Acrius frowned and let out a long-drawn sigh. The past week had just been marching. [i]Marching[/i]. It didn't exhaust the amber-eyed lad but it did bore him to no ends. He knew why. Still, his body shook from the inactivity; he hadn't had a good fight in awhile. No one was willing to spar, citing that they were exhausted from the endless marching and setting up the camp. This morning was no different. The cold seemed to pierce through the thin tents, rendering many of them exhausted and dragging their feet. Acrius couldn't help but think it a tiny bit pathetic; a little bit of cold and some marching did [i]this[/i] much to the men who was supposed to hold Bergkoff?

Acrius sat on a box, he had already finished his own preparations. His left foot bounced up-and-down incessantly, trying to release excess energy. Whether it was from boredom or anxiety, he didn't know. What he did know was that he was going a bit stir-crazy. Pushing those thoughts out of his mind, he observed the two by the prince's side; both seemed affable enough. At the very least they were made of sturdier stuff than the rest of the men. It was Faira and Rudolph, he believed. Neither of the two whinged nor complained during the march.

[b][i][center]"When is this damned march going to be over?" 

"The faster it's over the better, I say."

"Hah, right! Yeh I just want my gold."

"Dying for the Grand-Empire? Fealty to the crowned prince? Sod that."[/center][/i][/b]

The two men guffawed between themselves. The boy's amber eyes trained onto them. His gaze pierced through them like a hawk watching its prey. [i][b][color=#FF9900]Is this the stench of insubordination I smell?[/color][/b][/i] Acrius thought fiendishly, knowing full well that it was barely that, [i][b][color=#FF9900]After just a week of marching?[/color][/b][/i]

One of them had a chill run down their spine. He directed his friend to Acrius' piercing glare. A look of anger and confusion boiled within the two men. He didn't say anything, his eyes instead invited them to try something. They seemed willing to fight; finally, he might get some real exercise. One more push ought do it. [b][color=#FF9900]"So we're discussing open treason in the encampment now, eh?"[/color][/b] He got up and cracked his neck, [b][color=#FF9900]"Sounds like you two need sorting out."[/color][/b]

[b][i][center]"Who the fek do you think you are?" 

"Someone needs to teach you some respect, boy!"[/center][/i][/b]

[b][color=#FF9900]"I don't think there's anyone here quite worth respecting, though?"[/color][/b] Acrius spat back with a grin. He goaded the duo, intentionally making their slight bigger than it actually was.

The two men approached Acrius carelessly. One threw a strong hay-maker which he ducked and swept. The man landed face first into the dirt, seemingly reeling from the impact. The other soldier grabbed Acrius' wrist and screamed obscenities. Acrius simply reversed the hold and, using his other arm as leverage, flipped the man easily. He now had the man in a shoulder lock. With one more motion he could dislocate the man's shoulder. He then shuddered as he felt the fierce, lion-like gaze of Leonidas. He immediately released him; placing both his hands up in mock-surrender. Had it been a moment later he might've gone through and actually snapped his arm.

[b][color=#FF9900]"That was good exercise lads, you've improved!"[/color][/b] Acrius said loud enough for the prince and the rest to hear. He whispered the following words to the duo, [b][color=#FF9900][i]"Any more talk like that and its more than an arm I snap."[/i][/color][/b]

The duo retreated somewhere further into the encampment; glaring at Acrius all the while. If looks could kill...

[b][color=#FF9900]"Good morrow to you Prince Leonidas."[/color][/b] Acrius smiled as he approached the group; his mood was noticeably better because of the 'exercise', [b][color=#FF9900]"You too, Rudolph and Faira."[/color][/b]