Hey guys I am back without another chapter, and I hope you guys like it. Trust me when I say that I had some fun writing this chapter, and I will do my best to get to the Blight. Now quick question folks, who do you want the Warden to be? I have my own canon, and so does everyone else. Also do you guys want to see multiple Origins? Let me know I had my own ideas but I like hearing from you all. Now I want to say thank you to everyone who faved and followed me and my stories. It means a lot. Same to everyone who reviews, I love hearing back from you all. Now onto the reviews!
Aluriea: I am glad you approve of the story, and yeah I thought the twist that time speeds up works well. Since you do stop time and all, and thanks I am glad you like the music choice.
TheSpaceMan: I see your cultured as well my friend. -Tips my top hat to you-
Max: I am happy you like what your seeing, and your welcome for the story.
Zack32: Thanks I hope this crossover does well. As for the connections? Well who knows, there could be something connecting them... But who knows? As for shapeshifting? Oh I know what you mean, but my question to you is this... What makes you think he doesn't already know how to do something like that already? Food for thought xD
Anyway I hope to see you all in the next chapter!
Staring down Duncan I couldn't help but feel impressed. The man looked to be in his early fifties, late forties and yet he carried himself well. We were the same height and I could see he is sizing me up, just like I am doing to him. Though there is something else in his gaze, it looked like confusion mixed with fear. "Forgive me but what could we have to speak about?" I asked carefully, I decided to not play on my knowledge of him.
"Perhaps we should start over. I am a Grey Warden, myself along with a junior members of our order and two recruits were tracking those darkspawn." The older man spoke as he tapped his breastplate, which I could see a dark griffin etched into the metal. "Imagine our surprise when we found them dead." Ah so he isn't mentioning that Grey Warden's can sense darkspawn, interesting. "The villagers told us you beat them single handedly, which is quite impressive."
"You're here to compliment me?" I don't buy that, he may be here looking to recruit me. Since he does believe a Blight could be coming, and it is.
Chuckling the older man held up hands, but his jovial nature is just a front. "No, I came to see if you had perhaps been tainted. Would you mind if we examined you?"
I knew I wasn't tainted, but I should humor him. Plus, I wanted to figure out what he really wanted. Stepping back, I motioned for the Warden to come inside. "Very well and we?"
"Yes, one of the junior Wardens. Alistair." Duncan moved to the side, and in stepped Alistair Theirin the future (maybe) king of Ferelden. He is a little shorter than I am, I would say five foot ten at least. The blonde man or should I say young man, looked to be in his late teens, possibly nineteen. He wore the Grey Warden armor from the third game, which meant that this is the official Warden armor. Strapped to his back is a kite shield, and a Templar long sword hung at his left side.
"Hello there, my name is Alistair and I'll be your doctor today." The blonde had a friendly grin on his face.
Chuckling softly, I shook my head., even in real life this guy is fun to be around. "Good to meet you Alistair. I'm Calder."
"You as well." Alistair nodded his becoming all business. "Excuse me I just need to examine you for a moment."
"I'll save you some trouble, I wasn't wounded by the darkspawn and I thoroughly cleaned my gear of any blood." I gestured to my sword and my quiver that contained my bolts. I had recovered my ammunition from the darkspawn, and carefully cleaned them off. Same goes for my sword, scabbard, and gloves.
The junior Grey Warden nodded and carefully looked me over, a frown on his face. I don't know why but the frown on his face bothered me. "Duncan… I can't be sure, but something feels off, it isn't the taint. There is something though it's just... It's like… singing almost."
Duncan slowly nodded his head a thoughtful look on his face. "Alistair would you give us a moment?"
"… Of course." The future king slowly nodded, but he looked upset about being left in the dark.
After Alistair left the room, Duncan shut the door and slowly turned to face me. His eyes were cold and steely. I knew that look well, because I gave it very often when I encountered something dangerous. Something that I didn't completely understand, something that could be dangerous. Something I may have to kill. Duncan didn't draw his weapon, and neither did I. We didn't have to, right now we are predators eyeing the other.
"What are you?" He asked after a few minutes of silence.
Staring at the Grey Warden I felt my fingers twitch. "What do you think I am?"
"You feel like the Old Gods, there is a sound coming from you." The armored man answered carefully trying to gauge my reactions. My face gave away nothing, I simply stared at him. Not getting an answer from me, the Grey Warden decided to ask. "Tell me, are you an Old God in human form?"
