[center] [color=gold] [h1] Maria von Hohenzollern [img] http://i.imgur.com/mHxQYPc.jpg [/img] [/h1] [/color] [/center] [center] [color=gold] [h2] Royal Capital Lugnica Iron Bell Knights HQ [/h2] [/color] [/center] [@KoL] [@Lucius Cypher] [@liferusher] [@6slyboy6] It appeared that some sort of detachment branch of knights was to assist in the current debacle that had occurred within the Iron Bell fortress-like HQ. Though Maria wished it to only be an internal conflict. To get other knights into this debacle would be something Maria would prefer not to do. The situation from an outsider’s perspective looked grim, however, it had just concluded. Though Maria was the only person able to really act in a manner that would have brought the two suspects into potential custody, she had acted in the way that would preserve the most lives. [i] “A knight’s duty isn’t to fighting against the enemies of the kingdom, but to protect each and every citizen to the best of your ability.” [/i] ... [i] “The sword is to protect, not to hurt. But know that you are a servant of the state, and one day they may call upon you to perform your duty” [/i] Maria’s father had told her something like that a long time ago when Maria first seemed interested in the sword. At the time, Maria didn’t really understand what her father was saying, but after a long amount of time of consideration and understanding, she had realized what the sword’s purpose was to her. The sword was a tool to protect all those she could protect. Her body was the shield of the kingdom, protecting all that she could. Though a tad bit idealistic, Maria would at the very least protect what her hands could currently grasp. At the same time, Maria was someone who believed criminals should be punished. But if it is a contest between protecting her fellow man and capturing someone, it was very likely she would want to pick the one that saves lives. After all, that is what a “hero” would do. A “hero” of a great war. However, to see a familiar face was something that she didn’t really mind. To see two familiar faces was something to relish in the fact. Maria was someone to enjoy the company of her fellow knights. After all, she respected those who take their time to learn the sword. [color=gold] “Greetings, Lady Tani and Sir Malakeus,” [/color] Maria greeted her two fellow knights. Of course, Maria had nothing but the highest respect for those who would take up the sword for the kingdom. After all, how could one not respect the bulwark of protection against the Demon Beasts that plague the land and imperialist thoughts of others? [color=gold] “Though the current situation may seem bad, no one was injured thanks to my actions. Though the perpetrators of the actions might have escaped, I placed more value on the knights in my order and the guests in my manor. Though regrettable that these individuals had made their escape, I cannot say I do not believe my actions were worth preserving my fellow man.” [/color] Maria was merely being honest with the pair. [color=gold] “A man I had invited might have affiliation with a thief who attempted to access the Knight’s evidence room in an attempt to steal something within. Perhaps a crime recently had involved someone who would rather certain evidence be trampled and burned, or perhaps it was a bit more benign than that. Either way, I am afraid I have failed as a knight for my inability to secure any possible leads.” [/color] There was also the issue of the girl on her back. Maria believed herself to have placed her down earlier. Perhaps it was a miscalculation on her part [s] or perhaps the writer is just dumb. Probably the latter.[/s] Maria placed the girl down, as per her request. [color=gold] “I am sorry Miss Eris for any of what you had experienced today, on behalf of the Iron Bell Knights. No civilians should be involved in affairs like this. If there is anything I can do for you to make up for what had happened, please inform me, and I will try my best to fulfill your expectations.” [/color] Maria was someone who believed that those who had experienced something bad should be rewarded in the very least. Simple things could be done to rectify the situation at hand. To provide someone she knew not about with something simple would be the best choice of action the representative of the iron bell could provide. [color=gold] “As for the … uh .. incident, worry not. I am not as petty to sully the name of a lady,” [/color] Maria told Eris in a way that others around her could not hear the conversation between the two. Maria was then confronted by Grian, whom of which she seemed a bit peeved at for his actions. The flash powder might not have done as he had said it had done, her room mostly in tact for the time being, The flash seemed to have been for the purpose of disorientating opponents. Luckily for Maria, she had come out unharmed. Shamak, however, was a curse like magic, even at low ranks that causes disorientation of an area. For those inexperienced to the effects of magics, even a normal shamak could cause vomiting or vomiting. Maria was just glad that no one was injured during the spell. At higher ranks, it is not unusual to cause insanity, but even at lower ranks the spell can cause death if the affected begin to fight one another in the smog. Maria placed her hands behind her back in a cross-like fashion to the demihuman Grian, studied him for a bit, then proceeded to speak. [color=gold] “Though I will admit this branch is understaffed, I will state that I do not trust your words.There exists nothing in the evidence room that would increase the magic of an individual. It just so happened you utilized a spell on inexperienced individuals. As for your second offer, though our branch does require assistance, I cannot say that I can really trust you after what you had did. I wished to chase the thief that had entered the area, and you seemed to have prevented me from accomplishing my goal. Surely you can understand my hesitation to trust such an individual. However, for the time being I will begrudgingly accept your offer.” [/color]