[Fighter's Pit] A Show of the Unarmed(Holland)

[Claudia Blackwood]

3rd of Spring, 515 AV

It was a cool spring afternoon. The snow that had gathered so densely in winter was already starting to disappear, bringing back not just life, but colour into the city. The sun was shining brightly in its majestic throne in the sky, yet the air was cool, mostly in part of the frequent breeze that came and went into the area.

Claudia took a deep breath as she walked into the Anthonius Fighters Pit. This was actually her first time here, in the Pit. She had heard that the place was owned by a lanky, yet fit man by the name of Gerard Anthonius. He had apparently inherited the place from his father.

He provided training services to those who sought better knowledge of combat weapons and battle tactics. He also provided on occasion, straw mats to those who wanted to practice unarmed combat or wrestling. The mats were helpful in softening the falls one might sustain during a fight while sparring. She had arranged with Gerard to loan out a mat, in anticipation and preparation for her appointment later with Holland. He had asked her to meet him here.

Supposedly, he had mentioned that he would show her some of his newly acquired moves that he had learnt during his unarmed combat training. Her patron, Sir Bastian had so generously allowed her a day off after some incessant pleading. She was quite excited by the thought of Holland showing off and teaching her some of the moves. She hoped that he would even be willing to train with her, and maybe even allowed them to do a little sparring.

Claudia was glad that the Pit was rather empty today, with the exception of a couple of people dueling away or training with each other. The fewer the people that saw her fool around, the better. She had no intention to provide entertainment for anyone watching. But she would probably do it anyway, judging from her non-existent knowledge of unarmed combat. All she knew was that It involved punches and kicks, but anyone knew that. She wanted to learn how to fight, but she wasn't ready yet for a full-fledged lesson.

Grabbing hold of the long and heavy mat in her arms, she lugged the large mat over towards an empty spot somewhere within the grounds, and unrolled the mat, spreading it out evenly on the sandy ground. With the mat laid out nicely on the ground, she didn't know what to do next, so she simply sat on the ground and waited.

[Holland Rolandus]

Holland arrives within the vicinity. Only to have realized that Claudia had beaten him here. He was rather surprised and immediately takes action. Holland was incredibly happy, and had quite a wide grin upon his visage. He was simply grateful that he could see her once again. It'd felt like a century since he had seen her.




Holland whips about his onyx-hue hair as he approaches rather slowly. Wearing no more then his simplistic royal-blue attire as per usual. Today, Holland didn't even bother to put on his back and breast armor; Now he's set sight upon Claudia. Admiring her oh so beautiful face as he'd carried on approaching her slowly. Holland left behind his Rapier; He came today to spar with Claudia in unarmed combat. Although he had very little experience with doing such a thing. Regardless of that fact he wouldn't bother hesitating to battle.

"Aye, Claudia! You're here! For some reason you actually beat me getting here, That is incredibly odd!"

Although, Holland knew in the back of his mind that it surely wasn't odd. He had to walk all the way out here; after having undergone training. Still sore; yet he wouldn't bother showing off that fact. He wouldn't allow himself to look weak before Claudia. That was the most important thing in his opinion for right now. Holland begins to ponder and contemplate how he would battle against Claudia without hurting her. Holland, did indeed like himself a tough and hardy woman; He shouldn't have to hold back. Therefore Holland decided that he wouldn't in the least bit do so. Immediately he proceeds to ask the woman rather or not she is prepared.

"Are you ready, Darling? " Spoke Holland

[Claudia Blackwood]

Claudia turned around as she heard footsteps approaching, her long chocolate brown hair fluttering in the breeze. She gave the person a bright smile as soon as she saw who it was. Holland had arrived! Fantastic, now they could begin. He was dressed simply in that royal-blue outfit he always wore, forming such a suave and dashing character indeed. She was glad that he didn't wear his armour today. She didn't fancy punching armour. Not one bit.

