Closed Working Closely (Nai'a)

[Erekez]

It was good to know that his offer made Nai'a as excited as she was. It was the least he could do, considering that Nai'a had wanted to meet Moon. Provided Moonraker behaved herself as she promised, there shouldn't be a problem. Nai'a looked up at him after her curtsy, and attention from Moon, biting her lip. She looked to be concerned about something. Nai'a had ridden a horse before, but that was a while ago apparently. It seemed that she felt out of practice enough to be worried about trying again on her own. It was a fair question to ask for help. Erekez preferred to be asked for help, rather than someone deal with consequences after something had gone wrong that could've been prevented otherwise. "I'll ride with you for now," Erekez replied, "And I'll do so until you feel comfortable enough to go on your own if you want." Erekez moved to Nai'a's side and mounted Moonraker again, moving himself further back on the saddle to allow room for Nai'a. "Also, in response to your previous question, no, I didn't. I thought that was for men. I was under the impression that women worried about how much they ate. Are you telling me you don't?" He gave her a sideways glance, grinning slightly, as he turned down towards her, offering his hand. "And 'Kezzy'? Are there no ends to your skills my dear?" Erekez's grin became a smile as he continued to joke with Nai'a.

[Nai'a]

Nai’a was extremely thankful that Erekez decided to ride with her. After Moonraker’s display, and the fact that it had been awhile since riding a horse, she was immensely worried about riding the horse alone.

Nai’a chuckled lightly at Erekez’s comment about food being the way to a man’s heart, which women usually worried about what they ate. Nai’a was an exception; she loved food, especially fish. Delicious grilled fish, like that which she shared with her friend Ricky Maze the Wave Guard. Up until that day she met Ricky she had only had raw fish, but he introduced her to the most delectable grilled fish she had ever ate, and with that came a new found interest. Food.

”No, I suppose I do not worry too much about what I eat. I love food. Especially fish.” Nai’a gave him a bright smile, reaching for his hand, and using his strength to help get herself up on the horse. Once she was settled in front of him on the saddle, she inhaled a deep breath to calm her nerves.

Erekez then commented on his nickname that she had gave him, and Nai’a turned and looked over her shoulder winking, ”I think Kezzy is cute and fluffy like you,” Nai’a laughed softly, ”As for skills. I have a lot of skills, so no; I suppose there are no ends to it.” Nai’a winked and looked back in front of her, holding the horse’s mane softly in her hands.

”Are you ready to go Moonraker?” Nai’a leaned down a little and softly asked the horse in her long ear. She was ready to ride the horse, even though it did make her nervous. She had not ridden a horse in so long, she missed the feel of the wind rushing past her on top of a stead, it was like flying in the sky, but you are still grounded.

[Erekez]

Cute? Fluffy? They were two words that Erekez had never associated with himself before. He had no problems with being called such, in fact, it was nice to know what Nai'a thought of him without having to do any digging, they just weren't words he would've considered himself. She has yet to see what I'm like when others are around. Reaching underneath Nai'a's arms, Erekez grabbed hold of the reins. "No jokes Moon." He tapped Moon's side, just behind Nai'a's leg, and Moon started to move forwards. Erekez was careful, not letting Moonraker get too fast for Nai'a. He was unsure how comfortable she felt at the moment, having him almost pressed against her back and his arms underneath hers to grab the reins. At least she won't fall off now. Being so close, Erekez became aware of Nai'a's scent, or lack of. She smelt so clean that it was unnatural.. The only scents on her were possibly from other scents that her clothing had picked up through the day. Could this be something to do with her being Kelvic? His thoughts drifted back to what Lisaelis had suggested earlier. Was it really true that Nai'a had bonded with him? Erekez knew almost nothing about Kelvic bonds. It was not a topic he had felt the need to learn about immediately. Since Spring, he'd spent most of his time reading up on Gods and Goddesses. On bonding, Erekez knew only that it was not a light commitment when a Kelvic develops such a bond, but beyond that, his knowledge of it almost stopped completely. The rest being made up of things he had overheard, but nothing solid. Moonraker was taking them up and over the mountains, showing the view over all of Zeltiva and Mathews Bay with the cliffs framing it either side. It was a sight that Erekez never got tired of. It was always good to appreciate the simple things in life, especially when you chose to make everything else so much more complicated. Erekez rubbed Moon's neck, signalling her to stop. Moon seemed to be thankful for the rest. She was not used to carrying two people on her back, it would be best not to push her. Watching over the horizon, Erekez kept returning to a question that he felt the need to ask. "Nai'a, can I ask what kind of Kelvic you are, please?" His voice trailed out smoothly as he spoke, carried by the mountain breeze gently blowing. Spring was definitely on it's way.

