My Gifts for the Arlathan 2022 Exchange
I received so much WEALTH this year during this @arlathanxchange! I waited for reveals so I could properly tag the creators and I'm so glad I did. Here they are in reverse-chronological order, because that's how I'm scrolling through my gifts tab:
Faerie-Stories Not for the Faint of Heart, by @hezjena is a beautiful, sumptuous examination of Flemeth of Highever tucked away in her tower, locked up by a jealous husband, who finds freedom not in the sword locked up with her like some useless treasure, but in a spirit who needs her help. Together, Flemeth and Mythal escape. The description of Flemeth's growing malaise and Mythal's threatening nature will haunt me from here on out.
Comrades in Arms, Brothers in Broken Chains, by @dreadfutures is a gorgeous piece about Felassan standing up to Geldauran during the early days of Fen'Harel's rebellion. Felassan makes a case for those who choose to keep their vallaslin, and in so doing exposes himself as the Hope of Fen'Harel. Felassan's dialogue is just perfect, and Solas at the very end tugged on my heart-strings so hard. "Are you here, my Hope?" will live on in my mind forever.
No Punches Left to Roll With, by @dreadfutures is a delicious, beautiful examination of Lace Harding falling for Charter as they fulfil Inquisition business. Harding's inner voice is perfect, Charter is stunning (pls kiss me omg Charter I love you), and their building friendship in this pre-relationship piece is just so tense and fun. I loved the insight into the inner workings of the Inquisition (and of Virelan!!! a sneak peek at my girl!) and how these two may have worked together.
oh the river, it's running free (oh the joy it brings to me), by @darethshirl is a (romantic? platonic? you decide) examination of Andraste and Shartan's relationship. I'm stunned by the beautiful inner voice Andraste has, and Shartan's comfort with her paired with his awe and admiration for her as they spend a moment together in meditation, suspended in time. This fic made me wish that nothing bad ever happened to either of them, and that their beautiful partnership, whether friendship or romance, could have continued in happiness forever.
mala suledin nadas, by @melisusthewee (you tricksy beastie) explores what happens when a certain Quinn Trevelyan, whom I love dearly, gets riddled with red lyrium projectiles and needs to be saved from Blighted dreams by the Dread Wolf. Quinn is clever and quick but not quite quick enough, Blackwall is a pure, dear delight, Sera is a griping mess of concern hidden behind blustering anger, and Solas is quiet, Solas is determined, Solas is loving and I will never, ever recover from just how tender and committed he can be, even in all his stern disapproval.
All of my presents have moved me to tears and more, and I count myself so lucky to have received them. They were an honour and pleasure to read and I can't recommend them enough.
