A Felt-Lined Slide

I crept across the dark grid of the wooden chessboard, drawn by a single carved pawn resting near the center. Stepping lightly on my purple feet, I approached the smooth, lathe-turned wood and paused to let the room settle. Reaching forward, I nudged its rounded top gently with my chin. The piece glided across the polished maple square with a soft, felt-cushioned whisper, coming to an easy stop right along the dark border. When it steadied, I yielded a quiet step back, tucking my legs close. Resting my broad wings flat across the checkered squares, I stayed there, keeping the lone sentinel company in the afternoon hush.