Before he had settled on Athena, Zeus had seriously considered trying to find Hades and his mistress. They had always been distant at best from Olympus, though his oldest brother had never been outright hostile. Perhaps occasionally bitter toward the role he had been given despite his efforts, but those flashes had vanished once he'd met Persephone. It had been the only reason Zeus had let him take her in the first place, though he'd lived to regret being so apathetic to Demeter's feelings on the matter.<br/><br/>In fact, he had come to regret apathy as a whole.<br/><br/>He felt his heart swell when she accepted his offer. The clouds without cleared, the skies turning sunny and blue. Hera had spent years full of bitterness and resentment toward him, though she had acted out more against his children. Seeing how things had turned around with Herakles was nothing short of astounding to him, even to this day, though given the circumstances he was glad she had that capacity to forgive. The depths his wife had possessed never mattered to him very much, and he had never found cause to examine or appreciate them until it was far too late. Even now, his appreciation for her offer was slow to show itself, a process of feelings that he wasn't used to just yet.<br/><br/>"Oh, yes, there's a bevy of swans in the nearby park who've been kind enough to give me lodging," he said dryly. "No, I've secured lodgings for the time being. It's no palace, admittedly, but I won't impose on your kindness more than I already have. The city is relatively new to me, though, so I welcome your suggestions. Somewhere open would be nice, I think. Somewhere... classical." He smiled at her briefly and spread his hands. "I know, predictable of me--if I had it my way, we would meet next to a fountain made of marble for a meal of dates, olives, and wine, but can you blame me for a bit of nostalgia?"<br/><br/>Zeus reached into his jacket and produced a card. It was plain and white, but had a phone number and address on it. "This is the hotel I'm staying at, and the room's number. I'll see about--what was it, e-mail? Either way, I won't waste more of your time today." He handed the card over and paused, inspecting her face, truly looking at her for the first time since he'd stepped into the shop. "Hera," he started, his voice soft, "whatever comes of our talks, I... it's been good to see you again. And for what it's worth I'm sorry I drove you away."<br/><br/>He considered touching her, a hand on her shoulder, a brush of his fingers across her cheek. He wouldn't have hesitated even as much as a century ago, but now, having seen her in her happiness and fulfillment? Now he felt he had no right to touch her, unless invited. Instead he formed his hat again and set it on his head, then expanded the scepter back into a proper cane. "Please let me know when you've found a place for us to meet. I'll be waiting." He flashed her one more smile before he stepped out of her office, striding back through the shop and out onto the street. For the first time in many years he felt something, something strange and even a bit frightening.<br/><br/>Hope.