On the other hand, she was dressed in the same old white tunic that she had worn for ages, and over the years it had became quite tight-fitting, which unknowingly accentuating her curvy features. The white top was accompanied with pants the same shade of brown as her hair. Her outfit was nothing special really, its colours were earthy, and did not exactly call for attention, nor did they stood out. She brushed her bangs away from her face as he approached. He then asked her:

"Aye, Claudia! You're here! For some reason you actually beat me getting here, that is incredibly odd!"

"What's so odd about that Hollie? Is it so difficult to fathom the thought of me reaching before you?" She teased with a grin. Taking out one of her hair pins, she calmly adjusted her hair, pinning them up into a bun behind her head, so that they would not get in the way of whatever came next.

In truth, she should be here before him, considering the fact that the dormitories was closer to the Pit, compared to where ever he was at. She would be embarrassed if she was the one late. He then proceeded to ask her "Are you ready, Darling?" To which she said with a mischievous smile on her face "Oh darling is it? I hope you don't end up treating me like some flower." As soon as she finished, she threw a punch into his stomach, hoping to illustrate that effect. But she knew that by the end of the day, she would most probably be the one on the recieving end of many of the punches and kicks. She retorted back "How's that dear?"

Claudia then threw several more punches, though she was not exactly sure what she was doing. The punches she gave were more random than anything else, and all it seemed to her was that she was hitting something, namely him. She was sure, he would turn it around, and use it against her, but she had little else to do, considering her lack of knowledge regarding unarmed combat.

[Holland Rolandus]

Holland didn't bother wasting any time on this one; The moment he watched as Claudia threw a few punches he stepped backward. In the time it took for her to throw yet another punch, He outstretched his right hand. Wrapping it around the Claudias wrist as she'd thrown the punch toward him. Although he knew nothing about grappling; He guessed this was how you did it and therefore he carried through with it. In an incredibly amateur motion he charges forward, slamming his torso into Claudias own. Whilst throwing out his right foot in a wild and swift attempt to trip her. Regardless of rather or not it would work he would simply continue to charge her. Holland thought it was incredibly erotic when women fought. Therefore he would push both his and her own limits to see just how far she would go.

"..." Holland returned not a single word as the woman spoke during combat. That could be very distracting in some cases; Which is why Holland chose not to do it.

"Do not allow yourself to be phased by words! Regardless of the situation, Holland!" Holland thought to himself as his torso collided with her own. Immediately he proceeds to look her directly in the eye; Giving her a momentary gaze as his action was completed. All he could think about was the fact that he didn't want to bruise her or cause her too much pain. Therefore he would be incredibly chivalrous and not strike back very hard at all in any case. For the only time he would dare purposely hurt a woman; was if his life was at risk. In this case it wouldn't at all be at risk therefore he wouldn't bother attempting to be too harsh with his strikes.

Although, that of course didn't mean he wouldn't batter her to the fullest extent. For now he wasn't all that capable of a fighter when he didn't have his blade with him. Yet, that wouldn't stop him from attempting to achieve his ultimate goal. He wanted to become a well renown and constantly hired Mercenary. Therefore this would simply be yet another step on his pathway to success. In true combat he would have to eliminate a foe at all costs; Yet, in her case he was infatuated by the woman. Therefore he spares her his wrath and intense attacks.

Grappling wasn't something he was quite used to, and now he was attempting to get the hang of it. Grappling moving things like flying fists and what not were much harder to do as well. If not practically impossible for him to do right now. It was incredibly hard to even keep track of something moving at a rapid pace like that. Due to the fact that he'd only just began scathing the surface in terms of learning to observe things during combat.

[Claudia Blackwood]

As she threw the multitude of random punches at Holland, he seemed to duck her moves with ease, stepping backwards. As she got ready to throw yet another punch, he stretched out his right arm before pushing forward, taking a firm grip of her wrist, as his fingers proceed to wrap around her hand. Out of instinct, she pulled in protest when she sensed the grip, but it was nothing but a fruitless attempt of releasing the grip. Holland then made his next move. He charged towards her, slamming his body into hers. She staggered slightly backwards, with a thin smile on her face.

Now they were getting somewhere.

