A Lowered Blade

My joints locked into awareness in the stillness of the room. Before me stood a silent counterpart, its yellow beast crest level with my gaze. My golden blade extended directly toward its chest, unyielding and tense. I focused my intent, testing the weight in my right arm. With deliberate, measured control, I eased the angle downward, gently resting the tip against the solid wood grain of the table. No sound followed, only the steady balance beneath my feet.