[/html]Eyes watched keenly, and he waited. Cassia returned with quite the remark making Oak’s brows rose slightly. He had been unknowingly waiting for her to hit him first. Now that the challenge was given he felt the difference that the hand to hand combat presented. He had never stuck a female. With the weapons it was different, at least it felt as such now that he did not have his axe. He did not find her vulnerable nor unable to defend herself but there was still a principle that was stopping himself from throwing the first punch.
Cassia’s smile exuded confidence, making it easier for him to truly consider hitting her. She wasn’t fragile, the thought repeated in Oak’s mind once more. She was a warrior, an ideal that the russet male hadn’t forgotten but he could see her face so clearly without the handle of his axe to block him.
He moved to the side, circling her to delay the strike and allowing his thoughts to germinate. Oak then gave a jab, his heart not behind the throw of his fist and aiming for the space of open air just to the side of her head. Instantly he recoiled his arm, back into the position of defense in front of him just below his chin.