The arrival of Zadok in the hall gives Karrick a moment of respite from the building tension following his flight into forbidden areas of the embassy. Shifting his posture slightly, Karrick uncrosses his arms and lets his hands come down to rest at his hips, still leaning back casually against the wall beside the door.
"Dunno," he admits with a roll of his shoulders, "but when he gets back, him and I gotta have words." Brows furrowed together, Karrick looks the wizard up and down behind the smoked lenses of his goggles while reaching one hand up into his vest to pull out the folded note he'd found first in the diplomat's chambers. "Unless you can speak 'squiggly line'?"
He holds out the folded note between two fingers and waggles it in Zadok's direction.
Grachius seemed like a buffoon in the dining hall, but he was certainly shrewd in private. And a bad man to cross. Muziel watches Felix being devoured bows to the Lord, aware that could easily been him. "Forgive me, my Lord. I meant no offense with my words. Good day." He withdraws, his goal of delaying Grachius accomplished.
Muziel returns to the dining hall and sees Karrick and Zadock in conversation. He looks around to see if they're being observed.
"Ah, friends. Let us join our colleagues in the dining hall."
"There's more," Karrick intones, offering a side-long look at Muziel through his smoked lenses. "On second thought, we should get outta' here before we do anything else." Suspicious as always, he withdraws the note from both Zardok and Muziel and tucks it back in his vest.
Karrick steps away from the pair, looking back at the dining hall and shaking his head slowly. "How about we meet up somewhere else? I think I've seen enough here."
"Well enough. I'm going to seek that dwarf fellow, soon as we've arranged a meeting location. Captain, if you'd join me on that regard, as you seem to know him." Pervince remains at ease, lacking the insight to understand the implications of the lord's words. As little evidence to the next actions to be taken against the Red Mantis have emerged in the dining hall, the only logical choice to the halfling was to move on.
She looked over to Zadock as he looks over the blade. He seems to have a keen eye and Kera hopes he gleans some inside. Smiling at Miikae’s sigh Kera knows they share the same discontent for the man. She nods glad that Miikae planed to stay away from the Lord and also glad the group seemed inclined to decline the Lords offer. As she leaned in Kera listened closely and nodded in agreement. Yes they were sisters in this group and sisters watched out for each other.
”Agreed.”
Kera said with a smile as Miikae began to eat. At least the Lord was kind enough to feed them if only in hopes to serve his own purpose.
”Do you think he made his offer to us so we wouldn’t suspect him of something? After all this could have been an inside job.”
She mused before leaving the room to talk to Karrick. After she had gone a ways she headed back to the dinning room only yo find Karrick where he had been before. Kera’s brow scrunched up and her lips pursed. Okay he HAD NOT been there a moment before.
“I just…you weren’t…how…You were not here a moment ago.
She finally spit out to Karrick rather frustrated as she spoke. Pointing to him then down the hall then back at him. Was he really that good of a rouge that he could hide in plain sight?
Zadock came out then and handed Karrick a dagger and had a few words with him. Kera smiled at Zadock’s generosity. He could have kept the dagger and sold it for himself. Instead he did what was good for the lot of them. Her momentary musings did not get Karrick off the hook. She wanted to know where he had been.
Muziel?
Kera wondered out loud. What was going on here? Clearly something had happened when Muziel had come out into the hall…but what? Watching Karrick wave the note at Zadock she could only wonder. Languages were not her thing at all.
Muziel appeared then bidding them to join the others in the dinning room. Kera agrees to Karrick when he wants to go.
”I agree we should be on our way.”
Deciding to question Karrick later about his vanishing act Kera sticks her head into the dinning room to get Miikae’s attention.
” Miikae…can I see you a moment please.”
Kera has no desire to be along in this place. She figures that she and Miikae can gather her things first then gather Miikae’s things and meet the others at the designated location.
Picking up and examining the proffered weapon for several moments, she tested its balance and shape. A masterpiece surely. Unfortunately she had never trained with such a weapon. She was better off sticking with her scimitar. Perhaps one of the others was trained more extensively with weapons than her.
Seeing everyone preparing to leave she stuffs another fruit in her pouch and finishes the handful of raisins she had grabbed. The apple was for Sands, one of his favourite foods.
