[u][center][h3]Marianne Delacroix[/h3][/center][/u]
[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/Jr0Uu63.png?1[/img][/center]

Marianne's attention faltered a bit, as when she looked up her eyes met Sir Garrett's and she became... lost. For some odd reason, the man smiled at her which took her by surprise. What was the purpose for the smiling? Getting flustered, she averted her eyes and paid him no further attention for the moment as she absently looked over her gear. 'Checking' it. Her attention returned when Sir Eadwig began to speak to her, giving her basic recommendations and orders at first. Looking up at the old man, she smiled and nodded silently. Doing as she was told by the grizzled veteran, she moved to the supply wagons and restocked her quiver of arrows. Looking at the store of pikes and spears, Marianne frowned. She never foresaw herself needing to bear and wield such a weapon, much less use it. But, she couldn't allow herself to restrict her abilities to simply a bow and sword. Grabbing a pike, she walked over to select a palfrey to ride into battle. Making sure to approach the creature from the front and gently caress the creature's snout and side to let her intentions be made clear. The beast accepted her and she had her chosen steed.

Having already made her decision to learn from Sir Eadwig, she quickly joined him at his side with pike in arm. Glancing over to Sir Garrett, she took note of the group of knights he picked to attach himself to. A small part of her wanted to join him, as she still had a few matters to discuss with him. But, to do so at this point would seem queer and foolish. As her select group began to mobilize, Marianne stayed quiet. Keeping close to Sir Eadwig as her eyes stayed on the alert, constantly scanning her environment.

Head on a swivel, Marianne nearly jumped with a start when Sir Eadwig spoke. Mentioning death, her expression grew somber as she respectfully listened to her senior. Her eyes locking with his as she absorbed his words.

[b]"I...I understand, Sir Eadwig. You need not say more on the matter."[/b]

And truly, a small part of her did deeply understand. Battle was crude and ugly. Losses on the field were inevitable for both parties involved. It was not a glamourous affair, but she would not allow herself to be consumed by it and soul blackened like it appeared to be the case for her fellow Iron Roses. Though Sir Eadwig may not know it at the time, Marianne had no intention to play 'fairly'. Be swift. Be merciless. Only after the deeds are done will she say her prayers and shed her tears. 

They continued to ride in silence for some time until they came into position and Sir Eadwig began to make known to her how to take advantage of the terrain and stack the odds of war in their favor. It was all quite simple, really, though anything could seem simple and easy to understand with an experienced teacher. Following Sir Eadwig to the reserve line of troops, she again gave him his full deserved attention as she locked eye contact with him once more as he spoke. She couldn't help but be a little flattered and embarrassed when he smiled and mentioned her having a 'good heart'. Though, that quickly dissolved away when she realized that Sir Eadwig was turning a small section of their forces over to her to command. From the bottom of her stomach, she could feel feelings of anxiety and nervousness begin to grow. She had never taken command over others before, having no experience in that field. Might as well learn now. She had plenty of other good leaders to draw knowledge from. So swallowing down her fears, she retained her composure and in fact seemed to grow confident. Sir Eadwig had enough trust in her abilities to do such a thing. She couldn't and [i]wouldn't[/i] let him down. Besides, it was a simple and small role she was assigned, though important still.

Following after him as he returned to the front line, she began to formulate ideas and a plan of attack. 
[b]"Sir Eadwig? Before we begin and I no longer have the luxury of asking...These pikes, are they effective at removing men from their horses?"[/b]
Anyone could see what she was thinking, if they had a lick of sense.
[b]"If my role with your platoon is to act as a reactionary force meant to reinforce our allies in the event of an emergency, then I would like your opinion on a few matters."[/b]
Looking out at the lands in front of them, she continued.
[b]"With the men you've given me, I plan on flying in as fast as our horses can take us with pikes in arms. Striking the enemy before they have much time to react and grounding their forces by forcing them off their mounts. From there, I plan on having us encircle them to harass with arrows before returning to your main force."[/b]
Turning to look at Sir Eadwig, she finished up voicing her plans.
[b]"If that plan is sound in your eyes, then my final question is this. What shall the signal to mobilize be?"[/b] She said with a smile.