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Did she really feel the arms about her? Drawing her in and casting warmth over her entire body? Athwen heard the gentle voice breaking into her troubled, dreaming mind, but she didn't really understand the words. Still, they calmed her enough to lead her away from that horrible black abyss before her. The arms directed her to lie down, and always that soft, calming voice spoke to her.
'Lie down, won't you, Athwen? Come, take some rest. . .'
The world was not as bleak and empty as she had supposed. She had not been left completely alone. Someone had been sent in her time of greatest need. . .
She was safe, and she knew it. She shivered as the last bit of cold left her and then she made one last sob and was silent, curled up by Meghan's side with the young woman's arms about her. The embrace was like a shield, impassible and guarding, and she was not alone. That's all she needed. The dreams did not return and Athwen slept, worn out by the day's troubles, like a child in its crib.
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