[i][/i][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/8r0P3g1.jpg[/img]
[@Sonnambula][/center]

After it all began, Maria kept very close watch over what was going on and taking notes. 

Miss O'Sullivan was often heard speaking how she works better on her own and from the notes Maria had on her grimoire this may certainly be true, but here the Teacher witness the young girl get on high ground and cover her peers. She would have expected Stripes to go in on her own, but she chose the teamwork approach - at least for now - despite proximity to allies weakening her attacks. It all worked out, however, when Miss Bell joined in and Xolys added it's own powers to the missiles barrage. Not only that, but Eldritch creature positioned itself in a way as to receive and block the coming assault. It was a god plan and a nice display of teamwork and would have been almost perfect if it wasn't for Miss Bell's unhealthy curiosity of the Pageless. It was also good to see Celina protect Silvia in such a way. One of the last to have joined this group and yet seemed to immediately have formed a strong bond. These students had things they could teach Maria it seemed. 

[color=fff79a]"Hm?"[/color]

After having dispatched of the Pageless, Maria turned to Nessie while dusting off her hands and dress. In contrast to Nessie, who spoke in a hurry and looked around, Maria had her hands joined at the front and her full attention dedicated to her young student - a clear contrast of experience. [color=fff79a]"I see."[/color] the Teacher said after Nessie's display. 

The Pageless came towards them slowly but surely and Nessie attempt did little to dissuade it. [color=fff79a]"Are you, perhaps, doubting yourself Miss Burns?"[/color] said Maria, unmoving. She thought about it for a second before taking a step forward so that Nessie couldn't go back anymore and put both hands on her shoulders in a calm and reassuring way. [color=fff79a]"Just like people, not all Grimoires are alike. My magic requires me..."[/color] she paused, trying to find the correct words [color=fff79a]"...to maintain a great deal of Willpower, amongst other things."[/color]

Maria had read her students files. She knew where Nessie came from and her story thus far. Her background was not un-similar to Maria's, in some ways. Now, she did not know exactly why Nessie had difficulties with her magic and could theorize, still not believing she was the best choice of Teacher the Academy could have picked and yet, here she was. It seemed that for most of her background, Nessie was clueless about what she wanted to do with herself. Maria could only surmise that this indecision translated to her magic, causing her mind to be troubled and doubting herself. Maria was no stranger to doubting their own Magic, after all...

[color=fff79a]"What is true for myself might not be so for you, however. Focus, if you will, on a purpose. If your doubt comes from indecision, find footing in what you know for certain and grow from there."[/color] after but a second, she added; [color=fff79a]"Time to settle down, Nessie. You [i]are [/i]where you belong."[/color]