Tangled amidst the Silks

Again, Isa certainly found Saskia’s flexibility both impressive and intriguing – a part of her back brain curious as to exactly how far that tall, shapely frame could bend or twist… Or, more accurately, be made to bend – or twist.

It was a fun thought experiment. Although she had to admit, looking again at the deep arch of Saskia’s spine, the lack of any visible strain as the white-haired woman bent her legs so far, Saskia would definitely be a challenge.

Doable, sure. Isa knew a thing or two about joints nowadays and how to make them bend in ways they really shouldn’t. But she’d definitely have to dip into her bag of tricks for Saskia, something that was definitely giving her ideas.

Wicked, wicked ideas.

Ideas she probably wouldn’t ever get the chance to test out but still.

Fun.

Meantime, Isa raised a shoulder in an off-hand shrug, continuing her own stretch. “Heh. Well, it’s a mixed class for one so there’s always a chance you’ll be paired with a guy when it comes to open mat. It’s not that big a deal, most of them are super respectful and you’re all there to learn – I’m just one of the boys. It’s just sometimes one of ‘em gets a bit handsy and needs to take a time out, y’know?”

Her tone was more than a little loaded, her eyebrows arched high and her emerald eyes sparkling with mischief. Choking an opponent out, particularly the ones who’d more then earnt it, was always a thrill.

“But yeah, it’s a good way to learn how to deal with bigger, stronger opponents and guys… fight differently to us girls. Don’t ask me to explain it, it’s a body thing. You ought to give it a try though. People say grappling’s boring but it’s way more fun than they think.”

Finally, she lowered her leg.

“And you didn’t say you wouldn’t roll with a girl…” Ok, so Isa did pick up on that bit.

“Faszinierend~.” Saskia brought a finger towards her temple, letting one elbow rest on her palm as she listened to Isa. Really listened. It was fascinating to hear much about people’s experiences, allowing their anecdotes not just to paint a story of who they are as a person but also the interests they venture. Truthfully, Saskia never saw the need to grapple with the guys. Neither was she allowed doing so. The boarding school was an all-girls one, and the league that she would dedicate most of her life to had nary a soul that belonged to the opposite sex.

Well. At least, one that wasn’t a spectator.

But here is Isa entirely open for testing herself against them. Most women that the Swiss-German would talk to would even entertain the thought. In a way, Saskia had respect for that. And it is true in a sense; you have to get used to facing stronger opponents than you. To be able to contend with their advantage and work around it.

The world outside cares not for weight and size classes, after all.

“No need to explain; I have seen enough to know.” Biology drilled in her head about the differences between the two sexes already. “Different sports fascinate me, so I thank you for your input. I know gymnastics has its challenges, but an athlete is an athlete. I suppose for das Ringen; it’s the constant, never-ending struggle. I remembered someone saying in a video that it’s like chess? The tactical side of sports is what captivates me the most. When things are not as straightforward, but it’s gratifying to ‘figure it out,’ stimmst du nicht zu?” Obviously, Saskia phrased it as someone outside looking in, respectable of Isa’s other passion that doesn’t include some apparatus. Though frankly, she already understood with first-hand experience.

Not that Saskia would admit and come clean with that. Not while they play this game.


“Hmm. That is true.” This was interesting. The Irish-Romani certainly was observant. "I once tried a self-defense seminar with a friend, and it felt less intimidating. Maybe it’s because I’m just commenting as an outsider….” In a way, she kind of is. “...or maybe that’s how my brain is wired. I’m not so knowledgeable when it comes to psychology.” Look at her, acting all innocent and pure as her ashen hair. "Perhaps the only logical solution is to learn from a girl. Ach mühe, it's gonna be a job trying to find the right place to start..."

“Chess?” Isa twisted her mouth thoughtfully, dropping down to sit lotus-style opposite Saskia, putting them eye to eye rather than eye to thigh.

