#this what goes down in the grand necropolis surely

[timethehobo]

I had to. Ever since I realised why the poses of the skeletons in Emmrich’s tarot looked familiar.

[dalishious]

Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s Familiar Faces and Factions

The trailer for Dragon Age: The Veilguard has dropped, and I couldn’t be more excited. It’s like a new breath of life has entered my lungs!

Within the trailer, we now have confirmation of who our seven companions are going to be, and among them are a few familiar faces from the book Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights. We also have some name-droppings of a couple factions featured in the same book and the comics, Dragon Age: The Missing. So, here is what knowledge is established about these faces sand factions.

Neve Gallus & The Shadow Dragons

Neve Gallus was first introduced in the Tevinter Nights story, “The Streets of Minrathous”. She comes off as a no-nonsense and a little intense kind of person. Neve is a Tevinter mage who works as a private investigator. For example, if someone wants some detective work done but doesn’t want the public to know, they would hire Neve. On occasion, she’s even been hired by the templars, who act like just regular cops in Tevinter – and yes, that includes their corruption and primary goal of simply protecting the elite – but Neve prefers to work alone because of that corruption, and has a personal grudge against the order for taking bribes to cover up crimes.

Neve has a prosthetic leg below the knee, made of dwarven-crafted metal.

In The Missing, Neve says she is friends with the Shadow Dragons. In the article shared by EA, as of The Veilguard, she is officially a member. The Shadow Dragons are a group of concerned Tevinter citizens who help those in need. This includes supporting escaped slaves, for example.

Emmrich Volkahrin

Emmrich Volkahrin was first introduced in the Tevinter Nights story, “Down Among the Dead Men”. He is a necromancer from Nevarra, and therefore naturally a member of the Mortalitasi – specifically, a professor in the Mourn Watch. The Watchers serve as elite guardians of the Grand Necropolis. Emmrich is on the eccentric side, personality-wise, but kindly and informal.

Emmrich has a skeleton assistant name of Manfred, who helps him with different office tasks. He also has friends in Myrna, a fellow Watcher, and Audric, a dead guardsmen who looks after the library.

Lucanis Dellamorte

Lucanis Dellamorte was first introduced in the Tevinter Nights story, “The Wigmaker Job”. He is the favourite grandson of Caterina Dellamorte, First Talon (leader) of the Antivan Crows. As such, he was raised from birth to be the perfect assassin in a ruthless and torturous environment, knowing only cruelty from his family. This has led to him feeling less like a person and more like a living weapon – and he is treated like one by everyone who knows of him. He has “the Demon” as a nickname.

I know a few people are curious about the “mage killer” title in the trailer. Rest assured that Lucanis specifically kills evil blood mages. In his own words: “If someone wants to pay me top coin to kill a bunch of racist blood mages—who have it coming—I’m not going to complain.”

Where his cousin Illario has a “silver tongue” as Lucanis puts it, he himself is a lot blunter. His reputation of a killer is spotless, except for one small problem: He has a heart under all that black leather.

Lucanis and Illario get along quite well, except for the fact that Lucanis is destined to be the next First Talon, after Caterina dies. Illario wants the job far more than Lucanis, but Lucanis isn’t sure he’s capable of making a decision for himself that goes against the wishes of the Crows.

The Veil Jumpers

The Veil Jumpers were first introduced in The Missing #3. They are a group made up of primarily Dalish elves, though also inclusive of other folks of any walks of life willing to help, working to try and control the new threats within Arlathan Forest. The forest has become a ground of chaotic magic, with the Veil so thin that time and place is jumbled together. Thus, the Veil Jumpers move in and out of the spots that bleed into one another.

The Veil Jumpers do have a headquarters called “The Sanctum”, but we know nothing else about it.

The Lords of Fortune

Despite the Lords of Fortune being mentioned in more than one Tevinter Nights story, as well as the show Dragon Age: Absolution, we don’t know a lot about them. The only concrete information provided is that they are a loose group of people who collect trinkets and glory. They come out of Rivain. They typically wear a lot of their collected trinkets like badges of honour. That’s really all there is, so I can’t wait to learn more.

