Hey everyone I am back with another chapter and boy it should be fun. Hopefully, now I just want to say the support I am getting here is really nice. I didn't expect it so thank you very much. Thank you to everyone who faved and followed me and my stories, and thank you to everyone who reviewed. Now time to answer the reviews!

Fishcake147: Yeah it would be one half dead horse and thanks I want travel time to as realistic as possible for this story.

Alastair279: I am glad you love Calder, he doesn't wish to abuse his power but uses it as needed. Also I am glad you like the story so far.

Zack32: I am glad you like Calder's personality and the philosophy he follows. While the current can not be changed, the flow may be altered slightly.

DarkNorth: I am glad you loved the chapter, hopefully you'll like this one.

LordOfBones: That is a good question my answer is simple. Some of the Dwemer weren't on Nirn when it happened, they were in a diffrent plane of Oblivion. Though they were locked in there by some powerful magic, it took them a while to break free.

Fireofargentis: I am glad you think you, that means a lot. Also PM me if you want a spoiler about the Amel, you won't be disappointed. Also Calder will make sure Bethany survives, he is trying to save as many people as he can. As for Serana who knows maybe she will show up or maybe she won't. Who knows

Anyway I will see you all in the next chapter!

"Lyna we still have a few hours of moonlight left, if we hurry we will reach Denerim in three days if we keep this pace." I told the Dalish elf as I kept walking down the Imperial Highway.

I could hear the Dalish elf panting slightly, and I knew she is glaring at me. I could feel the heat from her stare, if looks could kill… Well you know how the saying goes. "What is your hurry Shem?"

Stopping for a moment I looked over my shoulder at the young woman. "Duncan obviously wants me for something important, though why told you to escort me is beyond me." Turning back around I kept walking. Now I know I am not being fair to Lyna, but I can move faster on my own. If I had it my way I would have summoned Odahviing and have him fly me to the capital. Albeit a little further back so we didn't alarm anyone. Without him I had to walk, there wasn't a single horse in Lothering that wasn't a farm horse. Even if there was a horse for us to use, none of them would have reached my standards. I am a little biased, but Skyrim truly has some of the best horses within all Tamriel. Next to Hammerfell obviously, but that's because they were bred to be the best.

Perhaps I should start from the beginning of this situation, it started when Alistair told me that Duncan wanted me to meet him in Denerim.

"I will need to gather some supplies and see a few people, but I can leave almost right away." Standing to my feet I walked toward the room I had been staying in, picking up whatever things I had left behind and returning my room key to the barkeep. I left the tavern my first destination is the Chantry, I needed to see Leliana and let her know I would be leaving. Over the last two weeks I have grown fond of the red-headed bard, and I considered her a friend.

It didn't take me long to get to the building, I stopped for a moment and watched the servants of the Maker. I may not respect the religion, but I could at least respect the people. The Templars and Lay Sister's were among the people of the village. They were keeping the villagers from panicking, by directing them to the Sisters who offered comforting words.

"Calder good to see you." Walking up to me is a dark-skinned Templar with a smile on his face. This is Ser Bryant, he is the lead Templar here in Lothering. He is also my occasional sparing partner, when either Hawke or Leliana are too busy. Despite the fact he is a mage hunter, he is a good man and an even better fighter. Templar training is no joke that is for sure.

Smiling back, I held out my arm and gripped his extended forearm. Placing my free hand against his elbow I nodded in greeting. "You as well Ser Bryant, I see your people have things well in hand."

"Almost." Chuckling softly the Templar let go of my arm and motioned for me to follow him. "When that dragon roared, the entire village panicked. It took the Revered Mother, to calm them down. After my Templars and the militia forced them to listen that is, which was no easy task."

"I am sure you had everything under control." Shaking my head slightly the two of us walked into the Chantry, looking around I didn't see Leliana in chapel. Which meant she could be out in the garden, that is one of the few places I knew she would go. "Forgive me Ser Bryant but I must find Leliana."

"Why else would you come here?" Laughing a little the armored man had a small grin on his face. "She is in the garden speaking to the children, telling them stories to calm them down."

