Member
Maria von Hohenzollern
Royal Capital Lugnica
Iron Bell Knights HQ
Iron Bell Knights HQ
@Zelosse
@Lucius Cypher
@Rune_Alchemist
The man before Maria.
The one who wished to cause pain and destruction in her city. The one who would stop at nothing to cause some sort of disturbance. A man who was a criminal, through and through. Someone that Maria detested at her core; as both a Knight and a person.
Maria hated those who would claim the lives of others without reason.
At least, if Malakaus’ squire was correct in her accusations. Though Maria had no reason question the statements Atisha had stated. There was no way that Atisha would lie about such matters, right? But Maria trusted the judgment of Malakaus.
Unlike the likes of Tani [?] and Atisha, Maria would not be able to feel any sort of “pressure” from the sword if it was a "pressure" exuded as magical in conception. The ability to reject any sort of mental-targeting spells was one of the many blessings that Maria was born with. An ability that has not proven to be too useful, outside the occasional yin magic-user. After all, there were few curses or magics that truly targeted the mind over the body, but within the likes of something like a Gospel it was an invaluable addition of skill to protect against the cult of Witches.
Though it was equally likely that someone who valued “justice” over all else would have a strong conviction and would naturally be immune to the ability.
“Not really my type, i would have to say. Girls my age don’t really like find geezers like you attractive. Besides people who wear masks are either not confident about their appearance, or perhaps they have something to hide. My guess for you is a little bit of both. Besides, I hardly think you have the prowess to back up your confidence.”
Perhaps it would have been a bit jarring for the sword[‘s owner] that there was someone able to directly reject the interference of which was given out by mere proximity.
The man looked like some sort of weirdo with a sword was trying to act in a violent manner. But Maria did recognize the sinisterness of the situation. Perhaps in any other setting, with a different individual performing the same actions, it would not be as alarming, but this man, unknown to Maria as a legend known as“Mithril Blackblood”, seemed to have a certain conviction about himself that seemed at glance unnatural. Unnerving, to an extent, were his very movements.
Maria, with only her view on the situation, was not able to discern the reason for her discomfort around his presence. All she knew was that she recognized the individual approaching her as a “danger” that she would “have to deal with”. Peaceful resolutions were preferred by Maria, but in the event that she was forced to use her sword, she was no slacker.
In fact, one could argue that Maria, as the heir to the von Hohenzollern name, was able to utilize the sword near the level of a master. Her entire life was dedicated to the weapon, as her family was one of a great military history with many upon many of heroes still sung about to this day. Though it was known she was not related to the Hohenzollern family by blood, she was trained as if she was, and her natural blessings made her a formidable foe in combat situations.
“Besides, you need to buy a girl dinner if you want to drone on about your appearance. Confidence might be an attractive trait, but narcissism isn’t so much. Didn’t your mother ever teach you subtlety?”
Maria placed herself before her opponent, her sword drawn in a stance that seemed defensive in nature. She would not allow this man to step another foot, inch, or whatever, forward. The two were in lunging range of one another as it began, after all, and any step forward by the two would place one another within the range of a slash. And Maria was more than willing to prepare a slash of her own or defend against the man in the event that she needed to.
As a knight, Maria knew no fear before the man. If she was to die in the line of duty, she had understood that commitment long ago and would only regret that she was not able to produce her father an heir before her passing. But that was not as if she “wanted to die”. “Wanting to die” and “being ready to die” are not mutually exclusive nor inclusive to one another. Maria “wanted to live” in all respects, but knew her line of duty was that of the sword. And those who live by the sword will inevitably be undone by the sword.
“I don’t know what you want, who you are acting for, or even who you are, but it is my duty to protect the people of this fine city, and as a knight who has sworn her sword to the people, anyone in this kingdom, so long as I am able. I am Maria von Hohenzollern, and I shall not allow you another step forward. Drop your weapon, or I will be forced to take action. On my honor, I shall see you put to justice!”