[arlathma-vhenan]

A Yuletide Challenge: Enter Thedas

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply Fandom: Dragon Age (Video Games) Characters: Original Characters, Original Male Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Magister(s) (Dragon Age) Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Fantasy, Screenplay/Script Format, Thedas (Dragon Age) Language: English Series: Part 1 of War on Thedas

SUMMARY

Thedas is under threat of a massive rift in the sky. While the South is at war with magic, Tevinter has to face a threat of a different nature. The librarian has informed the magister of a recent break-in and petitioned for aid to uncover what has been stolen and how it will effect the future of the North. // Disclaimer: This part of the series is a prologue to 15 save files and a tutorial of what is about to happen. It is followed by 15 stories uncovering the relation between the break-in, the stolen family quests and the 3 game heroes. This prologue is written as a script, while the stories will be prose. - WILL YOU SAVE THEDAS?

NOTES

November 2022: @lightneverfades and I watched a movie which felt like it was written with the Circle of Magi in mind from DAO, just without the Fade and any side quests - just up and down, and the character ignored all loot.

We decided back then to make a challenge out of it, by writing our own fantasy story with a set of rules we both had to fulfill. My part of the challenge resulted in WAR ON THEDAS. For fans of Dragon Age I beg for a moment of patience to make sure we are all on the same page of what to expect. Personally I am a huge fan of Dragon Age but LNF has never played the game, so instead of trying to make all of the lore fit, I went for an alternative.

The following part will explain it in great detail but in short: The spell you as the Researcher are going to perform goes horribly wrong and strips you of all knowledge of Thedas, and the land of all traditions and fractions that we know. With each story the Researcher is transferred into the lives of the HERO, the WARDEN, the CHAMPION and the INQUISITOR - IF the choices have been made correctly. And with each story more of our beloved Thedas is rediscovered.

All this in detail and more questions answered will be discussed as soon as you made it to the Grand Necropolis.

So, what are you waiting for?

ENTER THEDAS!

[jackdawyt]

Following on from Tevinter Night's release, I've taken up the bold task of dissecting EVERYTHING noteworthy that relates to Solas throughout all of the fifteen stories in this spectacular novel, and believe me when I say, we have so much to talk about!

(SOURCES LINKED IN THE VIDEO, OTHERWISE, THIS WOULD BE TOO LONG).

We'll start by exploring what we found out about Solas's Agents & Allies!

Since Trespasser, we've known that Solas has a network of agents working for him behind the curtains. However, in 'The Dread Wolf Take You', we discover the length of Solas’s spies has greatly increased. Many of the Dalish Elves truly believe in Solas's cause and have joined his fight and even the Ancient Elves have been acquired for his schemes.

The Ancient Elves decorate themselves in fine sentinel armour, appear bare-faced with no vallaslin, some of them have Dalish accents like Abelas, while others sound more Ferelden, like Solas. They are very much ferocious and hostile to anyone who will get in the way of Solas’s plan and they also use verbiage like: “The Dread Wolf guide your soul to peace, brother.”

So, what’s their mission? Well, the Elven God’s expanded network of agents are chasing down every single source until they find the red lyrium idol, the idol is somewhat required for Solas's plan of action to bring down the veil. It’s unknown what will happen once he acquires it.  

In ‘Half Up Front’, we witness an Agent of Fen'Harel in the flesh. She is an elf who pretended to be a wealthy human taking control of one of Solas’s schemes. She declared that she “acted freely for The Dread Wolf, to bring back what was once there's, and what must be there's again.”

Her plan was to trick and frame an Altus thief into stealing a (different) powerful and dangerous artefact that was "integral to Fen'Harel's plans."

The agent was seen wearing an unknown symbol that relates to the Dread Wolf, Solas seems to have built a dress code for his spies. Upon inspection, we now have a way to distinguish Solas's spies if they decide to wear this symbol.  

Irian, the Elven companion in ‘Half Up Front’ calls Solas’s agents - cultists, exclaiming their genocidal plan, and that they tried to recruit her at one point. Showing that not all elves are sympathetic to Solas’s plan, but many of the Dalish are secretly recruited for his scheme.  

This is once more emphasized when the main character, (the Altus Thief) heard rumors that dozens of elves have gone off to heed the call of “some god."

The artefact that Solas's agents were looking for was supposed to be piece of the Black City called "Dumat's Folly."  

