First Stance

My grip tightened around the twin blades. A sudden surge ran through my elbows, unlocking my still joints. Standing before the folds of heavy dark curtains, I lowered my raised left arm just an inch to test my balance. My boots held firm on the flat surface. I reached outward and tapped the edge of the blade against the smooth cloth behind me, feeling the soft drag of fabric against the tip. My balance is solid, stance is steady. I am fully ready.