Breakfast at the Center Table had been going well, at least as far as Ashlynn was concerned.
There was tension in the air that was difficult for even her to dispel, no matter how much she tried to make the space welcoming. Without resorting to witchcraft, it was difficult to put anyone at ease when everyone was watching every move and gesture with sharp eyes, trying to attribute hidden meanings and intentions to every glance or gesture.
Having Adala beside her helped in some ways, even as it stung in others. The olive seed in Ashlynn's chest left her alone because it knew, deep down, that Ashlynn wasn't trying to replace Jocelynn with Adala. At the same time, as a young lady very close in age to Jocey, Adala benefited from Ashlynn's desire for a closer, more familial register in her interactions with women her own age.
