(Gonna start using colors >.> Felt out classed by your colorful words, Eric xD )
The red haired male was living in his own head for a bit, having recalled a few of his own battles that happened here, hell... He technically died once here in this region, but it mattered not now. He had no intention to die here, but he also had no intention of walking away with fresh blood on his hands... Especially when it was blood similar to his own, in one form or another. The words that came from Eric's mouth would have caused the large male to turn towards the source, his eyes moving up the mound to find the man. Perhaps, to others, the type of battle they were about to commence in would be a reason to want the other's head on platter but not for Athos. The sight of Eric actually caused the man to smile widely, his right hand coming up in a greeting as he'd wave it, before slowly lowering it.
"Yo, Eric! It's been quite a few years, with my death and all that other bullspit. But, despite that, you afraid of me all the sudden? Think you'll lose~?"
This wasn't smack talk, though, the playful teasing tone in his voice proof of that, as well as the grin on his lips. He would roll his shoulders, his smile slipping into a small grin, his feet slowly spreading apart until they matched his shoulders. He could feel the heat, but not of the heat around them. His blood was slowly starting to cook, or so it seemed. Each battle he ever had with Eric was always one for the records, and it had been awhile since he had such a great fight. His adrenaline was starting to pump and he was excited, the warrior part of him was, and that was shown by the burning compassion in his golden hues. His body was ready.