The evening of the Winterfest Ball had arrived. Weeks of preparation were at an end. Kate had the dressmaker, Mrs. Snead make a dress from cloth that she had chosen. It was pure pink silk and pink lace. The dress had a sweetheart neckline and full ruffled hem at the bottom. She had Ann, the head housemaid helped her with her hair. Kate looked in her vanity mirror Ann braided her hair and pinned it to the top of her head and the rest of her auburn hair fell loose in the back to her, slender waist. Lord Lyons shook his head as he walked into Kate open room and stood behind her. “I would like you to wear this tonight. This is your mother’s tiera and you have grown to look like her every day. She would want to have it.” Kate sat breathless, “Papa it’s beautiful. My how handsome you look in your new uniform. Is there anyone special you want me to meet?” Lord Lyons shook his head, “I learned my lesson. No more match making. Dane with anyone you wish.” Kate scooted her chare, rose and hugged her father and kissed his cheek, “Relax, have a good time tonight.” 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. The who manor was decorated for the occasion. A 10-foot tree was in the corner of the parlor and opposite the parlor was a marble and alabaster spiral staircase. The banister was dressed in a rope of greenery as were the windows and the main door has a huge wreath with a bright red, taffeta red bow. 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. Currently the land was safe as the pass was closed and a time of celebration and feasting was in the air. She saw her father and brother John talking to an officer she had never met. She had only seen him when he arrived at 14. He was a scared and shy child that picked up swordplay quickly and stayed mostly to himself. He had grown into a tall, muscular, and handsome young man. He and her brother were going to be knighted in the Spring. She ambled to her father’s side confidently though so many eyes were upon her. Prior to this night all the soldiers were told to keep 10 paces away from her. The would be confined to quarters. Kate managed to hide in the bushes, trees, and the attic to gain a glimpse if shirtless men fighting target dummies. Kate smiled warmly as she approached and dimi-curtisied, “Good evening, Happy Winterfest Gentlemen and Welcome.