Phaedra: I… think you’ll be quite happy to know you’re wrong.
Phaedra reaches down and lifts the cloth away from the altar enough to reveal an image drawn in charcoal. It’s a series of stark black lines and spines, a grinning skull with a curved spine and flared tail. The mark is a bonefish. Cheth turns to stare, red light flooding into his eyes with surprise.
Phaedra: For the first time in ages, it’s not a bird of any sort. Look familiar, Bonefish?
Phaedra lays her hands on top of the altar, closing her eyes as she recalls what had happened months ago.
Phaedra: Lady Halea knew people would panic if the news got out, so she lied. I guess she’s clever enough to fool even the wisest of gods. The two of us decided to keep the omen a secret- and stay extra wary of your… shenanigans… for the coming year.
She smiles as she turns to face the defeated god, and slowly what’s just happened starts to sink in.
Phaedra: But even if it’s a lucky year for the bonefish- today isn’t his lucky day. Because I just-
She stops, startled both by the realization, and to find Cheth kneeling before the altar, staring with an empty expression at the mark of the bonefish imprinted there. It’s more than amazement that he’s been beaten, the symbol seems to hold a meaning that only he can understand.
Phaedra: I… Just… won?