However, the artefact that was discovered in 'Half Up Front' was revealed to be ingenue, not the real ‘Dumat’s Folly’. The ingenue device still had power, it would allow a mage to draw magic into the object, store it and when full, it became a bomb which was used to destroy the Qunari Ben-Hassrath's new darvaarad.  

The agent of Fen’Harel; acting on behalf of Solas, tried to create and manipulate a calamity feud between the Qunari Ben-Hassrath and Tevinter kinsman, if each party had discovered that an Altus thief attacked Qunari lands using this bomb, it would cause immediate chaos for all of Thedas.

Fortunately, that wasn't the case, and when the Agent of Fen'Harel was found out, she had taken a suicide pill and died immediately before further interrogation. The same happened when the Qunari Ben-Hassrath captured another agent of Fen'Harel. Suicide is the only way out when an agent is held captive - the perfect means of keeping Solas's scheme as secret as possible.  

On top of Solas’s agents, he has acquired a spirit/demon army under the guises of the Dread Wolf. They serve him, not bound to his will, but because they want to. In fact, Solas has decreed that if anyone binds a spirit to their own will, or uses blood magic, then your life is his. We’ll touch on this hugely in the next topic.

So, not only does Solas have highly strategic agents working in the field for him, but he’s acquired spirts and demons in the Fade, unbound, unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.  

I think the juiciest potatoes we have on Solas’s allies is that while Solas is focussed on destroying the veil, his agents are very much creating havoc for the rest of Thedas, trying to start wars by setting up certain groups, taking over any location where the red lyrium idol was rumoured to be, and immediately killing themselves if ever taken captive.  Not to mention avidly recruiting throughout the elven groups, and the hordes of spirits and demons that will appease his will.  

Solas’s network of agents is expansive, the elves are slippery, manipulative and smart, while the demons are brutal and terrifying. They will make for some worthy adversaries when we come across them in the next game.  

Moving forward in our investigations. Since we talked about Solas’s allies, let’s delve into the rivals of Solas that became apparent throughout Tevinter Nights, the factions that may be on our new protagonists' side of the battle, come Dragon Age 4. We’ll start with the Qunari.  

Since Tresspasser, The Ben-Hassrath have followed suite to Solas’s plans, and now they know the most about Solas's movements across Thedas, according to Charter. This means they are a huge rival against the Dread Wolf, as they continually disturb and intrude on the plans Solas has.

We have discovered throughout Tevinter Nights that the Qunari are currently divided, the Antaam are invading the south, forcing countries under the Qun’s government, whereas the Ben-Hassrath are fully focused on Solas’s efforts, and stopping him.  

Gatt, one of the quote: ‘leaders’ of the Ben-Hassrath shared that the Ben-Hassrath are currently a neutral party in Thedas’ war effort, even as their brethren Antaam invade Tevinter and Antiva.

Whereas The Ben-Hassrath are on the case with tracking down Fen’Harel, the Antaam peruse invading. However, the Antaam still are very much interested in chasing after Solas. In ‘Genitivi Dies In The End’, an Antaam female share their interest in discovering Solas’s true name.

They believe that with Solas “true name” they could exploit his weaknesses and defeat him.  

So, the Qunari as an entity are very much hostile towards Solas. And as you’d expect, Solas has made himself aware of the Qunari threat, regarding their current invasion. In ‘The Dread Wolf Take You’ disguised as a Bard, Solas stated that the Antamm will crush and capitalise over everything east of Vryantium, and northern Antiva as well.

Solas is very much aware of the Qunari forces and their hostile intentions. Which makes them a worthy ally for our next protagonist without a doubt. Question is, will they play nice?  

We’ll move on to the next rivals of Fen’Harel - The Mortalitasi and Tevinter.

I’ve bundled these two factions together because they’ve both targeted by Solas particularly. As I mentioned before, Solas has decreed that if anyone binds a spirit to their own will, or uses blood magic, then your life is his.  

When the Mortalitasi bind spirits in the Grand Necropolis, and Tevinter mages use blood mage, according to the Mortalitasi mage in ‘The Dread Wolf Take You’, this undoes the work that Solas has planned for the Fade, and the ritual that has been set in motion. Therefore, he has made himself clear to both groups that this magic will not be tolerated anymore.

