The air goes stale as soon as the words leave her lips. The only sound in the massive chamber is Oliver's chattering teeth. The onlooking gods hold their breath, slowly turning to Odin for his answer. He sits stoically, his eye closed. He takes a long, slow breath, his body rising and falling with it. Melody watches him, unblinking, her stomach in her throat. 
        "I hope you realize the weight of this request," Odin finally says. He opens his eye, resting his nose on his fingers. "I'd like to hear your reason for making it." Melody nods, flattening her hands on the table and leaning forward.
        "Marcus hurt people and tried to cause a war. Nobody can deny that. But he also made everyone aware of the flaws in the old treaty." She says, trying to keep from shivering under Odin's cold gaze. "With our new treaty, good is coming from his actions. And I believe that he should be given the chance to make things right." 
        "...I see," Odin replies, closing his eye again. "But I feel I must remind you, under the terms we just agreed upon, as the god Loki, Marcus's punishment is the Aesir's responsibility. As a member of Greek Pantheon, you cannot interfere with our decision." 
        "I know," Melody says, biting her tongue to stop her emotions from flooding out of her mouth. She breathes deeply through her nose as she continues. "If it is your decision that he stay where he is, then I can't argue. But, that also means that you can decide to free him." A few scattered whispers ripple through the room. "You can choose to punish him by making him fix his mistakes, rather than suffering for them." 
        "He should suffer for it!" Thor snaps, slamming his hand on the table. Melody stumbles back as her end bounces off the floor by half a foot. "Why don't you stick to negotiating contracts, Melly? Go back to your little mountain and-"
        "Enough," Odin says, making Thor freeze. There's no hint of his usual authority, or the power that usually commands the Aesir. Instead, his voice is sharp, deadly. Melody recoils, fear gripping her heart. She spent her childhood with Odin. She's heard him angry. She's heard him disappointed. But she's never heard him sound so cold. 
        "I will be frank," He continues, lifting his head to meet Melody's eye. "Thor isn't wrong. What Loki did was beyond unacceptable. What's more, because of it, all eyes are on us. Every Pantheon wants justice served, and if they can't punish Loki directly, they're willing to punish the Aesir as a whole." Melody jumps when she feels Oliver next to her, his hand on her back. He's trembling just as much as she is, his eyes a swirl of fear and anxiety. But he presses his palm against her back, gently holding her from collapsing backward. She draws on her divine power, drawing herself up.
        "So...you won't free him?" She says slowly. Of course not, she thinks. If only I asked before debating the treaty! Then I could-
        "No, I cannot simply free him. However..." Odin glances at Oliver, resting his hands on the table. "I'd like to ask the Messenger of the Gods for his council." The Aesir collectively recoils in shock. Frey falls out of his chair. Thor slams his hand on the table again, baring his teeth.
        "Allfather, you can't be serious!? Of all times, you choose-"
        "What I choose is not your decision!" Odin roars, the room shaking under the power of his rage. Oliver shivers, backing away as Thor wheels around on him. Melody stumbles back, pushing him forward as he did for her. Odin rises from his throne, lifting his head. "I don't ask this lightly. But, you are the one who bested Loki and put an end to his ambitions. And so, I would hear your opinion on the matter." 
        Oliver opens his mouth, his jaw quivering so much that he can't get a word out. He squeezes Caduceus like a stress ball, his eyes flicking around the room randomly. Melody feels tears building in her eyes, and she pushes him forward again, pressing her hands against his back. She draws on her power, trickling magic into him silently. Please, Oliver. Please convince them. Tell them to let him go! She begs silently, squeezing her eyes shut. As she pushes her power into him, Oliver slowly steadies himself. He stands up a bit straighter but keeps his head low.
        "I-I-I think!" He declares, stumbling over his words so much that he has to stop and start over a couple of times before he can finish the thought. "I think keeping Marcus locked up will only hurt the Aesir!" He finally gets out, pulling his arms close to his chest. He flinches as if preparing to be hit, but nobody moves. Even Melody stands in stunned silence, looking up at the back of his head curiously. 
