My Dearest Commander,
It is with deep regret that I write to inform you that myself and the Inquisitor shall not be returning to Skyhold. It would seem the last few years have been unkind to Lavellan's Clan and he has been recalled to perform the duty he was raised to uphold. As newest Keeper of the Clan, he will be unable to retain his duties as Inquisitor.
However, Clan Lavellan wishes to extend their continued support to the Inquisition. In addition, their Keeper expresses his deep regret and leaving the Inquisition leaderless and without warning. He hopes this will not poorly affect his relationship with you, and others, and has asked me to assure you he will visit when possible.
For my part, I simply shall not be returning. Without Lavellan, I see no reason for my continued presence within the Inquisition. As a man of the Imperium, I am aware the tension my involvement presented for the Southern Chantry. While I understand you shall miss me terribly, I beg you not grieve for my absence. I have discovered a path that shall lead me to an old friend.
Do not forget to play a game or two of chess for me in my absence.
Sincerly,
Dorian Pavus
"Keeper!"
Lavellan turned around, looking and the young scout that approached him. The young woman was out of breath, waving a letter around with one hand while she braced herself on the nearby aravel with the other.
"Keeper, we found this," she panted.
Lavellan took the parchment, the ornate penmanship overly familiar. His breath caught in his throat, his jaw tensing as he looked from the page down to the scout.
"You found this?" he echoed. "Where is the man who wrote it?"
The girl shook her head. "Found him… nearby." She swallowed and kept staring down at Lavellan's feet. "Keeper, he… he was dead."
About to throw the parchment aside, hurt Dorian had not even thought to leave a note for him, Lavellan caught sight of the back of the page. Scribbled, hastily, in a far less fanciful hand was two words: I'm sorry.
"Thank you, Da'len," he said, voice gone cold. Lavellan turned away sharply as tears began to spill down his cheeks. "No, ma vhenan," he whispered hoarsely to himself. "I'm sorry."