From what we can understand, perhaps both types of this magic are what need more of - to attempt to stop Solas’s ritual in the Fade. Meaning that Tevinter and Neverra are going to be worthwhile allies, so, having either of them on our side could force the victory we seek against Solas.

Whereas Nevarra’s Motalitasi has been outlawed as a whole by the Dread Wolf. All of Tevinter’s lands used to belong to the Elvhen, Solas’s plan will bring a redemption of the elves, restoring which was once there's, henceforth, Tevinter’s territory is theirs for the taking! If anything, the people of Tevinter are the ones who are in the most danger unless they join the fight against the Dread Wolf. So, that’s their incentive to help our next protagonist.  

Not to mention, the Tevinter Siccari are the Imperium’s best network of spies. strong and formidable, surely, they too would make for worthy allies in the Imperium.

Moving on, one of the most enigmatic rivals of Solas that was pointed out in Tevinter Nights are ‘The Executors’, although we still don’t know much else about them, we gain an understanding that they mutually seek a demise to Solas and his plan.  

What’s most interesting about this shady organisation, is that before the Executor in ‘The Dread Wolf Take You’ could speak and share their knowledge on Solas’s movements, in disguise, Solas silenced the Executor and killed them when the group was arguing. Solas sees them as a threat to his plan, either they know something that can rival him, or equal his power, or some other intriguing factor that Solas finds intimidating. Out of every agent in a major faction of Thedas, Solas only killed the Executor, which is most mysterious.

Ironically, Solas goes on to say that the Executors’ are dangerous. And that Charter should proceed with caution when dealing with them.  

So, there’s definitely something more to the Executor’s that Solas truly fears, or sees as a threat. In my opinion, this makes the Executors the most crucial ally to be had in defeating the Dread Wolf. If they even want to ally and work with us - that’s going to be a good question going forward.

Following on from the Executors, let’s shuffle to the last, but certainly not least rival that awaits Solas based on Tevinter Nights, and that is, of course, the Inquisition. (or what’s left of it). Since Trespasser, we know that no matter what the Inquisitor chose in the end - remnants of the Inquisition still remain to pursue and catch any scent of Solas.  

This small group of spies has been specifically tailored towards the plot of Dragon Age 4, this explains why in ‘The Dread Wolf Take You’ Charter is taking the charge, seeing to all matters that concern the Dread Wolf, hence she’s gathered all of Thedas’ best spies to delegate the Wolf’s ongoing plan. The Inquisition is still heavily involved in chasing after Solas, even if the Inquisitor isn’t present at the moment.  

And judging Charter’s actions, we know that the Inquisition are sharing and gathering as much knowledge on Solas as possible with other factions in Thedas. Connecting bridges and making allies for the war to come.  

Charter mentions Vaea, Ser Aaron and other Inquisition agents that are behind the scenes in the comic books working to find the idol. Showing that their network of spies has grown, and continues to grow.

Vaea and Ser Aaron were also mentioned in the story ‘Herold Had The Plan’. In which Vaea spoke on working with a renowned Lord of Fortune, and her journey to Tevinter. As we know, working on behalf of the Inquisition.

And at the end of ‘The Dread Wolf Take You’, Charter nods to the fact that the Inquisition still runs on the motive of what the Inquisitor decided they’d do with Solas in Trespasser, whether that be to attempt to redeem Solas or stop Solas.

In Genetivi Dies In The End, Remnants of the Inquisition send 3 writers on an expedition in the north of the Silent Plains, to find the history of the elven pantheon. They uncover Elven tomes in an elven Library beneath the Imperium, sending their research to the generals of the Inquisition. Their findings are sent to Varric Tethras.  

Finally, in ‘Luck In The Garden’, Dorian and Maevaris Tilani are making waves in Tevinter, located in Minrathous, they both helped severely in defeating an evil, ancient monster in the sewers of the city. Dorian even managed to hire employed servants instead of having slaves, so he’s certainly doing well, and endorses the Inquisition.  

It’s been made very clear throughout Tevinter Nights that there’s still plenty of Inquisition involvement going forward. I still hope we can witness the Inquisitor in the flesh one day, but we’ll hopefully see soon enough. It is awesome to see how many factions truly oppose the Dread Wolf, going forward, it’s going to be a matter of - can we actually build enough influence and defuse enough situations to have many of these factions work together to defeat an ultimate evil? I’m optimistic.  