“I mean… I guess? But better, way better. I mean, with chess, you know what each piece can do, right? On the mats, you really don’t. And you don’t get to stop and plan, it’s think fast, move or lose.”

That was kind of the fun too, for her. Sure, you didn’t get to take moves back in chess either but in chess you didn’t literally have your opponent looking to choke you out or twist your arm off while you tried to work out what to do. Definitely tactical, just in a different way to chess, she felt.

Speaking of working things out, Isa’s lack of German meant she was guessing about exactly what Saskia meant – some of it was easy, other bits not so much.

Still, it seemed like Saskia was at least interested enough to give it a go.

Though she was clearly and definitely lying through her perfect teeth about not being knowledgeable about psychology…

“Oh,” Isa said coyly in response, “I’m sure you’ll be able to find someone who’d teach you. I mean, there’s that wrestling company up the road – got to be tons of grapplers around from that, even if you can’t find a proper dojo or MMA gym. I’d recommend someone but…”

Her shrug encompassed not just the room around them but all of Tokyo.

“Kinda new here. You ought to though; you’d rock almost anyone’s world with hips like yours. And those gymnast thighs of yours – trust me, you’d crush ‘em on the mats, Sas.”

Her smirk widened.

“Sorry. I mean, crush it. Slip of the tongue.”

Yes, she knew Saskia had been fishing for her to offer; Isa wouldn’t be much of a Temptress if she’d not caught that. Now, she didn’t mind being caught (particularly by someone who looked like Saskia), but she was at least going to make her new friend work for it a bit first.

“Something much more nuanced and skilled than chess.” Suppose one was to simplify it even further. Not to say Isa didn’t do a great job giving her thoughts and describing things so that one could easily understand as one would with so much experience.

Given what she could see and the more Saskia would continue to converse with Isa, this isn't surprising. There was a clear distinction between people talking about a hobby/sport/job and not showing they’re seasoned and those that are. Especially when you speak to those who know about the topic you’re talking about. Upon further inspection, Isabel was far from a pretender. Course, you could see that if you look closely at her body, but those uneducated would have just assumed she got fit just because.

Not to Saskia, of course. There’s always a purpose to how someone is built. Muscles, ligaments, bone… And Isa’s was very clear on that front.

“Of that, I am certain, Liebe Isa,” Saskia responded coyly. “Though in all sports, you’d want to get the right place and the right teacher. I’ve been fortunate with my gymnastics coach, but there are others that…nicht so viel Glück, if you know what I mean.” Her use of German in that particular phrase was more so to be considerate to those that could be triggered. But considering her somewhat serious tone, Isa would know very well what she meant, even if she didn’t speak the language. “However, I am certain finding someone wouldn’t be so hard. Japan is a fascinating place, especially when it comes to martial arts. With some being the birthplace in this land.”

Of course, she caught that ‘slip of the tongue there. Isa was being cheeky with that. “Crush ‘em?” Her tone sounded confused, but she got what she meant. “I mean…from what you’ve described, I’d assume that was still apt-.”

“Attention, ladies!” A voice could be heard suddenly; Saskia’s attention would be taken away from Isa to the lady standing at the doorway. A modest camisole and denim shorts, the kind of wear you’d see for everyday outing use. Certainly not someone who looks ready to do aerial yoga.

“I know some of you were looking forward to this class, but I come with bad news. Long story short, our instructor has a dire emergency and won’t be present, meaning that this class is canceled.”

Cue groans and moans from the patrons looking forward to this class, especially those new, including the two Europeans. Saskia barely caught what was said. It wasn’t the heavy Australian accent that was the only thing that caught her eye. Or the vibrant pink hair or the number of tattoos she has. Her legs looked. Upon first glance, they seemed quite like Isa’s, which was impressive.

But there were other pressing matters to get to. “Schade…And I was looking forward to this. So, das ist heute Abend geschafft.” Saskia muttered, looking genuinely bummed out about the news.