Sparring with Maria

[will_scarlett]

There are days when the fight seems neverending and the only hope exists in Robin's eyes that see a better future for Nottingham. Now though there are rumors of Richard returning and he wants to believe that that the king will help. But he knows and he saw in Doc's eyes that they're outlaws, happy endings aren't usually given to them.

That's why he's out at the punching bag with his shirt off and hitting all the things that he can't change.

Comments

[holds_her_own]

"So trust him."

At least they're on the same page.

"Whatever happens, you'll know you fought with a good man for a good cause. Even if they don't throw you a parade."

[will_scarlett]

"Ne'er 'xpected aught just to aid me 'ome."

[holds_her_own]

"You're a pretty good man, too."

She's fought with the best, but she never expected to meet anyone from legend.

It's humbling.

"A war hero once said: 'Courage is doing what you're afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you're scared.'"

[will_scarlett]

"Oh aye an then ye keep fightin' cause if ye dinna fight na one will,"

That's why they fight, why he faced the gallows, Nottingham and Robin needed him.

[holds_her_own]

"Exactly."

She nods once.

"You and I have that in common, even if we fight for different people."

She gives his shoulder a squeeze and lets her hand slip away.

[will_scarlett]

"Aye. 'ow are things goin' for ye?"

He didn't mean to talk so much.

[holds_her_own]

She doesn't mind.

A lot of what happens to her is classified.

"Good."

It's a standard answer, but he drags a little more out of her without needing to press.

"No kings returning from war, but things are about to get a lot more interesting."

[will_scarlett]

"Which sort o'interestin'?" That's a word that can be good or bad.

[holds_her_own]

She tips her head from shoulder to shoulder.

"I'll find out soon enough."

Oh god, oh god, we're all gonna die springs to mind.

"My boss just had a ... pretty big week."

[will_scarlett]

"The sort where people died?" She has that look to her face.

[holds_her_own]

The grim set of her jaw gives her away.

"Yes."

There's always collateral damage. Thinking about it like that sometimes helps.

Sometimes.

"You've met gods and monsters here. We have our own variety."

Beat.

"They tend to make a mess."

[will_scarlett]

"Oh aye, 'ope some o''em are 'elpful. They forget their own power at times an ne'er think who's gettin' 'urt. But then those in power do the same."

[holds_her_own]

She nods.

"Then there are those who are drunk off their own power and just don't care."

She taps the bag with her fist.

She could stand to go a few rounds.

"It's not an easy job, but someone has to do it."

[will_scarlett]

"Nay, but it 'as to be done an better us doin' it than those with more to lose,"

The Men of Sherwood face the gallows so the people of Nottingham will be safer.

[holds_her_own]

She smiles wryly.

"You and me aren't so different."

Not really; not where it counts.

She nods to the punching bag.

"Switch places for a while? Unless there's some other way you want to work out your aggression."

[will_scarlett]

"Always enjoy a good spar, least if ye'd wish to,"

Its an odd thing to ask but sometimes its nicer to be challenged in a fight than just hit a bag.

[holds_her_own]

The wryness dissipates, leaving just amusement in its place.

"I love a good spar."

When there are things she doesn't want to think about, there's nothing better than a good spar.

Except, of course, for a good spar, but she's a firm believer in seeing someone's moves with their clothes on first.

Typically.

[will_scarlett]

Amusement is a good sign and he grins before shifting the bag out of the way.

He's already stripped down and looks around to make certain the area's fairly clear.

[holds_her_own]

She removes a ball-chain necklace and her sidearm, leaving them with her jacket.

"I have to warn you..."

She stretches her arms, appreciating the view for one more second.

"I'm good."

Smirk.

"Really good."

[will_scarlett]

"Wouldna 'xpect ye to be aught else,"

He loves her smirk and waits poised to move but wanting to see how she chooses to fight.

[holds_her_own]

She's a student of several forms, but chooses one she thinks will suit Will.

(It might be a little premature for Krav Maga.)

She moves in with an easy boxing thrust from a defensive position, eager to see how he moves.

[will_scarlett]

He blocks the thrust quickly before countering with two jabs. He's light on his feet as speed has always been his best fighting skill.

[holds_her_own]

Hill tends to come down like an anvil. It makes her slower than some, but she's still quicker than most.

She blocks, comes in low with a left hook, and continues the momentum by turning to jab his diaphragm with her elbow.

She won't insult him by going easy on him, but she's not using her full strength to spar either.

[will_scarlett]

He's used to sparring with Little John and grins at how she uses her momentum, takes the left hook and tries to block her elbow by grabbing it and pushing her away. Then comes in low and fast with a series of jabs.

[holds_her_own]

She dances back, and if he isn't mistaken she's laughing under her breath.

A pleased smile sits on her face as she absorbs the last few jabs, plowing back in with a fierce cross.