[Training] On Your Toes

Peter felt more than saw the lunge towards him, and stayed low, hoping to avoid whatever Rory’s intention was. It was awkward, his hands scrabbling in the grass and his knees damp with the morning dew, but Peter was pleased to find it was working. At least, he was pleased until he looked up and saw his scarf being scooped into the talons of a bird. He’d been slowed down just enough to miss his chance to recover it. With a noise born of frustration, Peter sprang to his feet, turning as he did to face Rory again. At first, his irritation was simply because he’d lost his scarf, but then, he caught sight of the expression on Rory’s face, and looked up to see the bird circling above. Like it was waiting. He didn’t understand the exact how, but Peter knew this was the other mans doing. It was childish, and petty, but Peter didn’t want to lose. He started forward, closing the distance between Rory and himself again, but instead of devoting his focus to his opponent, he was watching the bird, waiting for its furthest loop, and then willing a weighted net over it. Not spectacularly heavy, but enough to start the hawk into a descent. Peter started running, ducking low and shouldering Rory as he rushed past the bigger man. With his head start, he should be able to get there first, but Peter had been surprised once already. Peter The only thing I know is this: I am full of wounds and still standing on my feet.