[@Heckno12]

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Maria von Hohenzollern 
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Royal Capital Lugnica 
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[color=gold] “Hmm, well considering you know not where you are, perchance you are having some sort of amnesiatic episode? I’ve only heard of such targeted amnesia within the confines of plays, but I cannot say that it would be beyond the realm of possibilities,” [/color]  Maria told her unbeknownst to herself arrival from a new world. Of course, this seemed a bit farfetched, but Maria did suspect him to be someone of a target for human trafficking, so it would not be impossible he had forgotten that he had come to Lugnica through a desire of preserving the “self”. 

Or perhaps someone had altered his memories through the effects of magic? Magic did tend to have ill effects on the unsuspecting. Perhaps it would be best to have Ryan seek assistance from someone who could remove any ill-effect from his person, or would that merely damage his psyche beyond repair? 

[color=gold] “Many in Lugnica know not writing besides basic words. It is a privilege to learn calligraphy, as it is most places from my understanding. But I cannot say you really look the part of a farm hand or anything like that. I am sorry to say, but I suspect you have come into contact with some sort of trafficking organization. We’ve heard of people from other lands being taken through the highways to unknown locations before, but hardly happen to end up within the capital of Lugnica due to the mandatory checks. Perhaps you made your escape during such a time?” [/color] 

Of course, that was the most likely situation that would lead Maria to expect a person like Ryan to appear in the city as both a foreigner and one with limited knowledge as to his arrival. 

[color=gold] “But think not of me taking pity on you. It is the duty of a knight to serve both their Lord and their people, is it not? We can only truly rely on one another during times of adversity. I would hope if I was in a similar situation you would act the same towards myself, no?” [/color] Maria told the boy, hoping he had held the same sort of belief of assisting those without the means to assist themselves. Most Knights refused to assist the poor and defenseless, as technically it did not fall within their duty to protect every single individual in trouble, and even Maria identified that she could not help everyone, but to assist those in front of her which have little ability to defend themselves, from Maria’s perspective, might seem as a means to look down at the poor, but came from a place of genuine concern. 

[color=gold] “And you need not worry about one day repaying me. It is my sworn duty, upon the sword I wield, to protect. After all, isn’t the sword [power] but a means to protect the ones you care for? I would only ask that when you see someone down on their luck, you remember the kindness I have shown you today! Yeah, let’s go with that one.” [/color] ‘

Maria couldn’t help but smile at the proverb. After all, she did believe it was the duty of a knight to act justly, but even so, this sort of assistance was above and beyond what the standard knight might do for another. That was the motto of the Knights of the Iron Bell, and why they tended to be rather popular with the people. 

Even if the world around Ryan turned to insanity, the sincerity of Maria would at the very least be a guiding light in a world of obscurity. Even for the wretched of the earth there is a flame that will never die, because even the darkest night will end when the sun does rise. 

But after showing around Ryan for but a few moments, a strange sound started to be heard, even through the clatter and movement of the individuals on the street. A low growl that seemed to grow only in intensity. With a bit of thought and situational awareness, it appeared that the “growls” were emanating from Maria stomach, much to her embarrassment and hope that Ryan wouldn't notice the noise.