At first Florina is not the best fighter, especially since most of the enemies have axes. However in the chapter when you receive Dorcas, take advantage of the swordsman that keep appearing in the northeast where Lyn meets Dorcas. Put Florina in one of the trees and get Lyn and Dorcas out of the way so that they will only attack her. You should get her up by at least one level by the end of the turn. Then, have her attack the swordsman in the next chapter. You can also use Florina to finish off Bosses that have been weakened by strong warriors such as Kent, Lyn, and Dorcas, and she will gain a massive amount of experience points. By doing this, when it comes to Eliwood's adventure she will not be useless and use the first Elyspian Whip you get for her, and she will be a strong FalcoKnight.