Melody stares at herself in the mirror, rubbing the dark bags under her eyes. Another night gone, lost to the crushing waves of guilt. She can't even remember the last time she managed to sleep peacefully. She digs into her bag, huffing when she can't find her makeup. Normally she hates dolling herself up, but considering the train wreck staring back at her, she takes the time to at least make herself presentable.

She snaps her fingers, conjuring her usual kit. It's easy enough to bring things to her as long as she can picture both the object and the place it's kept. She dabs some concealer under her eyes, adding a thin layer of foundation and blush to give her skin some of its usual colour back. She applies mascara and a subtle eye shadow to make her look more awake than she feels. Nodding to herself, she changes her outfit with a flick of the wrist. A plain black skirt and white blouse, separated by a thick brown belt around her waist. She keeps her jean jacket and handbag, looking herself up and down one more time before stepping into the main room.

Oliver sits on the couch where she left him, a basket of muffins and bowl of fruit completely untouched in from of him. He doesn't notice her emerge, and Melody takes a breath, closing her eyes to gather herself. I just need to be strong for a few more hours. Then, when Marcus is free, I can let it all out. She walks up, tapping his shoulder softly.

"You should eat something," she says, doing her best to sound casual. "We'll need our strength for today. It may just be riddles, but it's going to be tough." To prove her point, she plucks a shiny red apple from the bowl and takes a bite out of it, despite her lack of appetite. Oliver nods, his lips pressed into a thin white line.

"R-Right," he says weakly. He doesn't say another word as they eat. Melody tries pitching various ideas to him, ways they could use the original Hermes's memories to trip up Odin. She also outlines her plan for beating Thor, which she has more confidence in. If there's one thing she's sure of, it's Thor's disinterest in anything but physical force.

After a couple of hours of strategizing, Frigg appears at the door, looking grim. Her eyes droop sadly as she hugs Melody, and she leads them through the quiet halls of Asgard. Melody holds her head high, pouring all of her focus into appearing confident. We can win this, she tells herself with a firm nod. We will win. No matter what.

Frigg leads them back to Asgards main hall, where the rest of the Aesir stand waiting. The smashed meeting table has been cleared out, and Odin's throne is gone. Instead, a bland, grey fold-out table sits in the center of the massive chamber, with two smaller wooden thrones on either side. Odin sits in one, his twin ravens Huginn and Muninn perched on the back. Thor sits next to him, his eyes half-closed as if he's falling asleep. But he bolts upright when Melody and Oliver enter, flashing a cocky grin.

"You actually showed up!" He jeers, waving his hands at the gods lining the walls. The rest of the Aesir stand in clumps, most of them holding steins and hunks of meat. Some laugh along with Thor. Others watch sympathetically, their arms crossed. Frigg leads Melody and Oliver to the table, gesturing to the two empty chairs.

"Please, take a seat," she says gently. Melody nods, grabbing Oliver's sleeve and whispering in his ear.

"Remember - we should focus on stumping Thor. There's no way we can tell what Odin does and doesn't know." Oliver nods hesitantly, and they take their seats. Odin sits up a bit straighter, offering a respectful nod to each of them. Thor sneers, flicking his chin at Melody in an attempt to provoke a reaction. She straightens her back, meeting his challenge with a cold stare.

"Here is how this game of riddles will go," Frigg says, her voice carrying throughout the chamber. The onlookers fall silent as she continues. "Each side will ask one question to their opponent. This question must be one that they know the answer to themselves. And, to keep things fair..." She glances at Oliver. "All questions must pertain only to those in this room. You cannot ask questions about Pantheons that are not represented here." Oliver's jaw quivers, and he looks to Melody for support. She gives him a short nod, ignoring Thor's proud chuckle.

"If at any time, the one being asked the question cannot answer, or answers incorrectly, their team will lose." Frigg continues. "You will ask one question to your chosen opponent, and they will ask theirs to your partner. We will follow this pattern until a victor is decided." She bows her head, stepping back to join the crowd. Odin nods, rising from his chair.

"Before we begin, I would like to offer one last chance to forget the challenge," he says, holding Melody's attention. "If you do, Loki will remain under our watch, and you can continue with your journey without issue. But should you continue, you will be held to the agreement we made yesterday." He looks at Oliver and Melody individually, letting his words fall over them. "That is to say, should you lose, I will claim your heads as my prize." He leans forward slightly, silently begging Melody to take his offer.

