A Measure of Stone

Stiffness yielded to pulse. My arms obeyed intent, each ring steady in alignment. Beneath my boots lay ancient relief carvings. I crouched deliberately, extending my lower left hand to press a knuckle against the nearest ankh groove. The warm grit shifted slightly under contact. The stone was solid, real, and responsive to force. I straightened back into stance, four limbs primed, confirming perimeter stability.