Go to your chamber

Your chamber is in the east of the castle. Is has a fantastic view of the town and the country. On clear days you can see the tops of the red mountains. They are mountains with much iron deposits so the mountains look red. A lot of miners work there. You were there a few times with other guards to kill despicable creatures living in the mines. One time you meet a friendly troll there who agreed to protect the miners if you let him live in a empty cave.

Your room itself is only half as big as your fathers but you have much more furniture. Next to your bed, which is big enough for two people, you also have a shelf with books and stuff for your daily work. At your desk you have rolls of paper, ink and a few quills. A plain carpet and a fireplace, which is off because it is summer, round the comfy atmosphere.

As a member of the guard you also have a armor stand with a long, sharp sword, a wooden shield with your family's coat of arms, chain mail, armored gloves and a helmet. Metal armor is very expensive but your father paid gladly for it. He was very proud when you joined the guard.

However when you enter the room your sword is not on it's place. The sword scabbard is empty and a woman in a maids dress stands in the middle of the room. She has your sword and weights it in her hands. Even if the maid has her back on you, you know exactly who she is. Mia is her name and she is a young servant who works for your family to pay for her fathers debts. He was a drunkard who used to beat her, her mother, her sister and even her old friends she used to gossip at the well while washing clothes.

When he died he left the family huge debts. Mias mother committed suicide because she saw no way out. And when her sister got married she moved away to a smaller village. Mia was left behind with all debts and took the work of a maid in the castle. She washes clothes, makes beds and helps in the kitchen. Sometimes she cleans the floors. From time to time you talk to her to show her your gratitude. She is the same age as you and you feel sad for her situation. But mostly she is shy because she is only a poor woman from the slums and you are a noble.

However your sword is a made-to-measure only for you and definitely not a toy. It is hellishly sharp and has already cost a number of bandits and murderous creatures lives. She neither has the right nor the needed armored gloves to hold it.

“Put it back!” you command angry.

Mia shrugs together and trows your sword in the air. She screams in panic when the sword falls back aiming at her neck. But to her luck you pull her back and catch the sword skillfully.

“Why on earth are you taking my sword?” you ask angry, “this is no toy. It is a weapon made for me alone. You could have cut a finger.”

“I … I'm sorry, my lord,” Mia stumbles scared, “please forgive me. I … I just wanted to know what it feels.”

“Why?” you ask strict, “you are not a warrior. And even if you were, this is a made-to-measure. It is worth more than a sack of silver. Did you planned to sell it to pay your debts?”

“N-no, sir,” Mia answers terrified, “I … I would never steal from you. I … I … I was just terrified, sir. Because of the dark horde attacking the kingdom. I … well I wanted to know what it is to have a real weapon in the hand. I hope I never have to fight for my life. But I am scared of being captured by a troop of orcs. If they get me in their green hands the will **** me for sure. Or kill me. Or both. Or even worse things I don't even want to think about. Please don't fire me, my lord. I know I have been bad. I will take every punishment you have in mind. But please forgive me.”

You can see the tears on your maids face. She really begs you to forgive her. Well, since she had not caused any harm you will not fire her of course. But what else should you do to her?