Melody steels herself, glancing at Oliver. His hands are shaking as he grips his staff, but he returns a weak nod. Melody stands, facing Odin directly. "We thank you for your offer," she says smoothly, tossing her curly hair. "But we will continue with the game." Odin sighs, sinking back into his chair.

"Very well. In that case, we must choose who will start." He waves his hand over the table, and four flat, square stones appear in the center. "One of these tiles has a Nordic Rune of Power upon it. We will each select one. Whoever selects the tile with the rune will ask the first question. They may choose who to direct the question to. Then, should their opponent answer the question correctly, they must ask the next question. You may not question the one who just questioned you." He glances at Thor, setting his jaw. "And at no point may either team consult with each other or share their knowledge. Only the one who is asked may answer the question."

"Yeah yeah, I get it," Thor grumbles, snatching one of the tiles. "Let's get this over with!" Melody nods, carefully picking her tile from the remaining three. Oliver takes his next, and Odin picks up the last.

"Who has the rune?" Odin asks. Oliver turns his tile around, revealing a glowing red symbol that looks like a pointy B. Odin lays his hands on the table. "Hermes, you may ask the first question." Oliver nods, retreating into himself timidly. He glances at Melody again, and she stares back, trying to convey her words with just her eyes. Focus on Thor. We need to trip him up. Oliver sighs, his eyes flashing with pale light as he sits up, locking eyes with Thor.

"What did Hermes invent the day he was born?" He says carefully. Melody nods, biting her lip. It's a good start - a question that doesn't give too much away, but could only mean one thing. She studies Thor's face as he hums to himself, stroking his chin.

"The day he was born, huh? Well...that would have to be the Lyre, wouldn't it?" He replies with a smirk. "Killed a turtle and used it to appease Apollo after stealing his sacred cattle." Oliver exhales, melting into his chair as the glow fades from his eyes. Thor smirks at Melody, slamming his fist on the table. "Bet you weren't expecting that, were you? I did my research!" Melody closes her eyes, folding her hands in her lap.

"No, I wasn't expecting that," she says, turning to Odin. "Tell me what causes the change of the seasons in-"

"Hey, wait a second!" Thor snaps, jumping to his feet. His chair flies back, crashing against the wall. "I never asked my question!" He growls. Melody grins, keeping her voice level as she turns back to him.

"Actually, you did. You asked if I was expecting you to know the answer to Hermes's question. And I didn't. That was your one question." She replies smoothly. A thick vein pops out of his neck, and Melody returns to her question. "What causes the changing of the seasons in Greek Mythology?" Thor rumbles in anger, digging his fingers into the table until the plastic cracks. Odin chuckles, ignoring him.

"Winter comes when Persephone returns to the underworld to see her husband, Hades. However, it's Demeter's power that causes it - she simply becomes so distraught, she refuses to allow any plants to grow," Odin replies. "When Persephone returns to Mount Olympus in the spring, Demeter becomes happy again, allowing the season to change." Melody nods, chewing her lip again. Of course, it's not going to be that easy.

"Hermes," Odin continues. Oliver jumps with a yelp, power flashing in his eyes again. "Tell me the true identities of Utgard Loki's representatives when he challenged Thor and Loki to contests of strength." Oliver looks down at himself, rubbing Caduceus with his thumb.

"They were...uh..." He says carefully. "Logi, who was actually a raging wildfire. Then Hugi, who was the personification of thought, and..." He squeezes his eyes shut, tapping Caduceus against his forehead. "Elli, the personification of Old Age." He pries one eye open, and Odin nods.

"Correct." Oliver lets out a deep sigh, seeming to deflate a bit. Melody watches him, wondering if she should have offered him some makeup as well. He looks almost as tired and pale as she did. He tries to sit up but has an obvious hunch when he looks at Thor. He hums and mutters to himself for a few minutes before asking his question.

"What did Ouranos dub his twelve children after they supplanted him, and what does it mean?" He says. Thor blinks at him, his jaw going slack.

"Uh...you mean the titans, right?" He says, straightening. He rubs his chin, leaning back to stare up at the ceiling. "What was it...gods, I was just reading it this morning..." He mutters to himself. Oliver leans forward, his eyes sparkling.

"Y-you don't know?"

"Of course, I know!" Thor snaps harshly. Oliver throws himself back in his chair as Thor groans, finally snapping his fingers. "Right, he called them Titans because it means they stretched beyond their means to overthrow him." He slams his fist into his hand. "Told you I knew it!"

