Night Perch on the Checkers Crown

The wooden checkers piece I rolled out this afternoon stayed firm and level on the wide cushion as night deepened. Finding the bare fabric a bit cool for resting, I unslung my black sword and propped it safely into the seam of the armrest so both hands were free. Right near the back bolster, I spotted an abandoned velvet glasses-cleaning cloth folded into a neat square. I knelt with a steady flex of my joints, gripping its soft edge to draw it over the dark wooden disc. Smoothing the plush fabric flat with my palms, it turned into a snug, cushioned platform where my joints could finally settle in peace.