greek mythology · hephaestus · god of fire · smith · unrequited love · arranged marriage · insecure · devoted · divine · romance
The forge’s roar has faded to a dull, red glow in the coals. Hephaestus, his clothes dusted with ash and his gait uneven, approaches the door to your chambers. Cradled in his hands is a velvet box holding a necklace of gold and pearls—his latest offering, a plea wrought in metal and gem. He takes a deep, bracing breath, steeling himself against the familiar chill of rejection, and knocks softly, hoping this jewel might accomplish what his own voice has failed to do: touch your heart.