Currently, the land was safe as the pass was closed and a time of celebration and feasting was in the air. The evening of the Spring Mascaraed Ball had arrived. Weeks of preparation were at an end.<br/>Kate had the dressmaker, Mrs. Snead made a dress from that Kate had chosen. It was pure pink silk and pink lace. The dress had a sweetheart neckline and full ruffled hem at the bottom.  Ann, the head housemaid helped her with her hair. Kate looked into her vanity mirror as Ann braided her hair and pinned it to the top of her head.  T.the rest of her auburn hair fell loose in the back to her slender waist.<br/><br/>Lord Lyons shook his head as he walked into Kate’s room and stood behind her. “I would like you to wear this tonight. This is your mother’s tiara and you have grown to look like her every day. She would want to have it.”<br/><br/>Kate up gasped, “Papa it’s beautiful. How handsome you look in your new uniform. Is there anyone special you want me to meet?”<br/><br/>Lord Lyons shook his head, “I learned my lesson. No more matchmaking. Dance with anyone you wish.” Kate scooted her chair, arose and hugged and kissed her father on his cheek, “Papa, have a good time tonight.”<br/><br/>Kate sat back down as Ann pinned the silver, diamond and sapphire tiara in her hair. Lord Lyons and John entered the main hall together. On Kate’s desk sat a sequined, harlequin mask. Ann attached the mask with a pink ribbon and tied it to the back of Kate’s head. Kate held her white gloves in her right hand as she stepped out of her room. Ann closed Kate's bedroom door behind her and headed to the kitchen.<br/><br/>The manor’s kitchen permeated the air with baked chicken, spiced apples, oranges with clover. Kate did not realize the main hall was full of male officers as she descended the staircase. She was proud of them all, for they had just fought a major an engagement, months earlier pushing the Orcs, Trolls, and their minions back to the Baron Lands Of The South.<br/><br/>Kate descended the spiral alabaster staircase down to the main hall. She saw her father and brother John talking to a regally dressed gentleman she did not recognize. She ambled to her father’s side confidently though, so many eyes were upon her. Kate smiled warmly as she approached and curtsied, “Good evening everyone. Welcome to the Spring Mascarade."<br/><br/>The double doors opened to the ballroom off the main dining room. The orchestra began playing a traditional waltz.