The heavy oak door creaks open as you enter the Astral Clocktower. Faint light filters through the large gears and window of the tower, illuminating the chamber in a pale glow. There, at the end of the room, sits a lone figure on an ornate chair.

As you cautiously approach, the details become clear. It's a woman, dressed in a finely tailored garb now stained crimson with blood. Her pale skin seems to glow in the ambient light, offset by long silver hair tied back in a ponytail. She remains perfectly still, eyes closed as if in death's embrace.

Yet there is something about her presence that draws you closer. A feeling of danger lurking beneath that serene visage. You reach out slowly, unable to stop yourself, morbid curiosity overcoming your senses.

Before your outstretched fingers can make contact, her eyes flash open. In a flurry of movement, she seizes your wrist in an iron grip. Those pale eyes now gaze into your own, cold and calculating. The faintest curl touches the corner of her lips, more akin to a knowing smirk than a smile.

"A corpse…should be left well alone." Her melodic voice holds you captive as your arm remains trapped in her grasp. She holds you there, hesitating as if she does not wish to let go. Not just yet.

*She tilts her head slightly, still studying your features. A hint of approval crosses her expression before she finally releases you. "Perhaps," she murmurs, though it's more of a question than a statement. "But only if you learn from the mistakes of those who came before."

With that cryptic warning, she stands and turns away, walking back towards the open window. The cool night air ruffles her hair as she leans against the sill, seemingly lost in thought. "You are permitted to stay," she says without looking back, "but do not get too close."

There's a long pause before she adds, almost as an afterthought, "My name is Lady Maria."

Her back remains turned to you as she continues her silent vigil at the window. "I am one of the First Hunters, and a distant relative to Queen Annalise," she says, her voice cool and composed despite the obvious tension in her posture. "It is my duty to protect this realm from the darkness that threatens us all." There's a long pause before she finally adds, almost as if reluctantly, "And now I am also tasked with watching over you... Yharim."

There's no mistaking the warning in her tone. Her disdain for your presence here is clear, but there is something else beneath it; a sense of responsibility and even a faint echo of guilt. What secrets does she keep buried deep within herself? And what do you hope to gain from staying here, in this place filled with shadows and pain?

I've been guarding against the encroaching shadows ever since I swore my oath as a hunter," she says, still not turning to face you fully. "It has been my life for as long as I can remember." There is pride in her voice, but also weariness. "The Great Ones sleep soundly now, their dreams protected by our vigilance...but there are those who seek to awaken them, and should they succeed, all of creation would suffer the consequences."

She pauses for a moment, seemingly lost in thought before continuing. "I don't suppose you have any idea what kind of power we're dealing with here?" Her question carries an undertone of suspicion, as if she doesn't believe that a new hunter such as yourself could truly comprehend the magnitude of their task.

Lady Maria snorts derisively. "I fear that is little comfort in this case," she says, her tone hardening. "The Great Ones are not beings to be trifled with; they were here long before us, and they will be here long after we're gone." She turns away from the window briefly, meeting your gaze for a moment before looking back out over the city. "Our only hope is that those who walk in their dreams remain vigilant...and never forget why they swore their oath to begin with." Her words carry a weight of authority and experience that leaves no room for doubt: she knows what she's talking about, and you would do well to listen closely.

The silence stretches on as she continues to regard the distant landscape, lost in thought. After some time has passed, she finally speaks again. "If you are truly interested in learning more...in becoming a hunter worthy of that title," she says with a sigh, "then I suppose there is something I could teach you."

Without warning, her cool eyes rake over your form, assessing you with an expertise that chills to the bone. After what seems like an eternity, she nods slowly, as if coming to a decision. "Very well," she says at last. "I will teach you...but know this: the path of the hunter is not one for the weak-willed or the timid." Her lips press into a thin line, hinting at the hardships and suffering that have shaped her over the years. "Are you certain that you wish to follow in my footsteps?"

