A new city, a new life…isn't that always the case? He wasn't trying to escape anything, you understand. All the while he had been travelling, trying to satiate his wanderlust. He never stayed in one place for too long, he thirsted for inspiration, sought further knowledge and greater understanding of the world around him. He loved history, its depth, how it swallowed him into different cultures and truths. Just as much as history…he adored painting it. Depictions of empires long lost in the flow of time, beautiful cultures now long forgotten. All the places he had gone to before…were unable to sustain his hunger. Maybe, this new place could make him stay.

Little did he know, how true that thought was…

'Haven…' Solas stared at the beautiful, small town. It bustled with activity little adorable shops lined up next to one another, cobbled roads and gorgeous streetlamps. Its historically rich exterior already hooked him, he could probably stay longer here than his previous towns. He opened his journal where he noted down his new place of residence and work place.

He was now employed as expert historian for the archaeology projects on ancient Arlathan and Ancient Elvhen sites. The job was a logical choice; he was elvhen, had a wealth of knowledge on ancient elvish traditions and cultures especially Arlathan and he was fluent in the native language. He also has a means of satiating his pursuit of knowledge. It was perfect.

His shoulder suddenly clicked when he stretched his arms upwards. That probably meant he was lugging his backpack for too long. It would do him good to unpack and settle down early. He read his address and conferred with a map of Have he acquired. Slowly and calmly, he stepped into the town, carefully searching for his new home.

In more ways than one.

He was renting out a flat which was right in the middle of town. Very strategically located with a bakery opposite it, a grocery a couple lots away, a pub down the road, a café next door. One of the best things of being in a small town, everything is so nearby.

Flat number 7, it wasn't a big place but it will do for one. There were two bedrooms, a small kitchen, 1 bathroom and a medium sized living room. Solas decided to turn the second bedroom to his art room. Once he took one look at the place, he knew exactly what to do. His room outlook all planned in his head. He wasn't a man to waste time. He was sharp precise, he knew what he wanted and how he wanted it.

In no time at all, he was mostly unpacked. Solas fiddled with his keys, questioning whether he should adventure out to Haven. He caught the keys in his hand and stuffed them into his pocket.

'No use in staying here' he thought. He made for the apartment door; he could use some fresh air while seeing the sights all around town. Wearing his jumper, he proceeded to lock the door, then a voice from behind called out to him.

"Hey there, neighbor" a dwarven man dressed in a loose shirt buttoned down with light brown hair greeted him. Solas turned surprised but that emotion never resonated on the surface. He wore a polite smile and greeted his apparent neighbor.

"Hello" The dwarf smiled and nodded, and stepped closer toward Solas offering his hand out to him. Solas took his hand and shook it firmly and as politely as possible.

"The name's Varric, Varric Tethras" He introduced. "You must be the new guy we were expecting"

That name was familiar. But Solas had difficulty trying to place where he had heard it before. Unable to unearth the answer in his mind, he brushed it aside, labeling it as coincidence. Solas chuckled. "Expected? I didn't think my moving in here would cause such a thing."

Varric smirked. "Well, welcome to Haven. Get used to it, Chuckles, it's a small town…everything is exciting here"

"My name is Solas…" Solas murmured, realizing he didn't introduce himself immediately and that his alternative was going to be that new pet name invented by Varric.

"Solas huh? Hmm, I prefer Chuckles" Varric teased. Well, Solas hoped he was teasing. Varric laughed heartily, "Yes, Chuckles! That has to be the best nickname I've come up as of yet"

Wait, what?

"Surely you must be jesting, Mr. Tethras" Solas reasoned, hoping that he hasn't actually been labeled as such.

"Nope, I am quite serious"

Well there goes his ideal image he was hoping to build in this new town. Solas sighed.

"You planning to check out the town, Chuckles?"

Solas nodded. "Yes, I was on my way there actually"

"Good, you should. Go and introduce yourself to the townspeople and things will be a heck of a lot easier for you later on" Varric paused thoughtfully, running around his chin. "Actually…are you doing anything tonight Chuckles?"

In the name of the Dreadwolf that nickname is still a thing. "Not at the moment, why?"

Varric smirked one more, this one more devious than the first. "I realized that I was getting together with a few friends in the pub tonight, I thought, it might be a good opportunity for you to get to know some people"

"I appreciate the gesture Mr. Tethras-"

"Varric"

Solas sighed, not used to the informality. "Varric, I appreciate the invitation but I shouldn't intrude on your get-together"

"Oh c'mon Chuckles!" Varric tapped Solas' back. "It'd be fun! Just some introductions and a few drinks"

Solas smiled defeated and shrugged. "Alright"

"Good man!" Varric tapped Solas' shoulder and smiled. "See you at there at 8 ok?"

"Understood" Solas replied simply. Varric made his way into his room located on the other side of the corridor. He could already feel the regret, he had just expected to come into town unnoticed and rest for the night. But now, he has already been invited to a friendly gathering at the local pub. Solas was used to a life of solitude with just him, his research and his dreams. No one to intrude into that space, the smell of old parchments, the scent of incense as he slept waiting for his pleasant dreams, twas' a simple lifestyle with simple expectations.

Maybe that's why none of the places before lasted.

