[Theesa]

They spent the morning wandering the city. The three of them... Theesa, Katerina, and December... took a long and exhausting tour, visiting all of the sites that Montfort had to offer. December turned out to be quite an excellent tour-guide. Like a professional storyteller, he gave elaborate histories of all the interesting Montfort landmarks and events, both recent and historical. By his own admission, December was only a recent arrival to the town, yet he still seemed well versed in the past and present activities of his fellow citizens. He spoke volumes about places like the Dragon's Inn, the Grey Mansion, and the Coliseum. He told them about the False Dawn, in which what amounted to a religious war nearly burned the city to the ground. The city and its people still bore the marks of that tragedy. He was even considerate enough to tone down some of the more gruesome bits for Katerina's benefit. He took them past the Inebridee Brewery, where Theesa stood in awe of the ale-stein spire... a large monument of some kind that was in the shape of an enormous stein of beer. He also mentioned an interestingly-named place called the Club PanDemonica. However, when Theesa asked to see the Club, December replied that the it did not exist during daylight hours. Theesa shrugged... it was obviously some kind of inside joke that one had to be from Montfort to understand.

They had a late lunch at a place named the Golden Griffin, and then continued their sight-seeing. They spent a good portion of the afternoon window-shopping in the commercial district. Theesa was amazed... an entire neighborhood of stores displaying stylish garments that she knew she could never afford. Theesa couldn't help but go in and look at a few of the dresses. However, December, like a true gentleman, offered to purchase any item that Theesa looked at for more than a few seconds. She refused, of course, but December would insist, she would refuse again, and finally she would have to leave the store just to keep him from buying it. They would continue to the next store and begin the process all over again.

Theesa wondered how they looked to the people they passed on the street. Despite December's rather strange appearance, no one gave them more than a passing glance. Of course, some of Montfort's citizens were considerably less... or more... human than December. But what about herself and Katerina? Did they look like a family? No doubt they did... a affluent, though odd-looking father taking his diminutive wife and small child out for a day in the sun. No one would ever guess that the little girl was a homeless waif until a few weeks ago, and that Theesa herself was destined for a similar fate... or worse... if it weren't for December's generosity.

But what motive was behind that generosity? He cared for Katerina... that much was obvious. The girl's parents were dead and she had been left with no one... But instead of taking her into his own home, December chose to shuffle her off onto an 'associate' instead. Why? And what DID happen to her parents... December said that her father died in a fire, but Theesa got the distinct impression that there was much more to it than that.

And what about her? How had SHE managed to get into December's good graces? The obvious answer was her resemblance to December's dead wife... but again, Theesa's instincts told her that that wasn't the whole story.

Of course, she couldn't question December's motives without questioning her own. She still had no answer as to why she was allowing herself to be taken in by the same lunatic that had tried to kill her. And yet the more time she spent with him, the less important his past actions seemed. He became more human. More forgivable. Was he REALLY crazy? No. Theesa actually found herself trying to rationalize his prior actions... She already knew least part of the reason for his eccentricity: He was a freak... probably taunted since early childhood And whatever had happened with the King brothers had left its mark upon him. It was an ugly mark... left by the actions of ugly men. What would SHE have done in his place? Would she adapt, as HE had obviously done, or would she simply break?

Theesa wrestled with herself and her over-active mind while December lead them from place to place. As the day drew to a close, they stopped at an unassuming home not far from December's store and dropped Katerina off with her adoptive parents. Before sending her on her way, December gave Katerina a hastily scribbled note and a sack of coins... apparently December was kind enough to pay for the girl's needs himself, even though she lived with someone else. The little girl waved at December and Theesa as they strolled off into the evening sun. December waved back.

After that, they made a brief stop at December's store. Theesa and Zade exchanged glares while December and Lovvorn had a hushed conversation. Theesa couldn't hear what they were saying, but another note and more gold changed hands before they left.

Alone at last, December and Theesa concluded their tour of the city with a walk through some of the more affluent neighborhoods. Theesa was amazed at the beautiful houses and mansions... the kind that she used to dream about when she was just a child.

"Why don't YOU live in a house like that," she asked December.

"Why should I? Such an abode would be wasted on a single man."

"But you and Katerina could live there."

"She is better where she is... where Therus can protect her."

