Stance on the Ledge

My joints clicked into alignment. I planted my boots firmly against the dark, smooth surface beneath me, checking my balance. Solid. To my right stood another figure in combat gear, completely motionless. I stretched my left arm slightly, feeling the tension across my shoulders release, then tapped my knuckles lightly against his forearm to see if he would respond. Nothing. Just quiet stillness. I pulled back, squared my shoulders, and locked my gaze forward, maintaining a steady and ready posture.