Zagreus is still growing accustomed to his extended family's love of hugs, but he manages to return Hermes' embrace with a grin and a hearty pat on the back. Meanwhile, Achilles is trying to soothe Dusa's distress at the state of the food by profusely complimenting her work on the room.

"Oh plenty, but it's not the same as it was, now that my mother's back," Zagreus replies, his smile slowly fading into an aggrieved frown. "And my father insists that I file reports in triplicate after I make the rounds. You know how he is about paperwork.

"It's a small price to pay to glimpse the surface, though. And catch up with some friends." His face brightens again. "I think I've nearly convinced Eurydice to share her recipe for pom porridge with the head chef. And you know ... Patroclus has the strangest dog with him these days. Poor thing only has the one head."

Achilles can already sense the burning questions on the tip of the prince's tongue and he ushers Dusa back to the door. "Zagreus, lad, can I bother you to check in on Lady Athena and Orpheus? He usually needs some assistance when it comes to entertaining guests."

Namely, a reminder to provide food and drink before he treats them to an hours-long set.