The lucky Inn

With warm thanks exchanged and cheerful goodbyes called, the small party moved slowly through the still-bustling marketplace toward the city exit. Hermes floated along beside them, his winged sandals barely touching the ground as he hummed a lively tune while juggling three of the fresh eggs with remarkable dexterity - tossing them high into the air and catching them without so much as a wobble.

"You know," he remarked casually between tosses, his eyes sparkling with mischief even as his hands moved with perfect focus, "this whole 'farmer's son' experience might be more interesting than I expected. Maybe I'll learn how to grow something besides trouble - though I make no promises about giving up my specialty entirely."

He winked at Eirene before tossing one egg particularly high, catching it behind his back with a flourish that made nearby mortals stop and stare in amazement.

"Perhaps you could learn to grow olives or figs," Hera suggested with a gentle smile, though she kept a watchful eye on the juggled eggs.

"Zeus could certainly use a lesson in patience when it comes to tending his vineyard - last week he tried to make the grapes ripen overnight and ended up turning them all to gold instead."

Apollo walked beside Hera and Eirene, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of a small dagger at his belt as he kept watch over the crowded streets. His golden eyes scanned the throngs of mortals moving about their business, noting who was where and ensuring no one got too close to their group.

"The city's growing busier as evening approaches," he noted quietly, his voice carrying only to his companions.

"We should pick up some supplies for tonight and tomorrow morning before we head out - bread, cheese, and water for the journey to the farm."

Eirene walked between them, her small hands wrapped around one of the eggs she'd been allowed to carry carefully in both palms.

"Do you think Alexios will let me feed the chickens? And will they let me pet them? The one in the corner looked like it needed a hug."

Hermes laughed, finally stopping his juggling to tuck the eggs safely into the basket Hera carried.

"I'm sure he will - though I wouldn't count on the chickens being as enthusiastic about hugs as you are. Mortal birds aren't quite as affectionate as divine ones, I'm afraid."

As they walked through the bustling streets, where merchants were beginning to pack up their wares and families hurried home for evening meals, Apollo kept a watchful eye on the mortal crowds flowing around them like a river. His golden lyre was slung securely over his shoulder, and every so often he'd pluck a soft chord that helped their group move through the throngs without drawing unwanted notice.

"We should find an inn for the night soon. Somewhere discreet where we won't attract too much attention - a place that sees travelers often enough that our unusual appearance won't raise too many questions."

Before anyone could respond, Hermes zipped ahead again, his wings beating gently as they carried him effortlessly over the heads of slower-moving mortals. He laughed as he dodged between laundry lines strung across the street, his purple cloak trailing behind him like a banner.

"I know just the place! The Golden Lyre Inn has the best rooms in the city - clean beds, hot water, and the owner owes me a favor from last year's wine festival when I helped him find his prize-winning goat that had wandered off." He landed gracefully on the sloped tile rooftop of a nearby building, balancing easily as he waved them forward.

"It's just around this corner!"

Artemis scanned the surrounding buildings with practiced efficiency, her eyes taking in every window, doorway, and possible hiding spot as they moved. She walked with deliberate steps, her bow held ready but not threatening at her side.

"Stay close together. Even with Apollo's calming presence, too many divine energies in one place can disrupt mortal perceptions - they might start seeing things that aren't there, or feeling emotions that aren't their own.

" She nodded toward a shadowed alleyway.

"Take this path - it's less crowded and leads directly to where Hermes is pointing."

Hera held Eirene's hand protectively as they navigated the narrower alleyways leading away from the main market square, where the cobblestones were worn smooth by centuries of footsteps. The walls on either side rose high above them, blocking out most of the evening light and making the air feel cooler.

"We'll need rooms with separate entrances if possible," she said quietly, her voice carrying only to her companions.

"My daughter is not ready for public scrutiny - mortals are curious by nature, and too many questions about where she comes from or why she looks the way she does could lead to trouble we don't need."

