First Step on Ground

The ground pressed back beneath my claws. Firm. Coarse brown plains stretched underfoot. I leaned forward, testing weight against motion. My jaw unlocked with a dull click, letting loose a low vibration in my throat. Across from me lay a massive blue sea beast, silent and still. I took one solid pace toward it, lowering my snout until our foreheads nudged. It did not flinch. The ground vibrated under my sole. This territory holds.