“I think so too,” Hermes replied, not looking up from Alkippe, who had reached us. She hugged my legs, and I put down a hand to smooth her hair. Then she gave Thetis the same hug, looking up at Hermes wonderingly.

“Fate plays strange tricks sometimes,” he said. “What’s your name, little one?”

“Alkippe,” she said.

“A lovely name,” Hermes said. “And how old are you?”

“Seven and a half,” Alkippe said. “Why aren’t you wearing any clothes?”

Jason gave a bark of laughter, then choked it off.

“I’m more comfortable that way,” Hermes said, smoothly.

“But aren’t you cold? Outside I mean?” I could see the gap in her teeth as she spoke.

“No, I didn’t feel cold. I was flying and that kept me warm.”

“Oh.” She didn’t seem surprised at all. “You can fly, like Aunt Arete? You must be a god.”

“Yes, Alkippe, this is Hermes,” Thetis said.

“Hermes! Then you’re an Olympian? I’ve been to your temple. You’re different from how I imagined. Why are you here?”

Thetis took Alkippe’s hand. “I think Grandma has some quince paste left for us. Let’s go and see.”

“But I want to talk to Hermes,” Alkippe protested, not at all mollified by the thought of the treat.

“Later,” Hermes said. “I think I should speak to your mother now.”

“You should have spoken to her before,” Neleus said, as Thetis led Alkippe, still protesting vociferously, across the room. “It’s a bit late now.”

“You mistake me,” Hermes said, meeting my eyes for the first time. “I’ve never been on this wandering world before today. That is my daughter, true, but Necessity has caught me, for I have never met her mother until now. So I shall set this as straight as I may, but this is as early as I can begin it.”

It explained why he hadn’t recognized me, at least. “Never been here?” I asked. I don’t think I’d ever experienced so many conflicting emotions in such a short time.

“Your past encounter lies in my future,” Hermes confirmed.

I suppose this kind of thing happens to gods, but it was quite outside my experience. “Perhaps we should have this conversation somewhere quieter,” I suggested.

He looked at Dad, who was frowning. “But this is—well, yes. Let’s go outside.”

Jason put his hand on my arm. “Will you be all right on your own, Marsilia?”

“Yes,” I said, though I appreciated his offer. “Thank you.”

“Let her go,” Dad said, and Jason stepped back. I followed Hermes through the crush, which parted before us.