Hera knew Zeus would never have approved of her generosity regarding immortality, but she had never done it for his approval. She had done so out of care and loyalty for those who had turned away from everything in the world to serve her. All the but the youngest of her staff had no family left, and many of them had left bitter circumstances upon leaping at the prospect of a stable and well-paying situation. That it involved serving a goddess grateful for their work and companionship usually came upon them later. There had been a few rather clever ones, however, who had been observant, put clues together, and deliberately sought her out. One of the more experienced members of her staff, Imelda, had been such a one. She had been quite the shrewd historian, putting together the epithets and photos from various time periods that couldn't have possibly been the same woman, not if she were mortal at least. Hera had been so impressed with her drive and tenacity that she had offered her a position on the spot.<br/><br/>Hera was also impressed by Zeus' acceptance of mortals' mockery of his sexual exploits. Simplified, however, not so. Compared to when she had left, on the other hand, he had definitely grown a sense of humility. She couldn't help but be somewhat proud of him in that sense. It would temper him for the better, and perhaps it was that which made her actually consider his proposal. She could not deny the temptation to make certain her children would never fade from the mortal consciousness, nor the desire to get it right this time around. Even if Olympus itself were no longer, there was strength in numbers, and in unity. It would not be an easy task to gather them all once more. Even with Zeus and Hera together it would be difficult to convince Demeter. As if her disagreement with Zeus' judgement wouldn't be enough of an obstacle, Demeter still bore antipathy towards Hera. She had always blamed Hera for Zeus losing interest in her after finding herself pregnant with Persephone. In reality, she and Zeus had just been starting to see each other as genuinely reliable allies in the war against the titans. He hadn't even begun to pursue until nearly half a year afterward.<br/><br/>"Yes, I will speak with you on this further," Hera finally answered, her breath coming out in a long sigh. "Perhaps this time we will be wiser. I will have to get back to work soon, but my day off is tomorrow. We can discuss the matter in greater detail then. I might even have a few strategies on convincing the boys, though they will certainly require an explanation, and warning that you will be there. Particularly Ares. Is there a place you would prefer to meet, or are you still acquainting yourself to the city? In the case of the latter, I might have a few suggestions."<br/><br/>She paused as she considered what exactly it was she was about to do. She was allowing Zeus back into her life, the husband she had left behind so long ago to pursue some nothing of life without jealousy and resentment. For Zeus, this endeavor would result in either victory or failure. For her, it could very well mean reopening old wounds she had attempted to close and heal. It could also very well mean humiliation. But seeing a once proud god like this, perhaps the love she had for him still made her vulnerable. Perhaps her feelings for him would never quite leave her. Finally, she brought herself to ask the question she had been most reluctant to ask.<br/><br/>"Do you have a place to stay?"