First Stride

My limbs tightened. The stiff fiber beneath me shifted as I flexed my feet. Hmph. I pushed against the woven ground, testing the balance of my own boots. Right behind me stood a massive pale pillar, rising like a watchtower beside the gray edge of a ledge. I planted my knuckles into the rough carpet, levering myself up an inch. Solid enough. I tapped the tall surface behind my back with one glove. Firm. A sturdy post to hold down. I settled back into position, eyes forward and shoulders squared. This ground is secured.