"Protect her from who?"

December was silent. Theesa could feel him slipping back into his old solemness... time to change subjects.

"You seem to know a lot about this city... so tell me about the man who helped me."

December looked confused.

"You know... my first night here. The man that saved me from the thieves. You knew his name."

"Ahhh.... his name is Blaymore, but he goes by many others as well. He is an enigma. You, Theesa, are a rarity... one of the few who have actually seen him and survived the experience."

"Oh... so he's a BAD man?"

"Some say so. But in reality he is no worse than I."

"Where do you know him from? Is he one of the people you're hiding...I mean... protecting yourself from?"

"No. Blaymore is a minor annoyance. "

"How so?"

"I have something he wants and he wishes to annoy me until I give it to him. However, I suppose I DO owe him one thing..."

"What's that?"

"You. Were it not for him, I would never have met you. For that, he will forever have a small measure of my gratitude."

"Oh." Theesa didn't know what to say. She opened her mouth a few times, but the words seemed to stumble over themselves before they could emerge.

"The hour grows late," said December. "You must be hungry. Shall you dine with me?"

She took December's cold hand and allowed him to lead her to an up-scale restaurant not far from his home. There was a line of people outside, waiting to be seated. Theesa balked at the sight of them.

"We can't eat there!" she said. All of the patrons were dressed in their best formal wear. The women wore full, floor-length gowns in all the latest fashions. Each stitch of clothing probably cost more money that Theesa had seen in her life. Compared to the waiting patrons, December and Theesa were *seriously* underdressed.

"And why not?"

"Look at how they're dressed!"

"I see." said December. His lips curled up into a satisfied smile.

"We'll eat somewhere else." said Theesa. "I can cook-"

"We will eat here. If our dress is inappropriate, then we shall simply correct it. Come with me."

"No-"

December yanked her...gently... away from the restaurant and lead her to the shop of a local cloth merchant. He greeted the shopkeeper, a woman named Batista, and a few seconds later a second woman appeared with a off-white, silk dress. It was beautiful... and it looked almost Theesa's size.

"Oh, no,no,no,no,no..." protested Theesa. She recognized the dress as one she had been eyeing earlier that morning. But when did December buy it? He had been with her the entire day. Ah! The messages to Katerina and Lovvorn!

"The measurements are not *quite* exact... but the seamstress can make the alterations while we wait. Lovvorn has already delivered my suit..."

"No. No. No. No.-"

"These shoes," said December. He was holding up a pair of shoes that matched the dress. "should fit well. If not, there is another store nearby."

"No. I can't."

"Of course you can."

The seamstress appeared and began measuring Theesa. She tried to wave the woman away, but between Theesa, Bastista and the seamstress, Theesa was clearly outnumbered.

Nevertheless, Theesa continued protesting through the first and second fittings, during the alterations, and was still protesting when they left the clothier dressed in their new clothes. December insisted that she accept the gift... not as amends for his previous wrongs, but simply because he wanted her to have them.

As they headed back to the restaurant, Theesa's complaints grew less and less vehement... it was indeed hard to protest when one's skin was being caressed by new silk. Besides, it was already too late and it wasn't as if she had a *choice* in the matter.

They returned to the restaurant, where the previous line was now twice its former length. Now, however, the tables were turned. Theesa and December were the best-dressed couple there, and they turned quite a few heads. Oblivious to the other patrons, December walked right up to the front and nodded to the man at the door.

"Ahh, Mr. December," said the man. "Happy to see you and your lovely guest could join us. Your table is waiting..."

"You had reservations, didn't you?" said Theesa as they were shown to their seats... a cozy table for two located near a window. "You knew we were going to come here all along..."

"Of course I did. I do nothing without proper preparation. This entire day was planned from the moment you awoke... until now."

"And after now? What then?"

The waiter arrived with the menus before December could answer. The menus described everything in such succulent detail that Theesa's mouth began to water just from reading it. She settled on the veal, and she wondered what December would order for himself. Not surprisingly, he ordered the exact same thing, with a glass of wine for each of them.

"So everything was done in advance. What were you going to do if I decided not to join you?"

"Be very disappointed." replied December.

"And what about your reservation?"

"I am sure Lovvorn would have put it to good use. He considers himself to be quite the ladies man."

