The OC and NPC's belong to Obsidian. Some errors in grammar were left to enhance the story and dialogue. Reviews are most welcome.
MEMOIRS OF AN OUTSIDER
Chapter 7: "To serve and Protect"
Khy woke early the next day feeling rested and refreshed. She dressed in her old armor, grabbed her hat and headed to the common room. She was
looking forward to seeing the city in daylight and visiting with her new relative. During her journey, she had often wondered about her new uncle. Why
had Daeghun kept his existence secret? Now that she had met him, Duncan appeared to be a great deal different from her foster-father, Daeghun.
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She walked into the common room, searching for her companions, and spotted Elanee and Neeshka having breakfast with Duncan. Khy wandered over to
the table to join her friends, passing by the man she encountered last night. She could feel him watching her as she walked by. She thought about his
deep amber eyes that seemed to lock her in their gaze, stripping her of her free will. A shiver danced up and down her spine with the thought of him. Khy
sat next to Duncan and tried to distract herself with the small talk at the table. She could still see him watching her out of the corner of her eye. Sal came
over andasked Khy if she wanted anything."Could I have some hot water"? She asked."Hot water"? Sal repeated, not sure,i f he misheard the request.
"Yes, hot water". Khy repeated. Sal returned shortly with a steaming cup and placed it in front of her. Khy reached into her pack for the small pouch of
figwort leaves. She crushed a few of the leaves and added them to the vaporous cup. As she waited for the liquid to steep, Duncan, out of curiosity, asked
her what she was doing. "It's figwort", she said, "it makes a very nice tea". Duncan nodded saying,"One of Daeghun's concoctions"? "No", she
said, "One of mine". Duncan laughed and said, "A girl after my own heart"! Khy smiled as she sat back and sipped her tea.
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Bishop was watching her as she sat down with the odd group at the table. He heard her mention figwort, and was surprised. Not many people knew the
uses of the little plant, and that secretly impressed him. He watched her drinking her tea, and then smile at that oaf, Duncan, which caused a small twinge
in the pit of his stomach. After his contact with her the previous night, he had to visit Ophala's to relieve the "tension" she had caused. "Damn her"! He
thought. "What was she doing to him"? Women did not get under his skin. He used them for whatever he needed, and then left. No attachments. No
entanglements. That's why he liked to sleep with whores. You pay your gold for their time, and then go about your business. Cut and dry. However, with
her it was different. He wanted her. Wanted to feel her squirm beneath him. He was becoming obsessed at the sight of her, and he knew nothing about
her. She was a complete mystery.
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Khy was startled by the sound of a falling chair, and looked up to see Bishop rushing out the door. "Uncle"? She said."Who is that man"? As she pointed
to the disappearing figure."That's Bishop"! He said warily, "It's best to stay away from that one lass". "Why"? She asked. The others looked at one
another, and then Neeshka said,"He's not a very nice person Khy". "Oh". Was all Khy said as she stared at the empty doorway. Elanee quickly
changed the subject to a discussion of the day's events and waking the still sleeping Khelgar.
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Khy and her companions headed out into the town to look for the City Watch's headquarters. Neeshka finally talked Khy into purchasing new armor, so
they all went to the nearby merchants to upgrade their equipment. They went back to the Flagon to dress in their new apparel, before seeing Marshal
Cormick. Khy thought the new leather armor was too small, but Neeshka told her to just put them on. As the girls dressed in Khy's room, there came a
loud banging at the door. Khelgar shouted through the door,"What are ye doing, tanning the hide's yer selves". "Go have a tankard, baldy"!
Neeshka yelled. They heard him stomp off, muttering"Women"! As he left. Elanee looked over at Khy and said,"You should not wear that thing Khy, it
is bad for the body to be bound so tight". She's right". Neeshka chimed in. "Pretty soon all you'll have left is two empty sacks where you're
breasts used to be". Khy lowered her head in embarrassment as she said timidly, "Well, at least sacks wouldn't be in the way".
