The sudden movement of the second woman took Conal by surprise, his staff knocking loose from his hand, his attempt to grab it skittering just beyond his fingertips. He saw the woman continue to spin, dropping low and knew what was coming next. Unfortunately, off balance trying to grab the staff, he couldn't move fast enough to avoid it.<br/><br/>He tried to jump the sweep, but that meant that the kick aimed at the back of his knees caught his ankles instead, and he felt the world tilt crazily. He managed to tuck his chin against his chest, and slap the ground hard as he landed, absorbing most of the impact. His head snapped back though, sending yet more stars dancing across his field of vision.<br/><br/>When they stopped he found himself staring back at his staff, feeling it's tip under his chin.<em>What the fuck is going on here?</em>his mind screamed, but he carefully relaxed his body.<em>No sudden moves, no pissing them off any more than they are already. Shit, I wonder if they're high on something? They didn't even try demanding money first.</em><br/><br/>He licked his lips, then spoke slowly, keeping his voice as calm as he could. "Listen, if it's money you're after I don't have a whole lot on me. Maybe fifty or so. If you want to point that thing elsewhere I can give it to you. No need for any more rough stuff, ok?" His body felt strangely heavy, like it didn't want to move.<em>Fuck, don't tell me I'm getting a concussion out of this on top of everything else.</em>He blinked once or twice, looking at them. He tried to focus on the one who'd helped him up.<em>Maybe she's more reasonable than her friend.</em>