Serala approached the central group with measured steps, uncertain of her place in this gathering. She was a guest. An outsider. Someone who had been told to blend in but had no idea how to actually accomplish that among people whose lives were so different from her own.
Before she could decide where to position herself, Grandmother Essun looked up from her meat.
Her yellow teeth showed in a grin.
"Girl!"
She stood up with speed that shouldn't have been possible for someone so bent and ancient, her gnarled hand reaching out to grasp Serala's wrist before she could retreat.
"Come, come!"
The wise woman pulled Serala toward the central stone with surprising strength, maneuvering her around seated figures until she stood directly beside where Damian sat.
Then Grandmother Essun stepped aside.
And pushed Serala down into the spot she had just vacated.
Right beside Damian.
"You must eat with the rest of us if you really want to fit in!"
