*Bang*Bang*Bang*Bang*Bang*
Sounds of hammering resounded in the warm dark cave. The only source of light was the fire blazing in the forge. The figure holding the hammer was just a bit over six feet in height, with muscles that glittered with sweat, even in this dark room. Each exposed muscle was well sculptured, evidence of the figure's experience with forging. The blacksmith was completely focused on the weapon he was making, totally ignoring the short yet stout figure right next to him. With a height of only about four feet, the strange figure would have stood out like a sore thumb anywhere else in the Universe- not here though. Figures like these were the major residents of this planet. It was after all, a planet of dwarves. Over here, being over five feet in height made one a weirdo.
"You need to rest, Hephaestus. It's been over three days and three nights. Even Gods need to rest after staying at the forge for so long."
The short man expressed his concern to the figure towering over the anvil which was giving of a bizarre reddish glow as though it was on fire.
"I wish I could. The only way I can take a break is if I exhaust all my energy. If not, the Godking Zeus, would have my head."
Hephaestus smiled bitterly as once again, he told the dwarf standing next to him, what he had been saying to the other dwarves all this while. It wasn't that he was so dedicated to his work. Yes, he was one of the best blacksmiths in the Universe. And yes, he made weapons so desired by powerhouses in the Universe. But there was no way he would be willing to put his health in peril just to make an artefact.
Hephaestus couldn't remember the last time he had slaved over a forge for so long. Even when he crafted weapons for the gods of Olympus, Zeus included, he did with a laid back attitude. He was the god of fire! A god of the forge. Even peak level existences would have to line up and satisfy his cravings to have him forge weapons for them. This time however, there was no way he could be that lax. Zeus alone was terrifying, yet he wasn't the only existence that would have his head if he didn't deliver before the deadline.
Several mythical level existences were eying his work and ready to beat the crap out of him if he failed. Even his mother, Hera, had threatened him a few dozen times in the past two years.
"Hehe. You have a point. I was very surprised when King Odin dumped you here two years ago. And even more so when I realised the Godking Zeus was with him. And you should know, those two do not see eye to eye."
The dwarf commented with a broad smile on his face as pulled out another piece of black metal from the forge and proceeded to hammer it on his own anvil. He did feel sorry for Hephaestus though. Although his cyclops were also dumped here with him, their tasks differed from Hephaestus's. Being master craftsmen, just like the dwarves on this planet, the cyclops were tasked with creating supplementary weapons for the mysterious recipient of the gods favour. They were to be used alongside the main weapon- which Hephaestus was in charge of. The dwarves also had a job to complete- forging the accompanying armour to go with the weapons.
The reason for the dwarf's pity was due to the simple fact that Hephaestus was alone in his task. The dwarves and cyclops had enough numbers to allow them to work in shifts, but not poor Hephaestus. The god of fire and the forge always had to work for five days and five nights, with no rest and no food, only drinking water served to him by the dwarves. He would then rest for a day or two to recover his energy and get some food before resuming his work.
Recalling the unfortunate occurrence about a year ago, the dwarf shook his head with a wry smile. Hephaestus at the time, used to rest after every two days, a very reasonable thing to do of course. It was even amazing considering that the others only worked a few hours and then switched. Well, Zeus came by personally to check the progress of the work and was furious that the Olympian god of fire was 'slacking off'.
Failing to even listen to the god's explanation, the Godking delivered a ferocious punch that the limping Hephaestus could in no possible way, avoid. It was a punch that left the Olympian god of the forge bedridden for a week. That memory had left a scar in the mind of Hephaestus.
"Not to worry though. I'd be done with most of the work in a few weeks' time. After all, I cannot complete the job without 'that' object."
Hephaestus spoke with some relief.
"Indeed. I heard Thor Odinson himself was in charge of the search party. They've already swept through, majority of the realms, with no luck. Little surprise though, since that thing is so rare. But I wish they would not leave so much destruction in their wake"
The dwarf mumbled under his breath, wondering why a blockhead like Thor decided to lead a search party.
"Hehe. It will take them some time to find it. The little master will definitely be happy with their gift."
The dwarf looked puzzled at Hephaestus's words. Who was the little master? Was he the one they were slaving for? Although he had questions, he knew better than to ask about things that didn't concern him. Just like all the dwarves of Nidavellir, he only focused on his work. All his conversations were issues pertaining to that. Since Hephaestus wasn't going to mention the name of this 'young master', he wasn't going to pry. He would meet the young master if fate willed it. He cast his eyes onto his anvil once again and picked up the hammer that stood at a height half of his.
"Well, I have just five work hours. Got to do my best."
*Bang*Bang*Bang*Bang*Bang*
The sounds of hammering resounded in the cave once more as silence made its home in Nidavellir.