[Nai'a]

Nai’a’s heart skipped a beat when the horse began to move, but then it settled quickly as she enjoyed the slow pace of the horse. Erekez had his arms underneath her own, and her back was pressed against his chest. She felt comfortable and protected by this for some reason, it was an odd feeling, but it felt right to her. She looked over at beautiful city laid out before them, it was such a wondrous sight to behold from a top the mountains. Nai’a’s voice came out in a soft whisper, ”The city looks so beautiful from here. One would never think it was shrouded with pestilence…” Nai’a sighed softly, as she kept her fingers entwined in the horse’s hair softly. She knew she would not fall, thanks to Erekez’s arms, so she felt safe for now.

Then Moonraker stopped, the poor thing was probably tired from lugging the two of their bodies on her back. She felt sorry for the beautiful stead; she stroked her neck gently and patted it to let her know she was appreciated. Then Erekez’s voice reached her ears and she tried to peer around her shoulder at the man, but it was easier said than done, so instead she leaned back making Erekez drop his arms and sled off the horse’s back. She needed a break from the weight any ways.

She then directed her attention to Erekez, a small sly smile on her lips, ”I could tell you… Or you could earn it. Let us play a game, shall we?” Nai’a chuckled softly, she loved spending time with this man, and plus playing a game could be fun and bonding.

”You mentioned skills earlier, so if you can win against me in a hand-to-hand combat, I will tell you. Otherwise you will just have to wait and find out.” Nai’a winked at the man and went into a fighting stance. Her feet were shoulder length apart, her body fluid and not tense. She was ready to play with Erekez now, he seemed to view her as fragile, and she was going to show him how fragile she was not. ”Rule one, no hits to the face or stomach. Rule two do not hit to cause damage, only slight pain, this rule is mainly for you dear.” Nai’a’s laugh came out in a soft melody, echoing slightly, she winked again at Erekez in a teasing manner.

[Erekez]

I have just been asked to fight a woman... How did that happen? Erekez watched as Nai'a dropped into her stance. It looked as thought she had fought before. Her legs were shoulder-width apart, providing stability as she moved, and the rest of her looked like she could deal a bit of damage. But how did I end up in this situation? "You want me to fight you?" He felt mixed emotions about being asked this. Half of him was worried. He had been in a few sparring matches, but nothing as constrained as this. It had always been 'kill or be killed'. The only different in his sparring matches was he never delivered the killing blow. Erekez had never felt the need to hold back, he wasn't sure he was able to. But he'd have to try. The other half was shocked that Nai'a would ask him such a thing. Those with the mark of Rak'keli find difficulties and even consequences through causing damage. Why would Nai'a then openly ask for a hand-to-hand fight? Because she said she is not going to cause you damage, on 'slight' pain. The cockiness in her words made him smile. Throwing his other leg over Moonraker, Erekez slid off from the saddle as Nai'a had before him, considering the rules. Not to the face, and not to the stomach. That left arms, legs, back and chest. I don't think I'll be aiming for the chest. That limited his options further. Erekez turned left side facing forwards towards Nai'a. He had adopted the stance for unarmed fighting from the same stance he used when using his bow. Side-on left for a much narrower target for the opponent to hit. It also allowed for more maneuverability, especially when striking and blocking, thought Erekez felt he'd be doing more of the latter. His left hand drifted at shoulder height, relaxed and free moving. It was placed to deflect any weak attacks quickly. His right hand was more tense, used for blocking any attacks that were strong enough to make it past his first defence. It also gave it enough distance for momentum for a hit. Instead of tightening his hands into fists, Erekez left them open. Open palms were weaker than fists, but held better control. Attacks were easier to grab and throw aside, whilst grappling immobilised his opponent momentarily so he could deliver a quick jab to distract them. Pacing closer, thoughts filled his head. You need to take this easy. No dirty tricks, just take the fight for what it is: Fun. He still wasn't going to strike first.

[Nai'a]

It was obvious that man was not that experienced in hand-to-hand combat, or brawling, but he still had a great stance. One which looked to be trained and well used. Maybe it was stance he used for a weapon he was fond of. Nai’a waited for two chimes for Erekez to make the first move, but it became obvious that he was not going to strike first, Nai’a relaxed her stance a bit raising an eyebrow at the man.

”Really Kezzy? Are you frightened to make the first move?” Nai’a chuckled lightly, her eyes glittering with mirth, ”Have it your way.” Nai’a whispered softly as she began to circle the bigger man, she kept her face calm and her body fluid as she looked deep into the man’s eyes.

In a quick movement she struck out, her fist came with a withheld force towards his Plexus, located where his sternum is. She kept her other hand up and ready to hopefully defend his counterattack.

