Maria walked around Navea, Saari this time, beside her, sword drawn, and shield held tightly. Maria had a fight with a few Templar's, and her friends were currently receiving treatment for their wounds, having tried protecting Maria from them. When Sachi was defeated; Maria snapped, summoned both Saari and Quelane, and left Andre, Alex, and Victoria to chastise the Templar's after she beat them bloody. Maria sighed as she dismissed Saari, the Champion of the Slain giving her one last concerned look, before she allowed her dismissal. Maria sat by the lake close to the church, and sighed sadly, rubbing her forehead.
'What got them so mad at me?' Maria wondered, looking at her reflection.
She heard footsteps behind her, but didn't acknowledge the person. She was too focused on why the Templar's had attacked her, in the middle of the city for Gaia's sake!
"Maria?" a females voice spoke, and Maria gasped, turning around, seeing Anya standing behind her.
"A-Anya!" Maria exclaimed, shocked to see her there.
She thought the red-haired Templar would've been with Andre and the others, chastising the soldier's. She was shocked though when she noticed the normally stoic Templar had tears in her eyes. Before Maria could ask what was wrong, Anya fell to her knee's, and hugged Maria, startling the young girl.
"Anya?" Maria questioned, feeling her own tears build up as she felt Anyas' tears hit her shoulder.
"I heard what happened...and I'm so sorry! I wasn't there to stop it...I'm sorry!" Anya sobbed out, hugging Maria tighter.
Her tears rolled down her face, and Maria hugged back, allowing her tears to flow. She hadn't dealt with the same thing in Port Skandia with Kane and some of his followers, and now she had to relieve it...but worst. It wasn't verbal assault...it was physical, and the pain was worse. The blood still stained her arms, and her bandages were slowly coming off, but she didn't care.
"Next time...next time, I swear, I'll protect you from them!" Anya stated, and Maria could practically hear her glare in her voice.
Anya would make them pay, if they haven't already, for the pain they caused Maria...the pain that was so visible. Maria gave a small nod, but hugged Anya tighter, feeling her tears coming faster. Anya pulled back a bit though to look at Maria, and Maria fell forward, and cried into Anyas' chest, and the older woman patted her head, hugging Maria. The young girl was like a little sister to her, and Anya would do what any older sibling would do...protect the younger sibling.
'I swear Maria...I'll protect you. I'll protect you from the prosecution, from the abuse, and from the people if I have to. You are like my little sister, and I will always see you that way.' Anya thought, hugging Maria tighter.