The sunlight warmed everything it touched. The gentle breeze stirred the grasses and flowers to life, and the cloud formations were always something wonderous to watch this time of year. Elric was missing out on the clouds, however.

Why? Because he was asleep.

Around him, there were several bears approaching the sleeping man, intent on making him their next meal. Once they were within a few feet, however, they were rapidly drawn in by his soothing aura radiating from something hung around his chest. The closer they got, the more at peace they felt, until they closed their eyes and joined the man laying on the ground...

OOOOO

When Elric awoke, darkness had overtaken the sky. Hearing multiple snores, he cleared his eyes and looked around him. Once again, otherwise deadly predators turned to mush as soon as they got close. Once again, he wondered what exactly was in the vial around his neck.

All Elric knew was that his mother's heirloom was the key. It was a small glass vial, containing a blue liquid that seemed to quell anything and everything that wasn't a human, dwarf, or elf.

Except darkspawn. Especially not darkspawn.

Staving off another trip down memory lane, Elric finally turned his awareness to his surroundings. The forest surrounding him was thickening, with tree leaves changing in color from a green to a reddish orange. Based on that, Elric knew he was headed in the right direction; soon he would be on the path to the Dalish camp he set out for a week ago.

It was about time he met his mother's clan.

OOOOO

Elric never knew why his mother had abandoned her clan. All she ever told him was that there were certain approaches the clan took to securing their safety, ones that she didn't approve of.

The sound of moving air was his only warning, and it was just enough to save his life. He tried to roll to the cover of a nearby tree cluster, but three arrows slammed into his right arm, each less than a few inches apart from each other.

Fortunately, Elric was still rolling, and came to pass the first trunk just as two more arrows punctured the ground right behind him.

That was close, Elric thought. These opponents-or opponent, he amended-seemed to know what they were doing. They struck as he finished ascending a hill, where going to cover would be impossible to hide. Sooner or later, he would be flanked, and that would be the end of his short life.

No way in hell was he going to let that happen.

Figuring that he could, at least, find out how many assailants he had, he let his voice break the otherwise silent night. "I surrender!".

The air was silent followed his proclamation, which was broken by another voice ringing out, "Prove it!".

The man who spoke had a hardened tone, one that sounded forged from dozens of battles. Whether it be from wildlife or from more sentient beings, it didn't matter. If Elric didn't satisfy this man's demands, he would be dead in a heartbeat.

The ache in his right arm ached in resounding agreement.

Raising his arms, Elric followed with the rest of his body into the exposed air in front of the trunk, fully exposing himself to his adversary.

Seconds turned into minutes, and Elric heard bickering in what he knew to be ancient Dalish. While he wasn't very fluent with his native tongue, he was able to make out "medallion" and "danger". It was apparant that they- for there were at least two voices he could make out-were arguing about him. But what about his medallion was dangerous?

Suddenly, the first voice overcame the second, and he returned to speaking the common language. "You are coming with us. Xeral will know what to do with a trespasser like you."

Complying with the still unseen assailants, Elric moved towards the shadows that they were concealed behind. Once he passed the trees, the Elves came to his left and right sides, preventing any means of escape.

Well, Elric supposed, at least this way I can get to my old home sooner.

Unbeknownst to the Elves and Human, someone was observing their movements. Things would be progressing faster than anyone had thought possible. Soon, the next step could be taken, and the day of the ritual would be right around the corner.

Yes, it thought, lead me to my prize, foolish ones.

OOOOO

Hey guys! Sorry I've been off the grid for awhile now. With school coming to a close, I'm trying to stay afloat, and that means I sadly can't do anything on here. Now, however, I have a few days free, so I might be finally able to get a chapter or two in before finals!

Now, as for this story. It's been an idea in my mind for a few weeks, and I haven't been able to work on my other story at all because of it. So I decided to give this one a shot. Should I make this a long story? Or would it be better to make this one a bit shorter? I put this one's fate in your hands! Good day to all, and to all a good night!