First Step on Soft Ground

Eyes clear. Heavy limbs obey. Beneath my feet, the patterned ground yields softly. I shift my weight forward. One heavy step presses into the cloth. Ahead lies a fold of thick fabric, striped in dark and pale lines. I extend a clawed hand and press the crest of the cloth. It sinks, then pushes back gently. Solid enough. I plant my feet firmly and stand guard here.