Staring at his hands, I could see the muscles in his fingers twitch. Depending on how I answered he may try to kill me. Understandable, if I was in shoes I would do the same thing. If I was an Old God in human form, I could cause so much damage. Especially if the darkspawn got to me. "Duncan would you mind if I sat down?" I slowly nodded my head toward the wooden chair near the back of the room.
"Very well, but slowly." He said with a distrustful look in his eyes.
Moving with careful and deliberate steps, I sat down in the chair and crossed my arms. "Now. I am not sure how to answer your question, at least in a way you would understand." Just as Duncan opened his mouth to speak I held up a hand. "Drem, patience I am answering in my way. My name is Calder Dragonbane, and I am Dragonborn."
"I do not understand." Duncan said with some confusion in his eyes, but his steely resolve is still there.
Frowning I thought over how to explain this without sounding like a demon, or an Old God. "I assure you of this Duncan, I am mortal. If you cut me I will bleed, if you stab me I will die." Well maybe, there isn't much that can pierce my skin anymore. Steel doesn't work that much I do know.
"It still does not explain why or how you let off the feeling of an Old God." Duncan crossed his arms staring at me.
"I understand trust me, a Dragonborn is a mortal who carries the blood and soul of a dragon but has the body of a man." I explained gauging his reaction, so far, he hasn't done a thing but stand there listening. Which is good for right now. "As for why I let of that feeling, I can't explain it to you. Because I don't understand it myself, however I can assure you I am not an Old God." Staring at the physically older man I raised an eyebrow. "Does this help?"
Give Duncan credit he didn't so much as blink as I was speaking, though it looks like he is thinking. "I want to believe you, but unless you can prove- "
"If you want proof I can give it to you."
Blinking in confusion the Grey Warden had curiosity written on his face. "How do you intend to do that?"
"If you will give me a moment to gather my things, and if you and your fellow Wardens follow me out of the town I will show you." I knew this is a risky move, but I couldn't afford any fighting in town. Am I confident that I could take him and the other Wardens? Yes, I am, yet I didn't want to cause damage to Lothering.
Frowning Duncan looked thoughtful before nodding. "Very well Calder." Despite agreeing to my requests, the Warden didn't move at all. He doesn't trust me to bolt or try something. Again, I don't blame him, I would do the same thing.
Standing to my feet I quickly put my armor back on, while by myself. It took me a little longer without some aid, but I made do. I've had to do it before plenty of times, over the years. After making sure I had everything with me, minus my supplies (Hopefully I won't need them). Following Duncan, or rather having Duncan make me lead the way out. I told the innkeeper I would be back I just had some business with the Wardens.
Alistair and two other men, followed behind Duncan and myself. The first one is a chainmail shirt and coif, with plate gauntlets. His shoulders are covered in plate pauldrons, and leg/boot armor. Over the chain shirt is a white tabard, with a gray standalone tower on a red cliff. His head is completely shaved, and he had several day's growth on his face. He had a heater shield on his back, with a mace and long dagger sheathed in the belt around his waist. He is close around Alistair's height, and looks close to my physical age if not older.
The second man, had oily black hair and a twitchy look in his eyes. He wore dark breeches, with high boots and an even darker tunic. A hooded cloak, rested around his shoulders, he had on leather armor in various places of his body, but nothing that would incumber his movements. Around his chest is a belt of throwing knives, while at his sides are two dirks. He looked to be around the same age as Alistair.
Ser Jory and Daveth, given the fact they aren't in Warden armor meant they are just recruits right now. I guess Duncan is still gathering recruits, though the Blight hasn't started yet so why now? Curiosity abounds, but I can think on it later. Walking outside, I saw four horses plus a small pony carrying supplies. One of the horses carried a two-handed great sword, which meant that is Jory's. While the other had a simple bow with a quiver on it, that must be Daveth's horse.
The junior Warden and the two recruits had a curious look on their faces, but Duncan asked for the two men to remain here while Alistair and himself follow me. Jory looked upset but Daveth didn't seem to care. Without another word they both went back inside. I guess the senor Warden wants to keep certain things on a need to know basis. Leading both Wardens outside of the village, I made sure we were a good distance away, and that one else is around before I spoke.
"Duncan is this a good spot?" I asked looking around.
"As long as you do not bring harm to anyone, we should be fine." He answered though he did stand a good distance away.