With that, we’ve touched upon Solas’s allies, and those who would not see him succeed, let’s look at what Tevinter Nights showed us about the character of Solas, and how he’s changed since the last time we saw him.  

Firstly, Solas can now kill people while they sleep, even dwarves. We discovered in Trespasser; he can freeze multiple people at the same time. But now we know he can freeze Executors (whatever they are) and even golems, who’re already stone!  

Solas lies! A lot in his fake bard tale. It’s hard to tell what’s true and what is not. I personally believe that the Bard’s tale spun by Solas was a complete ruse, with only a few aspects of the truth that I’ll touch on.  

The table was booked under the name ‘Gauche’. Which is an Orlesian name, the fake name that Solas had taken for his disguise.  

It’s safe to say that Solas is desperate going forward, I mean come on, he’s dressed as an Orlesian Bard with a blonde wig, jewellery, rings, the whole shebang, and he’s mimicking an Orlesian accent.  I suppose desperate times call for desperate measures. Anyhow.  

Under his ruse, he shared witnessing prominent faces throughout all of the Dragon Age games, like Isabella, Amund the Avvar, Sebastian, Tallis, The Divine, and a most intriguing Warden Commander. Whether he met them or not, doesn’t matter, I feel that all Solas is doing here, is proving to Charter that he knows about significant characters in the Dragon Age, that he’s made himself aware of each of them as potential threats.

This could mean that not many characters will be returning as companions in the next game, or even cameos, because as we know, the Inquisition is looking for people that Solas doesn’t know, so we can have a chance at defeating him.  

And, thanks to Charter, he knows about the comic book agents who’re looking for the idol in Tevinter, which puts them at a huge risk. Fortunately, none of them were mentioned by name.  

Out of disguise he’s tired and sad, and knows that many oppose him and that they are not fools. Telling the Inquisitor what he intended to do in Trespasser was a moment of weakness.

He admits he’s prideful, hot-headed and foolish. He says to tell the Inquisitor that he’s sorry.

Changing the pace, in ‘Callback’, a Regret Demon finishes the eighth Fresco panel in Skyhold’s Rotunda. The demon was attracted to, and born from the regrets Solas had while he stayed at Skyhold with the Inquisition.  

Originally, the eighth panel was only drafted out by Solas before he left Skyhold, the initial impression of the fresco was that it showed the mighty battle against Corypheus and the victory of the Inquisition. 

However, what the Regret demon reveals is something far more ominous. It appears the Fresco shows an outline of a beast stood over a stabbed dragon; two figures painted on either side of a pane of glass with confused forms. The beast is shown to be a horrifying wolf, having absorbed the dragon’s power, stood crooked over all.  

This, of course, relates directly to Solas having taken Mythal’s power at the end of Inquisition, and rising as the Dread Wolf thanks to Mythal’s sacrifice. This fresco explains the entire end credit scene, and why Solas needed to absorb Mythal’s essence. As we know, just before Solas took her power, Mythal placed a piece of herself (or an Old God) into an eluvian for safekeeping. So, perhaps she isn’t truly gone.  

Regardless, that explains how the Dread Wolf has risen since Inquisition’s events, he is truly a haunting and terrible creature.  

In his Dread Wolf form, Solas can speak, quite frighteningly. A lingering question I have is, does his mouth actually move as he articulates as a Wolf? Or is it more like his voice is a presence like Mono in Princes Mononoke?

The Dread Wolf has taken residence in the Fade where spirits and demons serve him willingly. He has a ritual for the Fade that has been set in motion, however, he requires the red lyrium idol to continue this ritual further, plus surpluses of lyrium in order for it to work.

The red lyrium idol is still quite the mystery today. However, we do learn a few things about the idol in ‘The Dread Wolf Take You’ that may help us understand it more.

Most people, (like you and me) believed that the red lyrium idol was forged it into Meredith’s massive sword, and so, when Meredith went crazy with power and almost destroyed all of Kirkwall, her sword exploded, and so did the idol with it. At least, that’s what we thought, however, that’s not the case.