Nodding I bid goodbye to the Templar and continued walking. While I do not attend services, I have been in the Chantry long enough to know where certain things were located. Like the gardens for one, or the small training court that the Templars use. It took a few minutes, but I found the garden. It looked like a temple church yard garden, there are statues of saints, stone benches, flowers, and bushes. One thing did stand out, a single dead bush that is hidden in the far corner. The fact it is dead isn't what struck me as odd, there is a single white rose growing from the dead bush.

Shaking my head, I scanned the garden and found who I am looking for. Sitting on a stone bench, with multiple children surrounding her is Leliana. All the children stared up at the red-head Lay Sister, completely enraptured by the story she is telling them. Taking a moment, I began to listen in on the story. While not familiar with the story, I am familiar with the trope. Brave knight fighting a dragon and saving the princess. Though from the way Leliana told it, the fight sounded like the battle to end all battles.

"… That is when the brave knight slew the High Dragon and saved the beautiful princess." The former bard smiled, the children hung on every word she said.

"Did they live happily ever after?" A little girl asked with a raised hand.

Chuckling lightly Leliana nodded. "Yes, they did." Spotting me the Orlesian woman stood to her feet. "Now run a long children, your parents are waiting."

"Aww, but we want to hear more stories." One boy whined.

"Yeah!" The other boys and girls said with a determined look on their faces.

Bending down slightly Leliana smiled. "Tell you what? I will tell you more stories tomorrow, any story you wish." All the children cheered and ran out of the garden. The red-head smiled and shook her head. "They are adorable no?"

"Some of them. How are you doing?" I asked walking to the Lay Sister.

"I am fine. A little worried about you, but it seems the Maker answered my prayers." Giving a quick look over she frowned slightly. "Your leaving."

It wasn't a question. "Afraid so. The Warden Commander Duncan asked me for a favor, so I must head to Denerim. I didn't want to leave without saying goodbye."

Frowning for a moment Leliana nodded. "I understand, merci Calder. I pray you have a safe journey."

"Thank you Leliana." Smiling I bowed slightly before righting myself. "I should be back in a few weeks."

Returning the smile, the former bard placed a hand on my shoulder. "I shall see you then. Now I must return to my duties."

After saying my goodbyes to Leliana, and picking up some supplies that I could need, I made one final stop at the Hawke residence. Hawke himself is back which worked well for me, meant I didn't have to track him down. After explaining that I had to leave for a short time, they all wished me well. Hawke told me not to get eaten by the dragon out there, Leandra told me to be careful. Bethany wished me well, and Duke? Well the marabi gave me a 'hug' and by hug, I mean he tackled me to the ground.

Leaving the home, I doubled checked everything, and began to walk. If I could get far enough out of the village, I would call Odahviing and have him fly me to Denerim. If the directions I had received from the Hawke family held true, I would just need to follow the Imperial Highway and the occasional sign.

"Calder wait!"

Turning around I raised an eyebrow, as the future king of Ferelden came running up to me and he wasn't alone. With him is the Dalish Elf I had met earlier, this is strange. "Alistair, and Lyna wasn't it? What can I do for you?"

Panting slightly the junior Grey Warden shook his head. "I forgot something important to tell you, Duncan asked if you would take Lyna with you. She can act as your guide to Denerim." The blonde man smiled as he caught his breath. "She's been there before." Alistair quickly explained Lyna's situation, when Duncan left for Denerim a few weeks ago they stopped to rest with Lyna's Dalish clan. That is when her origin story began. Well they took her to Denerim and did her joining right away, otherwise she would have died. Why she didn't wear the armor is simple, she wanted to be as connected her people as possible. As for the reason why, she is coming with me instead of going to Ostagar is simple. Duncan wished to have someone watch me. That's not what Alistair said, and he probably didn't know, but that is the truth.

Despite our talks Duncan still doesn't trust me. I don't blame him, I am an unknown player who has an untested power. Add in the fact that I give off a call of the Old God's? It would be best to have someone keep an eye on me.

"Very well I shall accept her aid, if she is willing." I turned my gaze to Lyna who nodded.