"Lovvorn. That's the guy with the colors..." Theesa grimaced as her previous vision flashed before her eyes. Her glimpses of the future were very rare, but they were *always* accurate. Things weren't going to turn out well for the colorful mage.

"The vision." said December. "Tell me about it."

"It... wasn't much. I saw him... and his clothes were all bloody. He was in pain. There was a man there-"

"What man?"

"I don't know, it was just a quick flash. I think Lovvorn knew him... or at least he recognized him. He was afraid. He started screaming... Can we talk about something else?"

"I am sorry. That was not appropriate for dinner conversation."

"No, that's all right; you wanted to know. He's your friend... I guess. But you didn't seem like you cared before."

"Lovvorn is an integral part of my organization."

"But he's not your friend?"

"No."

"And Zade?"

"Zade is an employee."

"That's all? Are you sure? She seems very..."

"Yes, I know. But her appearance is irrelevant. She is very skilled at what she does."

"Which is what, exactly?"

"Security."

"Uh-huh. In one of my visions I saw her breaking into your house. Did you know that?"

"Of course."

"What was she doing... testing your security?"

"Actually she was trying to kill me."

"What?"

"She failed, of course."

"Your head of security tried to kill you?"

"She was not my employee at the time. She worked for a rival... now she works for me."

"A rival. I guess the jewelry trade is more competitive than I thought," said Theesa. December didn't respond to her overtly sarcastic comment. "I think I'm beginning to see a patter here. Is that how all your relationships begin... with one person trying to kill the other?"

December smiled and looked up at the waiter, who was just arriving with dinner.

The veal was fried to a tender golden hue and smothered in a spicy herb sauce. On the side were tiny potato-and-carrot sculptures and a garnish of parsley. The entire plate was steaming hot... and the fragrance made Theesa's stomach growl. She took a bite of the veal...

"mmmmm.... this is good."

"I am glad you enjoy it." December simply sat and stared at his plate.

"Aren't you going to eat?"

December picked up his knife and fork and began slicing his veal. He placed a small morsel in his mouth, chewed, and swallowed.

"See," said Theesa, "I told you it was good."

"I shall have to take your word for it. Most food tastes the same to me."

"Really? Why?"

"Most meals are intended to be eaten hot. Because of my condition, any food I consume is at best, lukewarm."

"Oh. I had no idea."

"Cold food is an acquired taste... and even after all these years, eating is not an experience that I wish to repeat on a daily basis. Fortunately food is less of a necessity for me than it is for other men."

"You're saying you don't have to eat?"

"A meal every few weeks usually suffices."

"Gods... You said that you weren't born this way, but you never did say what happened."

"A man... who already considered himself to be a god... decided to increase his power at the expense of my people, my homeland, and my humanity. His attempt failed, but only partially. I am the result."

"I'm sorry."

"It was long ago, well before your time."

"Really? And just how old are you?"

December stared at her with an uncomfortable look.

"Well? Do you want me to guess? Your hair is white, but I assume that's because of your condition. You seem to be in...uhh...very nice physical shape. I'd say... late thirties?"

"You flatter me, but you are incorrect."

"Well how old are you, then? You can tell me..."

"I can... but I will not."

"Oh, now you're sounding like my grandmother!"

"So be it."

"Are you embarrassed, December? I can almost see you blushing..."

"Not likely... blushing is physically impossible for me. And my age is unimportant. What matters is that you have... that you have decided to join me for dinner."

"Uh-huh. Now what were you REALLY going to say?

"I said what I intended."

"You're not a very good liar."

"I am an excellent liar... but I am not applying that particular skill at this time."

"So you swear to me that you weren't about to say something else just now? You swear on the gods?"

December gave Theesa a blank look that slowly deepened into a frown.

"What?" said Theesa. "What did I say?"

"Nothing, I was merely thinking."

"About what?"

"Do you believe in fate, Theesa?"

"Fate? No. I mean it's a romantic notion, you know... but it's Not really meant to be taken seriously."

"Some people do."

"Do you?"

"My people... the ones who were destroyed... they had no concept of fate. There was not even a word for it our language."

"I see."

"No, you do not. Fate implies an intention on the part of some superior force... but our gods were cruel and merciless. Their only intention was to destroy... and it was the lot of every family to overcome the malice of the gods and prosper in spite of it. Some succeeded... others did not, but it was all because of their own actions... not fate."

