Okay, priorities first; a big thanks to Jade Sabre for beta reading this, (so many red words,) I really appreciate it.

Don' think I need to tell anybody, but I don't own anyone, bar Kiara.

Over My Head

Kiara

"This 'ere calls for a celebration. Duncan, break open the kegs!"

I raised an eyebrow and shook my head, my hair falling lifelessly into my eyes, blood holding each usually bright blue strand together, "Khelgar, everything with you calls for a celebration."

I frowned at the sight of the table covered in platters of cheese that had been laid out before us. Cheese? Duncan was greeting us with cheese?

The loud, lumbering dwarf turned to face me; as per usual, upon entering the tavern after a long week of killing bad guys his first thoughts were of ale.

"But this time it really is a celebration. See, we saved the lass whatserface―"

"Shandra," the blond girl cut in.

"―and we killed all those Githyonkli."

Casavir showed no sign of obvious agitation as he corrected Khelgar, "It's pronounced 'Githyanki'."

From behind me, I heard a sharp, cynical voice cut into whatever Khelgar was going to say next. "Well, it doesn't matter what they called themselves. We're not going to be seeing them again."

"Bishop, I said you could stay with us. Not voice your opinion whenever you please. If I ever want you opinions I'll―" I cut off, realizing the idiocy of what I was saying. "Nah, I'll never want you opinion."

He gave a low chuckle, making his way to his usual corner to order his usual drink, which he would drink till he was drunk, as per usual.

"Smart girl," he muttered.

Casavir's blue eyes followed the path of the ranger, his expression naturally dark and worried.

"My lady," he started, when Bishop had sat himself down and didn't seem to be listening, "I admit Bishop was an important asset in the rescuing of Shandra, but we don't need him anymore. I don't like the way he looks at―"

Damn it. Not another rant. Oh well, look on the bright side; at least he's slowly working away from his speeches about Old Owl Well.

"Casavir," I started calmly, cutting off whatever he'd been saying, "Don't you have some prayers to catch up on?"

A conversation with my uncle Duncan, an argument with Qara, a small fire, and a few dark leers from Bishop later, I was sitting at a wobbly table with Khelgar, Neeshka and Shandra. The farm girl sat by my left side, whereas Khelgar and the tiefling, Neeshka, both sat across from me. Shandra was clearly exhausted, but she'd stayed in the main room of the tavern with us.

I listened as Khelgar and Neeshka traded a few jokes at the githyanki's dispense. They went over everything that had happened, from me snapping the githyanki leader's neck, to the repulsive demon Xanis falling on top of Bishop and smothering him with his, or maybe her, fat rolls.

Thank the gods we've gotten rid of all those bloody githyanki; another day with Khelgar mispronouncing their names would have driven me over the edge.

An odd silence fell upon the room when I was up to my third, or maybe forth mug of ale and I immediately knew that whoever had entered wasn't the average patron.

"What is it now?" I huffed from the rim of my glass mug, my shoulders slouched. "I was just starting to get relaxed."

"And drunk," Neeshka teased, before looking over my shoulder with a curious look upon her pixie-like face.

From beside me Shandra swiveled in her chair to see the new arrival. I too turned to sneak a peek at the entrance, the tavern door swinging closed on its rusty hinges.

A young man, presumably human, stood looking around the bar, obviously intent about finding somebody. His golden hair was smooth and sleeked back, showing his nonsensically handsome and tan face. He bore the symbol of Neverwinter upon a baby blue tunic that he wore atop platted armor.

"Damn, he's part of the Neverwinter Nine," I cursed, turning promptly so that my back was facing the door once more. "Everyone look away and try and look normal."

I turned at the sound of Bishop giving an amused snort from his seat, swaying in his drunken stupor. I rolled my eyes before looking back at the occupants on my own table.

I started whistling inconspicuously only to get a giggle from Neeshka and a sigh from Shandra.

"Ye are aware that we're sittin' with a demon, right lass?" Khelgar queried, raising a thick eyebrow. "Not to mention ye've got blue hair."

I'd dyed it a few days before the Harvest Festival in West Harbor. There were big bright chunky streaks of blue amidst my stark black hair that had been cropped a few inches long. The only long bit of hair was my fringe which I chose to push to one side, and it only just reached my chin.

