Not many, I'll grant you, but yes, years. The Inquisition has been quite busy in that time— their power has continued to grow, so much so that both Ferelden and Orlais feel threatened by its existance.

[He pauses for a moment, frowning as he reaches out across the table to take one of Brennan's hands, because there is a far more personal note he must address before they go any further.]

It gave me no pleasure to leave, and I would not have done so if it had not been necessary. It was always meant to be temporary. I cannot stress enough that I did not leave you.

[Only in a physical sense, and it had been quite difficult for him to do in the first place.]