Alistair finally spoke up in a frustrated tone. "Does anyone want to tell me, what is going on?" Duncan quickly explained what I had told him, and after he was finished the future king had a wide grin on his face. "Will he turn into a dragon? Or breathe fire- "
Rolling my eyes slightly, I whistled drawing his attention to me. Turning to the side I opened my mouth. "Yol!" A small burst of flame escaped my mouth and began to burn the grass. Alistair and Duncan both jumped slightly, going for their weapons. "Fo!" A cone of ice escaped my mouth covering the fire and freezing it completely. "Convinced?" I asked with a frown.
Before the older Warden could answer Alistair slightly glared at me. The younger Warden looked like he wanted to burn me at the stake. "You think some fancy words, could convince us you're the what? The bastard child of a drunken knight and a high dragon? You're an apostate just pulling a cheap trick-"
"Alistair." I spoke my voice becoming darker and heavier. Despite only being a little taller than the future king, I loomed over him angrily. The Dova inside of me roared in anger, as the temperature began to drop. "Dreh ni kuz zey fah osos beliik do loziik mindol. Hi krilon vothnaar zey wah daar atumei nahlii? Zu'u los Dovahkiin, Qahnaarin do Alduin. Faal Dovah do faal Brom, kodaaviik do faal Strundu'ul, enfan amiv zey naal faal Mudozaan ko faan do Kaan ahrk Shor. Zu'u los Ysmir, thur do dov. Hi kent mindos hin staad joor."
(Alistair. Do not take me for some conjurer of deceitful/cheap tricks. You dare compare me to those lesser beings? I am Dragonborn, vanquisher of Alduin. The Dragon of the North, bearer of the Stormcrown, bestowed onto me by the Greybeards in the name of Kyne and Shor. I am Ysmir, overlord of dragonkind. You must learn your place mortal.)
Both men stared at me wide eyed, Duncan wasn't the focus of my inner dragon's fury but even he looked frightened. Alistair dropped to the ground in panic, his eyes wide with fear. Taking a deep breath, I centered myself reigning in my dragon half. Clearing my throat, I raised an eyebrow. "Convinced that I am speaking of the truth?"
"I… by the Maker what was that? What are you?" Alistair shakily asked.
"I am as my father Akatosh made me." I stated staring down at the blonde with a frown, before sighing. I felt a little bad about what just happened, facing down a dragon's anger is no easy thing. "As to what you felt and saw, that is my Thu'um or my Voice. It is an ancient magic that uses Words of Power. Dragons can master and use their Thu'um at will, as this sacred language is their natural tongue it is inborn into their souls from the moment of their creation, Mortals are only able to learn and use the Thu'um through a long process of meditation and the practice of the words. There are exceptions to this, these rare individuals are known as Dragonborns, those who are born with the body of a mortal but the soul of a dragon. While what I do is magic, it isn't mortal magic and it doesn't come from the Fade. It comes from my own Soul. So, I am not an apostate."
Alistair who climbed to his feet with Duncan's help smacked his lips. "Wait… Does that mean when dragons fight, they are just having a conversation?"
"There is no distinction between debate and combat to a dragon. Tinvaak los grah (Talk/speech is battle). For us it is one and the same." Chuckling slightly, I shook my head, remembering how Paarthurnax explained it to me a long time ago. "Now, do you both believe me?"
"Well seeing is believing, then I am a believer." Alistair said his eyes wide. "So… How did it work with your parents? Did your father-"
Frowning slightly, I rolled my eyes. "My parents were human, if you are wondering Akatosh he is a Divine. The father of all dragons, at least the dragons in my homeland."
"Alistair don't sass him." The older man stared at the junior Warden, before fixing his gaze back on me. "Calder forgive me for earlier but given the situation I hope you understand. Yet there is a small problem that should be addressed. You still give off a call similar to the Old Gods, which means darkspawn will come after you. If you become infected with the taint, I'm afraid of what may happen."
Crossing my arms, I nodded, and began to think over this information. "Yes, but I doubt they can touch me, aside from my skills as a warrior-" Staring at the two Wardens I nodded at the frozen flame. "-That is just the weakest, version of my power. Shouts are made up of three Words of Power, and I used only a small amount of power for those words. However, I doubt the darkspawn will come after me, could you 'hear' my call from off in the distance? Or could you only hear it when you were in the same room as me?"
Duncan nodded and stroked his beard in thought. "Very well, I shall not press the issue be warry though. The darkspawn are moving in mass, I'm afraid we may have a Blight on our hands."
