Establishing Stance

A sudden pulse settled into my frame. My joints tightened, then eased under my own control. Directly ahead, a red-scaled beast stood motionless with flared wings. I assessed the ground. The patterned fabric beneath my feet offered sufficient friction and stability. Calibrating my weight distribution, I rotated my right wrist and shifted my balance, resting the tip of my long golden blade lightly against the woven carpet. The beast did not react. My footing held true. I am balanced, disciplined, and awake.