Beginning VI-4-1
You begin to feel the return of your senses.
There are voices, and warmth near your feet. People are laughing.
There is the sound of a crackling log fire.
The pressing weight of something lies upon you. It is a blanket.
Your head lies against something soft.
There is a burst of laughter. Then a quiet.
Someone new has arrived. Everyone can sense it.
There is apprehension.
There is talking but you are fading in and out of sleep. It is nice and warm.
The tension is gone. The newcomer is being welcomed to the fire and to the gathering. You can't quite understand the words, but the intentions are clear enough.
People adjust themselves about the fire. There is shuffling and movement.
Your pillow moves.
Ah. It is someone's leg. Your pillow is someone's lap.
There is a new quiet.
A low voice begins to speak. You imagine it is an old woman. You envision a heavy coat and shawl. One can sense the eagerness to hear what she has to say.
Her voice is hypnotic. You are no longer feeling sleepy, but are held spellbound. The words become clear. She has begun a tale of ancient times...