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

[papadopoulos]

"The more things change the more they stay the same, I guess." Thankfully, that particular aphorism is the same in French and English.

[futaille]

Yes, because like many things, English stole it from French in the first place. "Of course, shitting in the Seine in my time would make no discernible difference."

[papadopoulos]

"You know, I doubt it would make much of a difference in my time as well."

[futaille]

"It's good to know that some things remain consistent. The river is filthy and the people are difficult."

[papadopoulos]

"But that's why France is charming," he says, laughing. "You should tell me more about your Paris sometime; it kind of all blurs together after a while."

[futaille]

"Certainly. Any time you'd like, Apollo Leschenorius."

[papadopoulos]

"Presumably not now," he says teasingly. "You seem to be occupied. But if you want someone to spar with, I'm available."

[futaille]

"I do warn you it's been a bit since I had a real opponent."

[papadopoulos]

"It's been a bit since I've fought someone casually, so I guess we'll be even." Here, at least, he is assured that he will not be fighting for his life anytime soon. Hopefully.

[futaille]

Apollo's life is in absolutely no danger from Grantaire, of all people. "Oh yes. Totally even."

[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."

[futaille]

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

[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.”

[futaille]

He huffs out a laugh. "Fair enough."

[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."

[papadopoulos]

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

[futaille]

"I didn't say I'm not willing to learn."

[papadopoulos]

“Oh?” That teasing little glint is back in his eyes. “In the traditional way?”

[futaille]

He can't help but laugh. "In whatever way is conducive to learning, I suppose."

[papadopoulos]

"I'm pretty sure Sissy would curse me if I wrestled the traditional way with you, so don't worry." There's a wink, regardless. "I could teach you other things, too, if you're interested. Have you heard of basketball?"

[futaille]

"I have not. Tell me more!"

[papadopoulos]

"I think it was a little after your time -- but it's essentially a sport where you throw a ball through a basket mounted on top of a pole. Most of the time, you get two points per basket made, but the points vary on where you are on the court. It's pretty fun; but I haven't really looked for a court for it here yet."

[futaille]

"That is fascinating. How high is the basket mounted?"

[papadopoulos]

"I think they're around 10 feet off the ground? --Mm. 3 and a half meters? Something like that."