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]

"Clearly now I need to find someone who regularly does handstands but isn't a cultivator. To see where they stand on the spectrum of force here."

[vineleaves]

"It's slightly better than the bench."

[futaille]

"Taking it step by step, I suppose."

[lightbearinglord]

"Magnus," Lan Wangji says promptly. Technically, this suggestion does fulfill Grantaire's requirements.

[vineleaves]

"We may eventually work our way up to a sofa if we're lucky."

[futaille]

"Then I might have to have Magnus give it a whack sometime. In the interest of discovery."

[futaille]

"Oh, such luxury."

[lightbearinglord]

In the interest of fairness, Lan Wangji should tell Grantaire that Magnus has enhanced strength due to his einherji nature. In the interest of his own amusement, he says nothing about it. He segues instead into attempting another of the kicks Grantaire showed him, at mid-height with the top of his boot contacting the bag instead.

[vineleaves]

"I know, I know, it may just be wishful thinking. It's good to have goals in life though."

[futaille]

"Lovely fouetté! Well done!"

[futaille]

"You know, I think it is quite possible that this is an achievable goal."

[vineleaves]

"Hmm, do you think so? Do you have an in with the couch distributers?"

[futaille]

"You seem to think I do."

[kadewest]

Yeah, there's no way he can recreate that even in practice with these pants. "Whip kick," he repeats.

[vineleaves]

"You do!" he laughs, sitting halfway up. "That's why you got a punching bag instead of a crash test dummy."

[futaille]

He nods and faces the bag straight on. "Exactly. Next..." He lifts his leg and kicks forward with his heel. "Chassé. Can also be done sideways."

[futaille]

"I'm sure you could also get a punching bag if you wanted one."

[sagramore]

As they come out the front of the mansion to the lawn, he looks up at a third-floor window. "There? Is that just a hallway?"

[lightbearinglord]

Lan Wangji gives Grantaire a nod of acknowledgement, accepting the compliment. After another moment's pause, he returns his efforts to the punching bag, now attempting a series of those moves: one kick, a strike with the opposite palm, and then again. The motions aren't as perfectly fluid as one might hope, because his body has yet to learn them, but he is, of course, already naturally used to combat.

[futaille]

He peers up at the window. "I think it might be, yes."

[futaille]

Grantaire has a drink of water as he watches. "I have no critiques that aren't just the result of not having sufficient practice in the movements."

[sagramore]

"Thou shouldst then lay down the canvas for our lord."

[futaille]

He holds out the canvas and bows deeply before setting it down, face up. "The canvas has been placed and is ready to receive the gloried sacrifice."

[sagramore]

"Let us ascend."

[futaille]

He nods and bows once more to the durian before starting off again.