Claudia was about to get back into position. She placed a foot forwards, attempting to reclaim lost ground. That plan was shot as well, as he quickly stuck out his foot in a flash, tripping her with such a wild speed. She was caught unawares, and all she saw was glimpse of his steely brown eyes, grim with determination before she toppled onto the matt with a heavy thud.

On the ground, Claudia was still quite surprised at the fall that she was not expecting one bit, and she tossed a look back at him with a surprised smile. She focused her green orbs at his face, attempting to read his expressions, discerning what would come next. There was one thing Claudia noticed, and it was the fact that Holland had yet to return a single word back about her retorts, possibly aiming at full concentration on the fight.

Great... she thought to herself. At least he was taking this seriously. She was glad. He didn't let up and began to grapple her by the body, pinning to two of them close to each other, their bodies in close contact with one another.

She fought to seize control, but Holland's strength was obviously alot stronger than hers. She had to try something else. With their bodies both locked in a grip, she swung her elbow back several times, throwing him several stabs with the end of her elbow to his stomach, in an attempt to pry herself loose.

Although caught up in the moment, she was delighted that Holland was the one who was introducing her to the art of unarmed combat. He was no master, and not yet competent in the skill, but she was sure that in time, he would be, judging from the amount of training he does. Claudia was quite smitten with the man, and although she may not always show it, she was always glad to spend time with him.

[Holland Rolandus]

Holland landed himself atop the woman; With a rather gargantuan smile upon his face. Revealing his pearly white teeth, and looking the woman in the eyes, before he proceeds to ignore the pain. The woman was striking him in the gut. Although he would choose to attempt to endure the pain for now; Immediately he proceeds to pin Claudias entire forearm using his own. Preventing any further elbow striking, and now he proceeds to lean forth. Attempting to regain his focus after being stricken like that; As he had never been before. Holland learned a lesson immediately; That women can hit just as hard as men. Now he began thinking of a way as to how he would distract her. Or somewhat attempt to keep her from striking him for very long; Immediately he hatched a plan. He would attempt kissing her and see just how well that would go. If that failed, then he didn't quite know what to do other then to keep fighting.

Holland proceeds to bring forth his visage. Before tilting his cranial structure to the right. Immediately allowing his lips to collide with Claudias own. In a rather gentle and tender kiss. Though he wasn't quite used to kissing anyone at all in the least bit. He'd felt as if an ocean of emotion washed over him when he'd done such an odd thing. Kissing her was absolutely incredible, and it felt even more amazing then he'd imagined. Although it wasn't the first time; This time surely did feel absolutely unreal. Despite how amazing it felt he knew that she would probably punch him for it later; Though he remained careless to that fact.

For now all he could think about was how astonishing she was. She actually seemed like quite the gentle girl at first. Yet, now that he has discovered that she can battle; Holland is head over heels for her. Feisty women were more attractive then the typical ones. Regardless of how beautiful they are; If they can battle then Holland is amazed. He found it absolutely spectacular, and continues to kiss her lips. Hopefully, she would lose her drive to fight and he wouldn't need to be bothered doing this anymore. He didn't truly want to battle against her, He wanted to do no more then show her affection. Despite the fact that she had just stricken him.

She was a squire now as well, and he felt that she would be glad to train with him more often. He didn't care if he had to train with her on a daily basis; He enjoyed her company time and time again. Regardless of what they might've been doing. He was infatuated, and as the moments of kissing the woman passed he finally released his lips from her own. Whilst still looking the woman in the eyes. Holland went out of his way to ensure she knew of his feelings for her. This was one of the multiple ways he could think of expressing that feeling. Actions often times tend to speak louder then words do; Therefore he used an action rather then being wordy. As he typically was an incredibly outspoken and poetic individual.

Holland struggled, and struggled some more. He wanted to say it for the longest time and reveal what he'd been holding back from her. For the longest time; Ever since the day that he met her. Holland figured that he had nothing to lose at this point. Especially being that she had only somewhat gotten to know him. Although he didn't know too much about her; He decided to come out with it. He'd finally spoken for the first time throughout the course of the battle.