        "Please, explain," Odin says smoothly, settling back into his throne. Oliver nods, swallowing hard. 
        "A-As you said, the other Pantheons are watching you," He says, eyes downcast. "I've heard their worries. They don't know if Marcus went rogue, or..." He squeezes his eyes shut, preparing for another blow. "W-was acting on your orders." 
        "Are you saying we put him up to it?" Thor rumbles. He raises his hand, and a sudden crash rings out from beyond one of the many doors lining the hall. The door explodes, raining splinters as a glowing hammer shoots across the room. Thor snatches it out of the air, slamming it into the table. The table cracks in half, sending debris flying. Oliver squeals in terror as Thor stomps on the tables remains, weighing the hammer in his hand. "You think we wanted this war!?" 
        "N-N-No!" Oliver says, leaning back in Melody's hands. She forces him to hold his ground, channeling more magic into him. "I'm just telling you what I've heard!"
        "Thor, you will either silence yourself or remove yourself," Odin warns, shooting him a glare. Thor growls, resting the hammer on his shoulder. "Continue, Oliver."
        "R-Right. Well...if you did send Marcus out, and have him help us...it would show that the rebellion wasn't your idea," He says, eyeing Thor carefully. "You could...somehow...restrict his powers? Or weaken him so he's not a threat? That way, instead of an act of war, the rebellion becomes a genuine call for change." Odin nods, humming in thought.
        "And in doing so, perhaps buy some goodwill back for the Aesir as a whole." He concludes. He leans back in his throne, looking sourly down at the ruined table. "I now open this topic to the rest of you for debate." 
        The chamber breaks into a roar of shouted protests. Melody gasps, releasing her power and stumbling into Oliver. She grips his shirt to catch herself, her legs shaking. Tears roll down her cheeks as she clings to him, waiting for her magic to recharge. 
        "T-Thank you, Oliver...thank you..." She whispers. Oliver's back goes stiff, and he stands at attention, nodding quickly. Melody lets herself cry for a few minutes as the Aesir argues, letting out the pain she's been holding in since visiting Marcus. When the shouting begins to die down, she cleans herself up, wiping her eyes on her sleeve and stepping up next to Oliver. 
        "You know she's just saying this because she has a crush on him, right!?" Thor snaps as soon as Melody tunes back into the conversation. "As soon as he's free, the two of them are going to start the rebellion all over again!"
        "I do not!" Melody snaps, meeting his deadly glare with one of her own. "Marcus and I are friends. But that's not why I want him released." 
        "Oh yeah? Why don't you tell us why you want to take him with you, then!?" Thor counters, slapping his hammer into his open palm threateningly. "Why show up and demand his release after not seeing him for years?" 
        "First of all, I'm not demanding anything," Melody says, taking a moment to level her tone. She shifts her attention back to Odin, earning another annoyed snarl from Thor. "And second, I'm asking this because I agree that he deserves to be punished. But not like this." She raises her head defiantly. "Allfather, you said that his actions were unacceptable. I agree with you. But what he's going through down there is to." 
        "Oh, so it's suddenly unacceptable now that it's happening to your boyfriend? Why didn't you say anything when it was happening to the last Loki? Or the one before that?" Thor says, stomping on the broken table again. 
        "I didn't know about any of the gods until I became an apprentice!" Melody growls back, slamming her hand on the broken table. Oliver grabs her arm, pulling her back when she tries to climb onto it. He hisses warning in her ear, but she ignores him, dragging him onto the table with her. "If I had known what was going on, I would have said something!" Thor's muscles tense, raising Mjolnir above his head. His eyes glow pale blue, flashing with power. Melody's eyes burn amber, and she pushes forward despite Oliver's desperate attempts to hold her down.
