Athena hums. Her eyes are too sharp, too intelligent. Like an owl that's spotted a rabbit in the snow.

"We all suffer in his absence, yes," she agrees softly. "Fear not speaking out of turn here, Achilles, son of Thetis. It seems that my little brother has already taken you into Olympian confidence."

She steps back from Achilles to give him breathing room, but her smile is thin when she favors Hermes with it. "Especially if he told you about his mother, when he wouldn't even tell me about her until after he woke."

If Hermes is discomfited by this, he doesn't show it. Instead, he shrugs and picks up his wine goblet, hiding his mouth with a long drink. "I don't tell you everything, sis. Are we going to talk about Zagreus or are you going to poke at my friends all day or night? Or we can just get more wine if you want to catch up with a favored hero."

Athena makes a dismissive gesture, her face smoothing out. "No, you're right. We have bigger issues at hand to discuss."

Athena's gaze lifts, not quite so intense, but not completely oblivious either. Hermes gives Achilles a polite smile. "Would you give us a moment, my good shade? Got to talk about family business, I'm sure you understand."