"Right..." Oliver mutters sadly. Melody lifts her head, ready for Thor's question. Thor leans on the table, making it bow under his weight.

"How much does my hammer weigh?" He says, thrusting a finger at her. "Figure that out if you're so clever!"

"Two and a half tons," Melody says flatly. "You used to gloat about it when I was younger, remember?" Thor's face goes red from rage as Melody prepares her question. Generic questions about past myths won't work, she reminds herself. He probably knows all about Greek mythology. Which means I need to get personal.

"What was the first spell I ever cast?" She tries. Odin chuckles, lacing his fingers together. One of his crows' caws, ruffling its feathers.

"It was a disenchantment spell. Your teacher put you into her training field and talked you through how to escape." He replies. Melody growls to herself and nods. "If I remember, you actually failed twice, but managed to grow several dozen flowers around her feet."

"Yes, you're right," Melody says, trying to not let her annoyance show. "Next question." Odin nods, whirling on Oliver.

"Could you tell me what we call the Nordic tale of creation?" He says, leaning forward excitedly. "Pronounced correctly, of course." Oliver shivers, his mouth flapping open and closed. He stumbles over his words a few times, stopping and starting to correct himself multiple times.

"V-Vul...oo....shpa." He says carefully. He looks at Odin hopefully, who nods in reply.

"Very good. Continue."

Every new round of questions is a repeat of the last; Oliver hesitantly asks Thor an obscure piece of trivia from Greek myth. Thor answers correctly, much to everyone's surprise. He throws a question about himself at Melody, who has no trouble answering. Then she quizzes Odin about herself, and he answers with a warm smile. Some of the onlooking Aesir funnel out after an hour. Even more are gone after two. By the third hour, the only one still watching the game is Frigg, twisting her dress nervously.

It's like he knows everything! How does he know so much about me, Melody thinks, tapping her foot anxiously. Does he still talk to Hecate? Of course, he does - they're both gods of magic. He probably asks how I'm doing all the time. We're not getting anywhere! She glares at Thor, answering his question quickly and passing her own to Odin. When he answers correctly, she growls, chewing her lip like a wad of gum. And how does Thor know so much about the Olympians? I don't know if even I'd be able to answer some of Oliver's questions! She casts her mind back, searching the original myth of Vrafthrufnir's game with Odin for any sort of hint. There's got to be something I'm overlooking. Something I can ask that he doesn't know! But what?

"Uh...what's...what's the name of...or...who's the one..." Thor says, thumping his fist against his forehead. "Ah, I've got it! What's the name of the guy that made my hammer!" He says victoriously. Melody sighs, shaking her head.

"Mjolnir was crafted by the dwarven brothers, Brokkr and Sindri. Loki made a bet with them when he commissioned them to create a wig for Sif, and it was one of the three artifacts they created." Ignoring Thor's indignant snort, Melody turns to Odin, holding his gaze. He sits patiently, waiting for her question.

There's got to be something he doesn't know about. Something. Anything! She looks at Oliver, who looks like a strong breeze could carry him away, never to be seen again. What's something even a god couldn't know? Something I never shared with anyone? She racks her brain again, a small memory flashing through her mind. She grabs hold of it, dragging it to the surface. Confidence surges through her, and she puffs out her chest, raising her head.

"What were the last words I said to Marcus before his rebellion?" She declares. Odin hums, stroking his chin thoughtfully. He'll think I'm talking about when Hecate took me to Olympus. He doesn't know about-

"When you last met with him, you were discussing your plan to change the gods," Odin says thoughtfully. Melody's confidence shatters, her mouth dropping open. "I believe, just before leaving, you promised that you would meet him in the same place as usual." Melody shakes her head, gripping her stomach as her breakfast fights to the surface. He knows, she thinks in horror. He knows we met in secret. How could he have known!? One of the ravens atop Odin's chair caws again, and Melody looks up at it, her hopes dashed. He was watching the whole time, wasn't he? He knows everything.

"He was feeling discouraged, so you hugged him and said that together, you would fix things. I believe your exact words were..." He hums again, and the raven crones. "Right. No matter the cost?" Melody falls limp in her chair.

"T-that's right..." She breathes.

"Yes, I knew what you two were up to, even back then," Odin confirms. "I was aware Marcus was sneaking off to meet you. But I let it be."

