[u][center][h2]Marianne Delacroix[/h2][/center][/u]
[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/Jr0Uu63.png?1[/img][/center]

Nodding upon the mention of his preference for dinner, she turned and motioned towards her maids. With a bow of the head and a curtsy, four of the seven left to retrieve Lady Marianne's and Sir Garrett's food. Turning her head back to face, Sir Garrett she didn't quite know how to continue on with the conversation. To her, the food that she had eaten as she grew up was simply food to her. To think that others considered her being able to eat whatever she wanted and was guaranteed at the very least three square meals a day a luxury, well...She had never thought of it like that. She knew that there were the poor who had nary a scrap to consume. But the idea that there were differing cultures in Thaln that lived that rugged lifestyle, by choice or not, was eye-opening to Marianne. She really needed to travel more.

Catching Sir Garrett's eye, she again saw him look towards her maids. Only this time, she saw that he appeared to grow a little uncomfortable. Frowning ever so slightly, she wondered if their presence bothered him for whatever reason. Perhaps she should dismiss them. Just as he began to fidget with the trinket he wore on his wrist, she did too. Lowering her eyes, she again messed with the placement of the utensils in front of her adjusting in her seat.

Thankfully, Sir Garrett continued to speak. Marianne's head raising once more to listen attentively. But again, the subject matter just made her realize just how privileged she was growing up.  To think that 'easy food' could make one 'soft'. She could see what he meant, however. Many of the other allied noble families did tend to have rounder and larger bellies. Though she never saw her own family members with such rotund physiques, she wondered if it yet another attribute of differing cultures and customs. The food she was provided was always rather healthy, nothing ever too fatty or rich. Her intake of sweets was closely monitored as well, only allowed a treat when she had 'earned' it and done well with something. She and her brothers were never allowed to gorge themselves silly. Though, [i]John[/i] hardly ever ate a thing. [i]Paul[/i] ate as much as he pleased but never seemed to gain weight, the lucky dog.

Marianne envied Sir Garrett. Though his described childhood sounded far from luxurious, he had grown into a stronger and better man for it. Moreover, he sounded happier and free. It made it painfully aware to her that such simple things like bathing and the security of walls were things she had taken for granted. It wasn't to say she had a bad childhood, there was nothing but love and care for her from her parents and brothers. But, hearing Sir Garrett's stories made his youth seem more...[i]romantic[/i].

Lost in thought, she made a quiet squeak when he turned the conversation on its head and asked about her, having startled her. She didn't appreciate the hollow threat of digging information out of the maids, and shot him a frown for that remark. She wouldn't doubt they would be happy to oblige too, the chatty birds. She seemed to pout a little. She began to speak, but Sir Garrett had again spoken and cut her off before she could.

Sighing, Marianne shrugged.
[b]"In hindsight it was a little funny, if not rude. I hold no ill will towards Dame Sult however. She helped you in waking me and it was rather effective, if not a little embarrassing for me. It is but a trivial thing to worry about as it is in the past. If anything, it's a memory to fondly remember and to laugh together over."[/b] she laughed softly and waved a hand at him to dismiss the subject away.
[b]"Well, my childhood was nothing special when compared to yours, Sir Garrett. I grew up the youngest of three siblings, having two older brothers. We ate 'easy food', had 'softening baths' and lived in safe walls of stone and wood."[/b] she said with a mischievous smile of her own.
The mood was growing rather dull and she couldn't have that.
So, why not jest back and lightening things up?
[b]"A rather standard youth as a noble. With everything provided for us as we were groomed through our years. The only different part being that we underwent training to become Delacroix Knights as well, following in [i]papa et maman[/i]'s footsteps. My older brothers were not able to complete their training, sadly. I was the only one to have the privilege of being chosen. Selected to go on pilgrimage to become an Iron Rose Knight. They were simply named Captains of their own platoon of Knights, Delacroix in name and blood. Yet not bearing the official title of a Delacroix Knight."[/b]
Seeing her maids return with their food, she waited for them to set the table before continuing.
[b]"My eldest brother, Paul, was unable to learn magic."[/b]
She blinked, the corners of her lips tugged into a half-frown.
[b]"Well, rather. He refused to learn magic. Much like you, he felt it to be a dishonorable method of conducting combat."[/b] she corrected herself, laughing.
[b]"He felt that a true Knight and warrior should only do battle with blade, fist, and arrow. That the field was no place for fanciful tricks."[/b]
Picking up her fork and knife, she began cutting up her food. It was a simple dish with a small portion of rice, a cutlet of pork, and more than the remaining half piled with greens and vegetables.
[b]"My second oldest brother, John, was a brilliant man and had a keen eye. He was unmatched in Archery competitions and took to magic naturally. However, he was physically frail when compared to myself and Paul. He could not fist fight or wield a blade."[/b]
After neatly sectioning off her food, she waited for Sir Garrett to eat first before taking her first bite. A maid poured her a goblet of water.
[b]"What would you like to drink, Sir Garrett?"[/b] The maid standing next to him asked.

[@Themerlinhawk]