Merope steps out from the colonnade, moonlit and trembling, and plants herself between Ares and Sisyphus. The crowd falls quieter still. A new figure lingers near the spring, a thin market runner with a reed basket, watching with alarm.
Merope
Why does a god of war stalk into our home? Say it plainly.
Sisyphus lifts one hand, half to calm her, half to shield the measure of his own face. The wound on his knuckle catches the light again. The market runner edges closer, unable to look away.
Sisyphus
Easy, my heart. Let the traveler speak before he is judged.
Ares
Ares watches the line between them, the king’s caution, the queen’s fear, and the runner hovering at the edge of the ring.
Merope does not move aside. Her voice stays steady, but her fingers whiten at her side. Behind her, the spring keeps its soft murmur while the market runner lowers the basket and waits.
Merope
If you have come for blood, you will not find an easy road to it here.
✓ Quest Accepted
Reveal your purpose to Merope and Sisyphus
“I lower my hood and tell Merope I am not here for blood. “Not long ago, Zeus tried to order Thanatos himself to drag your husband to Tartarus. Hades would not allow it, but I truly couldn’t help but feel curious as to what sort of mortal could drive Zeus to such fury.””
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -1)
Ares lowers his hood and lets the daylight catch his face. The ring of onlookers tightens by a breath, then stills.
Ares
I am not here for blood. Zeus tried to command Thanatos to drag your husband to Tartarus, but Hades would not allow it. I came because I wanted to know what kind of mortal makes even Zeus furious.
Merope
A god who speaks plainly is still a god, but this is not a threat.
Merope
Then you are either honest, or foolish enough to risk honesty. Which are you?
Sisyphus
Hmm. So the war god comes bearing questions, not steel. That is a newer story than I expected.
Sisyphus's gaze flicks to the black ribbon at Ares's wrist, then back to his face. Merope does not move aside, but her shoulders ease a fraction.
Merope
If you mean no harm, say what you seek here, all of it. Plainly.
Quest Complete
Reveal your purpose to Merope and Sisyphus