[center] [color=gold] [h1] Maria von Hohenzollern [img] https://i.imgur.com/h2XQ7uz.png [/img] [/h1] [/color] [/center] [center] [color=gold] [h2] Celestia Family Villa [/h2] [/color] [/center] [@Lunarlors34] [@FamishedPants] [@Rekaigan] Maria was not exactly the most suited for such a situation. Her knowledge of magic simply came from her instructors as a kid, and the various degrees of books she had stored within both her personal quarters and her family house. But at the very least, she had a basic understanding of what was occuring, which was helpful. [color=gold] “A speaking spirit? I have heard of such a thing before … but I’ve never personally seen one.” [/color] Maria was not exactly the most suited for such a situation. Her knowledge of magic simply came from her instructors as a kid, and the various degrees of books she had stored within both her personal quarters and her family house. But at the very least, she had a basic understanding of what was occuring, which was helpful. But such knowledge was not a comfort for someone such as Maria, who had a tendency to overanalyze every aspect of what she saw from the resulting harsh training she received as a child to learn the Hohenzollern style of swordplay. To observe, and to consider the situation as it came, were the tenets of her school, which tended to bleed itself over to her perception of the world itself. Something that raised more questions than answers surely would result in Maria to confuse herself if a solution didn’t appear apparent. “It is the purpose of the knights to resolve the issues of the realm. Unfortunately, even I am not someone who can go against the oath I took as a captain, even if it is against you, Vesta.” Maria seemed rather cold in her statement.. A purely business statement that seems [color=gold] “But …” [/color] She continued [color=gold]“I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to leave this girl with you, Onee-san. There likely isn’t a safer place to stay than this manner in the entire region, aside from the palace itself.” [/color] Maria said to Vesta, but for the moment letting her guard down from her more standard persona of “Maria of the Iron Bell Knights” and becoming closer to her more typical from her speech alone. After all, even when all was said and done, Maria did consider Vesta’ and the Celestias to be some of the greatest allies of both her and her family for generations. [color=gold] “It will allow me to better understand this speaking spirit, and it she seems to have taken a liking to you, “Mama Vesta”,” [/color] Maria seemed to say in jest, though from the genuine smile on her face, one could tell this subtle change in her rather stern self seemed to come from a place of warmth. Anyone who knew Maria knew that despite her rather stern sentience at time, she would never abandon someone in need. Clearing her throat, Maria considered her place as a Knight once more, and considered for the moment that such declarations would likely not be seen as professional as someone in her position. [color=gold] “However, I will consider her a temporary adoption. You will have to consider the paperwork yourself, and if somewhere down the line you are not seen fit to care for a child, I will have no choice but to take her away from you. I’d also wish to warn you that taking in a child might seem rather dubious to the perception of those around you. Rumors can kill, so you better be prepared.” [/color] Perhaps Vesta cared not for her outward appearance, but Maria cared deeply about every facet of her friend’s life. Even if Vesta could shurk off these rumors as if they were merely words, Maria did not believe herself able to idle by whilst such vulgarities were spread. Compared to her less composed speech previously, she seemed more stern with Vesta, as if a mother informing a child that they need to take care the dog they adopted. After all, a knight’s duty is to the people. A concept of chivalry that seemed to pass itself from father to daughter, if not by blood than by nurture. The hero of the Great War, whose equitable and fair treatment of his opponents, and strong leadership to his men, was someone could be considered a “great hero”. Perhaps certain families were more prestigious, but to the demihumans, hardly any other name rings of such praise aside from the Hohenzollerns [color=gold] “But she is sure a cute thing, isn’t she?” [/color] Maria smiled as she said this. A genuine smile that she hardly believed she could make anymore. Even beneath her armor and regulations and desires, the same little girl that would follow Vesta around like a shadow with a smile upon her face still existed. But that was when Maria heard a strange noise from outside. Perhaps it was merely a whisper carried upon the wind, but she was sure that something was occuring from the sound alone. Though she was not the best trained in magic, at the very least the basics of wind magic seemed to reaffirm some sort of ressinonce within her. [color=gold] “Oi, do you hear that?” [/color] Maria asked the group, wondering if they too heard the same faint, yet startling noise she had heard from the outside. [color=gold] “Everything alright out there?” [/color]