"Wha - you knew!?" Thor suddenly roars, jumping to his feet. "And you didn't do anything!?"

"Of course I knew! I simply didn't see the harm in it," He replies. His voice fades into a dull mumble in Melody's ears. If he knows that we were meeting, then he knows I'm the one that gave Marcus the idea for the rebellion. He knows that it's all my fault. But why hasn't he said anything? She looks up at the older man, seeing the familiar twinkle in his eye. That's why he added that term to the treaty. It's not just for Marcus - it's to protect me. The treaty will prevent him from being able to punish me, and Zeus will never know unless I tell him. But...how are we supposed to win now!?

"I'll end this here and now!" Thor cheers, thrusting his finger into her face over the table. "I've got a question you'll never be able to answer! Not in a thousand years!" He giggles evilly to himself, crossing his arms. "Tell me this, Melly - what were the words that Odin whispered to Bauldr on his funeral pyre?" Melody's heart drops. She slides her hands up her face, digging her fingers into her skin. I don't know.

"Y-you can't ask that!" Oliver suddenly snaps, jumping to his feet. "You can only ask questions you know the answer to!" Thor wheels around on him, and Oliver jumps back, holding his staff up to block his face.

"How would you know what I do and don't know? Odin could have told me!" He crosses his arms with a grin. "No consulting each other, either."

"He may not know, but I certainly do," Odin rumbles. "You accused me of cheating, yet here you stand, claiming you know that which you do not?" He stands, shooting Thor a deadly glare. "You must ask a question you know the answer to. There are no exceptions." Thor growls back, baring his teeth. "However, I do feel this has stretched out long enough. To make up for Thor's attempt at cheating, I will tell you now; I plan to ask Oliver that question on my next turn." Melody feels the weight of his words press down on her, draining the air from her lungs. Thor smirks, crossing his arms in triumph.

"Guess my last question doesn't matter then, does it? Go ahead - I'll even pass my turn." He gives a mock bow, giggling to himself. Melody looks down at her hands, her jaw tight. Calm down girl, she tells herself, closing her eyes. She takes slow, even breaths, trying to force the fog of panic from her mind. He knows I met with Marcus after becoming an apprentice. Which means he knows everything we talked about. So, what can I possibly ask to stump him? She's already asked him about her friends, her training, even moments she thought she kept to herself. Things she never shared with anyone. She feels herself start to panic again, and grips her knees, digging her nails into her skin to keep from breaking down. It has to be something nobody could possibly know about. But what?

We are the torch bearer; Hecate's words ring in her mind. Guide this world with your light.

Melody's eyes slowly open, a calm breeze blowing through her mind. No, it's simpler than that. I don't need to ask him something only I know. I need to ask something I've never admitted, even to myself. "Odin," she says, flexing her fingers. But what if he does know? What if he figured it out before I did? She chews her lip, taking a slow breath before facing her opponent again. "What was the first thing that made me realize that we don't need to follow the original legends of our godhood's?" Odin blinks at her, slowly taking his seat. He hums to himself, stroking his beard. One of his ravens' caws. The other repeats its call.

"Allfather?" Thor says after a few second of silence, a hesitant edge to his voice. "You heard her, right? Just answer the question." Odin closes his eye, tilting his head down in thought.

"The first thing that made you realize that we don't need to follow the original legends," He echoes. "I need a moment to think."

"A moment to think!?" Thor spits angrily. Odin holds his hand up to silence him, bobbing his head rhythmically. He mutters under his breath, five long minutes passing before he opens his eye again.

"I'm afraid I'm not certain," He admits, a hint of bitterness in his tone. "My best guess would be when the current Persephone told you the story of her kidnapping. How the current Hades broke from the legends and offered her the choice to follow him to the underworld, rather than taking her by force." Melody exhales deeply, releasing the death grip on her knees.

"...no, that wasn't it." She says, flopping against the back of her chair. Thor roars in anger, and Oliver drops his head on the table, but Melody barely notices. Odin nods, lacing his fingers and leaning forward, watching her closely.

"Then, I suppose this is your win," he says, the ghost of a smile on his lips. "But, as a god of wisdom - and your adoptive father - I don't like not knowing something so important. Could I ask what the correct answer is?"

"The goddess Hecate has no biological children," she says softly, staring up at the ceiling. She sits up straighter, trying to look formal and polite. "The thing that made me realize that we don't need to follow the old legends is...because my mother had me, despite her godhood."