Just as she is finishing she hears and nods to Kera's request. She agrees. It would do no good for them to encounter THAT man alone. This place wasn't much to her liking anyway. "We'll meet you all outside when we're ready to leave." she says to the secretive looking men. Walking by Kera's side but letting her lead the way she mentioned, "This was a good idea. I don't quite feel safe without my armour or Sands. I prefer both." As they walk the unfamiliar weapon bumps at her side. When they arrive at Kera's room she takes the former assassins blade and offers it to Kera. "Zadok was trying to help, but I am unskilled with weapons such as these. You're a warrior and likely skilled with a greater range of weapons than I am."
Zadock nods in agreement. "Know anywhere a bit more private? I don't trust this place...no offense Muziel"
With Kera out of sight, Karrick manages something of an honest smile at her bewilderment. Then, looking to Zadok, Karrick shakes his head. "Been outta' touch for a while, don't know the ins and outs like I used to. Who's got a place in town? 'Cause I don't think we need t'be in public right about now."
When Muziel returns the guards are vigilant in their duties, but do not seem to be overly interested in the party.
As you walk out of the tower, a procession from Cheliax approaches with an honor attachment of Hellknights. Their is an Elf woman at the lead of the group, proudly displaying a holy symbol of Asmodeus. She looks down her nose and smiles wickedly as you pass, if anyone gets too close to her the Hellknights quickly position themselves around her.
Walking past the hellknights on the way out, Karrick looks them up and down behind the smoky lenses of his goggles, sticking close to Muziel as he does. When they are passing by each other, he turns his head just enough to make a point of looking directly at the elven woman, reflecting her features in his muted lenses until they've passed one another.
"Looks like we missed out on the party," he mutters to Muziel, nodding in the direction of the entourage that passed.
Although given only a glimpse of the note from Karrick, Muziel is able to digest its import quickly. But Karrick was right -- they had overstayed their welcome. He grabs the gift from Grachius and heads up to his chambers. Casting aside his formal clothing, he dons his armor and grabs his belongings and a set of his most important research notes. This may be the last time I'll be here, he muses. Heading downstairs, he joins the assembled party and exits to the streets, walking past the Hellknights.
"I hear Chelaxian parties are to die for," Muziel retorts to Karrick. "Let's get some distance from this place."
Muziel catches up to Pervince. "Here, these potions might help you keep that rifle steady. But don't use it all up at once." He offers the two Ant Haul potions to his sharpshooting companion.
|
As the group enters the tower, one Hellknight that looks a bit different than the others
Zadock chortles to himself a little " I can do squiggly lines, I would just prefer not to do them here..."
Knowledge (Religion) (for the odd Hellknight out)
Knowledge (Religion) for the importance of the elven lady ( high cleric, etc.)
Zadock keeps an eye on the parade as long as their in musket range then hands the two tonics to Muziel as soon as they are out of ear shot.
"One's a Cure Moderate, Can't make heads or tail of the other one...figure that this is more your area of expertise."
After the party has gathered, Zadock suggests they get to the nearest inn/tavern to sort out their next move.
"While the good captain and our halfling friend talk to the dwarf, maybe Muziel and I can work on the more intellectual part somewhere a bit more private."
Handling the potions gently, Pervince thanks Muziel. Once they're at the tavern, he speaks to the group.
"I hope your brainstorming might be more insightful than my Greystone associate. From what I've seen so far, we have little to go on. Aside from the Red Mantis name, of course. Was there an event going on back there? What ever happened to our mutant... friend?"
The thought of the unfortunate man makes Pervince cringe. I wonder if the Red Mantis did that to him.
knowledge local
they told us he wasnt allowed around town maybe they are keeping him for safe keeping (sarcastically). In truth tho they prolly kicked him out or are keeping him prisoner *shrugs* we should prolly get him or know his were abouts after we talk with Gazerich Greystone. I must as well see if i can get my membership cleared out with him I would like to keep them in mind for some crew members as well as they are a good name to have behind my back. You know you guys are bring the good out of me and as a captain i cant have that all the time. (Points to karrick) me and him need to rub off on you guys a little. (says with a smile)
As he notices the peculiar Hellknight passing by, Muziel offers Karrick a nudge with his elbow, then nods his head toward them subtly. He knew something was different about this one, but perhaps the native would have more insight.
Muziel takes the potions from Zadock. "Let's have a look." He tucks the potion he's familiar with into his bandolier. The other potion he examines carefully. Muziel can't seem to figure it out either.
