Beginning VI-4-2

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.

There is talking again, but you are fading in and out of sleep. It is nice and warm.

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. It is the old woman. You envision her face as she intones. 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...