"I am willing shemlen." Lyna said her eyes focused on me, I could see it. The confusion, she could hear the sound that I gave off. Just like I know Alistair could, which meant they haven't told her anything about me. Which meant that I had too or Alistair, or even Duncan will. At least this explains why she left so suddenly in the tavern.

Looking between the two of us the Grey Warden nodded, with a smile grin. "Well I hope you kids get along."

That is how this all started. Now that I am forced to walk to Denerim, granted I could make in a short amount of time. With my stamina, and the training I had received from the Blades I could go three nights without sleep. Which I would have been in Denerim in no time. However, with my 'traveling' companion, I am afraid I couldn't get there in the time I wanted. To make it worse, Lyna has been questioning me and been calling me Shem or Shemlen. I didn't mind, but what bothered is her attitude. That had to be changed soon enough.

"I have no idea why he wants you for help. You are no Warden, what could you offer?" Lyna huffed in anger as she kept following me, the Dalish elf came up to me and glared slightly.

Not even bothering to return the look I kept my eyes forward. "I offered to aid Duncan if he required it. I am not a Warden, but I am a man of my word. The Blight threatens all things, and thus aiding the Grey Wardens is necessary."

Frowning for a moment Lyna stared at me. After a few moments she nodded. "That is… True. You are surprisingly honorable, for a Shem."

"My name is Calder, not Shem, or Shemlen. I do not call you elf or anything else other than your given name. I ask you for the same courtesy." Stopping as I told her this my gaze hardened slightly, I am not angry at the young woman. Nor am I bothered by her calling me human, but she may be one of the surviving Wardens. Which meant she had to learn to deal with humans, and other races. I knew what my position within the future group will be. I will not lead, but I will mentor the group. Guide them to a better path, which meant that I had to start now. "You are a Grey Warden Lyna, whatever or whoever you may be is in the past doesn't matter anymore. As a Grey Warden, you fight for all people. No matter their race, creed, or color, which means you must be accepting of those different then you. Especially since your brothers and sisters in arms are not all elves, neither are they all men or dwarves or qunari."

"I… Forgive me Calder, you are correct." Looking chastised the elf lowered her eyes and dug her toe into the ground. By doing this she reminded me of my daughter Kára, she would do the same thing when me or her mother chastised her. "My interactions with humans are… limited, and while that is no excuse- "

Placing a hand on her shoulder my gaze softened. This lesson will take a while to sink in, but I have sowed the seeds. Which for now is enough. "You are fine Lyna, but you must be mindful of your surroundings and who you are with." Gently squeezing her shoulder in a friendly manner. I let go and offered her a small, but friendly smile. "You are still adjusting to your new situation, which is understandable. Now you don't have to forget where you came from, or your people but you're a Warden that is who you are now."

The Dalish elf stared up at me in confusion, but slowly nodded as she began to understand. "You speak with the wisdom of a Keeper, you have given me much to think about Calder." Turning around Lyna began to walk but stopped at the sound of heavy footfalls. "Calder do you- "

"I heard it. Quickly, back to back." Drawing my shield and sword I pressed my back against Lyna's as she drew her bow. From the shadows out stepped a group of men all in mixed/matched armor and weapons. They all were dirty, disgusting and had down right ugly faces. Damn it if I hadn't been focused on Lyna I could have heard their approach earlier. Granted for me they are no threat. However, with Lyna here I would need to be careful. Shouting when your fighting on your own is fine but doing it in a group can become hazardous. Especially if the other does not know you have power.

Stepping through the crowd of bandits wielding a torch is the leader of the group. He is dressed in surprisingly good quality armor, half-plate mail and a chain shirt. The top of his head is wrapped in a bandana. The hand not holding a torch has a steel flail, and at his side I could see a long dagger and buckler. The man himself looks to be cleaner then the others, and he has a dark beard with gray in some areas. From the way he carried himself, and just from the armor and weapon alone. He had to be either a deserter from the army or a fallen knight.