At the tavern, Muziel explains what was going on. "Our friend Venrich is no use to us any longer. His mutation has consumed half his face and left arm, and probably will take over by tomorrow if not sooner, so we seem to have lost our only witness."
He leans in conspiratorially, lowering his voice. "But we do have other leads. I had a hunch at the breakfast table that our host Lord Ureste had a role in Lord Vyktor's death. Karrick has done some investigating and found a note, and some legal document, tucked away amongst Ureste's possessions."
"Zadock, I can't understand this odd legal document, but maybe you can take a look. It's in Shadowtongue, but I can fix that problem with a special drink, if you're interested."
____
Glancing at the Hellknight in the eyeless mask, Karrick turns back to Muziel. "Spellcaster, probably has a bug up his ass about someone crossing the street without a permit or something." The sarcasm in Karrick's tone is heavy, and the way he rolls his shoulders in a feigned shrug of hapless ignorance implies he knows a little more than he's leading on.
"Your buddy at the Embassy was into some weird things, Muziel." As they walk, Karrick pulls down some of the now tattered waistcloth around his armor, revealing the adamantine and cold iron spiked chain below. "I got a book, a legal document and that note. Once we're somewhere less likely to get knifed in the back, I'll let you take a look."
Then, looking at the dagger he's been carrying that was given to him, Karrick offers a faint smile. "Don't make me regret finding these things," he pauses for a moment to tuck the gifted knife into his boot, concealing it from view. Then, picking up his stride again, he just flashes a smile at Muziel.
____
As your party is walking away from the tower and discussing what to do next and where to meet a large red haired dwarf comes down the road with at least twenty star studded marshals. He is wearing the pendant you saw Hana give to Greysov. He issues orders to his men and they begin to secure the area, then he approaches the party.
So, now that I have ordered Martial law, and no one knows where my honorable sister is, can one of you tell me what in the blazes is going on? The Dwarf asks with his arms folded over his chest. He has a Large Reidford Rifle with many decorative trinkets on it and a large side arm on his left hip, on his right is a large bayonet that has a unique handle that looks like it might be able to be wielded as a melee weapon. He waits for a minute and then adds, Oh and by the way, I am currently the one in charge around here so when I ask questions I expect them answered. He says with a genuine look of suspicion as he glares at the group.
Clearing his throat, Pervince steps forward, setting the butt of his Greystone gun down to the ground, holding it by the barrel. "She is trying to help, by bringing the assassins to justice," he begins. Turning to gesture to his allies, Pervince makes it quick. "...and we are the manner in which she intends to do so. Someone named Shlief stole a seal from her, so right now she's probably headed to Martel. I'm certain she merely did not have time to make her intentions known- as the case is with us. Marshall of the Reidfords, might we know what you've discovered of the Red Mantis so that we might come closer to catching them as Hana would want us to?"
Ever pressing questions, the halfling tries to avert suspicion from them.
Kera was glad Miikae was agreeable to her plan. They were of the same mind of not wanting to meet the Lord alone in this place. It took little time to gather her things and once done she took hold of the weapon.
”Like you said we need to watch each others back. Sands is a great horse you are lucky to have him. Thank you, I will try my hand at it but I think Karrick might find it the best use out of all of us.”[b]
Still she hung the weapon from her belt if only to keep it safe. After they were done in her room going to the stables was a nice change. It didn’t have the disturbing murals on the walls for one. After Miikae got all her things they meet up with the others.
As they passed the Cheliax procession Kera listened to Karrick and Muziel joke and could only chuckle. Though, her chuckle stopped when the one Hellknight gave her the once over. Okay she was REALLY not use to all this attention. Keeping close to Miikae she continued with the group.
The others were talking about squiggly lines and the Lord. Kera was to unnerved by the look the Hellknight had given her to pay to much attention. Her attention came back to the group when the Captain pointed to Karrick.
[b]”The poor man. Can nothing to be done to stop the mutation?
She asked Muziel not holding out hope that anything could be done but thought that she should ask. As Muziel spoke to the group Kera looked at Karrick with a smile. So THAT explained where he had actually vanished to. It had been a dangerous mission and she was glad he came back unharmed.
As the dwarf and all the Marshalls show up Kera’s eyes went wide. She looked over to Karrick hoping he wouldn’t react poorly to all this authority.