"Claudia, I have something to tell you, and I feel like you should know. I am absolutely in love with you. When I am around you I feel as if I can be myself, and not mask who I truly am. I feel like you are the most amazing individual I have ever encountered in my life time. Claudia, Blackwood... I love you."

[Claudia Blackwood]

Locked in a tight grip with Holland, she saw a massive smile spread across his face, revealing his teeth in a menacing grin. Claudia didn't like the look of that. He must have something up his sleeve, and she was sure it'll be nothing good. Her repeated strikes to his gut was proving painful though, as he made an extra effort to pin her right arm down, preventing any further jabs with her elbow. She was glad that she was at least having some success, not matter how minimal. Everyone's got to start from somewhere, after all. Plenty of people tend to judge her from her looks, thinking that a pretty girl like her couldn't be capable of much. She is always more than happy to give them a nasty surprise.

Claudia saw Holland angling his head, turning his towards hers, facing hers. Before she even realised what he was planning to do, his lips landed on hers. That totally took her in by surprise, but not for long. This was supposed to be a serious sparring, but of course he had to resort to dirty tactics. And he had timed it perfectly as well. With her hands bound by his, she was powerless to stop him. The thing about Holland was that whenever he kissed, it always seemed to be gentle and tender, even in a moment like this.

It reminded her of their first kiss together at the New Year's party a few days ago. He seemed to have had his fill, as he soon withdraw, removing his lips from hers. Claudia then discovered his plan. He must be hoping that the kiss would drive her weak, sapping her of her will to fight further. Well, he was in for a surprise, she was ready to prove him wrong. He stared deeply into her eyes, his brown ones meeting her green ones. This time it was hers that was shining brightly, as a plan formulated in her mind.

She noticed that after the intimate moment, his grip seemed to loosen considerably. He seemed to be distracted, probably thinking of what dirty tactic to follow up with next. Priming her legs, she gave him a sharp kick, not knowing where she kicked, but from the shocked reaction he gave, releasing his grip, she tumbled away from him, moving to get back up on her feet. She gave him a sly smile, rejoicing at the fact that she was back in the game. He seemed to be bothered by something though, as he stood up slowly. He clearly had something on his mind. Holland then broke his silence, by speaking for the first time since the battle started.

"Claudia, I have something to tell you, and I feel like you should know. I am absolutely in love with you. When I am around you I feel as if I can be myself, and not mask who I truly am. I feel like you are the most amazing individual I have ever encountered in my life time. Claudia Blackwood... I love you."

She stood calmly before him, her face devoid of any expression for a few chimes, before a wide grinning smile spread across her face. She ran towards him as fast as she could, before he could even react, she slide a leg out, tripping him as he fell harmlessly to the mat with a loud thud. It was then that Claudia replied
"I do love you too, Holland."

[/color]

[Holland Rolandus]

Holland found it to have been absolutely hilarious; She didn't seem to get distracted. He was actually very well baffled that she didn't ; Although it wouldn't matter too much from his perspective. Holland immediately coils his legs about Claudias' heels. Although he knew absolutely nothing about how to ground an opponent. He proceeds to pull backward, and lean forth simultaneously. So that she may fall over as well, and although it was quite the dirty tactic he didn't exactly have a reason to care too much. Now she wanted to be tough and feisty; She's practically become a totally different person in Hollands eyes. He found it incredibly enticing that she actually didn't mind battling with him.

Therefore he immediately took action, the moment she'd hit the ground before him. Holland proceeds to climb atop the woman once more, and this time he wouldn't be quite as gentle. He begins to coil both his arms around the Womans' right leg; After having uncoiled his legs from her own. Now he proceeds to simply grasp hold of the woman rather tightly. Squeezing away at her knee cap, although he was sure not to be too rough. For he knew one thing if nothing else; That bones were breakable. He surely didn't want a fight to ruin the multiple things to come later on.

She'd told him she loved him too, and that made him incredibly happy. So happy that he didn't even know what to say after that point. Therefore he decided upon being quiet, and being totally silent ; Due to the fact that Holland had a loss for words. He didn't quite know how to react, but on his visage was quite the harsh blush. Therefore all she would know was that he was incredibly jolly that she'd said it. That much was incredibly evident, and fairly obvious to be quite frank.

