Hermes zips back with a krater of wine and two cups. But not just that--he also comes bearing proudly a bowl of figs. He remembers Achilles' favorite.

"I got the good stuff," Hermes says with a flourish as he puts down his prizes. As if there were any doubt that Hermes would get the good stuff. "You know, it occurs to me that we've missed a few of her birthdays. Should we give her gifts to make up for them? Not sure she's ready to deal with the sorts of gifts my siblings would want to ply her with. I had to talk Dionysus out of sneaking in to meet her as a mouse in my bag. I'm not convinced he won't be a mouse nibbling at their crumbs during dinner."

As Hermes chatters cheerfully, he pours out wine for himself and for Achilles. He offers Achilles his cup, smiling like the sun. "Cheers, my love."