Work Text:
The authorities said that the Nine Elms was too badly damaged to be repaired, but Alma was unwilling to write it off so easily. Her communion with Owl had indicated that the gods had relinquished their hold on the temple, and harboured no opposition to consecrating it to Emkathon. Together with Seth's support, she was able to present a case for rebuilding that would maintain much of the original structure, but include the rift and chamber below the temple as well. On the day of the dedication, as the scent of flowers filled the building, Alma felt, briefly, at peace.