She was absolutely gorgeous, and there was no doubt about that; Thought Holland as he continues to battle her. Whilst still having straightened out her leg and held it up over his shoulder, and gently applying pressure. Holland couldn't even take his eyes off of her visage; He was far more distracted then he appeared to be at first glance. Her words flustered him, and infiltrated the fortress that was his mind. All he could think about for now was the future and how things would go between them.

[Claudia Blackwood]

She was on the ground again. Of course she was. He seemed to love doing this, and this was turning out to be a wrestling match more than anything else it seemed. Despite escaping from his grip a couple of chimes ago, he had did it once more. Holland really enjoyed these close encounters from the look of things. He had coiled his leg around her heel, bringing down to a crash to the mat yet again. She hoped she wouldn't get too many bruises by the time this match was over. The moment she hit the ground, he was atop her, and he began the process of coiling his limbs around her yet once more. Claudia was frustrated at her lack of skill and strength that had her locked in this position.

The exertion of the strenuous physical activity had already caused her to began perspiring rather heavily, drenching her entire body in a layer of glistening sweat. Beads of perspiration began running down her face and body soaking her already damp clothes. Her sweat-soaked hair stuck to her face, amplifying her frustration. Exercising sure didn't make her look pretty while she was doing it, red cheeked and soaked in her own perspiration, but she knew that it was necessary to improving her skills. She would have to do something soon, something that prove prevent him from locking her in this position yet once more.

Twice was more than enough.

All things considered, she had finally told him how she felt about him, coupled with the feelings she had felt since the party. Claudia had no idea if she had done the right thing. Perhaps she was wrong? Holland had grown rather silent upon her revelation, causing her to doubt herself. Her visage showed signs of doubt and embarrassment, and her mind was beginning to drift from the fight. Claudia thought to herself about his sudden silence, wondering yet again if she shouldn't have revealed that to him. A quick glance upon his visage was met with nothing but a harsh blush. That could have been embarrassment, among others, but she chose to treat it as such.

His grip on her seemed to be loosening as well, and he seemed to be distracted, and Claudia thought this to be an opportune moment to call for a break, which would give them a much needed breather, as there was not much reason to continue with both of them distracted.

“Let’s take a short break before we continue.”

[Holland Rolandus]

Holland proceeds to speak in response to the woman immediately. Due to the fact that it seemed as if she doubted having made her statement at the correct time. After she told him she loved him he was distracted; so much so that indeed he couldn't truly find the words to respond to her with. Therefore now that he'd had a sudden burst of inspiration; he would act and immediately speak as she made her statement about the break. He would keep his composure, and attempt to calmly speak allowing the words to roll off of his tongue.

"Claudia, before we even bother taking that break I want you to know of how much I love you. I am incredibly glad that you could say it to me, and I would like to attempt expressing to you my feelings. My love for you burns hotter then a raging flame. My love for you; ensures to me that if you and I aren't together by today then I am to blame. My love for you is eternal and shall never be put to shame. My love for you is a plea, and my love for you is pure wholesome insanity. "

The words weren't something even Holland was at all in any way shape or form used to speaking. Due to the fact that he wasn't quite comfortable with that level of wording. Although he refused to hide himself any longer, and would much rather tell the truth then spout lies. Holland spoke each and every word whilst looking her in the eyes. So that she would know he wasn't simply saying it to be saying it. He wanted Claudia to know exactly how filled with meaning his words actually were. Hopefully she would believe what he'd just said to her, and they could move further from this point on. He'd practically just asked to be in a relationship with her again. Yet, in the back of his mind there was doubt that she would accept.

Holland knew that he was being incredibly courageous at this point. He'd already spoken the words, and been fully prepared for what would come afterward. Rather that have been acceptation or declination, and he would remain calm. Before Holland leans forth and graces her lips with a kiss. A delicate peck, and he immediately gets off of the woman, seating himself directly in front of her, and patiently awaiting a return of words.