[Emmon]

Emmon was proud of himself - he had gotten out of bed only three hours
after cock's crow, which wasn't bad for a night of investigating, and
bouncing for Montban. However, a hot lead was always something that got
his blood stirred; he had even managed to dodge Lecinda's idea of
breakfast, and make it to a public bath house so he could look presentable
enough to walk in the commercial district.

And after another hour or two of politely asking around the various shops
he had been pointed towards the House of December, where, supposedly, a
portly gentleman, with flamboyent taste had been seen.

Before even crossing the street Emmon made sure that his tunic was still
clean and straight, and that he hadn't scuffed the blacking off his boots.
Then he strolled across the street and entered the shop.

The shop was a two-story brick building with huge windows on the front
and sides.   On the inside, ornate window displays showcased a
variety of fine jewels, which were sure to catch the eye of anyone
who passed the shop.   There were many moderately sized rubies,
emeralds, amesthysts and other gems... each piece had been placed
and arranged by someone with a VERY keen eye for color and beauty.
The gems complemented each other perfectly in their cases, making the
windows more like works of art than commercial displays.

The artist had worked more of his or her magic on the inside.
The floor was carpeted in a very light-grey carpet that cushioned
the feet when one walked.  It was like walking on a cloud.  There
were more displays lining the walls, and a large rectangular display
in the center of the room.   All of them were contained some of the
finest jewels and jewelry in Montfort.    In the center of the single
floor-display sat an enormous diamond the size of a man's fist.
Its facets glimmered in the magical light suspended from the ceiling,
and each one contained a miniature reflection of some of the
colorful jewels surrounding the huge diamond.    The effect was
breathtaking at the very least.

Against the wall opposite the was a long counter, and behind
it was a doorway leading to another part of the store.    At the far
end of the counter was a set of steps that lead upstairs.

[Theesa]

Theesa emerged from the back room and smiled at the
visitor.   The beautiful quarter-elf ran her hand through her
long  blond hair.

"Hi,"  she said.     She had a very attractive voice... high and
feminine, with a touch of open friendliness that one rarely found
in rough towns like Montfort.   "May I help you?"

[Emmon]

Emmon hoped that his eyes weren't as wide as saucers - that would be a
sure giveaway that he hadn't seen more than a fist full of gold in his
life. And the only decent gems he had seen he had had to give back after
he found them, which was how he had acquired three of the pieces of gold
in that fist full. But for a display this grand he decided a little awe
was allowed.

"Good afternoon," he said, giving the young lady his best smile, "I'm
hoping to catch up with a gentleman who I understand often frequents your
establishment."

He was still playing for reasons and decided to leave that as vague as
long as he could - there were many in Montfort who didn't want to be
found. And he didn't even know much about the fat mage - not even a name -
so he wasn't sure yet what hook to set.

"A portly gentleman, with black hair, and a very bright, individualistic
way with clothes." Emmon had always been grateful that Ol' Ruab had
insisted on a wide vocabulary - both in Common, Elven and Orc."

[Theesa]

"Hmmm...  I haven't been working here for very long, just a month or so.
I've seen no one fitting that description so far.  Mr. December may be
able to help you... but I'm afraid he's not in at the moment.  Are you
sure the fellow comes to THIS store?  There are lots of shops around, you
know."

[Emmon]

Emmon gave a pleasant chuckle and said, "He's rather hard to miss and
several of the shopowners pointed out Mr. December's store. Would you
happen to know when Mr. December will be back?"

[Theesa]

"Interesting.  He'll be back tomorrow, I think, but I can't say what time.
When I see him. I'll ask your question so that I can have his answer for
you if you miss him.  Do you have anything else to add to the description
of the man you're looking for?  A name would be helpful."

[Emmon]

"That would be greatly appreciated...Miss?...."

[Theesa]

"Theesa.  I'm very pleased to make your acquaintance."