        "Enough!" Odin hisses. Melody stops dead, and Oliver manages to pull her off the table. Thor roars in anger, spinning to hurl his hammer at the nearest wall. It crashes through the dark stone, disappearing into the rooms beyond. Odin rises again, grabbing his staff. He sweeps Thor off the table easily, taking his place. 
        "Both sides have made valid points. I've made my decision." He pauses, glaring at both Melody and Thor individually. "And my word will be final." 
        "Yes, Allfather," Melody says smoothly. Thor roars again, gritting his teeth and nodding angrily. Odin turns to face Oliver and Melody directly.
        "We cannot simply let Loki go. He is too dangerous and unpredictable to be set loose after what he's done." Melody's chest tightens, and she balls her hands into white-knuckled fists. Oliver grabs her shoulders in preparation for another charge, but she doesn't move. "However, Hermes's wisdom cannot be ignored. We need to show the other Pantheons that we are not their enemy. And simply signing a new treaty will not be enough."
        "Hermes has proven that he stands on even footing with Loki. Should Loki try to escape, Hermes can match him in both strength and skill. He will not be tricked by Loki's illusions as other gods would." Odin continues. Oliver twitches, releasing Melody and stepping up next to her. He nods so fast that his hair flies wildly. 
        "Therefore, I propose a trial for Hermes and the representative of Olympus to face." Odin declares, holding his arms out. "Should they pass, then I will deem them capable of controlling Loki should he try to escape them and cause more trouble. However, should they fail, Loki will remain where he is, where he can do no further harm." He lowers his arms, closing his eye. "We simply need to find a suitable challenge."
        "We accept!" Melody declares, grasping the thin strand of hope she's been given. "Whatever your trial is, I'll do it! I'll prove we can handle Marcus!" Oliver whimpers next to her, but he nods in agreement.
        "W-what did you have in mind?" He hums. 
        "A trial by combat!" Thor declares, whirling around on the meeting again. He grins confidently, thrusting a finger at Melody. "If they can best me in a fight, then I will agree to their little request!" 
        "Sounds fair," Frigg says sarcastically, shooting him a glare. "They just need to defeat the greatest warrior that Asgard has to offer. Why didn't we think of that sooner?" She sighs, shaking her head. "I would like to remind you all that Melody is still an apprentice. The apprentice of the Greek goddess of magic, at that. Combat is hardly a fair trial." 
        "Do you think Loki will care what she's good at?" Thor counters with a sneer. "In fact, being an apprentice should prove that she's not up to the task. How can she hope to control Marcus now that he's a fully trained god?" 
        "I have an idea," Frey says, dusting himself off as he stands up. "Loki's weapon isn't his strength, it's his wits. He's more likely to try to trick them then he is to attack them outright." He explains, turning to Odin. "Not to mention, being cleaver is a type of strength in its own right. Why not a battle of wits?" 
        "You want them to prove themselves with a debate?" Thor groans, rolling his eyes. "How will that solve anything? In the end, it's always going to come down to a fight! So if they can't overpower Marcus, we might as well declare war with the world right now!" 
        Melody watches as the rest of the Aesir join in the debate, adding their own ideas for how they can test her. Bile rises in her throat as the words bounce around in her head. Lift Utgard Loki's cat; fish Jormungundr from the great ocean; defeat the cursed dragon, Fafnir; sacrifice themselves upon Yggdrasil as Odin once did. Each new idea somehow feels more impossible than the last. She starts to hyperventilate, biting her lip desperately. There has to be something she can do. A trial that the Aesir will agree to, but is still possible. 
        Lift Thor's hammer; defeat every single one of the valkaries; steal Surtrs flaming sword from his own hand. More ideas fly through the chamber, and Melody's mind kicks into overdrive. It really is impossible to save him. They'll never let him free. But, there has to be something! Some legend I can use! She racks her brain, searching for the answer. She gasps for breath, clutching her chest tightly. I know there's something I can use! I know all the legends - what one holds the answer!? 
