The Night of the Inquisition

Epilogue: The Inquisitor Betrothed

Variya Lavellan looked out over the slowly setting sun descending behind the rolling hills of the Ferelden Hinterlands. In the wake of Corypheus’s defeat the realms of Thedas had emerged into something of a shaky peace seeing an end to years of perpetual conflict. However brief or fragile the tranquillity may be Variya was determined to do everything she could to maintain it for the sake of Thedas and those she cared about.

For now, however, the Inquisitor had left the Inquisition under the guidance of her Inquisitorial advisors, taking a well-deserved leave of absence from her duties as Inquisitor. Using some of her personal funds and Inquisitorial influence she had secured a small farm in rural Ferelden to tend where she hoped to raise-

“Mama”

A familiar voice called out to her. Variya turned in time to catch the brunt of an all embracing hug as the young girl wrapped her arms around her mother’s waist.

Fabienne, despite her namesake, was born in Denerim, her parents having relocated from Val Chevaus at the insistence of her father’s profession as an architectural engineer. Her father had died at the Conclave, after being invited in recognition of his involvement in the restoration of the Temple of Sacred Ashes. Her mother had met her end serving as an auxiliary in the Inquisitions defence of Haven, sending her daughter to safety under the protection of the Chantry sisters. These twin tragedies had left the young girl, barely past the age of eight, under the care of the Chantry sisters in Redcliffe. It was the kindness of Josephine and Variya that accepted her as their adoptive daughter.

“I finished my chores” Fabiennes bright blue eyes stared up at her mother.

“That’s great” Variya reached down to caress her fingers through the young girls’ golden locks. “Go find Shep and we’ll go have dinner with Maman”

“Ok, mama” Fabienne quickly set out across the field with renewed gusto in search of the elusive Mabari pup.

Hefting the farming tools across her shoulder Variya turned back down the hill towards the stables attached to the farmhouse. Returning the tools to the bench she took a sharp intake of breath, savouring the musky scent of the freshly laid hay. She was sure that she could get used to-

“Elf girl”

Variya turned to see her lover standing in the door. Even in a rough, well-worn farming girl outfit she was absolutely ravishing.

“Pass me that bucket” Josie pointed to the bucket hanging from the back of the stables.

A warm smile formed across Variya’s lips. “Of course, my lady”