According to the Carta Dwarf, a Dalish Elf came to Kirkwall asking for help in retrieving the idol, he claimed that he ‘”learned of this in a dream and that an old legend of his people says that the idol is in Meredith’s body and that if he gets it out, he can free his gods or something like that.”

Before Kirkwall’s Carta Dwarves could silence the elf for good, he pulled out a potion and said it would soften the raw lyrium, so they could retrieve the idol safely.

Using the potion, they retrieved the idol from Meredith's chest. The Carta Dwarves killed the Dalish Elf, and then proceeded to sell the idol to Tevinter contract by the name of ‘House Qintara.’  

An agent of Fen’Harel impersonating the head of House Qintara, traded the red lyrium idol to House Danarius for information. This was not something Solas would have approved of, the agent was later killed by the Qunari invasion on the city. This was discovered in Dragon Age: Deception.  

A mage from House Danarius made their way to Nevvara's Grand Necropolis with the red lyrium idol for an ultimate ritual to push the Qunari forces back north. Using blood magic, bound spirits and the red lyrium idol, the Mortalitasi and Tevinter mage attempted the ritual, upon impact of the red lyium idol, it revealed a ritual blade.  

The ritual (accidentally) summoned the Dread Wolf’s attention, as he killed the Tevinter mage and ordered his demons to attack the Grand Necropolis. A noble’s son grabbed the red lyrium idol, with its ritual blade either shattered or retracted and ran off into Tevinter.  

I personally believe that Solas lied about the idol’s whereabouts, and everything he said in his bard’s tale, therefore I think he actually doesn’t have the idol and is still looking for it, that’s one of the reasons he came to the meeting in the first place – to have a better understanding where the idol went since Nevarra.  

That means that the red lyrium idol is still somewhere in Tevinter with this noble’s son and it’s yet to be discovered by Solas. So, perhaps the Inquisition, or any other opposing force may have a chance to grab the idol before Solas does. 

And that puts an end to everything I discovered regarding Solas throughout Tevinter Nights. Thank you for sticking through this for so long, I really do appreciate it. In summary, Tevinter Nights has sparked so much for the future of the next Dragon Age game, as you can tell, we have more of an idea of where the plot is going next. I feel ‘The Dread Wolf Take You’ acts as a small prologue for Dragon Age 4, as it opens up the next narrative in so many ways as discussed throughout this video. Of course, I have just started the Tevinter Nights content, we’ve got plenty more videos to go!  

Be sure to let me know if there’s anything I missed that relates to Solas in this novel, tell me your thoughts on Solas’s plan going forward - where do you think the red lyrium idol is, and do you believe that everything Solas said in ‘The Dread Wolf Take You’ was a lie? Let me know down below.  

[jawsandbones]

for @lynngo-art​

The fields have been abandoned. Left on their own, long weeds and while grass grow between the rows of unharvested wheat. A gentle breeze and the stalks sway, brush against them as they walk. Zevran keeps his hand out, lets the very tip of the wheat brush against his palm. He only stops walking when Rémi does, suddenly pausing in his steps. He turns his gaze towards the setting sun, the torn ribbons of pink and purple that streak across the sky, under stitches of clouds. The breeze, and Rémi closes his eyes, listens to all the breaks in the silence. 

The tranquil sound of the wheat, and from the forest that lines the field, leaves rustle, branches crack. Birds, in the distance, and the crickets have only just beginning to wake. A softer scent in the wind, the telling of rain that’s soon to come. Calm, before the storm.  

Zevran is busy paying attention to his back, the messy braid that needs to be redone. Wisps of hair swirl around him, and Rémi absentmindedly tucks them behind his ear. He can see only the very edges of his face, sees the way he sighs when he opens his eyes once again. Zevran startles forward when Rémi suddenly goes to his knees, collapses among the wheat. He finds him lying on his back, arms eagle-spread, staring up at the sky. That messy braid about him, a halo, and Zevran puts his hands on his hips as he leans over him, stares down. 

“I do not think this is where the others have set up camp, mi amor. Unless you see something I do not,” he says. Rémi grins, and reaches upwards, gestures for Zevran to come down to him. With a tilt of his head and the slightest quirk of a smile, he obliges. Settling down beside him, between the rows, and he makes a point to find his hand, hold it in his, link their fingers together. Resting their clasped hands between them, and Zevran follows his lead, looks towards the sky. 