Neeshka giggled, "It almost glows in the dark. I don't know how you manage sneaking up on people when you're hair glows. You'd think it'd make you a horrible rogue."

And you'd think not being able to stop talking would make you a horrible rogue.

My hand rose slowly to my hair as I blinked at Khelgar. "What's wrong with my hair?" I thought it looked cool.

It only took a few moments before the usual sounds of the tavern started again, everything seemingly normal once more. From the corner of my eye I saw the man making towards our table.

Damn it.

"Lass, this'll be our lucky day, 'ey? I was starting to worry that after we killed all of 'em Githyonkli―"

"Githyanki," Neeshka hurried to correct the dwarf.

"―Well, I was worried we weren't going to have as many fights. I sure am hopin' that the lad is 'ere for us."

I mumbled into my drink and took another sip.

Upon seeing the annoyed look that was stained upon my features, Shandra was quick to put her word in, "Well, maybe he's not here for us, Kiara."

With perfect timing, undermining Shandra's exact words, I saw that the man had approached our table. With hands placed upon his hips, he gave us all the once over, a grim line set to his lips.

I hunched over even further and took another long swig from my drink.

"Maybe if we ignore him, he'll go away," I said, finishing off the last few drops of ale.

No such luck.

"Which one of you is Lieutenant Kiara?"

His voice was soft but arrogant. This was a man whom was used to getting his way. There was a slightly dour tone to his voice as he asked for me.

Shandra, Neeshka and I were the only women in sight, so I was going to have some trouble pinning it on somebody else.

I sighed, clanking my empty glass to the table and looked to him. My pale blue eyes met his. With a flat smile, devoid of all humor, I gave him a little finger wave.

"Are you looking for the kick-ass, beautiful and incredibly modest Kiara? That would be me," I said through a fake smile whilst trying not to grit my teeth. "What's wrong this time? Is it undead? Githyanki? Dragons? Undead githyanki riding atop dragons?"

My reply was a few vacant blinks before the man dropped both arms to his sides and raised his head regally.

"I've come by order of Lord Nasher himself."

My brow creased, "Nasher?"

He ignored me, continuing his introduction, "I am Nevalle from the Neverwinter Nine, and I'm here to―"

I gaped up at him, doing an exceptionally good impersonation of a fish on land.

"Nasher?" I repeated.

What could possibly have happened that has Nasher getting involved? He's usually busy sitting on his throne and looking pompous.

Nevalle gave a low cough, interrupting my sudden outburst.

"I'm here to inform you that a Luskan village known as Ember has been massacred."

Oh. Is that all? I was worried it was something big.

"Uh-huh."

"Have you ever traveled to, or near, Ember?"

"Uh-huh."

He took a deep breath before continuing, "Lord Nasher is aware of your services to Neverwinter through ridding the docks of Moire's influence. Lord Nasher appreciates these efforts. Lord Nasher doesn't want what I'm about to say to be taken the wrong way."

Frowning, I nodded vaguely, "Uh-huh."

Boy oh boy, he says 'Lord Nasher' at the beginning of every sentence. Besides, Nevalle wouldn't be talking about me like that if he knew that I'd gone to see Caleb about joining Moire's gang first. But Caleb picked fun at Khelgar and Neeshka, and then he'd insulted my hair. That had been the last straw and I'd cut him down without a second thought. With no other options I'd joined the City Watch. I'd been regretting it ever since.

"You've been blamed for the massacre of Ember, a witness having seen you, describing a young human with short, black and blue hair and tan skin, bearing rapiers and wearing light grey leathers."

That could be anyone. I mean, short black and blue hair is very common.

Okay, I've got to act calm. Come on girl, form an actual word!

A few moments passed by silently as all the eyes turned to stare at me.

I gave a small gulp.

"Uh-huh."

Stupid betraying brain! I'll deal with you later.

"Kiara, did you hear what the man with the ridiculously nice hair just said?" Shandra exploded, arms waving about and her voice squeaky high.

I nodded again, gaping a little.

"Uh-huh."