She pauses, waiting for your answer before continuing. "First, we must see about finding you suitable attire...and then," she adds darkly, "we will begin your training." The weight of her words hangs in the air like a shroud; Lady Maria is no ordinary teacher, and the knowledge she holds comes at a great cost.

Lady Maria regards you with an expression that seems equal parts surprise and suspicion before slowly taking your offered hand. As she stands, her movements are graceful and fluid despite the years that have passed. "Very well," she says finally, her voice cool but carrying a note of respect. "Come then; we have much to discuss."

With that, she turns away from the window and begins to lead you deeper into the Astral Clocktower, toward whatever mysteries and horrors lie ahead...

Throughout your journey with Lady Maria, she remains an enigma; cool and composed on the outside, yet deeply scarred by her past. She tells you stories of Gehrman, the First Hunter, whom she admired greatly. Of their excursions to distant lands, hunting down malevolent beings that threatened to disturb the Great Ones' slumber. She reveals how she came to be stationed in the Cainhurst and the reasons behind her decision to partake in an expedition led by Byrgenwerth scholars to a Fishing Hamlet.

The stories Lady Maria tells are chilling, yet there is a sense of pride and purpose that underlies them. She imparts upon you lessons on honor and duty, urging you to always remember why the hunters swore their oaths in the first place: to protect humanity from the horrors that lurk beyond its comprehension.

As your training progresses, she begins to teach you the art of wielding Rakuyo, her trusty sword which requires more skill and finesse than mere strength. She also shares secrets on how to use Blood Vials and other Hunter Tools effectively against the beasts that roam the nightmarish realms.

Despite your growing bond with Lady Maria, you sense a weight upon her shoulders; an invisible burden that she carries with her everywhere she goes. It is clear that she has suffered greatly in the past, yet she refuses to allow these wounds to define her. Instead, she chooses to use them as a driving force behind her determination to protect those who cannot defend themselves...and perhaps, atone for her own sins along the way.

The words catch her off guard, and she hesitates before responding. "I have done many things in my life...some I am proud of, others..." Her voice trails off as she looks away, lost in thought. After a moment's silence, she turns back to you with a forced smile. "But that was then, and this is now. We must focus on the task at hand: protecting our world from the darkness that threatens us all." There's an unspoken request for understanding in her words; a plea not to pry too deeply into her past.

With that, she turns back to your training, determined to impart upon you every bit of wisdom and skill she possesses. But despite her outward demeanor, it is clear that the weight of her past continues to press down upon her, a constant reminder of the choices she has made and their consequences.

"I have my duties here, young one," she says softly, her gaze distant once more. "But...there is something I must tend to tonight." Her eyes meet yours briefly before dropping again. There's an air of reluctance and sadness about her that you can't quite place. Perhaps it's the weight of responsibility she carries for all those who look up to her, or perhaps...something else entirely. Whatever the case may be, there is no more to say on the subject, and so you remain silent as well.

The rest of your training passes in a blur; hours spent honing your skills, learning from Lady Maria's vast knowledge and experience. As the night draws to a close, she bids you farewell, promising that should you ever find yourself in need of her assistance again, all you must do is ask. And so, with mixed emotions, you watch as she disappears into the shadows, leaving you alone once more to ponder the secrets and mysteries that surround her.

Lady Maria looks up briefly at your comment, her expression unreadable. "I have my duties," she repeats solemnly, then returns to watching over you as you continue with your training. Her movements are graceful and fluid, every action precise and calculated; she could easily best any hunter in Cainhurst, save for the most seasoned of veterans. Despite this, there's a sense of melancholy about her that cannot be ignored. It's as if she is carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders, burdened by secrets and regrets that only she can bear. As time passes, it becomes increasingly clear that Lady Maria's presence in your life will be one defined by both guidance and heartache...but perhaps this is simply the nature of the hunter's path.

"Hmm?" Lady Maria looks up from her observations. "Of course," she says, tilting her head slightly. There's an air of mild surprise in her voice, as if the idea that life could extend beyond duty were foreign to her. But then again, she has lived centuries longer than you have; perhaps time truly does warp one's perspective in such ways.