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Neeshka got an idea, and asked Khy if she could examine her breast band. Khy shyly removed the length of leather and handed it to the tiefling. Neeshka
pretended to inspect the band, while actually taking note of Khy's proportions. Khy was a little uneasy about her new garb, but Elanee mentioned that it
fit her wonderfully. They helped one another strap, buckle and lace the new garments into place, and then went out to meet Khelgar. They greeted the
little man, who said, "Aye lass, that's more like it". Khy blushed, and then asked them all to sit down to discuss the new venture they would undertake.
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It was midday when Bishop strolled into the Flagon. He saw the lone dwarf guzzling ale, as he took his usual spot near the fire."There she is". He said to
himself as the missing pieces of the group joined the dwarf. He heard Khelgar comment on her new attire, and agreed with his assessment. The new
armor fit her perfectly; there could be no error now, as to her gender. He could see the way the leather hugged her body and accentuated her curves. Her
long braided hair, smacking softly against the arch of her back when she walked drove him crazy. Bishop closed his eyes, trying to remove the sight of her
from his mind.
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"Let's go"! Neeshka said. "Are you all sure about this"? Khy asked. "Aye lass"! Khelgar replied."We're sticking 'til we've solved those damn shard
puzzles". Khy thanked her allies as they walked to the City watch to meet with Marshal Cormick. Overjoyed at her decision to aid the watch, Cormick gave
them several assignments, which they carried out in succession. They swept the city for undesirables, checked the guard posts, and encountered a small
scuffle between sorcerers from the academy. The end of the melee resulted in a new member of their band.
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Until recently, Qara had been a student at the Neverwinter magic academy. From her accounts, she had been unfairly targeted by her peers, and then
tormented because of her skill. "I have a natural ability for casting spells, and the other students are just jealous". Qara told them. The conflicts
resulted in several fires at the school, as well as to the Flagon. Duncan demanded Qara work off the damages by serving at the inn, and by assisting Khy
in her quests. This proposition did not thrill the young sorceress, who made her anger known. Khy tried to speak with her, but was told to mind her own
business. Khy was determined to keep trying to get through Qara's haughty attitude, and ease her into her group of friends.
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The difficulties of the ensuing missions, not only included some wiley opponents, but in keeping Qara from burning everything in her path. Qara's snide
remarks to the Captain of the guard, and her constant bickering with everyone else, led Khy to take her aside for a quiet talk. "Qara", Khy said,"Could we
speak for a moment". "What now"! Qara said angrily. Khy walked over to a secluded spot and motioned for Qara to follow.
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"Qara", she began,"I know we've only known each other a few days, but I'd like to try and understand you better". "Oh, really", Qara said
sarcastically."Well, understand this"! "I don't like being put in jeopardy every minute of the day"! She announced. "I don't like defending myself
against the devil girl's past acquaintances or tromping through muck for the druid and her wolf advisor". "I don't like going out of my way to
help that squatty fat man in his endeavors to become a monk"! "And most of all", she ranted,"I don't like being told what to do by a naïve,
inexperienced child"! Trying not to exasperate the girl further, Khy said calmly,"Qara, you knew of the dangers we faced, before you agreed to join
us". "Yes", Qara replied,"But that was before I found out about that bunch of morons that you call allies". Qara pointed to Khy's companions, which
began to infuriate her beyond her ability to stay tranquil.
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Khy felt the air of superiority that Qara had, along with the contempt she had for others. Nevertheless, to malign her friends was quite enough. "SHUT
UP"! Khy screamed at the redheaded sorceress."No one complained when the students of the academy attacked because of you, they all helped in
keeping you safe"! Qara looked stunned for a minute, then she recovered her disparaging qualities. "These people are my friends and family, and I
will not allow you to insult them"! Qara opened her mouth to speak, but thought better of it. "We will discuss the matter further when we return
to the Flagon"! Khy said sternly. She then walked briskly toward the others, muttering "Fieuy faika kuruni", as she passed by. The trio had witnessed
Qara's tirade and Khy's response to her antics. Neeshka whispered to Elanee, "What did that mean"? Elanee replied with a worried look, "Loathsome,
contemptible witch"! Neeshka smiled to herself, as they trotted back to the Sunken Flagon.
