“She also needs to hear about how brave you were. You saved the Underworld from irreparable damage. You freed so many shades from their suffering at Ares’ hands. You’ve delivered peace to Olympus.” Achilles presses a kiss to Hermes’ temple. “And now you’re a father to a wonderful daughter.”

Achilles sets aside the lyre so he can shift closer. “I know she‘ll be proud of you. I’m proud of you, love.”

It would have been easy for Hermes to keep his head down and maintain the status quo for centuries on end. Perform his duties, keep Zeus happy, turn a blind eye to the suffering of his kin. But he stood up for what was right, against more powerful gods and frightening odds. Achilles couldn’t respect him more.