Where: The Ardent Ash Tea and Coffee
Who: @theunblazexash
The Ardent Ash still smelled the same, like roasted chicory, honeyed smoke, and the faintest trace of sage that lingered in the corners long after closing. It reminded Jude of the way mornings used to feel.
He lingered by the door for a moment, letting his eyes adjust to the dim light before stepping inside. It was quieter than he remembered. The chatter of regulars, the low hum of the espresso machine, all muffled by the slow, steady rhythm of rain outside. It had been a long time since Jude had last seen Grayson. Back when he was still Father Freling... still human.
“Place looks good,” Jude said finally, his voice low but warm as he approached the counter. “Not that I had any doubts that it would.” He smiled faintly, almost sheepish. They'd done community outreach together before. “How are you Gray?" The tone was light, but there was something sincere under it an old, fragile thread of familiarity he wasn’t sure still existed.