Chapter 1: A Break from Breaking
Two years have passed since Coypheus's defeat; the famed Inquisition stronghold, ever standing vigil near the edge of the Frostback Mountains, remains a beacon of victory and prosperity, with pilgrims making stopovers to replenish and trade supplies in between traversing the mountain passages. With its current populace, Skyhold was never without business, and many a refugee displaced from home were allowed to settle temporarily in the infirmary until a permanent residence was secured. Soldiers, mercenaries, and chantry monks alike flocked the hallways, talking amongst themselves of the legacy left in their wake.
In the room of lucid dreaming, Mahanon Lavellan sat behind the research desk that had once been Solas's respite, prowling over old notes detailing Fade inconsistencies, demonic possession, and the ancient shards. With a sigh of slight remorse, he rubbed his greying stubbled chin, closed the book on the history of Eluvians that was propped in his hands, and proceeded to return the volume to the shelf.
"Five down, twenty-three more to go..." he muttered.
At that moment Josephine came striding in through the front door, a twinkle of anticipation over her beaming face. For once, she had left the trademark quill and paper on her desk, now that the Inquisition's triumph has allowed a less restricting attentiveness to public and political affairs.
"You look happy," Mahanon commented, noting the energy in her as she nearly ran over the pile of books sitting on the ground.
"Happy? I can't even begin to describe how elated I am right now dear," Josephine remarked, pushing aside the volumes on Tevinter enchantments that otherwise obscured her view from the desk. "You recall the Du Paraquettes, yes? The family that owes their rise to nobility to you?"
"Of course," Mahanon said nonchalantly.
"Well, I just received a letter from my sister. Now, I've been looking for an excuse to return to Antiva, since our experience here has left us a lack of appreciation for...ahem, the finer things in life. Not that Skyhold is bad, but I think we can afford an excursion to warmer lands and blissful sea waves, no?"
"What did she write to you about?"
"Oh, as I was saying, " Josephine brushed her hair aside, blushing slightly, "the Du Paraquettes have invited us - you, specifically - to their estate, as congratulations and in celebration of the Inquisition's victory. This is the perfect time for a vacation!"
"That's...wonderful."
"Oh please, Mr. Lavellan, surely you can set aside your inquiries on magic and have some time to relax. The worst is past, nobody needs to be a workaholic..."
"You're one to say," Mahanon replied as a smile crossed his tired face. "I suppose you're right. It's getting dull anyway, and I see no point in pondering further if all I'll get is more questions and an enduring headache."
He sat up from his desk and stretched.
"Some sunshine will do me good. Have you secured a ship?"
"It is ready to embark on your order," Josephine responded as she turned to leave. "I will make the preparations. And don't forget to leave directions for the chambermaid, she'll have a fit if the cleaning instructions aren't clear. Lysette will take care of the paperwork while I'm gone, don't worry."
"Well, I look forward to this trip of yours, my lady."