[Emmon]

Emmon gave his best at looking cordial, but not brash. She was a pretty
lass, and if she was new to the area - maybe she hadn't acquired the
wariness this city bred, which meant that it would be wise not to step on
future possibilities. "I'm afraid I don't have a name for the gentleman,
but it is _important_ I find him."

[Theesa]

"Really?   Does he owe you money?   But then, if he did you'd probably
know his name, wouldn't you?      Why ARE you looking for him?

[Emmon]

He decided to go with half the truth, since the Menagrem case was already
the talk of Montfort, and said, "The gentleman may be able to shed some
light on that horrible murder....according to witnesses he was around
during the shanty fire - probably one of the good samaritans that was
helping put the blaze out."


[Theesa]

"Oh, how wonderful!  Well, not about the murder, of course, but it is good
to know that there are still people willing to help out when someone is in
need.  Mr. December does a good bit of that himself... although he's
rather shy about it.  I'll be certain to pass along your question; I'm
sure he'll help you."

[Emmon]

"Thank you, Mistress Theesa," Emmon said. He managed to look a little
awkward when he added, "I'm relatively new to town myself.....But when I
stop back by for the information - if you would like an escort for a
stroll around the festival...I would be honored..."

[Theesa]

"Oh... I, uhhh... that is, no offense sir.  I'm sure you're charming
gentleman, but you see, I'm not... available."

Theesa smiled as if to assure the man that she meant nothing personal.

[Emmon]

"Just my luck," Emmon said, with a good-natured laugh, "All the bright
bells are taken."

He gave a courtly bow and said, "I thank you for your time and your aid,
and will now bid you adeu."

[Theesa]

"Farewell," she said.   "Do stop by again!"

Theesa watched Emmon leave, and continued to stare at the
door for several minutes after he was gone.   When it was obvious
that he wouldn't return immeditaly, she let out a deep sigh.

Instantly, the young blond began to change.   Her height increased
by several inches... her hair shortened and turned brown... her body
widened... and widened... and widened...

The image of her face and clothing wavered like the air above a
hot fire.   Soon they were gone entirely, and replaced a the fat,
ruddy jowls of Lovvorn the Magnificent.     The short, dark-haired
mage stood behind the counter, dressed in one of his
favorite mage's robes... a very subdued orange decorated with
pink stripes and yellow stars.

Leaning heavily on his staff, Lovvorn hobbled over to the door,
locked it, and activated the protective runes.   Then he quickly
made his way into the back room, where the near-freezing
temperature made his tatooed skin rise up into goosebumps.

"Our visitor?"  said December, the tall, white-haired proprietor
of the store... and one of Montfort's greatest criminals.  He stood
quietly in the corner...the same corner which happened to be the
source of the room's intense cold.

"It was him, all right,"  answered Lovvorn.   "Looking for yours truely.
Good thing I placed those listening runes in some of the other shops."

"Indeed,"  said December.     His voice was a deep, melodic bass
that fit his huge frame almost too perfectly.

"Something to do with that fellow Eric and I helped capture."

"I knew I would regret allowing your involvment in that matter."

"But...but... but we were trying to prevent any offical royal
involvement.   Remember?   Having the crown sniffing around
in Montfort would be terrible for business."

"Quite right, however YOUR involvment was unnecessary.   Eric Hood and
J'Hasp could have handled the matter quite well on their own."

"Yeah, but there'd have been a lot more bodies turning up.  You
know how Eric is.   Espescially lately."

"Yes, and it seems we may be needing his talents again."

"The detective?   You want me to send him a letter..."
Lovvorn winked.   The mage's 'letters' had a tendency to explode
when opened.

"Not yet.   We need to know what he knows, and who he
has told.   I shall have J'Hasp track his scent, and Eric Hood
will stay close to him."

Lovvorn nodded.   He started to return to the front of the store...

"One more item,"  said December.

"Yeah?"

"The illusion.    Of Theesa."

"Yeah!   Didja like it!   Looked JUST like her!"

"Indeed,"  said December.   "NEVER do it again."

"Oh."