"If it is good luck, and if you need my aid. Let me know." I said with a nod, before looking at the future king. "Alistair, I am sorry for what happened." I really did feel sorry about that, but I think he learned not to anger a dragon.
Giving me a nervous grin Alistair shook his head. "It's alright, I think I learned my lesson about teasing dragons."
"Mark it up there with never entering a drinking contest with a dwarf." Chuckling, I saw the blonde smile slightly at that. Good to know he isn't totally afraid of me, turning back to look at Duncan. "Do we have anything else left to discuss, in regard to this issue?"
The Warden Commander had a thoughtful look on his face. "I do not think so, but I would like to know more about you. You're an unknown and it would be better if we had answers."
"Very well. I'll answer what I can."
Thus, began a small integration it just involved questions about myself. Explaining more about Dragonborn's, where I came from. Both Wardens were surprised at what I had told them, granted I didn't tell them the entire truth. So far all they know is that I come from a land that is beyond the known borders of Thedas. They in turn answered my questions. Typically, Grey Wardens are secretive, but given what I am and the similar call I gave off to the Old Gods… Duncan decided to be truthful about certain things, though he didn't reveal too much. Things that I already knew or suspected, things that Alistair hadn't learned yet. As we spoke it became clearer that I need to be extremely careful, even more so than before. I may not be an Old God, but the taint of the darkspawn could turn me into something just as twisted.
Which meant I could not become a Grey Warden. Or so Duncan and I believe, and we rather not test it. After finishing our conversation, the three of walked back to the village, they would be moving on. Duncan said they had to get back to Denerim. When he answered my question, he mentioned that the darkspawn have been appearing more and more recently… Which meant that the Blight will start soon enough. Once we were back at the inn and Jory and Daveth were collected, they road off. Though before they left I decided to pass on some knowledge to the senor Warden, out of earshot from the other three of course.
"Duncan as I was traveling I heard about some… individuals that could be worth looking at. If this really is a Blight, you will need all the Wardens you can get." I quickly relayed some vague references to the different Origins. Hopefully we can save all of them, otherwise who knows what kind of fate they may face.
The physically older man frowned for a moment. "You seem to know more than your telling but thank you." Holding out his hand to me the Grey Warden nodded.
Taking his forearm, I kept my face neutral I can't let him know the truth. So, best be vague as possible here. "The dragons of my land are attuned to the flow of time."
"Very well." Duncan still looked suspicious, but he nodded none the less.
"Farewell Alistair, Ser Jory, Daveth." Waving the three goodbye, I headed into the tavern. I must be prepared for what is to come, which meant training.
I spent the next two weeks in Lothering preparing myself. When I had first come Tamriel, I made the decision to train myself. At that moment I wasn't sure if I was going to be the Dragonborn or not. I had tried to Shout but nothing came of it, so I figured I would at least be physically able to take care of myself. In between my time working with my father at the forge, I would spend my time training and toning my body. Even after I became the Dragonborn, I kept the training up which helped in a long run, especially when I started to train with the Blades. Now that I am back in my younger body, I retrained not only my body but also my mind.
When I went Akavir to fight Tosh Raka for the second time. I didn't just go straight to his land, no I wandered the continent of Akavir for a few years. Gathering allies, learning new skills, and building up an army to fight the tiger man. While in Akavir I discovered the native humans weren't all gone, in fact they had survived. Their culture is quite interesting, it was a mix of the different Eastern cultures from Earth. While living among the Akaviri, they taught me many things. Including meditation, which in my opinion is the most valuable thing I was taught. It's use helped me not control but direct my dragon half's need for domination. Meditation also helped me with my emotions, more specifically dealing with my wife's death and our separation. I am not over her death, far from it but I have come to terms with it.
Meditation and re-training my body that has been my life for these past two weeks. In between training, I spent my time getting to know the people of Lothering. More specifically, Leliana and the Hawke family. They all were good people, Hawke I found can be very sarcastic when he wants to and is an extremely talented staff/spear fighter. In fact, that is how he hid himself from the Templars, he acted a militia leader and fought with this staff. Bethany his sister is extremely sweet but won't take crap from anyone, and she acted as an herbalist in the village. Another useful cover for a mage, I didn't get to meet Carver as he is in the army. As for the matron of the Hawke family, Leandra acted like everyone's mother, and even treated me as a member of the family.
