Open Post: La savate et le chausson

[futaille]

Much to his satisfaction, Grantaire has been able to keep up with many of his hobbies unabated during his time at the mansion. Not all of them, though, mostly because they were ones he'd go to specific spots for, and with those spots not being here in addition to an abundance of his other hobbies, they more or less fell by the wayside.

However, a recent chat with Dionysus has reminded him that he has very much neglected his 'hitting things' level. Although he didn't find a crash test dummy, the thought being on his mind ended up in him stumbling upon a small gym tucked away, complete with some equipment including a standing punching bag.

So he's discarded his waistcoat and cravat over a bench and is practicing his savate¹.

¹French kickboxing! During R's time it was basically for streetfighting, and just beginning to get formalized, but there are some cool vintage videos on youtube (Here and here) to give the... vibe.

Comments

[futaille]

Grantaire blinks. He wasn't actually attempting sweetness, just... talking. "Thank you?"

[lightbearinglord]

With permission granted, Lan Wangji steps at last across the threshold into the room Grantaire has been using. He considers the punching bag and considers everything he has just seen from Grantaire. Thereafter, he shucks the two outermost layers of his robes, his belt, and his qiankun pouch; he folds the robes and sets them in a neat pile, the belt coiled neatly, the pouch atop it all. This leaves him in his undershirt, his trousers, and a skirt, along with his boots.

After one slow breath, he spins into a high kick aimed at the bag. He is trying to emulate Grantaire's technique, rather than exert much force, but the sole of his boot does strike decisively anyway.

[papadopoulos]

He didn't think it was. "I mean, Lester wasn't the greatest at hand to hand combat anyway, but." There's a grin. "I'll go easy on you."

[vineleaves]

Dionysus smiles. "I wonder if anyone has put grapes and-or wine into the suggestion box for topics you'll have to talk about, whenever that whole thing gets started."

[futaille]

Grantaire watches curiously and grins as the kick connects. "Very solid hit."

[futaille]

"Oh good. I'd rather not have to beg for mercy."

[futaille]

"I know one way to make sure someone did."

[vineleaves]

"Well, yes, but asking each and every resident if they put that in yet or not would take so incredibly long," he says, obviously joking. "If only there was a simpler solution."

[futaille]

He makes a show of contemplating. "No. Can't think of any."

[vineleaves]

"Well, we'd better get a move on then, if we want to track everyone down to ask them before nightfall." He doesn't get up. "Though, I suppose, oh no, no, it's too unthinkable. I hate to even suggest it! But if it's for the greater good..."

[futaille]

"If it's for the greater good, you probably should do it. I'll support you."

[papadopoulos]

“I’m sure you’d beg very prettily,” Apollo replies with a flirtatious smirk. “But maybe we should save that for after the sparring.”

[lightbearinglord]

"Was that correct?" Lan Wangji turns back to Grantaire, awaiting any necessary critique.

[kadewest]

"So when we spar, what should I keep in mind?"

[futaille]

He huffs out a laugh. "Fair enough."

[futaille]

"It looked good to me. Or at least no real issues that I could spot."

[futaille]

"First, more kicking than punching in savate. Second, in a friendly spar, try not to go for the face or break bones. Third... Really, the first two should work well enough, but if you want me to show you the types of kicks, I can."

[papadopoulos]

“Is savate the only fighting style you know, or…? I won’t say I’m an expert; I’m not the god of war, after all, but I do know my way around a fight.”

[futaille]

"Chausson, but they're more or less the same thing now anyway. That's it, as far as hand-to-hand."

[lightbearinglord]

"Mn." He repeats the motion, then; it does send the punching bag swinging, so he stops it with one hand on the return. "Will you demonstrate the open-handed strike again?"

[futaille]

It's such a wordy way to describe a slap that it actually takes him half a second to parse it. Once he does, though, he absolutely appreciates it. "The... Oh! Certainly!"

He steps up to the bag and gives it a good whack.

[sagramore]

"Wonderful. Shall we have a glass of wine before thou beginst?"

[papadopoulos]

“Pity. It’s been a long time since I’ve wrestled anyone.”

[vineleaves]

“I suppose I’ll just have to submit it myself.” He puts his hand on his forehead and leans back, very dramatically. “Will you help me through this terrible hardship?”

[futaille]

He holds up the glasses he poured not long previously. "But of course."