Before Acrius could mount his horse up he spotted two more goblin riders charging towards his location. [b][color=#FF9900]"Oho?"[/color][/b] He said, not realizing how disadvantageous it was fighting two mounted riders. His ridiculous plan somehow managed to work but he didn't really think past the consequences. Still, a two versus one? A challenge like that would've been invigorating. However it wouldn't come to pass as Leonidas and Balthazar covered him. Balthazar used magic to kill the other rider efficiently. Leonidas, with a mighty swing, took out the goblin preparing to throw a spear at him. The rider-less wolf, however, now leaped towards Acrius.

The oranged-eyed boy had barely managed to unsheathe his short-sword. He was pinned to the floor as he blocked the leaping bite with the broad side of his sword. The only thing between him and the wolf was steel. The wolf snarled and snapped at Acrius as he attempted to bite into him. [b][color=#FF9900]"Eugh, yuck."[/color][/b] He muttered as drool slobbered onto him. Slowly he turned the blade horizontally, the blade now digging into the wolf. In it's ferocity the weapon began digging into its maw. In a few minutes it would weaken. Soon it flopped lifeless on top of him.

A mixture of wolf and goblin blood, sweat, and now slobber. Acrius must've smelled like a dream. With a huff he hoisted the corpse off of him. He knew for sure that he was going to get it from Leonidas later. Even Balthazar had that tell-tale look about him. The goblins soon retreated and Leonidas called off those who pursued them. A small family now emerged from the carriage. It seemed that the two in the front weren't as lucky. A pang of guilt ate at him. [i][b][color=#FF9900]Luckily they'll not be orphans.[/color][/b][/i] He thought, glancing at the boy as he remembered his youth.

The 18-year old girl sprinted at him at blinding speeds. It was a speed that outpaced anything he'd seen before. Suddenly he was in a neck lock... no, it wasn't a neck lock. A [i]hug[/i]?

"[color=f49ac2][b]My hero! You were so amazing the way you leapt in to save me![/b][/color]"

Oh god. He really just wanted to stretch his bones. Who was this girl? He held his hands upwards, not touching her at all. 

[b][color=#FF9900]"Err, it was nothing...?"[/color][/b] Acrius responded awkwardly. [b][color=#FF9900]"Best not to touch me, I'm covered in dirt, blood, and gods-knows-what."[/color][/b] 

Despite his warnings the girl clung on like a tight vice. Girls from the city were indeed something else. Acrius always had a sixth sense for feeling eyes on him and whenever he went to the capital women would openly gawk at him. He had no idea why and he believed it was due to his unkempt appearance.

"[color=fff200][b]Acrius since you don't seem to like your horse you are going to saddle yours up to the cart and ride with these fine people back to Bergkoff. You two stay with them as escort.[/b][/color]" 

Some of the soldiers in the retinue stifled their laughters as this was said. Though he tried to glare at them, he wasn't very convincing with this girl clinging onto him. [b][color=#FF9900]"What!? Why do I ha-"[/color][/b] Acrius stopped himself as he saw that look in Leonidas' eyes. [b][color=#FF9900]"... As you command, crowned prince."[/color][/b]

The girl's air depriving hug was let go as she (barely) did a crusty to thank the crowned prince. Even he wouldn't act that brazen against the prince. But knowing Leonidas, he was likely to let the discourtesy go. He felt his blood stop pumping on the arm that the girl latched onto. [i][b][color=#FF9900]This girl has a grip stronger than an orc.[/color][/b][/i]

"[b][color=f49ac2]So your name is Acrius then? I'm Liz nice to meet you.[/color][/b]"

[b][color=#FF9900]"... Yes. Acrius Stroude."[/color][/b] Acrius replied, not at all knowing what the hell was happening. [b][color=#FF9900]"Nice to meet you... Liz?"[/color][/b] 

Acrius tried his best to help the two knights posted with him but was little help with Elizabeth clutching onto him. Luckily, she eased up in the cart (but was still too close) and instead barraged him with questions. Battles, Adventures, even his weaponry. Anything centered around him. Why him? He had no idea, who would be interested in someone like Acrius. Still, the orange-eyed swordsman tried his best to answer her questions. Even with his lack of flair, the girl seemed entranced. The 5-year old boy even crawling up and listening to his rather plain retelling of his exploits.

As they arrived in the city, Acrius internally sighed. He did have a soft-spot for younger children, seeing himself in them. Still, this was something he could say he had ever done before. The barrage of questions seemed to never end. The mother of the two likely let it happen to let the kids keep their minds off their dead relatives. He gave the three a nod before he stepped off. However he felt a weight on his arm again. Elizabeth was once again slung around his arm. A few soldiers he knew from the retinue wolf-whistled at the two. Acrius made a mental note to remember their faces for 'extra training' with him later.

[b][color=#FF9900]"Uhh... You should probably go with your mother and brother to hide... right?"[/color][/b] Acrius said unconvincingly. Unsurprisingly she wasn't compliant.

Before she could reply a familiar voice called out;

[color=c4df9b]"I'm going to need my comrade back,"[/color]

Elizabeth looked mad and pouty but didn't say anything back. She reluctantly let go of his arm and walked towards her waiting relatives, looking at Acrius the whole time. She waved at him one last time and he awkwardly wave back. With a giggle she turned around and finally reunited with her family.

[b][color=#FF9900]"Thank gods."[/color][/b] Acrius said towards Faira. [b][color=#FF9900]"That really tired me out, why are girls from the city like that? I owe you one Faira."[/color][/b]

[b][color=#FF9900]"How'd it go on your end? Any issues?"[/color][/b] He changed the subject and inquired as he walked towards the prince and his retinue.

[b][color=#FF9900]"Prince Leonidas!"[/color][/b] Acrius called out. [b][color=#FF9900]"The family has been safely delivered."[/color][/b]

Acrius leaned closely towards Balthazar; his expression was dead serious, a burning question in his mind. He was certain that the Balthazar could smell the cocktail of odours on him. [b][color=#FF9900]"Any way I could wash some of this smell off my armour?"[/color][/b]