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They were preparing to have dinner, when Khy noticed that Neeshka was missing. "Where's seler', (sister) Elanee"? "She wanted to pick up
something at the merchants". Khelgar said in between bites. Khy sat down with the others, hoping that Neeshka was all right and that she would pay
for the "something", instead of helping herself. Scanning the room, Khy observed Qara giving a great deal of attention to Bishop. Qara would do some sort
of wiggle, whenever she passed by him and Khy wondered what in the hells she was doing. She glanced up to see Bishop staring at her again. She
wondered why he leered at her constantly. Just then, Neeshka came in running, clutching something and signaling Khy to follow her.
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Khy walked behind the little tiefling into her room. "Here", she said. "This is for you" .Khy unfolded the strange garment and asked Neeshka what it
could be. Neeshka explained that she asked one of the merchants to make a special item, a sort of bodice that she presented to Khy. "Thank you
Neeshka", she said baffled. "You use this instead of that band thing". Neeshka told her. Khy examined the bodice, which looked to her like more of a
vest. It was made of soft, supple doeskin, almost white in color and laced up the front with leather cords. Neeshka urged her to try it on and Khy relented.
Khy had to admit that the engineered device fit flawlessly and felt much better than her hard leather band. She looked at herself in the mirror and yelped.
"There's too much of me showing". Khy exclaimed. "That's the point". Neeshka answered back. The contraption did its job well. It conformed to her
like a second skin, emphasizing her thin waist and supporting her hefty bosom, leaving her with very noticeable cleavage. Neeshka informed her that it
would be unseen under her chemise, and that she could wear it as is, if she wanted. Khy hugged the girl and gave her many thanks, as she slipped on
her chemise and returned to the great room.
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Bishop was watching as she re-entered the room with the demon girl. He liked to watch her walk, the way she carried herself gave her an unpretentious
appearance. Unlike the red headed sorceress who would not be quiet about her many talents. He signaled to Karnwyr, and then pointed to Qara who
was oblivious to her surroundings as she prattled away. At Bishop's command, Karnwyr leaped toward her in a mock attack, growling ferociously. Qara
jumped back, saying something about being needed in the kitchen, and hurried away. Bishop smiled in his smirking manor, as he watched her run to the
back of the room.
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Karnwyr stretched, yawned, and then sauntered over to Khy, laying his head in her lap. Khy looked down at the wolf, then scratched his muzzle and
behind his ears. She pulled some meat from her plate and fed the wolf several bites, petting him as he ate. "Don't spoil him". A voice from behind her
said. Khy turned to see Bishop standing next to her. She could smell the deep rich earth of the forest upon him along with a hint of wood smoke and pine.
Khy didn't know what it was about the look he gave her, but her body did. A warm sensation pulsated through her, and she felt the quickening of her
heart. Khy studied his face, looking closely at his brown wiry hair, the shadow of a beard, and those unforgettable amber eyes. She was drawn to him. To
his rugged good looks and the way he held himself. She uttered the words,"I'm sorry". Then she stood to leave. She stumbled, trying not to step on the
wolf, as Bishop caught her in his arms. He held her close, and she gasped feeling his touch. He purposely faked a fall to the floor, while pulling her down
with him. Khy landed on top of the ranger and felt hands grope her behind. Taking the invasion as part of the collapse, she quickly scrambled to her feet
and ran to her room. Bishop had grabbed her to keep her from falling, and then used the opportunity to satisfy his urge to touch her exquisite body. He
could see how her cheeks deepened with color as she rushed away. "By the Gods" he thought,"How I want her". His hands itched to caress her
perfect body once more and to discover her secret places of pleasure. He could still smell her, the heady aroma of roses, sweet and fresh like the rain.