”Wait, the Duchess is missing?
This was surprising news considering they had left her in capable hands just yesterday. Noting that he was wearing the item the Duchess had given Greysov. What was going on here?
Pervince seemed to be handling the dwarf well so Kera kept close to Miikae and Karrick.
When Kera and Miikae returned to Sands she fed him the apple treat she had smuggled for him while saddling him up. "Could you help with his armour? " It takes half the usual time and then once everything is on Sands the only thing remaining is her own armour, which she also asks help with.
She stares back at the Hellknights. What's their problem?
When Pervince speaks to the dwarf she nods, looking at the dwarf.
Well She gave this Star o'mine to some Inquisitor of Nethys named Greysov. He told me it was time, which means its time to lock this place down. Then I hear reports of her and some group of people matching your description breaking out of the ruins by the northeast wall and she took an entire troop with her. Now you tell me Shlief has taken her seal! So I can venture a guess than that she is off to Martel. So that just leaves that who and the what of you seven. Who are you and what do you have to do with all this? And whats this about Red Mantis?
Zadok nudges Muziel in the side and whispers Can't you use your diplomatic immunity to lose this guy? We need to get going!"
Pervince smiles genuinely, standing proud. "I am Vince Firetalker, of the Ostgoods here in Alkenstar, Journeyman of the Greystones. Some among us are diplomats. Greysov (is/was) with us. We are an assorted gathering of able people who have caught Hana's eye. As I mentioned, we are the means of which she hopes to aid the capture of the Red Mantis assassin. Yes- the Red Mantis- they are at least in part responsible for Lord Vyktor Von Zol's death. We were just on our way to consolidate our information so that we could decide our next move. Perhaps you would like to hear more and join us? Time is short."
Muziel eyes this Head Marshal, brother to the Duchess. He wonders if the Marshal should be trusted with this information -- why did she not tell her own brother that she was conducting her own separate investigation of Lord Vyktor's death? Did she not trust the marshals with the investigation? As someone accustomed to schemes within schemes, Muziel remains suspicious of everyone. He gauges whether the dwarf is truly surprised at hearing about Red Mantis.
"My good Sir Marshal, since you know that we were helping the Duchess leave the ruins, you know that we are allies." Muziel wasn't really sure whether this Head Marshal was an ally, but he sure didn't want him and 20 other marshals as enemies. "Trouble is afoot, and we are here to stop it, just as you are stopping trouble by locking down the city. Only, we have little time. May we please continue our journey? Join us if you would like, but it is important we keep moving."
Hmph, don't think that your diplomatic status is going to go far with me now. I already arrested a hand full of them that thought they could settle old scores while we had a bit of chaos. Diplomats are restricted to this quarter until the time of crisis is called off, and it will not be called off until my Royal Sister returns. You say you are here to help, and I am inclined to believe you even though Cpt Oliver and Karrick are known criminals, they have never been murders, at least not that I know of. You say you have little time, little time for what? Samuel says as a local sheriff approaches with a mutated Ratfolk in binders. I caught this one, says he knows about that missing suspect Venrich.
Well just lock him up with the others for now. Samuel responds quickly and focuses back on the party.
|
|
Grimacing as he steps closer to Muziel, Karrick furrows his brows and offers an askance look to the Nidalese alchemist, his voice low. "If this turns sideways, I'll meet with you at a tavern called the Whistlestop." Glancing back at the dwarf, Karrick's posture tenses some. "I'm really not looking forward to having to run."
Knowing better than to open his mouth to the dwarf, Marrick instead just keeps his distance and his peace and waits to see if someone else can resolve this. Failing that, there's always knives.
Muziel offers a slight nod, his only acknowledgement that he heard Karrick's words. Believing this Marshal to be trustworthy, Muziel walks closer to him, and speaks in hushed tones.
"Her Ladyship the Duchess wanted us to keep a low profile, but we are working to track down Lord Vyktor's assassins, for the benefit of Alkenstar." Muziel actually was interested in his own benefit, but this Marshal seemed like a high minded sort.
"As you know, Lord Vyktor's death has sent ripples of fear and uncertainty among the diplomats, who aren't sure they can continue conducting their business safely in this city. But confidence would increase if the assassins are brought to justice. Only, we need to move quickly before the trail grows cold!"
