Saffron's Fire

3:15 Choosing Day

Katelyn was bored. All these arrogant and flashy choosers and their dates were not very interesting or intelligent. They didn't even really think of her as a person, rather more like a thoroughbred race horse. The gallant ones had made sure she was given food but the rest asked her lots of questions or just stared at her sizing her up. She tried to imagine what Carrigan would be thinking about this spectacle. Probably that she wishes she were a horse, that way she could kick some of these gawkers and not get in trouble for it. She looked around for Evelyn and saw her standing looking around intently and not trying her hardest to talk to anyone in particular.

Carrigan was standing by a table talking to a man and making quite a scene. She could practically see the smoke coming from Carrigan's ears her sister was so riled up. The man who was talking to her was little and skinny. His skin was very pale as though it had not seen much sun. he had a shock of dark hair and an impish smile. Katelyn made ready to go and intervene when she felt a hand on her shoulder and Tibirius whispered, "Can't help her now. She is simply getting a taste of her own medicine. I hope he buys her and makes her pay for her insulting words."

Katelyn, uncharacteristically, pulled roughly away but took a deep breath before replying, " I would not dream of intervening. Carrigan can take care of herself." Tiberius grinned evilly and walked away waiting for an opportunity to berate Carrigan, no doubt.

Katelyn sipped a glass of water that a waiter had just handed her when she heard a polite cough. Turning around Katelyn saw the little man who had just been annoying her sister. Sizing him up, she decided to see if she could figure out how this guy got her sister so upset. "Quite a party, isn't it?" She asked nonchalantly.

The man is clearly not expecting this question but he quickly recovered and replied, "Very lively, that's for sure."

" Yes, I've never known anyone to piss off my sister quite that quickly. That is usually my job.;"

"She certainly has spirit."

"She means well."

"That she does" He cleared his throat and loosenedhis bow tie. Katelyn took notice of his nervousness and said, "Would you like some water perhaps?"

"I'd take something stronger if that's allowed" they both chuckled and Katelyn responded,

" For choosers I am sure it is." She smiled and waved a waiter over.

She watched the man out of the corner of her eye as he took his drink and turned toward the cacophany of people. Katelyn also turned around just as her companion said, " Now thats interesting..."

She scanned the crowd and saw her sister, Carrigan, fall through the floor. Evelyn was watching the man Carrigan was talking to with intensity. They both watched as Evelyn followed the man with the nice dinner jacket. Katelyn broke the silence and asked, " Who is that man, do you know?"

" I believe he is Lord Andrew Styles, a man with connections in the government and a very charming disposition I'm told." Katelyn's drinking buddy was certainly interesting and a wealth of information. They continued to watch, focusing on Evelyn.

Evelyn was moving deftly through the crowd until she had positioned herself before the kitchens. Then they both saw when Evelyn disappeared into the kitchens when Lainey was chosen.

"Now she looks like a girl on a mission." the man said. Katelyn tried not to blush but she was uncomfortable and a little worried that this man would tell on her sister or worse, that her sister would try to risk the kill switch and escape. She decided to cover her worry with a convincing," I am sure she is asking for something particular from the cooks. She really likes coconut shrimp and I've heard that those are going fast."

Her companion laughed. and Katelyn breathed a sigh of relief. That was not the laugh of someone who was about to report misbehavior to Agent Tarly or Tiberius. He offered his hand and said, " My friends call me Byrd." Katelyn acknowledged the gesture with a genteel nod. Byrd laughed again and apologized, " I forgot about the no touching rule. Your sister let me know that they take off hands for such forwardness towards you girls."

Katelyn refused to blush or be flustered. Her nimble mind worked to think of a delicate response "Losing such a hand would be a shame, You have been such good company this evening. Are you here to choose?"

The abrupt change of subject made Byrd start and turn his body fully towards her. He carefully responded, "Yes." He hesitated before continuing and over his shoulder Katelyn saw Evelyn reappear, hair down and dressed in a server's uniform.

"Would you excuse me?" she gently queried, "I am being summoned away by the powers that be." She tried to keep levity in her voice, but she was worried about what her little sister could be up to. Byrd, seeming to accept that his time with her was through, gracefully bowed and left her to her business. She smiled appreciatively, thanked him and, with controlled movements, headed towards Evelyn. She heard Byrd call out, "See you soon!"

When his words penetrated her focus she turned to see what he meant by that but he was already gone. Assuming that he was her chooser was the only logical explanation for the comment. She was not sure how she felt about that. Now, though, was not the time to focus on it. Evelyn was up to something and it looked hairbrained.

Evelyn had moved to where the international choosers had gathered. Then she too saw it. Lord Andrew Styles had shed his dinner jacket and was disguised as a server. She saw her sister take advantage of yet another choosing and trip and knock people over as a distraction. She saw Evelyn subtly stick something in her pocket and walk aways platter still in hand smug smile on her face.

Then almost simultaneously both sisters sunk into the floor. Katelyn watched her sister fall as she was falling. Her passing thoughts were, I always have to be the watcher.