"Her ass was firm, but soft", he thought, "Just like I knew it would be". The weight of her form pressing against his, caused another rising between
his legs. As he got up, he looked over to see the tiefling staring at him angrily. "Just fetching my wolf". He said, walking back to his table. He sat down
and covered his face with his hands, inhaling deeply what was left of her essence.
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Khy climbed into bed, confused by the encounter with Bishop. The experience unnerved her, and at the same time she liked being near him. She recalled
his touch, the strength of his arms about her, and his captivating eyes. Why did he make her feel this way? When she looked into his eyes, she felt a deep
yearning. However, what that longing was she could not identify. She decided to put the incident out of her mind, and eventually fell asleep.
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Their new orders would take them to Old Owl Well, a long, backbreaking journey. The rest of the day was spent purchasing equipment and supplies. That
evening, the group studied their map and talked of the impending expedition. Qara was horrified that she would have to walk that distance, and stormed
off in a huff. Elanee and Neeshka said their goodnights then headed off to their respective rooms. Khelgar was snoring away in a corner of the room, a
victim of too much ale. Qara, as usual was flirting with Bishop. She was making a spectacle of herself by forcing his attentions, and cooing in his ear. Khy
rose to leave. She then walked past their table, reminding Qara of their early departure."Who are you, my mother"? Qara said snidely. Khy shook her
head, thinking that the girl just would not accept any advice. Khy turned to go when Bishop said, "Come and join us, then you can keep an eye on this
red headed wench". "No thank you" Khy said, and bade them good night."Qara"! Sal shouted. "Bring the rest of those empty tankards to the
kitchen". Qara got up swearing, as she grabbed a tray and cleared the tables.
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"Here", Bishop said as he offered her the chair Qara had recently occupied. Khy was unsure, but walked over and sat next to the grinning ranger. "You
seem to have taken on quite a lot since arriving". Bishop said as he moved closer."Yes, I guess we have". Khy said. Bishop leaned in closer, drinking
in the sight of her. Khy felt uneasy next to him, a kind of nervous energy seemed too permeated through her body. She felt his hot breath on the nape of
her neck, which sent floods of tingles down her spine. She turned her head and found that his face was just inches from hers. His eyes glistened in the
firelight, and were full of hidden meaning. Bishop wanted to take her in his arms hold her close and lose himself in her lissome form. He inhaled deeply,
imprinting her scent forever in his mind. Her golden, mesmerizing eyes sparkled with the flickering light. He eased his hand down to her firm thigh, gently
caressing the area. Suddenly, a scream distorted her features, as she jumped up and ripped off her chemise.
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An angry red area covered the lower portion of her arm. "So sorry". Qara said sarcastically."I just wanted to bring you some hot tea, and it must
have slipped". Khy looked at her and thought for a moment that maybe it was not an accident. She stood there, closed her eyes, and focused on the flow
of divine power within her. Chanting softly the words of healing, she cast the spell on her injury. Satisfied by her efforts, she retrieved her damp shert
and walked away, disappearing from view.
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Bishop knew that Qara had spilled the hot liquid on purpose."Jealousy". He said to himself. He remembered how she looked after removing the light
chemise. The revelation of her voluptuous shape sent his mind reeling. The curve of her hips leading to her small waist and then up to her massive round
breasts. He liked the way the garment she wore held her and emphasized her stunning bosom. The slight glow she always had became stronger,
illuminating the room and making her even more beautiful. He could feel the fullness in his breeches grow with each thought of her. He needed to relieve
the hard mass before it threatened to explode. He looked over at the witch and thought, "Better than doing it myself". He took Qara's arm and said,
"Come on witch"! As he lead her to his room.