Page 11 of Hephaestus
When I wasn’t spending time with Thetis and Eurynome in Oceanus’s grotto, I was blacksmithing within a large set of caverns in the nearby volcanic cave. I had made a residence here and was able to craft my tools and build a forge to work on, designing my weapons and other resources.
Once word got out that the God of blacksmithing was engrossed in his craft again, requests came in great number. More kings and warriors begged for the finest swords and shields. Even other gods, likely going against the will of Hera, furtively reached out, wanting me to create magnificent things for them.
As I worked endless days and weeks crafting these weapons, I had to resort to building fires within the forge from hand. No matter how much I tried to emit fire from my own hands, just as I had the first time I learned I possessed the power of fire, I was never able to do it again. It was an odd feeling to realize you held a power but could never figure out how to harness it. At times, I felt weak and frustrated with myself. But eventually, I learned to accept my inability to produce flames and had no choice but to create fire on my own. Over time, I managed to get over my vexation and allowed the time I spent blacksmithing to take control and be the key thing that occupied my mind for months to come.
One day, while I had spent grueling hours in my cave, diligently creating a spear that was made of the finest oak wood, gold, and titanium for Athena, Thetis had approached from behind me.
“I’m sorry to bother you, Hephaestus,” she softly spoke to not startle me as she crept up from behind.
“Oh, you’re not bothering me at all. I could use a break anyway,” I said to alleviate any worry she may have had on imposing. “What can I assist you with?”
She paced around the cave, studying all the weapons I had on display, marveling at each and every single one of them. “You know. The Fates have prophesied that I will one day have a son, who will be a formidable warrior,” Thetis shared.
“Well, that must be satisfying for you to hear a fortune such as that,” I commented.
“Yes. But they have given me no notion of a timeline. It could be years, even decades or centuries from now, for when this son of mine could be born.”
“Was that the only information they were able to provide you, that you will have a son in the future who will do well in battle?”
Thetis shook her head. “No. They said more, but I am not able to discuss the matter with anyone. Not even you and Eurynome are allowed to know what they shared. It is my secret to bear, alone.”
“Well, I hope whatever additional things that they had to share were favorable.”
But Thetis’ expression on her face remained unchanged. She gave me little indication to tell if what the Fates had told her was positive or dreadful. However, I knew it was best not to pry further about it. If she was adamant about keeping the knowledge to herself, then I had no choice but to respect that decision of hers.
After all, I had secrets of my own that I kept from the two ocean nymphs. For one, I did not explain the history between Hera and me. They heard traveling rumors pass them by, so they had an idea of the kind of relationship we had. However, never did I go into detail to discuss the cruel actions from the Queen of the Gods to me. Furthermore, I never told Thetis and Eurynome about Hestio coming down to the surface to help me overcome the coma I was in. There was no way I could risk anyone knowing about Hestio’s involvement. I needed to protect him for all that he did for me.
Thetis then turned her head to face me, no longer focused on the vast weapons that hung along the walls of the cave. “Should the time come, I would hope to be able to seek you out and ask you to make my son the most exquisite weapons and refined armor.”
I approached Thetis, placing my calloused hands on her smooth, silky shoulders, rubbing them in a soothing manner. “Of course, I can do that whenever you need me to. You and Eurynome have done everything to help me in my recovery. I view you both as mothers I’ve never had. Crafting weapons for your future son is the least I can do.”
This caused Thetis to display a warm smile. “I appreciate that, Hephaestus. To know that my son will be using weapons that were blessed by you will alleviate any worry I have as he goes into battle.”
I wondered when exactly the time would come for me to grant Thetis’s request. But for now, I still wanted to do something special for her, for maternally caring for me all these years. I let these thoughts be known to her. “In the meantime, there must be something I can make for you. It would be my pleasure to craft a fine piece of jewelry to show you my gratitude for all these years you have looked after me.”
“Oh nonsense, Hephaestus,” she blushed at the thought. “You do not need to go out of your way to make me anything. Really…”
But before Thetis could rationalize her thoughts, I interceded. “No. It’s no sort of burden whatsoever. I truly want to do this. Give me the next few days to work out the details and I can present you the gift soon.”
“Thank you. You know, you are so unlike the other gods and goddesses, in so many unique ways,” she shared.
“I hope that is a good thing?” I questioned.
She nodded. “Very much so. Believe me.”
***
A few days later, my most dazzling creation was finalized. It was unlike any piece of jewelry that exists in the world today. The fine necklace was made of the rarest silver. Small carvings and details were etched out that made it flow like the waves of the ocean. Embedded in the silver were pockets of sparkling sapphires of varying sizes, scattered throughout.
I scrutinized the work carefully, allowing the light from the molten lava in the volcano to cast a reflection off the sapphires. They shined brightly, more so than any gem or piece of jewelry I have witnessed in my existence. Now that I was fully satisfied with the final product, I was ready to present it to Thetis.
I met her in the grotto one evening. It was a day before she was set to depart for Mount Olympus. She, Eurynome and other sea nymphs were invited to attend a gathering in Zeus’s palace. Thetis also informed me that the King of the Gods had private matters to discuss with her but left it at that. I was extremely curious to know what business she had with the likes of Zeus himself, but she gave me no hints of the reasoning behind their meeting.
“It’s finished,” I announced to her.
“What is?” she asked, with a puzzled expression written on her face.
“My gift that I want you to have.”
