It was not long after returning to Skyhold that Josephine sent word to Jacquelyn, wanting to discuss the matter of the contract and their plan regarding the Du Paraquettes. Jacquelyn made her way to Josephine's study as soon as she was free from the pile of paperwork that had been sitting on her desk for perhaps a little bit too long. She was all too happy to be released from it and to go help Josephine once again.
The situation regarding the contract that the House of Repose possessed was already taking too long for Jacquelyn's liking. She worried for Josephine, knowing that it would be difficult to find someone with the level of skill she had, and not wanting one of her friends to be hurt. If the House of Repose was successful in completing their contract, then a blow would be dealt to the heart of the Inquisition for both practical and emotional reasons. That was something that they simply couldn't afford, not with Corypheus still an ever present threat.
"I've tracked down the last Du Paraquettes," Josephine said as Jacquelyn stepped up to her desk, skipping all greetings and getting straight to the point. "If they become gentry, they can annul the contract on my life."
"How do you suggest we begin doing that?"
"We'll require a noble from Val Royeaux to sponsor them, a judge to provide documents, a minister to ratify them…"
Jacquelyn and Josephine looked around at the sound of an amused scoff as Leliana entered the room. Jacquelyn didn't know as much about Leliana as she would have liked, she'd admit it, but she still trusted the woman as much as she thought it was safe to trust anyone whose job it was to keep secrets and tell lies. The main reason Jacquleyn trusted her was because Divine Justinia had trusted her, and that was enough for Jacquelyn.
"It's just like you to take the longest course of action, even when your life is at stake," Leliana said.
"I assume you already know everything about this mess," Josephine didn't even sound surprised as Leliana stepped forward, leaning on the ambassador's desk. Jacquelyn knew the two of them had known each other before everything at the Conclave, but she didn't know anything about their history. Part of her was curious about it, but for the most part she believed that if there was anything particularly important in their history then they would tell her.
"There is a faster way, Josephine. The original contract on your life is in the vaults of the House of Repose. If my agents infiltrate it and destroy the original, the assassin will have no obligation to chase you."
"Leliana, please. I want no more blood shed over a personal affair."
Jacquelyn just stayed silent while she listened to the friends discuss the matter. She slightly agreed with Leliana, though part of her would prefer to have Cullen send a squad to simply burn the House of Repose to the ground and all the contracts and assassins within it. However, it was obviously not what Josephine wanted. She was an adult, so she could make her own choices regarding the matter.
"Don't be so stubborn, Josie! How long will it take you to gather these favours in Val Royeaux?" Leliana asked.
"I do not believe it is our place to make this decision for Josephine, Leliana," Jacquleyn quietly interrupted. "Josephine has made it clear she wishes to do this with no more blood shed. Provided she does not send any more messengers to assist her in reinstating her family's right to trade in Val Royeaux, then the only person whose life is in jeopardy is her own. We have guards on every entrance, and we can order more men to protect her for as long as it is necessary."
Leliana looked between Josephine and Jacquelyn, then stood up straight.
"My people are ready, should you change your mind," she told them.
"I appreciate it, but I still believe elevating the Du Paraquettes will resolve this."
Leliana shot a humouring smile at Josephine before silently leaving the room. Jacquelyn found herself tempted to go after her to tell her to send agents, but more than that she wanted to support Josephine. If things started to look like they were taking a turn for the worse and Josephine was in more danger than previously thought, then she would go straight to Leliana with the matter. No matter how close to elevating the Du Paraquettes back to noble standing Josephine was.
"What is our plan, Josephine?" Jacquelyn asked, dragging her attention back to the matter at hand.
"First, we need to perform some favours in Val Royeaux. I'd be happy to discuss where we should begin."
Jacquelyn smiled, motioning for Josephine to join her in the armchairs in front of the fire.
"Please," she said. "I am all yours. There is currently nowhere else for me to be."
Josephine stood up from her desk, crossing over and joining Jacquelyn.
"The Countess Dionne is our first step," she said. "Her lover, a mage from the White Spire, is missing. If we bring her news of him, she'll be very amenable to sponsoring the Du Paraquettes as lords."
"Who are we looking for and do you have any thoughts on where we should begin our search efforts?"
"His name is Ellerly, and we believe he went missing once the war between mages and templars erupted. I am certain both Cullen and Leliana would have their own thoughts on this, but I suggest sending people to find out if any loyalists gave him shelter. Ellerly is known to have stood for the old Circle order."
"It sounds like a good place to start. I suggest you send people out as soon as possible. If your efforts bear no fruit, I shall discuss with Leliana and Cullen."
"Of course, Inquisitor," Josephine nodded, then frowned slightly. "I appreciate your supporting me in this matter. I hope that we succeed in remedying this situation quickly. The men guarding me could be put to so much more use elsewhere."
"You are important, Josephine. Protecting you is not a waste of resources. I, too, hope that the situation we find ourselves in is quickly solved, as I hate the thought of your life being in such danger," Jacquelyn stared off into the flames flickering before them. "It concerns me how little there is known about the House of Repose. I understand that the assassins work for Orlesian nobility, and I understand that to them a contract means everything. I have also heard stories about how effective they are, and I fear that no matter how many men we have around to protect you, the House of Repose may be successful in fulfilling their contractual obligations. I do not want to see you get hurt, Josephine."
"I understand, Inquisitor. I don't want to get hurt, either."
"I do not know that you do fully understand, Josephine," Jacquelyn now turned to look at her ambassador. "If there is any sign that your life is in more danger than we currently believe, then I will not hesitate to take action. I agree that we should try to do things peacefully, but should your life be held forfeit, I will ask Leliana to take action."
Josephine and Jacquelyn just sat there in silence for a moment, Josephine seeming to be trying to work out exactly how far Jacquelyn would go. A small, almost disapproving frown creased her forehead, but eventually she nodded.
"Of course, Inquisitor."
"I hope we succeed in achieving your safety in the most peaceful way we can," Jacquelyn smiled at Josephine, hoping to reassure her.
"If you'll excuse me, Inquisitor, I must return to my duties."
"Of course," Jacquelyn stood up and moved to leave the room. "Please, let me know as soon as there is word regarding Ellerly."
She left the room as Josephine quietly relit the candle on her desk, straightened her papers, and sat down to arrange for someone to search for Ellerly.