Kate was used to portaling, it was like walking to a blue wall of light and she was back in her room. It was always easier to portal from the mage school to her room. She only portaled in emergencies. He father hate magic and Kate usually took the carriage home. The horse and sleigh were just fine. Kate rushed down the alabaster cascading stair to the main hall and took a breath. This was the first time she was without her charge, Jasper. She hoped Jasper and his sister were bonding and Kate smiled as she thought how easy it was to find Abigail. Kate made her way down the hall and her thought were on the night's event. She stood in the kitchen door was as Ann was taking out pecan pies from the oven, "They smell heavenly. What can I do to help?"<br/>Ann looked up at her as she turned to the island's top, "You can help Sadie decorate the ballroom and make sure the Winterfest flowers are placed in the main hall, ballroom, and dining room. The food is in the warming oven and these are the last to cook. She set hors' oderves in the oven. Then scurried to get chilled Campanella and warmed wassle on the stove. Kate sniffed at the apple spiced drink. "Everything smells delish. You out did yourself another year."<br/>The cool stood up and brushed her hands on her robe. The foods done. I will check the place cards. Do not want persons that dislike each other to sit together. Need the high ranking officers near your father. Where is that fine cat of yours? Did he find his sister?"<br/>Kate waked with Ann to the dining room table she set out small baby's breath in crystal vases, "I left Jasper at the Mage School in my suite we found his sister in the Guild Lab. I will spare you the details. They are both together. I am going to leave the ball around nine. The noise and houseful of people will be too much for them. Jasper's sister is named Abigail and she is a warrior. Sara should like to talk with her. She is a bit different, she is human with lovely brown wings. The have to pattern of a woodland moth. She had been civil to me and I look forward to getting to her better. She has had a difficult time but I think we will be friends. Once we get to know each other, things will be good. Unfortunately the ball was tonight. I had to rush home and all. I think Major Curry and Sir Sidden's wives are pregnant. Seat them together so they can talk. Mayor Appleton and Lord Hastings are very good friends. I pare them with Jailer  Henry Anderson. Lady Hester and Lady Richter are sworn enemy's over their kids marrying I place one near Sara and the other beside Sir Edward's wife, Sara Jane. Papa enjoys a civil table.<br/><br/>****<br/>The Festival ball was a splendid affair and Sir Marcus behaved mild putting it lightly. Kate did not play the piano for anyone nor was she asked. She gave her dance card to Sara as she was old enough to attend her first ball. Sara was happy Kate left early and was enjoying all the attention.<br/>Kate left the ballroom just after supper and she wore a white ballgown with a sweetheart neckline and short lace sleeves. She had Ann fix her red hair up and she wore her mother's tiara a simple silver ornament with a row of diamonds and a blue sapphire center stone. Kate portaled and stood before her suite door. With a wave of her hand, the guard spell was broken and she knocked on the door. She hoped the couple was awake and they had found something to eat.