling once more against the machine she jerks her shoulder back with much effort causing the shoulder strap of her peplos to rip and slip away from its grasp; the distraction was just enough for her to run back towards Hephaestus and fall to her knees at his feet, pleading in front of him, begging him to listen to reason.
"Please, my Lord. My sisters count on me, I—I don't care if I have come back here and beg on my knees every day if I have to for her release but I swear on the Styx I will not stop fighting for my Lady, I beg for your mercy on her" she whispers helplessly knowing there might not be any reasoning with him anymore.
She heard his breathing hitch as she kneeled before him and the room is set at a very heavy silence between them.
Just when she pleads again she feels movement above and flinches expecting him to attack. But instead felt a gentle gloved hand reaching for her to rise from the floor. His expression was unreadable, but judging from his stare he seemed astonished at her obsequious stance. Taking her by surprise she was lifted easily from her knees and raised until her body was upright between Hephaestus's outstretched arms. He doesn't speak and takes in the sight of her dirty clothes and cringes inwardly.
Sighing deeply he places his hammer down and grabs a walking cane laying next to the anvil and moves limply toward the door.
"I don't have all day so let's make this quick" is all he says and walks out the door. Aglaia quickly follows after him in haste through the hallway following his destination where their chariot is parked. Once they reached it Hephaestus climbs and grabs onto the reins for support. She finds herself settling opposite of him as he takes them to the halls of Olympus without further comments.
Upon arrival in the halls, she spots Eros, Eileithyia, and Hebe seemingly trying to calm Ares while Eris laughs and taunts crudely off to the side.
"Is there nothing you two can do" Aphrodite chides exhaustedly?
"COULD YOU NOT THREATEN THAT FUCKING FOOL ANY BETTER!"
"Ares please calm down" Hebe begged.
"Mother, Father, we've tried everything" Eros groans rubbing the bridge of his nose in irritation, "And those 'fucking fools' that went to ask and threaten Hephaestus on your behalf either got turned away or are being cared for by Apollo for 4th degree burns"
"I can't seem to choose what's better Hermes losing a bet or your despair big brother, was your strength just all talk being bound by nothing bout ropes" Eris giggles wickedly tossing an apple into the air only to catch and throw it right at the net.
"Eris so help me—"
Before Ares could dish out any more threats, Eileithyia notices their approach.
"Well it's about time you come" she sighs clapping her hands together. "No need to pity this idiot any longer since you are here dear brother"
All attention is turned toward them
Hephaestus says nothing and limps toward the pillar where the two gods were hanging from.
"elefthérosi"
The ropes swiftly become loose and drop the two entrapped gods to the floor with a loud thud. They fall awkwardly with arms still tied and struggling to stand up. Ares and Aphrodite immediately begin bickering over who is stuck to who first as well as a vicious tussle for the now struggling rope that seems to have bitten itself within their skin. Hebe rushes towards Ares's side to stop him from injuring himself and attempting to rush at Hephaestus in rage,
"You fucking bastard I'll have your head for this" he hissed, as Aphrodite struggles to her feet but falls regardless Aglaia hurried to her side in aid of helping her to her feet while Eros removes his sash to cover his mother's naked body.
Hephaestus finishes gathering the net and trots off without another glance back at them or a word exchanged between the two groups.
"Come My Lady you must be exhausted" Aglaia sighs supporting Aphrodite before wrapping an arm around her shoulders.