"Well boys looks like we found ourselves some sport." As he spoke the bandits cheered. Looking at us with a savage grin, the man turned his head and whistled. "That is a fancy sword there, that will feed us for months if not a few years."

"Your welcome to it." I told him as a small grin began to form on my face. "If you can take it from me."

Laughing loudly the bandit leader gestured to his horde. "If you hadn't noticed your completely surrounded."

"I know. You poor bastards." Staring him down I could feel the blood of the dragon in me start to rise. Combat is one of the few times, I allowed my dragon half to come out. It is in the blood of the Dov to dominate. I kept that reigned in by feeding it when I fought. These fools sadly will not live to see it is a mistake to fight a dragon. "Lyna, it is going to get very loud, I want you to duck and cover your ears when I say so."

Frowning the Dalish elf looked like she wanted to argue, but when she saw the look on my face the argument dropped. "Very well Calder- "

"Now!" Taking a large breath, I shouted. "Fus Ro!" The thundering power of my Thu'um struck the leader and his cohort with such force, they all flew backwards. "Yem." As Dovaldwiin lit with blue flames stabbing the blade into the ground, I called upon another power of the blade. "Spaan!" (Shield) The flames of my sword spread out and surrounded Lyna and myself. The blue fire formed a large dome like shield, which would keep the bandits from coming through. In fact, unless it is a powerful frost, wind or water spell, nothing will put out my flames unless I commanded it. "Lyna open your eyes, and fire at the bandits."

"Whaaaa!?" Despite the fact I told her to cover her ears, the power of my voice can be deafening Lyna's mouth dropped open in shock, as she tried to figure out what just happened.

Snapping my fingers to get her attention, I made her focus on me. "Bow, fire." Pointing to her bow then at remaining bandits, despite my display of power they all didn't run in fear. Nope instead they were paralyzed with fear. Which is fine with me, this is no honor bout, this is a fight against bandits.

Lyna's eyes registered what I wanted her to do. With speed that only came from years of practice, she drew an arrow, nocked it and fired in rapid succession. The arrows she launched caught flame and struck any near by bandits. Their screams echoed throughout the night.

Nodding in approval I gripped the hilt of Dovaldwiin and lifted it free from it's earthy prison. The shield remained and with one quick step I walked through fire unharmed. Looking around I found the bandit leader, he is still alive if not shaken up by what just happened. Casually I strolled toward him, my shield and sword at the ready. Quickly standing to his feet the coward called for his men to fight for him. Now of them did however, in fact most were trying to escape. Only to find an arrow shaft imbedded in their body. Shaking my head in disgust I decided to end this now, running toward the bandit leader who pulled out his flail began to wave it in the air.

As he swung the metal spiked ball down, I raised my shield blocking the attacking. Pushing back against him, I slammed my heater shield in his face. The attack knocked him off balance, which allowed me to push Dovaldwiin through his face. Pulling the sword free I sighed and shook my head. "Daal." The blue fire died out as did the shield of flames around Lyna. Sheathing my blade, I turned around to see the Grey Warden looking at me in shock, and fear. "I believe I should explain myself."

It took some time but Lyna no longer looked at me in fear. She seemed quite impressed and in awe of the Thu'um, but who wouldn't be? Wielding the power to literally bring your words into existence is fantastical. As we spoke we had cleared the bandits off the road and began to search them for anything of value. The suit of the armor and weapons the leader wielded would be good, but without a horse or carriage it is dead weight. Still not wishing to leave anything behind I a made a note to double back, and have Alfred take these things. Sure, they wouldn't be of use to me, and I had money a plenty but waste not, want not.

After explaining the Thu'um and the dragon blood in my system (something she still trying to understand) Lyna then asked about where I came from. I told her briefly about my homeland of Skyrim, and her people. I had lightly touched on the other races of Tamriel but told her she would learn more in the morning. Since for right now, we would need to rest. The bandits showing up really put a damper on things. I took the first watch, despite Lyna arguing she is more than capable.

