Skyhold and the Lighthouse mirror each other in purpose as much as place. Both became sanctuaries for refugees, allies, and people seeking protection, drawing in individuals from every walk of life and giving them shelter. And both belonged to Solas (the area/original foundational architecture of Skyhold did, which is elven). From the Crossroads Sanctuary in Trespasser to the Lighthouse and Skyhold, all places tied to him are places of protection - protection from powerful forces. And that ultimately is what the Inquisitor and Skyhold symbolizes as well - protection from supernatural forces.
The Lighthouse codex can so easily be read as Skyhold here.
On Life in the Lighthouse - Codex entry Fearful refugees are ushered to the Lighthouse through eluvians, emerging from the infirmary and libraries as soldiers, spies, and scholars. Gardeners plant long-extinct herbs that grow, are harvested, and wither in the blink of an eye. The sharp smell of distilling medicine wafts from a window, and poison for the enemy drips into a vial. The arguments of a war council go on late into the night; forbidden songs are sung freely, with filthy lyrics substituted for the Evanuris' names. Finally, a heated conversation silhouetted against glass with quick shadows darting behind it The argument ends with a wordless but unmistakable impression: "You summoned them: you feed them."
Refugees found their way to Skyhold, some joined in the fight, some joined in as scholars and researchers, as healers. We could build Skyhold to be a place of healing or a place of training. Skyhold grew it's own herbs in the gardens, made their own weapons, brewed poisons and potions alike. We witness Iron Bull and his Chargers burst into song and the Herald's Rest is filled with song. And how many heated conversations did the Inquisitor's own advisors have amongst them? Recruiting the mages certainly was one of them.
It's just another neat reminder of the reflections between Solas and the Inquisitor - even down to the places they held and how they operated within those places.
Solas must have experienced a crazy sense of déjà vu the entire time he’s with them.