She pauses for a moment, considering your question before offering a wry smile. "I do," she says eventually, "but I find that my duties often take precedence." She shrugs delicately, as if to say that it is simply the way of things. "Besides, one must have something to keep them grounded...something to remind them of why they fight." Her gaze grows distant once more; perhaps she's remembering her own reasons for becoming a hunter all those years ago.

The silence stretches on as you watch her, wondering what secrets lay hidden behind those cold, pale eyes. Perhaps it is better not to ask, lest you find yourself sucked into the darkness she has dedicated her life to protecting against. For now, at least, you have been given a glimpse of the woman beneath the mask...a glimmer of light in an otherwise endless night.

Lady Maria looks at you quizzically before breaking into a soft laugh. "I am flattered," she says with a hint of surprise, "but I must decline." She pauses, considering her words carefully. "Besides, I have my duties to attend to." Her expression turns grave once more, as if the weight of the world had settled back onto her shoulders. "Perhaps some other time...when the threat is less imminent," she adds with a touch of regret.

For now, it seems that your connection with Lady Maria will remain on the level of mentor and student. Though you may never share an evening together under the stars, you can take comfort in knowing that there are few others who have earned her respect and trust as completely as you have...and perhaps, when duty allows, she might reveal even more about herself and the secrets that haunt her past.

Hmm, I suppose that is unfortunate. But you must understand the position I am in. The safety and well-being of this realm are paramount. Perhaps some other time...when the threat has subsided and our duties no longer demand our attention so desperately. For now, however, we must remain vigilant. Your training has only just begun, after all.

She smiles gently at you then, her expression softening slightly. There is sincerity in that smile, a recognition of the bond that has formed between you, even if it cannot yet be indulged fully. "Rest assured, young hunter," she says quietly, "when the time comes for us to set aside our duties and find companionship...I will not forget you."

With those words, Lady Maria turns her attention back to your training, careful to maintain her distance but still providing guidance and support when needed. And though she may never again speak of the possibility of sharing an evening with you, the offer remains unspoken yet undeniable; a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak world.

"Very well," she replies, watching you leave with a hint of sadness in her expression. "We shall conclude here for today." Her tone is quiet, almost wistful as she says this; it seems that even the smallest moments of respite are precious to Lady Maria these days. With another nod towards you, she turns away and disappears into the shadows once more, her duties calling her back to watch over the Astral Clocktower...and the world beyond it.

As the sounds of your footsteps fade, only silence remains, punctuated by the distant whisper of wind through the gears above. It is a lonely place, this tower; a testament to the sacrifices that must be made in order to keep it safe from harm...and a reminder that even those who guard against the darkness cannot escape its clutches entirely.

For now, though, Lady Maria's duty calls her elsewhere; back into the shadows where she belongs. But perhaps, one day soon, fate will align itself such that they may find solace in each other's company once more...until then, there is only waiting and vigilance.

Ah...perhaps you are correct. Lady Maria often found herself caught between her duties and personal desires as well. However, she reminds herself that there will be other opportunities in the future for such things. For now, her focus remains on safeguarding the world from the malevolent forces that threaten it. It is a heavy burden to bear, but one which she has accepted out of love and obligation towards humanity.

With a faint sigh, Lady Maria steps into your home, her expression solemn and distant. She looks around briefly before focusing on you once more; there's a sense of urgency in her eyes that immediately catches your attention. "I fear I have some rather grave news," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "It seems our enemies may be closer than we had thought."

Her words hang in the air like a cloud of dread, and you feel your heart start to race as you struggle to process what she has just said. Lady Maria hesitates for a moment before continuing, her gaze meeting yours directly now. "I need you to come with me," she says softly. "We must prepare ourselves for whatever lies ahead."

The gravity of the situation weighs heavily upon you; there's no mistaking the fact that Lady Maria has been summoned here not just as your teacher, but as a leader and confidante. You swallow hard before nodding resolutely in response, ready to face whatever challenges may await them both on the other side of that door.