Sensing that the Head Marshal may not be convinced, Muziel offers more information. "As for Venrich, he is not a suspect; he's a witness. We learned from him that Lord Vyktor's killers were Red Mantis assassins. Only, he isn't much use as a witness any longer - he has mutated into an almost unrecognizable form, and can no longer speak. You can find him in the dungeon of the Nidal embassy."
Kera was more then happy to help with both Sands and Miikae’s armor. It made things easier and then they didn’t hold up the group. Not that the group wasn’t getting held up by the dwarf. She listened as both
Pervince and Muziel tried to talk their way out of any trouble. She had thought it was working but then Karrick whispered to Muziel and looked rather tense. Taking a deep breath she stepped forward. However Muziel beat her to speaking. She let him say what he had to say then she spoke.
“I am Kera Reedun, a sworn deputy. I am reinstating my status as is my right in a time of crisis. Cpt Oliver and Karrick are under my charge and have done nothing to cause any trouble.”
Moving closer to the dwarf Kera smiles slightly.
“Your sister hand picked us for this mission. You need to trust her choices…please. I will take full responsibility for the group. We need to finish our mission.”
She hopes her words ring true with Samuel
Unfortunately, after Kera speaks, Karrick can no longer hold his tongue.
"Well," Karrick begins in comment to Kera as he crosses his arms, "not exactly how I imagined getting under you, but I guess that works." Crass as always, he offers a lopsided smirk to Muziel, then looks back to the dwarf with a goggled stare.
___
After Karrick comment Kera wanted to shoot him a look or at least fire back a comment. Instead she just smiled to the dwarf, waved off the comment and laughed.
”Karrick…such a jokester.”
Oh he was going to get it later. She WAS going to have words with him about that comment. Get under her…how dare he…she wasn’t some common trollop. One did not “get under her” certainly not someone like Karrick. Keeping the smile on her face she really did just want to get this interaction with the dwarf over with.
Hmm a Reedun girl eh? Well its an odd Guild, but respected. Very well you are herby reinstated into deputy status, and are charged with continuing your mission for my sister. He gives Kera an Iron Star.
He looks over Muziel and then adds, Well I will not try and stop you, but I will caution you this. Venrich is known to us and was wanted for several other crimes. Lord Vyktor is the one that was going to turn him over to us, before he mysteriously was killed in his own tower, and Venrich just happened to survive. I do not consider that a coincidence. There is more known to us, but I do not wish to discuss it this close to the Nidal embassy he tosses another glance at Muziel, nor in this company. If you wish to know more you are welcome to come to my strong hold just outside the city this evening so long as you bring Deputy Kera along with you, and leave the Nidal Diplomat. With that he bows to the party, though his eyes never lower and seem to be fixed on Karrick. He leaves to continue barking orders at other sheriffs and marshals, who in turn bark orders at deputies.
"What a charmer," Karrick quips in regard to Samuel with a look to Muziel as the dwarf departs. Then, letting his hands slide down to his hips, he turns to look in Kera's direction.
"Careful with that badge, girl," he cautions, "you might put somebody's eye out." With that said, he looks to the others, then back to Muziel, before waving his hands in the direction of the city proper.
"Lead the way," he inclines his head to Kera, "Deputy."
"Nicely done, " Miikae says to Kera. Now they could get on with things.
"Let's get out of the street for a minute so we can decide what to do, another of them will slow us down."
Following a soft chuckle at Karrick's comment, Zadock attempts to locate the nearest tavern/inn before any less understanding marshals come their way.
Knowledge(local) (Max of 10)
"Kera, did you really tell the Head Marshall you'd be taking full responsibility for us?" Muziel offers Kera a wide grin. "You might want to arrest us now, Deputy."
Miikae raises an eyebrow at Muziel as if to say Really? We have more important things to do right now.
|
|
"It looks like we have 3 choices. Swan's Embrace, The Desert Wind, or we hit a dive. Unfortunately Swan's Embrace is kinda, er, picky with their guests and the Desert Wind doesn't take kindly to Muziel's type...but on the other hand I haven't been in a bar fight for a while..."
Zadock looks around to make sure no marshals are around
"Or we can hide in an alleyway while we analyze what clues we. And probably appear like we are the ones who caused this mess."