"But what about you? You told me what all those other people thought... but what do YOU believe."

"I... do not know. At first, I was an adamant adherent to the philosophy of my people. But now... now things are changing. I am not sure that the change is for the good."

"You make it sound like change is a bad thing."

"Perhaps it is. Some of my associates would be inclined to agree."

"But what about you?"

"For perhaps the first time in many, many years... I am unsure."

"Well, I wish I could help, but I'm no philosopher. I'm not sure I even understand what you're talking about."

"A... friend... once told me that my life would take a certain path, and like a foolish child I believed him. But no sooner than I had judged his words to be true... my life was uprooted. Jessica was taken from me, and since then my life moved in ways that would take me ever further from the happiness I was promised. I moved on, and over time I became the man I am now. I have since dismissed my friend's words as folly... but now...now that may not be the case. Now it seems he may have been right all along."

"Full circle," said Theesa.

December gave her a confused look.

"It's a story my mother told when I was a little girl. A man was traveling a foreign land and he came to a crossroads. There was a signpost, and a wise old owl sat on top of it. The man asked the owl which was the best way to go, and the owl said that that life was to the west, and certain death was to the east. Fearing death, the man turned west. He traveled to many places and had adventures that could fill hundreds of scrolls. He lived to be an old, old man... always traveling, always going west. One day he found himself in a familiar land... and he realized that he was nearing the crossroads where the owl had advised him. Just as the signpost became visible on the horizon, a band of thieves set upon him and cut him with their swords. They took his money and left him for dead, but he managed to crawl to the owl. He asked the bird why it had lied... it had said that life lay to the west, and he had gone west all his life and had still come to his end. The bird simply looked down at him and said: Silly man... You sought to avoid death, but in your haste to flee from it you came full circle. "

"You realize," said December. "that such a series of events is a physical impossibility. Your traveler would have had to walk in a perfectly straight line around the complete circumference of the-"

"It's a children's FABLE! And you're missing the point! You can only run so far away from something before you start getting closer to it again. You think you're moving away, but you're really doing the opposite. "

"Full Circle. Very interesting. And disturbing as well."

"Well, I hope it helps."

"Indeed... now I see that what little grasp I had of the matter is COMPLETELY inadequate."

"In other words I've made things worse."

"Which can actually lead to a higher understanding. I shall have to give the matter much thought."

"So tell me about this friend of yours... the one who made the prediction. Can I meet him?"

"Such a meeting would not be wise."

"Really? Why?"

"He is not a pleasant man... he would disturb you, which would in turn, disturb me."

"Oh."

"Thank you for your story. You are wiser than you know."

"If THAT were true I wouldn't be here. In this town, I mean."

"Coming to Montfort was a mistake?"

"Well, yeah... I mean look what-" Theesa looked into December's eyes and caught a fleeting glimpse of something emotion. "No. It wasn't. If I hadn't come I never would have met you. I never would have seen your beautiful store, or-"

"You like it?"

"The store? It's lovely! All those expensive jewels.... the decor is a bit much, though."

"You think so?"

"The white carpet? It's a little... what's the word..."

"Ostentatious."

"Yes. And you've got your largest, most impossibly expensive pieces placed right next to the front door. It's the first thing people see... and it's so intimidating."

"That was the effect I was trying to achieve."

"Really? Do you sell many jewels that way?"

"Most of my pieces are... as you said... impossibly expensive. They are not intended to be sold."

"Well then why have a store at all? Why not just open a museum? And if you don't sell anything... how do you support yourself?"

"Most of my sales result from my private shows. And since I own my own diamond mines, the proceeds are very nearly 100% profit. One or two of my pieces can support me for almost a year."

"Yeah, I'll bet."

"It is true."

"But you could sell even more if you'd just tone it down a bit."

"You seem to have a good eye-"

"Two of them."

"-perhaps you would like to try your hand at redecorating."

"What? Me? Your store? Oh, I couldn't..."

"I trust your judgment. I'm sure I will not be disappointed. I will compensate you, of course."

"Well... throw in desert and it's a deal."

"Ahhh.... perhaps some other night. The hour grows late."

"What? You have somewhere to be?"

