Wrestling

Kael looks around the training field before nodding. “Hand to hand. A real test for both of us.”

Ria grins. “I’m game, but do you really think you should be getting handsy with another woman while your girlfriend watches?”

Kael rolls his eyes. “Ria…”

The muscular redhead laughs. “I’m teasing. Maybe. Just keep your hands where they’re supposed to be, big guy.”

Kael can’t resist a chuckle himself, as he stretches. Still, she has a bit of a point. When they were together, a wrestling match could quickly take a turn. Kael was confident in his ability to restrain himself, despite still being attracted to Ria. As for her…if Kael was asked a few days ago, he would have said the same, but now? Her attitude is different, somehow. She’s still playful and friendly, but there’s a flirtatious feeling to their banter that hasn’t been there since the breakup. And it only really appeared again once Evie came along. Odd.

He glances over to see Ria stretching as well, standing near the bench Evie is sitting on. The two of them are talking, though Kael can’t hear what’s being said. Both women are smiling, and Evie is blushing a bit, though she doesn’t seem uncomfortable at all. As Kael finishes his warmup, both women look at him and smile.

Ria walks over, shaking out her arms. “All set, big guy?”

Kael nods, glancing at Evie. “All set. Should I ask what you two are talking about over here?”

Ria shakes her head. “Nope! Girl talk. Nothing bad, promise. You picked a winner with her, though.”

Kael nods, smiling. “I’m well aware. Shall we?”

Ria drops into a crouch, still smiling. “We shall!”

Kael gets into a fighting stance as well, and the two of them circle each other. Thoughts of odd behavior and strange flirting dissipate as Kael focuses on combat. Ria is only slightly shorter than him, and nearly as strong, so they’re very evenly matched.

Kael throws a few jabs, easily deflected, more to feel things out than to actually connect. Ria is still smiling, throwing a measuring punch of her own, which Kael simply evades. They continue to circle, neither wanting to leave an opening to be exploited.

Kael launches an attack, a wide hook which Ria sidesteps, and she retaliates with a kick towards his ribs. Kael anticipated this, and steps into the strike, hooking her leg behind the knee. With a deft maneuver, he twists, using her momentum to push her to the ground. Ria grunts, rolling in the dust to scramble to her feet, but Kael is already on her, attempting to pin her to the ground.

Ria manages to slip free, though Kael has an arm wrapped around her waist as she attempts to rise. Kael pulls her back down atop him, wrapping his legs around hers to keep her still as he attempts to get his free arm around her neck. Ria wriggles in his grip, both her arms fending off his try for a ****.

With a sudden twist of her torso, Ria drives an elbow into Kael’s unprotected ribs. Grunting in pain, Kael’s hold loosens momentarily, letting Ria turn around to face him and forcing him on the defensive. Releasing his grip on her waist, Kael is **** to use his legs to push her back, while fending off the blows she rains down from above.

Normally, in such a disadvantageous position, the fight would be over, but Kael has one more gambit to play. He holds Ria back for a few moments, taking a few strikes, before suddenly releasing his grip with his legs. Startled, Ria falls forward, and Kael grabs the arm she extends to stop her fall. Realizing her mistake, she tries to pull back, but it’s too late. Kael swings one leg over her shoulder, while pinning her upraised arm with the other, and locks his ankles together, trapping her head and shoulder between them. As he applies pressure, cutting off her breath, she taps his leg in a sign of submission.

Kael releases his hold, and Ria takes a gasping breath, falling onto his stomach. Looking up at him, she grins and gives a thumbs up.

“Good match. Caught me there.”

Kael chuckles. “Told you I’d get you next time. Now, stop using me as a pillow.”

Ria laughs, pushing herself to her feet. “You’re comfy, though.”

Kael stands as well, rolling his eyes. He hears Evie clapping, and looks over to see the petite elf applauding him. “Hooray, master! You won!”

Ria punches his arm, grinning. “See you tonight, big guy. I’m done for now.”

Kael nods, and Evie waves to Ria as she walks off. Kael watches her go, still a bit lost as to what’s going on between her and Evie. They barely know each other, and yet they’re acting like good friends. And for that matter, why is Ria so flirty all of a sudden? Kael shakes his head, walking over to the smiling elf.