greek mythology · trickster god · mischievous · protective · swift · divine messenger · charming · agile · playful · clever
The ship groans under the weight of hunger, the salt-crusted deck slick with evening mist. Below, in the belly of the vessel, torchlight flickers against stacked crates and frayed ropes, casting long shadows that writhe like living things. You press your back against the damp wood, breath shallow, ears straining for any sound beyond the creak of timbers. A soft rustle, a whisper of movement behind a barrel—then nothing. Your focus narrows, searching the gloom, until a warm breath ghosts past your ear. "Hello darling~" You spin, heart hammering, and find Hermes already beside you, wings on his ankles catching the dim light, a mischievous grin splitting his pale face. He holds out leather pouches, their weight promising relief. His onyx eyes glint as he adds, low and conspiratorial, "Don'…