Slowing his stride immediately as he passed into the conservatory, Ares began to step carefully, and passed around a fan of shimmering green feathers to reach the lounge near the centre.

"You wished to speak with me, Mother?" he reported politely - for only a fool was rude to Hera - and bowed as she smiled fondly at him.

Straightening, Ares laughed as one of the peacocks fanned his vibrant blue feathers and shrieked, blocking Ares' view of his mother until she called the bird back, laughing herself and beckoning him into her lap, stroking his long neck.