A Touch of Thick Fur

The stillness around me cracked. Warmth seeped into my fingers, and I shifted my weight off my elbow. I looked down at the thick brown pelt beneath me, flexing my fingers until coarse animal hair yielded under my palms. I pressed down, feeling the heavy hide give way slightly against the cold floor. Behind me, the towering figure on the throne remained entirely motionless. I drew a steady breath, grounded myself in the quiet hall, and settled my hand against the pelt's rough edge, alert and ready.