Securing the Coil

A thick green beast lay coiled in tight rings against the brick wall. Heavy. Silent. I did not wait for it to make the first move. I marched straight up and drove my claw into its rubber hide. It gave with a dull squeak, flexing right back into place without striking. Weak defense. I seized the top ring with both arms, hauled myself up, and planted both feet firm across the curve. The whole coil swayed once under my weight before locking solid beneath my claws. A sturdy perch. This courtyard now has a proper outpost.