“I felt grass for the first time when Duncan recruited me and took me from the tower,” Rémi says. Zevran turns his head, watches him as he speaks. “We had windows but most of them were stained glass, dirty or covered.” The earth is cool beneath them, the sunset obscured by the heads of swaying wheat. Grass tickles against his cheek, and oh, the gentle way with which he speaks. “There have been a lot of things I’ve had to get used to, and I have. But I’ll never be used to this.” A deep inhale. A slower exhale. 

Zevran holds his hand tighter, shuffles closer. Shoulder pressed against shoulder, and they lean their heads against each other. “I would like to take you to see many things,” Zevran tells him. “Ferelden is… Ferelden, but you must experience more than that. Perhaps we shall go to Rivain to see the ships of Rialto Bay. I also hear that the Grand Necropolis in Nevarra is quite the sight. As well, you have not lived until you have stolen grapes from Antiva’s finest vineyard.” Rémi laughs, bright and wild, dimples on his cheeks. 

“That sounds wonderful. Except for maybe the Bay. All that open water,” he says, giving a fake shudder. Zevran scoffs. 

“I will teach you how to swim. It is not so terrible,” he says.

“Easy for you to say. You didn’t grow up with the most water you’ve touched being in a bathtub.” 

“This is true. But you have taught me many new things and now I can do the same for you.” Rémi gives him a puzzled glance. 

“What have I – mmph.” Propping himself up on his elbow, keeping Rémi’s hand still in his, Zevran leans over and swallows his words with the kiss. His other hand ghosts against his cheek, brushes away grass and hair alike. Thumbs moving over his cheekbones, fingertips that trace the shell of his ear. He’s never been confident at putting feelings into words. The freedom Rémi finds in open fields and unobstructed sky? Zevran finds it in him. His hand settles at the nape of his neck as he presses the kiss, inhales all that Rémi has to give. Returning it in full, leaving him breathless as he lies back down. 

Hands held between them and he makes sure their heads are touching once again. “We can stay here a little longer, yes? I am sure the others will survive without us,” he tells Rémi. Looking up at the sky, and Rémi is looking at him. Studying the angles of his face, the curve of his nose, his mouth. The smile slowly spreads, and he doesn’t press the issue. Soft pastel colors fade into the harsher tones of evening, and still they stay, counting the stars above them.

[fadingfartconnoisseur]

The Ultimate Malta Travel Guide

Between Sicily and the North African coast, the tiny Mediterranean nation of Malta is one of best beach destinations in Europe. It has a laidback tropical vibe with picture perfect beaches and amazing diving. And would you believe that Malta also has the highest density of historic sights on the planet?

Whether you want to lounge at the beach, explore the depths of the Mediterranean, or wander around a 5000-year-old necropolis, you can do it here.

Here is my Ultimate Malta Travel Guide!

What to Expect

Getting Around

Where to Stay

Where to Eat

What to Do

What to Expect

What to Expect in Malta

Language: Maltese people are linguistic pros! Most natives speak Maltese, and nearly 90% speak English, while another 50% also speak Italian.

Currency: Malta, along with 19 other European countries, use the euro so there’s no need to convert if you’re traveling the continent.

Credit Cards: Carry a mix of cash and cards. Most big retailers and restaurants accept cards, although not always American Express. You’ll also still want cash on hand for small purchases.

Climate: With a Mediterranean climate, it’s never too cold in Malta. In the winter, you’ll find temps between 50 to 60, while summer days range from the low 70s to 90.

High Season: June to August gets crazy in Malta. Hotels are booked solid and the beaches can get really crowed. Things also get busy again briefly from Christmas to New Years. Plan ahead if you’re coming for high season!

Holidays: You could write a book on the number of celebrations and holidays they have here! During the summer you’ll find festivals for art, jazz, beer, and wine along with the annual Isle of MTV event. Another big thing are the village celebrations which take place all over the islands. Their calendar is packed with events so do some checking around before you arrive.

The Three Islands: There are three different main islands that make up the country. There’s the main island of Malta, and the nearby Gozo and Comino Islands.

Getting Around

Getting Around Malta

Island hopping and getting around between the attractions is cheap and easy in Malta. Here are a few ways to go about it.

