Isolde sat in front of the gilded mirror in her room staring at the stranger who was looking back at her with huge blue eyes the color of the winter sky. The ivory satin dress fit as if it had been tailor made for her. The pearls indeed did light up her skin to an angelic glow.<br/><br/>“Fraulein,” the maid, Anna, said as she stood back from putting the final touches on the snood which captured Isolde’s wealth of deep red hair, “You look beautiful.” The younger woman blushed deeply as if she had stepped above her station to make such a remark to Isolde.<br/><br/>The red haired witch preened, turning her head to look at all of the lovely work that had been done.<br/>“Thank you,” Isolde said sincerely, clasping the girl’s hand. The effect of the satin, lace, and pearls was breathtaking and Isolde felt almost paralyzed with the weight of tonight’s decision. Staying in this room, warm and secure, sounded better than anything else she could think of. She winced as she pulled on the white, dress gloves.<br/><br/>“Fraulein, you must go. The conference will start soon and you will not wish to make a spectacle of yourself by arriving late.” Came a worried reminder.<br/><br/>Isolde nodded, rising. She moved toward the door on almost automatic.<br/><br/>“Oh, Fraulein, I wish I was going to the party and dressed as you. I think I would sell my soul to the devil for such a treat.” Anna gushed.¬¬ Isolde stopped, with her hand on the door knob and smiled sadly,<br/>“Yes, I already have.”<br/><br/>Heads turned as Isolde walked down the corridor and descended the stairs. Women shot her angry, almost jealous glances and several of the officers stared in open-mouthed admiration. She stopped on the stairs as if to give the crowd below the pleasure of the view but really she was taking a deep breath to strengthen her resolve. Spotting Erlind in the crowd talking to a  young woman who seemed familiar, Isolde joined the crowded floor and hurried to meet him.