Maddy Ando

Athena's Companion

I was born from the earth. I hatched from its soil, bursting like a green bud, drenched in the springtime sun. I did not have eyes yet, but already I could see the great temple surrounding me. Hers was the face I saw first, though she was not my sculptor. She watched as Hephaestus seized me, blacksmith of the gods, and pounded my body with his meaty palms until it was a perfect weapon.