"Right, of course. You'll have to excuse me— I'm still in a bit of shock at seeing you in person at all, I'm afraid." But Zagreus takes the handkerchief with a little sound of embarrassed gratitude, like he's a child who was caught playing in the mud instead of a young god who had just vanquished his father the Lord of House Hades to the Styx.

He cleans himself up, but his eyes track the apple with an open, honest curiosity.

"A soul to ferry? Sorry, I'm not trying to play coy, but perhaps there was a memo I missed?" It's said with Zagreus's usual genuine good nature. Hermes hasn't usually made a habit of simply appearing before him like this. He's of two minds: it's a delight to see his cousin in the flesh, but he can't risk leading him to his mother. It's simply not worth it.