Eirene looked up at her mother, her free hand clutching the small cloth pouch where she'd carefully placed one of the fresh eggs.

"Will the inn have chickens too? Or is that only at the farm?"

"Only at the farm, little one," Apollo answered with a smile, reaching down to adjust the pouch so it sat more comfortably at her hip.

"But the inn will have warm bread and honey for dinner, and maybe even some of the same eggs we're taking to the farm tomorrow."

As they emerged from the alleyway, they found themselves on a quieter street lined with small shops and homes. At the end stood a two-story building with a wooden sign swinging gently in the breeze - carved into it was a golden lyre, glowing warmly in the last light of day. Hermes was already standing at the door, chatting animatedly with a portly man with a gray beard who wore an apron stained with flour and wine.

"See?" Hermes called out, grinning broadly. "Told you I knew the perfect place!"

Inside, the Golden Lyre Inn proved to be cozy and dimly lit, with walls paneled in dark wood and hung with tapestries depicting scenes of mortal life – shepherds tending flocks, merchants trading in distant lands, and musicians playing for dancing crowds. The air was warm and filled with the comforting smells of roasted meat, fresh bread, and spiced wine, while low murmur of mortal patrons enjoying their evening meals created a peaceful backdrop.

The owner, a portly man with rosy cheeks and a thick gray beard who wore a flour-dusted apron over his tunic, looked up from polishing tankards behind the bar and recognized Hermes instantly. His face broke into a wide smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes.

"By the gods! Hermes, you're back! I was just telling my wife about how you helped us round up those runaway donkeys last spring. What kind of trouble have you brought with you this time?"

His cheerful greeting faltered slightly as he took in the rest of the group – Hera's natural regal bearing that made even common clothes look like royal robes, Apollo's subtle golden glow that seemed to make the room brighter, and Artemis's unmistakable hunter's stance that kept her eyes sharp and alert.

Hermes grinned broadly, moving forward to clasp the man's shoulder warmly.

"Thalia, my friend! No trouble tonight – I promise! Well, not planned trouble anyway." He winked playfully before his expression grew more serious, though still friendly.

"Tonight we require discretion and comfort. Four rooms total – two for myself and our lovely goddess Artemis," he added with a theatrical wink suggestively at her, earning himself a sharp look that made him quickly continue.

"And two adjoining suites for the ladies – they prefer their privacy, and I don't blame them one bit."

Thalia nodded wisely, wiping his hands on his apron as he studied each of them in turn.

"Discretion I can do – we get all sorts of travelers passing through Athens, and what happens in my inn stays in my inn. The adjoining suites are available – saved them for special guests, though I never expected guests quite like you."

He leaned forward conspiratorially, lowering his voice even though the other patrons were too absorbed in their own conversations to listen.

"I still have that barrel of honey wine you recommended last year – been saving it for when you came back to visit."

Artemis stepped forward, her voice calm and direct as she set a small pouch of silver coins on the bar.

"We'll pay generously for your silence and your hospitality, Thalia. And we'll need hot water for bathing, plus simple meals sent to our rooms – nothing too elaborate that would draw attention."

Hera smiled warmly at the innkeeper, her presence making him stand a little taller despite his years.

"Your establishment is perfect – cozy and well-run. We're grateful for your help, and for keeping our presence here quiet until we leave for the countryside tomorrow at dawn."

As Thalia bustled off to prepare their rooms, Apollo wandered over to a small fireplace in the corner where a musician was tuning a lyre – not nearly as fine as his own, but well-crafted all the same.

"Shall I play a tune to help keep the mortals relaxed?" he asked, looking back at his companions with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Something gentle that won't reveal who we really are."

Hermes had already settled onto a stool by the fire, helping himself to a handful of olives from a bowl on the hearth.

"Only if you play something upbeat enough to make Artemis want to dance – I've been trying to get her on a dance floor for centuries!"