Marianne was caught off guard by the hug given to her. In hindsight, she was probably luckier than any guy that wanted to court of princess of Ylisse. Of course, those thoughts didn’t register to her at this moment…well, maybe just a little. Giggling, she hugged Caroline back before letting go.

[color=a187be]“Aw, you’re welcome Miss Fearless Leader’s Sister. When you die in battle, I’ll be sure to stuff your killer’s head down their necks! It’ll take some twisting, but I’m sure I have a hex made just for that.”[/color]

As Marius led the Shepherds forward toward Jacob’s location, the Dark Mage skipped along happily while casting spells here and there. As they soon rendezvoused with Jacob’s group, Marianne paused suddenly. A presence she hadn’t felt since…

[color=a187be]“Heheheh….”[/color]

Likewise, Solanne froze in place, a chill running down her spine. She had the odd feeling that someone was watching her. Looking around the battlefield, she finally matched gazes with her stalker. For once, the Crimson Hound wanted to bolt it out of there.

In the span perhaps five seconds, she had been tackled by something short and fast. Looking down, she saw her lower torso being clenched tightly by a certain Dark Mage.

[color=a187be]“Big sister!”[/color]

Marianne hugged tighter, not really caring about the battle right now.

[color=f26522]“E-Er, hey there Marianne. Uh, nice to see you, but we’re in the middle of war, ya know?”[/color]

It took all of the swordswoman’s will not to flinch away from the eye-patched girl.