Felt Fortress

The pawns lay scattered in defeat. The checkered field was conquered, but night brings cold air across the floorboards. I marched past the toppled timber knights straight toward the open wooden chest. Inside lay a sunken redoubt lined with thick green felt. Deep. Soft. Sheltered from the drafts. I planted my heavy claws on the hinged rim and stepped inside. My tail knocked against a carved rook, wedging it firm against the inner wall. Perfect bolster. I lowered my massive skull onto the plush green incline, let my belly sink into the velvet trench, and shut my jaws tight. Night station occupied.