Unyielding Stone

The cold rigidity in my limbs began to dissolve. My breath felt measured and calm. Looking down, I saw my claws resting firmly upon this textured grey ground. With slow, deliberate purpose, I raised my right arm, testing the tension in my shoulder. Beside me stood two motionless figures, silent and still. I reached forward slightly and let a finger touch the curved cape draped over my chest, feeling its flexible weight give way beneath my hand. The quiet around us was absolute. I adjusted my footing, standing sentinel across the ridges.