        All at once, it comes to her. An idea that will prove they can handle Marcus. Something difficult and dangerous enough that not even Thor can argue against it, while still being possible. She takes a deep breath, linking arms with Oliver for moral support. He's clammy and shakes like a chihuahua, but she draws strength from having him there regardless.
        "Odin!" She yells, cutting through the shouting match. The whole room turns to her, and she grits her teeth, blocking out everyone but Oliver and Odin. "I challenge you to Vafthruthnir's game of riddles!" A stunned silence falls over the dining hall. Even Oliver stops shaking, turning to her with his jaw hanging open. Odin's back stiffens, and he turns to face her directly.
        "...Vafthruthnir's game of riddles," Odin confirms, stroking his beard. "An interesting idea."
        "You can't be serious!" Frigg snaps, jumping to her feet. "That's the same as fighting Thor! There's no way-"
        "Enough," Odin says, waving his hand to silence her. He takes a step forward, unblinking. "I think we can all agree, passing such a trial would more than prove her capable of handling Loki's mind games." He glances at Thor, waiting for him to protest, but Thor just stares at Melody 2ith the same dumbfounded expression as Oliver. "But I must ask," Odin continues. "Melody, are you sure that's what you want? You must know what happens to the loser-"
        "I do," Melody says, her heart hammering against her ribs. "And just like Vrafthruthnir, I'm willing to bet my life on it." 
        "...very well," Odin says with a nod.
        "No way!" Thor snaps, vaulting onto the table again. He stomps up to Melody, and to her surprise, Oliver steps between them, holding his arms out. He winces back, his whole body shaking as he blocks her from Thor's charge. Thor growls, jabbing a finger against his chest.
        "You know Odin has a soft spot for you - you're basically his daughter," He growls, making Oliver flinch as spittle lands on his face. "You're hoping that he'll let you win because he doesn't want to have to kill you! This isn't a fair trial at all!" 
        "Thor!" Odin rumbles, the room shaking again. He seems to grow, looming over the room like a giant. "You dare question my integrity? You think I would put my Pantheon at risk just to save one girl?" Melody squeezes her eyes shut, trying to ignore how much his words hurt. "Melody is like a daughter to me. But have I not sacrificed my family for the good of the Aesir in the past?" He roars, making Thor back away nervously. 
        "I have a compromise," Melody says, a new idea forming in the back of her mind. Her anxiety fades, and she forces a grin. "Thor, you're worried that Odin will throw the game? Then you should participate as well." She thrusts a finger at him, and Oliver stumbles away from her, collapsing to the floor. "Oliver and I will match wits with you and Odin. If we win, we'll be allowed to take Marcus with us for the rest of our journey." Odin pauses, returning to his usual size. Thor blinks at her dumbly.
        "And if we lose..." She continues, slowly looking at Oliver. He shivers and shakes, staring at her with wide eyes. She tries to signal him with her eyes, to will him to understand her plan. You said you'd trust me, she thinks at him. You said you'd be willing to give Marcus a second chance. Please, help me! Seeming to hear her message, Oliver's jaw tightens. He slowly stops shaking and picks himself up, leaning on his staff like a crutch. He moves to her side, his neck lost in his shoulders like a scared turtle. 
        "A-and if we lose...you can take our heads," He finishes through chattering teeth. Thor grins, rubbing his jaw proudly.
        "Two for the price of one, huh? And the old man can't throw the game? Deal!" He thrusts his hand out to them, and Oliver all but screams, scrambling away. Melody steps up without hesitation, shaking it firmly. 
        "Very well, it's decided," Odin says with a sigh. "But not today. I have other matters to attend to." He nods to Frigg, who jumps to her feet and hurries to Melody, throwing her arms around her. Odin turns to address the rest of the assembled gods, raising his arms. "Much progress has been made today. Now is the time for rest. Therefore, this meeting is adjourned." He turns back to Melody and Oliver solemnly. "The trial will take place tomorrow at noon. You have until then to prepare yourselves."