<strong>Name:</strong>Alveena<br/><strong>Status:</strong>Queen, House Schomeck<br/><strong>Location:</strong>Queen's reception room<br/><strong>Tagged:</strong>All<br/><hr/><hr/><br/><br/>Alveena arched one finely sculpted eyebrow slightly, as the countess drew a small crossbow from her personal bag. At first it was interest at how the young lady had gotten the weapon into her bag. Future Companions were not suppose to have their own weapons, just the simple sword and dagger issued by the Sisterhood. She would have had to been very clever or tricky to get it around their guards. Then it was in interest of the weapon itself. It was too small to have the power to drive a bolt through plate or maybe even chain, which was the main advantage of a crossbow, over a bow. She would have to be able to put the bolt in a open spot, like through the visor of a helmet or joints of armor, if it was to be of any effect on the battlefield but maybe that wasn't it's primary purpose. It was concealable enough to make it a nasty surprise for a would be assassin, if she had the speed to make use of such a situation.<br/><br/>She smiled slightly, as Corrine introduced herself and then brought her crossbow up. It was fast in her hands, the Queen had to admit and she was surprised at how quickly the Countess squeezed the trigger. Surely she hadn't had the time to get a bead on a target but then, the bolt zipped passed and struck something with a wet thump. Alveena  turned her head slightly, keeping the girl in view as she looked back, to see that the apple had been plucked from the boar's mouth, cleanly through the middle and pinned to the wall. She clapped slowly and softly, in approval of the shot as she considered the display. While she was sure such a weapon would be of no used on a battle field, it would be invaluable in the tight streets and within builds. Plus she was plainly a quick and sure shot with it.<br/><br/>"A convincing argument" said the Queen, turning her full attention back to the countess, "And one that might win you the right to dedicate yourself to my son, although I wonder if you are merely attempting to imitate Countess Diane. However, I know a cunning girl like yourself, would have planed such a move out long ago and I have overly pleased to find two such ladies to serve Randolf. Please join your sister besides me, as the second Companion of the future King."<br/><br/>She turned her gaze upon the others, as Corrine came to stand besides her. She could only choose three more of the offered youths to protect her favorite son. Finger nails tapped lightly against the pommel, as he eyes fell upon Beatrix. She had been the only one to draw steel, ready to jump to the defense of the royal person or punish the daring Diane for her assault of the Queen. Quick to act and ready to fight, both of which would be very useful, along with her knowledge of the arts. The tapping stopped and her hand lifted, fingers curling in a gesture for the young lady to step forwards.<br/><br/>"Lady von Winterfeldt" said Alveena, "After careful consideration, I find that you have the right amount of skills, I wish for those closest to my son. You are the third Sister, I choose."<br/><br/>She returned her attention back to the remaining seventeen girls, seeing many stir slightly, knowing that there were only two spots left. She looked in each of their faces, weighing them in her mind before she choose the girl with mocha skin, who answered to a simple name of Anne, which she had been given upon entering Ahremberg. The exotic young bowed lowed and without a word, joined Beatrix, Corrine and Diane. Which of course, left one final spot to be filled and the Queen looked upon her cousin. For a long moment she studied the girl. Seconds ticked by, as each of the other fifteen girls held their breath, hoping that poor Ladondra would be overlooked, in favor of themselves but then, their hopes were dashed to tiny pieces, as the Queen gestured for her cousin to step forth.<br/><br/>"Dear Ladondra" said Alveena, "After careful consideration, you will be the fifth and final Companion for Randolf. You others may now enjoy the feast my cooks have offered here, before returning to the Guildhouse but do not feel shame, for you number among the best and the King yet has more sons, who will be coming of age. Rest well tonight, for your five sister have a long walk to make, into the jaws of danger."<br/><br/>She smiled at the chosen, shooing them towards a door being opened by a servant.<br/><br/><hr/><hr/><strong>Name:</strong>Randolf<br/><strong>Status:</strong>Prince, House Kaysser<br/><strong>Location:</strong>Temple of All Gods<br/><strong>Tagged:</strong>Open<br/><hr/><hr/><br/><br/>Randolf panted heavily, as he stood before the doorway of the Temple, his hands on his knees, as he leaned forwards slightly. He had been jogging, if not outright running at periods for almost an hour. Even with the castle build against the mountain and a gently rising, if winding path to the top, it had still taken a deal of time to reach the Temple of All Gods. Catching his breath, he looked behind him, staring into the night but seeing no one behind him, at least not as far as he could see down the mountain. For a moment, he wondered how far behind him, would his Companions be? Would his mother be able to pick out the five girls with the speed of a striking hawk or would she take her time picking them out? How long before they had set out? Would they have been moving as fast as he had been?<br/><br/>Not knowing the answer, he shrugged, as a cool night breeze flowed over his shoulders and turned back to the temple. Stepping forwards, he passed through the plain marble arch and entered into the vast chamber at the top of a mountain. A sudden feeling of being watched crawled along his spine, brushing away the loneliness of the deserted temple. It felt like eyes were upon him, unfeeling and judgmental eyes, hard like they had been carved from stone. He was sure it was a trick of the mind but it was as if the statues within, had turned to look upon him. Taking a steadying breath, he smiled, choosing to think that it was the eyes of Nerthus, the goddess of fertility looking at him, as he stripped off his clothes.<br/><br/>Stretching, the young Prince strolled towards the bath, thin tendrils of steam rising from the water in the moonlight. Sighing softly, he slipped into the massive pool of warm water. Dunking his head under the rippling surface, he swam a few laps around edge before coming to rest in the far corner, in the shallow end.