A frown creased Nevalle's features, wrinkling his brow, "Lieutenant?"

"Uh-huh?"

"I think she's broken," Neeshka said with wide eyes, leaning across the table as far as she could and prodding me in the arm.

I knit my brow, shaking my head vigorously and then looking back up at Nevalle.

I didn't really know what to say. I mean, it's not everyday I'm blamed for the massacre of an entire village.

"So what do I have to do to prove I'm innocent? Who do I gotta kill? Please don't tell me its more orcs. Last time I went after orcs I picked up a paladin who thinks dark and brooding is back in, and a gnome whose foot lives in his mouth."

Nevalle seemed relieved, if a little worried about my sanity, that I was still willing to listen. Truth is, I was too shocked to manage a full-on bolt for the door.

"You are to be tried in Luskan―"

I sucked in a deep breath and glared at Nevalle.

"I've got two words for you, 'nuh' and 'uh'. There's no way I'm going into Luskan territory. Once they're done with me all the king's horses and all the king's men won't be able to put me together again."

This is just too much for me.

Nevalle clenched his jaw before continuing, "If you would please let me finish, Lieutenant. I was going to say that the only way to have a proper trail in Neverwinter would be to become a squire. From there, Sand will help you gather evidence to prove your innocence. Hopefully this will help you."

Sand? Trial?? Oh boy.

I slowly looked from the face of Nevalle to those of my friends. They all looked like they were bursting to have their own input on the matter.

"I really hate Nasher," I gritted out.

Nevalle glared at me, seemingly angered by this statement.

"Lord Nasher is doing everything in his power to see that you are not left to Luskan. You will treat your king with respect."

Okay, I'll treat him with respect.

"I really hate Lord Nasher," I said through tightly clenched teeth.

"Don't look at me, I didn't vote for him," Neeshka said with a shrug, her tail lashing about behind her.

Khelgar turned to face Neeshka, opening his mouth, and then, thinking twice, shook his head and turned back to his drink.

"I don't know where you've been, my dear little demon, but Neverwinter isn't a democratic republic. You don't vote for who is going to be king next."

I didn't need to look up to know that it had been Sand who had been speaking. He approached out table with a grace that only elves seem to grasp and stood by Nevalle's side. He started kneading his hands together, before smiling tightly down at me.

Oh boy, I'm really in trouble this time.

"Miss me?" the wizard prompted.

"Only in the sense of 'no'," I replied flatly, my left eye giving a small annoyed twitch.

Oh great, I've been blamed for the massacre of an entire village, and now I've got an eye twitch. What's next, a pimple?

Sand's overall façade was bored and calm, but there was a slight glint to his eyes. It was as if this whole experience were humoring him greatly.

Well, I'm outta here.

Okay, I think I can manage getting out of my seat without any help. My feet should be able to find the ground.

I slipped from the table, Shandra making to rise too. I gave a low sweeping bow to Nevalle and then turned on my heel as quickly as I could.

"Wait for me, Kiara," Shandra called as she pushed her seat in.

I promptly ignored the girl continuing across the room. I only stopped to shudder when Nevalle's voice reached my ears once more.

"You are not allowed to leave the walls of Neverwinter until you've been squired, Lieutenant," Nevalle called to me, his voice stern. "You won't be able to run from both Neverwinter and Luskan."

I looked back over my shoulder. "I don't plan on running, just hiding in my room with the lights off and pretending I'm not home," I stated blandly before turning on my heel once more.

"Well, I can dare say it's going to be a challenge proving this girl's innocence," Sand said, hints of a smile pulling at his lips.

I just hope I'm still standing when this all clears up.

Yeah, I'm in way over my head.

Please let me know what you think, any and all constructive critocism is welcome.

I'm going to try and steer clear from making it a retelling of the storyline, because I'm sure everybody knows it pretty well by now.

Also, I'm loosely basing each chapter on a song, and if anybody has a song they want me to have a go at, I'm all ears.

Also, don't take this all too seriously, at time's I'm going to try and mix and match genre, add a bit of angst, maybe even try for writing a serious conversation, but mainly it's just a bit of fun.

Again, thanks Jade for beta reading it all.

just-passing-time.