Taxis: The islands are small so taxis are affordable and the most common means of getting around. Watch for an official white taxi car and make sure they turn on the meter.

Buses: Public transport is reliable and goes to most tourist destinations. If you think you’ll use it regularly, you can grab a 12-trip card for 15 euros.

Ferry: To get from Malta to the other two islands, Comino and Gozo, you’ll need to go by ferry. During most of the year, the ferries leave at least once per hour and it takes less than 30 minutes.

You’ll leave for either island from the Cirkewwa port. You’ll have a few options but generally you can expect to pay 10 euro or less for round-trip travel. 

Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Malta

There are a lot of great places in Malta to stay and it’s all about deciding what type of adventure you’re in the mood for.

Valetta is one of the most popular areas when it comes to history and culture. If you’re looking for nightlife and beaches though, this isn’t the best pick.

Sliema is a popular region for luxury-goers. It’s got a charming look and is full of hotels, restaurants, and rocky beaches. The lidos with pools around here are good for swimming.

Mellieħa is a beautiful part of the island that is close to the beaches. It’s very quiet so it’s good if you’re look for a chill escape.

Luxury Hotel Options

InterContinental Malta: Every inch of the InterContinental is effortlessly chic. They’ve got a private beach area on George’s Bay and it’s a quick trip to the entertainment and clubbing district.

Mid-Range Hotel Options

The Victoria: Travel back in time with this cool Victorian-style hotel in Sliema. It’s an especially good pick if you’re looking for nightlife since it’s just a five-minute drive from the center of it all, St Julian’s.

Hotel Juliani: This family-run spot has a unique flair and is right in the middle of the best bars, restaurants, shopping, and sightseeing.

De Vilhena Boutique Hotel: Located in the middle of Valletta, the De Vilhena Boutique Hotel has a prime location with a good atmosphere.

Where to Eat

Where to Eat in Malta

There are SO many amazing restaurants that it’s really hard to narrow it down to the best of the best. There are lots of luxe seafood and steak restaurants, but go for Italian or Maltese cuisine when you can.

Filippo: This family owned spot in Marsaxlokk has friendly service and literally the BEST pasta I’ve ever had in my life.

The Harbour Club: This Valletta restaurant is all about fresh and local food. They’ve also got outdoor seating with a nice view of Valetta). 

The Submarine: For good cheap eats in Valetta, look no further! There sandwiches are the perfect Maltese lunch.

Munchies: For an amazing view of the bay from Il-Mellieħa, come here and get an ultra seafood platter with some amazing local wine.

What to Do

 What to Do

Explore Valetta: One of first cities to have been named a UNESCO Heritage Site, the small capital city of Malta has an incredibly high concentrated historic sites. It’s perfect for just wandering around and taking in the city.

Grand Harbour Cruise: The best way to see Malta is by water, of course! Check out the Three Cities tour to get a good look at the best of Malta.

Mosta Church: This spot survived a bombing and still looks stunning. Take a trip to Rotunda Square in Mosta and bring your camera.

Fisherman’s Village: In Marsaxlokk, you’ll find sidewalk café, a cool market, and good photo ops. Come on Sundays to check out the fish market.

Wander through Birgu: The old fortified city at the south of the Grand Harbour is ripe for exploration. Follow the winding alleyways to hidden treasures.

Cruise around Comino: You’ll want to plan lots of time on the water in Malta. The Blue Lagoon is a must-see and the rest of Comino is well worth spending a day exploring.

Scuba Diving: Sadly the azure window is gone, but I’ve heard you can scuba dive to see it now. There are also lots of good spots in Gozo too, which is just a short ferry ride away.

Beaches: Malta is famous for its turquoise blue Mediterranean water. Beaches like St. Peter’s Pool, Mellieħa Bay, Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa are musts!

Popeye’s Village: While it’s a bit pricey to visit and it’s more geared toward families, I’d recommend recommend come out here to get one of Malta’s best photo viewpoints.

St Agatha’s Tower: Also known as Red Tower or Mellieħa Tower, these 17th century towers have an interesting history and you can get a great view if you climb to the top.

St Paul’s Bay: A quiet fishing village on the northern coast, there are a lot of Maltese people living in the old town of St. Paul’s Bay so it’s a good spot to visit to see what local life is like.

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The Ultimate Malta Travel Guide is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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