"As a matter of fact I do. I must meet with some colleagues. Lovvorn. Zade. A few others."

"But what about me?"

"You are perfectly welcome to stay the night at my home." December signaled for the waiter.

"But what am I going to do while you're gone? Can't I come with you? I'd love to learn about the jewelry business."

"That would not be... appropriate. Not now."

The waiter arrived and December settled the bill. He added a extremely generous tip and then escorted Theesa out into the evening air. During the walk home, December spoke at length about the ins and outs of running a jewelry store. Theesa never would have thought that subject would ever interest her in the least, but when December spoke.... it was as if he were describing the hidden peaks of some mysterious mountain. Or the golden shores of a foreign land.

Theesa was actually disappointed when they arrived at December's home.

[December]

December dismissed the protective wards with a wave of his hand, and then allowed Theesa to enter before him. He found himself admiring her petite frame as she rounded the corner into the living room.

She was beautiful.

So much like Jessica. The resemblance was uncanny, but yet they were so different. Theesa was strong where Jessica had been weak, and weak where she had been strong. She thought about how accepting and playful she had been with Katerina, and the way she easily adapted to fine dining in an unfamiliar atmosphere. She was very nearly perfect.

But would she understand the truth of what he was? Could she? He had opened himself to her as if he had known her for years... a grave tactical error. But yet he had kept one thing from her.. the one thing that she should know above all else: He was December. *The* December.

Could she even comprehend what that meant?

"Are you coming in or are you just going to stand there with the door wide open?" Theesa called.

December closed the door and re-activated the protection spells. He joined Theesa in the living room, where she was relaxing in a chair. She had kicked off her shoes, but was still wearing the dress he had bought. The dress was form-fitting, and seemed to accentuate he body in all the right places. December ran his eyes over her... and something within him stirred. For the first time in several decades, he found himself yearning for a certain closeness.

"What?" said Theesa. "What are you staring at?"

"I... nothing. I must prepare to leave." December reached into his pocket and retrieved a small metal disc... a coin. He ran his finger across the surface, and felt the slight hum as the magic was activated.

"What was that?" said Theesa.

"Lovvorn will arrive shortly to escort me to my rendezvous. I am afraid I must leave you here alone. This house's wards will keep you quite safe, but you will be unable to leave until I return."

"Prisoner again."

"No. I-"

"I was kidding. But what am I expected to do while you're gone?"

"You have had a long day. You should rest. If you are awake when I return, we can... talk."

"Oh, so now you WANT to talk, eh?"

"The evening hours seem to bring out the sarcasm in you. Feel free to explore the house, although, as you already know, my living arrangements are spartan. There is very little to see."

"I disagree. I seem to remember a certain jeweler's apprentice that had just gotten fired from his job. You said I could learn the rest of the story."

December thought about feigning ignorance, or denying her request. He already knew what memories she was going to retrieve... He didn't feel like facing them, but his reluctance would only arouse suspicion.

"Feel free to do so if you desire," he said.

"I bet I'm right about what I said earlier."

"We shall see."

There was a knock at the door. December suspended the protection wards and answered it.

"Next time you call me," said Lovvorn. "PLEASE leave the wards down. Do you know how much it HURTS when I try to teleport through them?"

"No."

"Well... a lot. Here, before I forget-" Lovvorn handed an envelope to December. "This came for you at the store."

"What is it?"

"An envelope." replied Lovvorn. He smiled, and December merely stared down at him with an un-amused look.

Suddenly, Theesa appeared at the door behind December.

"Hello, Mr. Lovvorn."

"Ahhh, Grrrreeeetings! MY what a lovely dress."

"Thank you. Lovvorn I have to tell you something. While I was at the store I found your handkerchief-"

"We must be leaving now." said December.

"No we don't," said Lovvorn. "We have Plenty of T-... HEEYY it g-got c-cold out here all of a s-sudden. I guess we DO have to l-leave."

"Yes. We do." December joined Lovvorn on the doorstep and closed the door. Theesa peered out at them through the window.

"BE CAREFUL!" she yelled.

"Awww... isn't that sweet." said Lovvorn. "She wants you to be careful."

"I believe she was talking to you." December re-activated the wards and nodded to Lovvorn.

"Me? Why would she tell ME to be careful?"

"I have no idea."

[To Be Continued]