Frowning at the Iron Star, "I didn't know you were that useful." Pervince turns half away to Zadock, shouldering his musket. "Damn their picky nature and their lack of taking kindly. We have a deputy who has the ear of the most powerful man in Alkenstar. I say we go ahead and accept a Swan's Embrace, picky or not."
He smiles now, looking back to Kera. "Of course, that's entirely dependent on how you feel about your station. Since you're going to end up in jail or dead on the streets most likely soon, what would you have us do?"
Muziel is abashed at Miikae's look - Karrick was causing him to get carried away. He returns to the task at hand. "If we stay at the Swan's Embrace, we'll stick out like ugly ducklings. I prefer to keep a lower profile." Muziel ponders for a moment, attempting to find a solution within his own powers. "If I'm the only thing keeping us from The Desert Wind, I say we go there. I can mix together a quick brew to make myself look like a healthy young local. It won't last more than 20 minutes, but it'll get us through the door, and once we're seated, people are less likely to be paying us any attention."
Muziel turns to Zadock. "Zadock, you know these places best - you should decide, but quickly."
Kera just smiled as the dwarf reinstated her giving her the Iron Star. Unable to pin it to her armor she places it in one of her belt pouches.
”Thank you sir. I promise we won’t be of trouble.”
As he explains why Venrich is wanted Kera wonders if he wasn’t some sort of patsy in all of this. Maybe his mutation wasn’t an “accident”. It did give them more to think about. She did want to know more but leaving Muziel behind seemed rather an unneeded step. Once the dwarf was gone Kera shot Karrick a look of pure ice but then turn to Muziel with a smile.
”Are you okay with some of us going to the strong hold tonight without you. I swear we will tell you all that is said. I don’t see you as he sees you.”
She said clapping Muziel shoulder lightly. He was a good man and Kera judged each person on their own merit. When Karrick spoke she turned on him poking her finger into his chest.
”Listen here tough guy. I don’t mind that attitude of yours but you will NEVER speak of me in an intimate nature again…understand? As for my badge it’s keeping your backside out of trouble right now so give me some respect.”
Her fury spent she turns to Miikae.
“Thanks. It was either that or go back to Lord Creeper’s place…sorry Muziel.”
Not that he liked the man much and he had been a creeper but she didn’t want Muziel to think she was insulting all of his people. She laughs softly at his comment waving off Miikae’s raised eyebrow.
”It’s fine. I trust you all and none of you will do anything stupid…on purpose that is. We should get going at the task at hand.”
She listen to Zadock speak of a few bars. She doubted the one would let the likes of them in and the other wouldn’t let Muziel in. She had been about to say something when Pervince spoke causing a shocked look to come over her face.
”Thanks…
She muttered rather sarcastically. Then humphed at his comment about being dead or in jail. Shaking her head in the negative as Muziel offers to make a concoction to disguise himself.
”My family…we have a home here. My family is of the Reedun guild. We could go there and speak without worry and without having to disguise ourselves.”
It looked like this cast of characters was going to see her home…like it or not. It really was the best answers since the inns around here were more then a little stuck up.
”Lets get moving…”
She could lead the way to her home if all were agreeable.
Managing to restrain a smile as Kera presses a finger against his chest and makes her demands, Karrick listens to her in stoic silence. He, breifly, looks to Muziel after she's done, but only speaks up once she's gone and decided to lead everyone away from their present location.
"Careful, Pip," he warns, attributing a nickname to Kera henceforth, "I bite." But with a dismissive wave of his hand he starts walking in her direction. She just invited Karrick to her home, after all.
Can't waste that opportunity.
the cpt. hides in the background trying not to piss off samuel knowing that if he says one wrong thing or smarta** remark he will be thrown back into jail. He decides to let this one ride and he agrees with the group that we have more important things to do.
|
|
As the party leaves, you glance back to see Grachius and Xelra looking out the tower at you all drinking wine and smiling, they wave to you and laugh as if it is a holiday.
The districts and sectors are locked down tight now. You are one of the few groups of non-deputies out and Kera's badge is the only thing that seems to stop suspicious looks. When ever you pass by a house or a building that is shut there is usually some local begging for information from inside Pst, hey is it true what they say about the Duchess? What about that creep Sir Venrich is he really a mutant? I heard Sleif and Hana got married secretly and she is too ashamed to show herself. And various other rumors or questions.