Once I was sure she is soundly asleep and that no one is nearby, I doubled back to the ambush sight. Stripping the bandit leader of his belongings, along with anything else of value that the others may have had. Which wasn't much. I called Alfred and had him take these things for me and store them somewhere for me. The Dremora agreed with only a small bit of snark. Returning to the makeshift campsite I stretched out and began the search for my pipe.

The next few days were interesting to say the least, I spent my time answering Lyna's questions about Tamriel. Though specifically I talked about the elves. To say she was shocked would be an understatement.

"What do you mean there is more than one type of elf?" The Grey Warden's mouth hung open in shock as I spoke.

Shrugging my shoulders, I chuckled at her reaction. "I meant what I said, the Mer or elves of Tamriel are of different races. There are six races of Mer on Tamriel, and that doesn't include the ones outside of the continent. Or even the ones that have died off, supposedly died off." Frowning for a moment I thought over some of the 'extinct' races of Mer. Some of them weren't wiped out, and instead survived and went into hiding.

"That many… And they… They all have their own culture? The humans of your land didn't- "

Frowning I sighed shaking my head, I couldn't cover the entire history of Nirn. Nor could I mention the horrifying things each race did to the other. "Humans and elves fought and warred in my lands, but yes they still have their own culture. Our histories are very muddled, but as of right now? The races are at peace with each other, elves live and work alongside humans as equals. Also, yes, they still have their culture, that was never stripped from them."

The silver-haired elf stared at me in amazement, many, many questions burned behind those emerald eyes of hers. "To think there are some of the Elvhen- "(Our people, name of the elves)

"No, they are not your people." I could see hurt and confusion in her eyes, followed by anger. Holding up a hand I sighed. "Allow me to explain, the elves or Mer of Tamriel are not Elvhen, they are the Mer. While similar they are many differences." Looking around I moved off the road. "Come let's break for lunch, I'll explain the differences."

Lyna frowned but nodded, the last couple of days had been enlightening for her and she has come to… Not trust me but at least respect my skill and words. She said I spoke like a Keeper or a Hahren (Elder) which to me is a sign of respect. So, she respected me in some sense, and thus listened to me. We both sat down and began to dig through our pouches, taking out some dried meat, and hardtack we both began to eat.

"Now will you- "Taking a swig from her water skin the elf shook her head. "-Explain why these… Mer are not Elvhen?"

Digging out my pipe, and everything else I needed. I soon began to smoke, the sweet flavor of the pipe weed relaxing me. Which is what I needed, since I now had to explain how her race, is different from the other elves I knew. "Now what I am going to tell you, will shock you to your core. It is necessary for you to understand, so bear with me. The elves of my land are wide and varied, they were once all descended from a race of elves called the Aldmer or First Ones. They separated into different tribes- "For the next hour I spoke about the different elves and what they were like.

To say Lyna is in shock would be an understatement, the fact that the elves of Nirn could live for over a thousand years. Granted some didn't because of disease or battle, but I knew many elves that lived far longer then five hundred. My Dunmer friend Dridas is one of them. (Dridas is my Nerevarine character. Yeah, he is still alive.) What shocked her the most, is the variety of elves and the differences between them all. It isn't just the physical ones but the cultural ones as well. Including the Bosmer and Orsimer, or Wood Elves and Orcs.

"… They really are not Elvhen… Some are similar, but they are not truly one of the People." Lyna looked down in disappointment, she truly hopped that some of Mer would be similar to her kind. However, that will never be the case. They may share the name of elf, but the Mer are as different from the Elvhen as I am different from a mortal man.

"I am sorry Lyna." Putting out my pipe I carefully repacked everything and stood to my feet. "Now we should get back on the road- "Stopping for a moment I turned my head, something is coming down the road. It sounded like… a horse and wagon. I looked at Lyna, but she is already up and had her bow at the ready. Within a few moments a large covered wagon, being pulled by two ponies stopped right next to us. The driver and his companion were familiar to me, but only because they were perhaps two of my favorite NPC's from the Dragon Age series.

"Hello folks, a pleasure to meet you this fine afternoon." Bodahn the dwarf merchant smiled at the both of us, while his adopted son Sandal stared at me curiously before clapping his hands happily.

"Dragon!"