[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] [@ADamnFiddle] [@6slyboy6] [@Heckno12] [@liferusher] [@Lucius Cypher] Huh. It appeared the artist had disappeared. Probably took Maria’s suggestion about potential actions towards bettering herself. At least she appeared to have left the image for potential mass production and moving information of the thief through the various townships. That took care of a single problem. With an image of the individual gained through simple observation, Maria could take the appropriate measures to apprehend the suspect. Perhaps this would lead to some interesting instances? Perhaps not, but Maria did find it outrageous in the actions and audacity of this man’s approach. As commander of the Iron Bell, she had a responsibility to the established nature of the Knight Order, and Maria was not the sort to ever back down from a challenge. Perhaps the type to diplomatically solve issues, sure, but provocation was something that Maria considered important to match, even if at times it wasn’t in her best interests. [color=gold] “Since we have an image of the suspect, I suppose we could use it to find him. Perhaps not today, or perhaps not tomorrow, but I doubt there to be many people on this city with such a goofy face [/color] For whatever reason, Maria disliked this man’s face. Perhaps because it seemed to convey a degree of frivolousness that someone born into a proper household like Maria couldn’t stand. Despite her rather kind outlook towards others, there were certain traits that Marai despised, and thievery was definitely one of them. One must work to earn their bread, not take it from those who earn. Either way, Maria was now in charge of two more people. Perhaps three if she included the offer she had made previously to Grian in the event he had not heard her. He was still in the area or something. Probably. But the two she was in charge of, Chieko and Ryan, had given her privy to a bit of information. She had not interrupted Sir Malakaus statements to her [potential] recruits. Maria did not wish to disrupt his statements, as despite his appearance not being perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing with regards to what Maria thought to be the ideal knight, Maria did know that he was a dependable knight. Her father had taught Maria that appearances might matter to an extent, but never to judge solely based on the appearances of another. Perhaps he was right in some regards. He was a hero during a time of instability, and his actions may have caused issue with regards to certain groups. [color=gold] “Come back any time Malakaus. You know that to the Iron Bell you are not a stranger. I’d love to know of your travels. Though I’ve read a lot in books, I’ve always wanted to travel myself.” [/color] Maria made sure to see the knight off before he had left the station. He had his own fight to continue on, as Maria knew. But to ask the Knights of the Capital for assistance, perhaps there was a bit more going on than Maria realized. She knew something was up for such a face to return, but it was not like she believed anything could be so bad with Knights like Malakaus on the field. Maria unsheathed her sword for the first time since meeting the two, Ryan and Cheiko, holding the sword by the handle with her dominate hand, and with her other hand placing it on the blade as if caressing a dainty flower. [color=gold] “From this day forward,” [/color] Maria told both Ryan and Cheiko [color=gold] “I shall instruct the two of you on how to wield the blade. But know the blade is something that isn’t something to wield for yourself. The blade is something used to protect the people, not to point towards others as a weapon.” [/color] Through not interrupting the conversation between Malakaus and the two recruits, Maria had learned of something that would have to be rectified if the two wisehd to become proper knights. Simply put, the ability to read and write. Perhaps not above her pride in her family as master swordsmen, Maria considered the ability to read to be vital in regards to knighthood. After all, knights were expected to be educated about the knowledge of the world, and to be a shining example to the public. Swordsmanship did come first to Maria, but reading was a close second. There was a reason Maria kept [color=gold] “There are many other things you needed to learn. The path of the scholar is not contradictory to the path of a knight .Art, literature and history are all important for those wishing to become knights. I may have knowledge on the sword and these subjects, I am afraid to admit my shortcomings in regards to other weapons or any sort of magicks aside from rudimentary information. If you wish to take discipline in these fields, I am not sure if I will be able to completely assist, though I do know a few individuals who might be a bit more skilled in these departments, so if you wish to learn about these I would have to call in specialists.”[/color] Honesty was probably best for Maria in the current situation. She did not wish to teach anyone something that wasn’t exactly correct. After all, she understood her strengths and weaknesses better than almost anyone else. Likely better than anyone else. Her strength was the sword, and the book. Order and law of the same calibre. [color=gold] “That being said, where we start is up to you. I considered starting with the regiment tomorrow, as I feel today might have been a bit of a shock for you two. However, if you are eager to learn more,then I shall give it my all starting today. Know that rest is as important to learning than the actual training itself.” [/color] Maria knew that to make these individuals into proper knights she could be proud of might take a bit longer than usual, but at the very least she believed that those with a passion for justice as herself would make the best knights. Maria realized that Tani was currently in the building as well with her. The knight of passion Maria had hardly seen before. Someone who was given a chance to join with the knights through pure chance, but through her complete determination to prove herself none-the-less. Someone Maria knew as a reliable person. Along with Malakaus one of the knights she trust ed to always complete their tasks, whether crucial or mundane alike with a degree of fervor one would expect a knight to act like. [color=gold] “Sorry for wasting your time, Lady Tani. It appears you came a bit late to catch the thief, but I humbly thank you for your concern. Perhaps if you are a bit tired from your tasks, I have tea I had imported from Kararagi if that interests you. That invitation does go to any here that wishes to join me. After all, luxuries are more luxurious if you have people to share them with. I’d have invited Malakaus as well if he had not needed to leave, and I would understand if you are busy as well, Lady Tani.” [/color]