In Varric, he felt warmth a friendliness and sincerity he hadn't found in a person for the longest a time. Most would judge him; label him based on the shape of his ears. Even the elven people looked at him and saw nothing but traitor of the people, one who abandoned the traditional ways.

Solas shook his head. It was not healthy to dwell in such thoughts. He walked down the stairs of his apartment and out the door; he was in Haven.

It was a beautiful town; he was captivated by its simple charms. He loved how traditional the town looked, the effects of history obvious. The people were busy bustling between shops, greeting shopkeepers and customers alike. Solas was amazed that these people knew each other so well; even he could feel the curious looks upon him. The whispers;

"Who is that young man?"

"A newcomer in Haven?"

He paid no attention, as he was preoccupied with the sights, he had already located the local bookstore where he could see just from the window the lovely collection it held. He had made a mental note to visit and possibly purchase a book when he next had the chance. He walked down the street to locate the pub where the gathering was supposed to take place. It was well decorated on the inside built for comfort and for socializing. It had been a long time since he had spent time in a pub like this, secretly; Solas was looking forward to it.

After touring around town for a couple of hours, Solas decided to head back to the apartment to get ready for the evening. Just as he was nearby, a familiar smell caught his senses, a sweet, light aroma that Solas knew all too well. His guilty pleasure, something he hasn't allowed himself to indulge in for a long time. The scent tempted him, toying with him, teasing him.

Fenedhis, why the heck not!

Solas steeled himself and walked over to the source of his temptation, the bakery. He pushed the doors slowly and walked in, his eyes carefully analyzing the room, searching for this object of his desire. The bakery itself was…adorable. The decorations were beautiful and detailed. There were a couple of tables and chairs in-store, they all had a similar 'picnic' theme to it.

Solas casted his gaze onto what he was really looking for, he stepped closer to the counter the other customers were busily looking and admiring the beautifully crafted baked goods. He searched for one.

Then, he found it. A gorgeously presented cake, carefully presented to the finest detail.

It was the best Orlesian Frilly Cake he had ever seen.

Solas stared it with awe; his calm and apathetic exterior had now crumbled away. What a work of pure mastery! He looked up searching for someone he could place his order with, but he didn't have to.

"Hi there, may I help you sir?" a chirpy voice called out. "Oh, Andaran atish'an!"

Solas casted his gaze to the young woman before him; the first thing he noticed were her icy blue eyes. They were piercing and they demanded attention upon sight yet they carried gentleness. Her hair was tied up so he was unable to gauge her hair's true length. She was charming, her features more perfect and beautifully crafted than anything he had seen before. But then, something else caught his gaze, her vallaslin. It's pattern dedicated to Mythal.

She was a Dalish Elf.

His guard rose slightly. Was she like those he had met before, judgemental and lost? He didn't know and thus had no idea how to approach her.

"Andaran atish'an" Solas smiled politely.

"Ah, it is so nice to see another elf. There aren't many here in Haven" she said, her voice carrying a light and happy tone.

Of course…the typical expectation.

"Yes the elves are scattered, each adapting to the lands in which they live in" He explained.

She smiled. "Exactly," she paused looking at him intently, "Are you new in town?"

"Yes I have just moved here, today" Solas smiled in response to her gaze.

The girl chuckled. "Yeah, I was thinking you were a new face." She turned her attention onto the cakes. "What would you like?'

Solas hesitated. "I would like um…5 pieces of the Orlesian Frilly Cake, please"

"5 pieces?" She laughed. "Giving a gift?"

Solas bit his lip and sighed. "No, just for me…"

He had expected her to laugh or to look at him shocked. But he found none of that, all he saw was her smiling face as she carefully placed the cakes into the box.

"Don't worry," she whispered. She held a finger to her lips and winked.

He didn't know how to react. He looked at her, hoping to analyze her but all he could see was something against all he expected. She wrapped them up and handed the bag to him. He gave her the payment that was due and there was still no continuation to the conversation.

Well until she broke the silence:

"Hope you enjoy them and well, welcome to Haven umm…"

"Solas…My name is Solas" he said politely.

"I'm Taraa, Lavellan. Nice to meet you, Solas"

"The pleasure was mine," Solas then slowly headed to the door. "Farewell, my lady"

"Hope to see you again!" She said one last time before Solas waved and left.

Solas now already possessing his Orlesian Frilly Cakes headed back into his apartment. Once he was back inside, he sat at his dining table, carefully opening the box of frilly cakes. He checked the time, and noted that he had a few hours before the gathering and had time to indulge himself. Once he opened the box, he raised his eyebrows, he picked up a piece of paper that was inside and it read:

"Welcome to Haven~

The extra 2 slices are on the house as a welcome gift!

Hope you enjoy them, lethallin J

Sincerely,

Taraa Lavellan"

Solas leaned against his chair looking at his cakes surprised and grateful at her kind and warm gesture. She certainly was not as judgmental as the Dalish he had previously met. Then again, it could merely be a façade she would put on to impress customers. He picked up a piece of the cake and took a bite, enjoying and indulging in the sweet taste of the frilly cake, the beautiful texture of the cream. Not only was this the most visually impressive cake, the taste surpasses everything he had ever tried before.

Gods, he was going to be spoilt.

As he sat there enjoying his cakes, he allowed his thoughts to revolve around the girl with the Orlesian Frilly Cakes.

Taraa Lavellan.