[Erekez]

The answer was yes, he was afraid to make the first move. Erekez had never fought for fun before, so it was entirely unknown to him. He had no problem with playing or having fun, in fact, he had joined in on many games that children had invited the 'strange-eyed traveller' to play with them, but none were ever fights. Nai'a's light laughter caused him to smile weakly, he wasn't sure why he had agreed to this at all, if he was so against it. Maybe it was because he didn't want to risk upsetting Nai'a. She had referred to it as a game, implying that she wanted to have fun with him. She was the first person who had tried to speak with him for a long time. Erekez didn't want to lose that, not know anyway if it was unavoidable. As she circled him, Erekez turned with her to keep himself facing her. It was never a good idea to take your eyes of your opponent, even when running. The last thing you wanted was to be caught unexpectedly. Erekez kept an eye on Nai'a's feet as she moved, hoping he'd be able to predict her movements from where she was stepping. She moved quickly. Her strike was too fast for him to catch it, instead brushing it to one side with his forearm. Erekez followed up with a strike to the inside of her elbow as he attempted to grab her wrist. His intention was to trap her striking arm between himself and Nai'a as he stepped in closer to her. Trapping her stronger arm prevented its use, and getting in so close would hopefully stop her gaining much momentum with her weaker hand. Erekez hoped that he'd be able to win by grappling. If he got her into a position where she couldn't move, surely that would be a forfeit on her part, and that meant he wouldn't have to worry about hurting her.

[Nai'a]

The strike to her elbow did not hurt, so he was keeping the strikes soft like she intended them to be. This was after all a friendly spar between friends, nothing serious. But when he brought her body closer to his she giggled slightly, leaning up to his ear, ”Aw, Erekez, if you wanted to feel my body up against yours, all you had to do was ask.” Nai’a whispered seductively into his ear, hoping to make his guard drop ever so slightly.

If he did indeed drop his guard her leg that was now a little behind his, would come up and strike him behind the knee, a weak spot that would make him fall with enough force behind it. She would indeed strike with enough force to bring him down, but not to harm him. Once he was on the ground the fun would commence. For his move was slightly more skilled then she had figured he was in hand-to-hand combat, and it seemed he did not expect much from his opponent, a mistake that he would learn if her strike did indeed work out in her advantage. Nai’a could not help the smile on her face, this was going to be fun.

[Erekez]

"I might take you up on that offer later." Managing a smile, Erekez responded to her goading. He was aware that she was trying to throw him off, trying to make him drop his guard. He was still more than happy to tease her back, even in this situation but, whilst he was aware of her intentions, Erekez remained unaware of her actions at the same time. Feeling a strike in the back of his knee, Erekez's leg buckled, collapsing under the unexpected shift in weight to his other leg. He instinctively thrust his hand outwards, in any attempt that he could possibly stabilise himself with. Feeling his hand press against Nai'a's chest, he didn't take any time to consider where it had actually landed, instead releasing his grip on her wrist and attempting to push her backwards as he fell. Erekez hoped it would give him enough time to gather himself. Besides, pushing on the chest was more effective than pushing on her arm. Landing on one knee, Erekez was aware that he was in a compromising position. Crouching had a drastic effect on maneuverability. There was very little he could do from where he was, even blocking became more difficult. Nai'a, technically, had the high-ground. She'd easily be able to get around his defence. Since strikes to the stomach were off, the most Erekez could do was swipe at her feet. He had a feeling Nai'a would be able to get a one up at any attempts. He needed to get to his feet quickly, resume his original stance before Nai'a could make a move. If she managed to do anything before he was back up again, Erekez knew he wouldn't be fast enough to stop her. She could do whatever. Nai'a knew how to fight, that was certain, and Erekez wasn't holding back on the moves he was trying to use. His only restriction was that he was fighting honourably and he didn't like it. Yet, Erekez didn't feel as compelled to swap back to his usual fighting style. Not against Nai'a anyway. You know she doesn't intend on killing you. Erekez smiled, knowing that he could fight carefree again.

[Nai'a]

Her hit to his knee made him fall down to one knee. Just what she planned would happen. She figured he would strike out, but she didn’t think he would strike her breasts. A shocked look came over her face, but she quickly banished it. She was sure he did not mean to attack her breasts, it was just a way to shove her back. If it wasn’t for the fact that she had her feet positioned with one in front of the other, and her heels dug into the ground, she may of came back a couple of steps. As it was she only got jerked back.

Nai’a decided to waste no time and she put both of her hands together, and came down like a hammer on a nail, trying to connect with the area below the base of the back of his neck. She put a little force into it, but not enough to really hurt him, just enough to make the area a little sore maybe. Nai’a jumped backwards after the attempted hit, staying out of striking distance, and giving Erekez room to get back up to his feet. After all a spar was no fun if the other was on the ground.

Nai’a smiled and looked over at Erekez, ”I know my breasts are awesome, but you could also ask to touch them, instead of using this spar as an excuse to fondle me.” Nai’a said teasingly, chuckling lightly, a small blush on her cheeks. Those bold words were something she wouldn’t really tell people, but Erekez was different. She felt comfortable around him, safe, and as if she could be herself and not be judged.