Varric had gotten bit by a bit of wanderlust. Even though he was back on home turf, had the desire to explore, finding new places and new people.
He'd always enjoyed meeting new people. Everyone had a story to tell, and he liked to listen as much as tell.
So the short man walked into a coffee shop, intent on a decent brew and perhaps some people watching.
The most unusual thing was the wooden object in a leather sheath that was slung over his back. It was nearly as large as his torso. Varric never went anywhere without Bianca if he could help it.