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

[sagramore]

Sagramore trots after him, his gait rather less dignified and stately now that he's no longer balancing a durian on a pillow.

[futaille]

The trip in general is a bit more rapid, so it's back downstairs and outside. They reach the canvas and Grantaire looks down, studying it. "Do you think it achieved its goal?"

[lightbearinglord]

"If so, you have been fortunate."

[sagramore]

In addition to being thoroughly splattered with durian, the canvas has a hole punched in it from the impact. Sagramore observes it with his hands on his hips. "I think so."

[futaille]

"Of course I have. I'm here."

[futaille]

He lifts it and peers through the hole at Sagramore. "Our goal has been accomplished, then. Where should we hang this?"

[lightbearinglord]

Predictably, Lan Wangji softens. "You still find it magnificent here?"

[futaille]

"More so than anywhere else I've been, and certainly more than wherever else I might have ended up."

[kadewest]

"Oh, sure, sure. Okay, show me the last one."

[futaille]

"Coup de pied bas. The low kick. Aimed below the knee." He keeps his leg low and sweeps it sideways, kicking the bag with the inside of his foot.

[kadewest]

"Oh, that seems handy," Kade says. "Yeah, okay. I think I can pick it up."

[futaille]

He nods. "Really, the most important thing is staying mobile and quick on your feet."

[lightbearinglord]

A careful little pause ensues, and then he asks, "Where did you anticipate finding yourself?" He leaves the after you were killed part unspoken.

[futaille]

"Truthfully, I didn't think I'd be anywhere. Just... gone. But if there was actually an afterlife... I very much doubt I was virtuous enough for heaven."

[sagramore]

"Somewhere visible. We want people to be properly worshipful."

[futaille]

"The best spot for art in the entryway is already taken... We could hang it on the front door."

[lightbearinglord]

A fleeting frown touches Lan Wangji's face. He can't speak to the entrance requirements for whatever heaven does or doesn't exist in Grantaire's world, but Grantaire is kind, he is pleasant company, and he harbors a great deal of passion beneath his exterior of carefully-affected frivolousness. "There is no reincarnation cycle by your reckoning, then."

[sagramore]

"On the front door," with wondering delight.

[futaille]

He shrugs. "It seems a selfish thought to me, hoarding the world to be enjoyed by the same people over and over and over again instead of making way for new ones."

[futaille]

"To welcome all who enter! I don't think the canvas is too big to fit."

[sagramore]

"Oh, I think thou'rt right."

[futaille]

A solemn nod. "It's a perfect spot."

[sagramore]

"Thank the almighty durian for thy sagacity."

[futaille]

"Now we must consider the best way to hang it."

[lightbearinglord]

His eyebrows twitch up, just the barest skepticism at this framing of the concept. Claudius received it, and called it heresy, with such delight, that he would hardly have expected Grantaire, of all people, to object more strongly. "What happens to the qi of those who die, then? That energy must go somewhere."