Very, very, very slowly Hera turned her her head until she was looking directly at him, her eyes holding his. Then she asked, quite bluntly, "Exactly how drunk are you, Zelos?"
Because that was the only logical explanation for the utter rubbish that had just fallen out of his mouth. Didn't like them very much? Did he expect her to hug them and coddle them? They were here for a purpose, and it would be a diservice to the vows they'd made to distract them from that. But hadn't she always made certain that they got gifts on the anniversary of their joining her household? Did she not send cards and solicitations on other holidays? She was certain that she'd had Iris add that to her calendar. How much more could she show staff of Zeus that she appreciated their contributions as well? True, of the four, Zelos was her least favorite, but that was a relative position. She was still far more fond of him than many, many, many others. Especially some of Zeus' other "servants."
With a sigh, she set the bottle down between them. "If you are drunk, we are going to have to document this meeting, or you will forget all the wonderful plans I'll be making for you. That would be a waste of time, and I refuse to participate in such folly." Even as she spoke, her mind was sending out a summons to Iris, if she were available.
"And because you are drunk, I will humor you," Hera continued. "I do not dislike you. I rather think it is the opposite. But as for why I am helping you right now?" A bright, pleased smile broke across her face. It was the warm, genuine smile that she thought had won her husband, a smile that very few had the privilege of seeing. There was no artifice or malice in the smile, despite her next words. "You beat the shit out of Dionysus, and that makes me very happy. So I will share my good mood, and give you the aid you obviously require."