She reminded me of Arthur's mother… My first mother…. I will not let her be killed, that much is certain, as soon as I am done with helping the Warden and stopping the events of Awakening, I am making my way to Kirkwall. She isn't going to die on my watch, that's for damn sure.
Then of course there is Leliana, the former bard is extremely sweet and caring. The Orlesian red-head and I would spend time together in the tavern in the evenings. There I would tell her some old stories of Skyrim, mostly the tales and legends about the heroes of old. Or she would tell me some old stories she knew. If we weren't doing that, in between her chantry duties Leliana would help me train. Hawke would join in once in a while, or to help spice things up Leliana asked one of the Templars to spar with me.
In between all of that, Leliana would honestly ask me to attend a chantry service. I simply told her no, which she didn't understand.
"Calder why won't you attend a service?" She finally asked one night, as we both were eating dinner.
Looking up from my meal with a raised eyebrow I snorted. "Did you ever think that I don't believe in the Maker?"
"I-of course why didn't I think of that." Leliana sighed shaking her head, looking at me the red-head had a questioning look on her face. "Still why not come and listen to the Chant of Light? Even if you don't believe in the Maker surely you could just come and listen."
Leaning back in my chair I crossed my arms. "Because all the chant really is people crying out for someone to save them. The gods of my home find that laughable, especially Shor and Talos. While your god wants you to be on your knees, mine would have us stand with them. As equals." Thinking that was the end of the conversation I decided to start eating again.
"You never talk about your beliefs, could you tell me about them? Who is Shor or Talos? What do they-"
Groaning I sighed and put my spoon down… Can't I just eat in peace?
As the days went by I watched as more and more troops move through Lothering, I knew that my time was drawing short. I had decided to let events play out the way they had. I learned the hard way that certain events no matter what you do will happen. Only the name of the players and places will change, otherwise events will play out the same with different outcomes. So, with that in mind, I decided to head to Ostagar when the time was right. Though before then I needed to see if I could call upon the power of an old friend.
I left the village of Lothering, with the promise to my newfound friends I would be back by nightfall. Once I made was clear of the village, and all the outlying farms, I walked until I found myself in a large clearing. I quickly shouted to see if there was anyone around. The Aura Whisper showed that other than the animals whose aura is white, however there is one animal that seemed off. A raven to be specific… Its aura is mixed with blue…. The blue that I have come to associate with magic users of this realm.
Either that bird is magical, or it is Morrigan or Flemeth, or some other shapeshifter. It doesn't know that I am on to it, but they heard me Shout. This is not good. If it is the Witch of the Wilds or her daughter, both women will want to use me for their own ends and as Mora learned. I am no one's puppet. How should I play this? I could easily scare whoever it is with Dismay, or just slow time and walk away from the situation. Or I could just call whoever it is out and deal with them on my terms.
Or…. "Vul Nil Soven!" (Dark, Void, Hidden)
The world became more muted, in all things. Things seemed darker, sounds were all but gone. Even when I did hear things, it sounded like it was coming from far away. This is the power of the Shadow Walk Shout. It isn't like turning invisible, no this Shout pulls me into a shadowy world that is next to real one. Thus, it allows the user to move about freely, without leaving a trace they are there. Moving around the clearing, I watched a lone raven flew from the trees to the spot I once was in.
In a strange and almost grotesque fashion I watched as the raven grew and change. Its feathers molted off into a large pile that soon faded into nothingness. Standing in the place of the raven is a beautiful and exotic woman holding a staff. Now Morrigan in the game was hot, here? Just down right gorgeous, everything about her screamed foreign. She looked to be only a little older then Alistair himself, which meant she is younger than I thought. Yet despite her beautiful appearance and youth, there is something else underneath that.
Danger.
Morrigan carried herself the way a predator would, and it showed. She is not someone to be trifled with, and that means I must be careful.
"Strange. Where did he go?" The black-haired sorceress muttered to herself, her gold eyes alight with curiosity.
Maneuvering behind her I made sure I was a good fifty feet behind her, as my Shout began to end. The world snapped back to reality, as if nothing ever happened. Yet I felt disoriented and waited for my senses to come back to normal. Luckily it didn't take long, yet the moment they did that is when Morrigan sensed my presence. Spinning on her heel the sorceress raised her staff defensively. I could see from the look on her face, she was mentally cursing herself for taking this long to sense my presence.
A small smirk appeared on my face. "Well, well, well, what do we have here?"