Even after the War ended, Hanni’s father was nowhere to be found, and rumours of him having been seen working for Enyo prior to the warlord’s death spread through Boryth like wildfire. While the rest of his family was quick to dismiss the accusations, Hanni took the speculations about his father to heart and found himself doubting the certainty with which Ylva opposed them - after all, Erland had practically vanished, so what proof was there that he wasn’t working for Enyo?

It was around this time that Hanni began to lean further into the worship of Blóm - Ylva’s scepticism about the goddess had inspired little faith in her from Hanni’s siblings, but as the rumours about Hanni’s father grew in frequency and severity, he found comfort in Blóm’s teachings. Through a recommendation from his teacher, who happened to be a Child of Blóm, Hanni was able to continue his studies in Dura, where he focused on the field of theology in hopes of teaching the subject to others in the capital. Hanni finished his studies in 503 A.E.D.

Hanni’s life took an unexpected turn a mere year later: a knock at the door in his hometown, to which he had returned for a brief visit, revealed none other than Erland, his father, looking immensely exhausted but overjoyed to see his family again.

Jari, Ylva, and Inkeri all matched Erland’s enthusiasm, but somehow, Hanni could not find it in himself to feel the same… especially not when, after only a few steps through the door, Erland confirmed the very rumours that had been circulating around him; He had worked for Enyo, after being captured. But all was well as long as he was home now, wasn’t it?

It was clear Erland would have to leave, but it was becoming clearer that Ylva and Hanni’s siblings were determined to follow, if with a delay. He, however, felt less than inclined to travel across the realm for a man that had left him when he was not even old enough to remember his face, and returned home a traitor.

In the winter of 505 A.E.D., Hanni’s concern proved true once more - Erland returned to Dura, and this time, the plan was for the family to leave with him, travelling to Whaletooth Archipelago to start a new life, away from Dutoria and its judgement.

Hanni could not have felt more unhappy. His impulsive demeanour took over, and, in one single evening, he had managed to upset his mother so much that, for the first time in his life, she left the room and refused to speak with him, have a heated argument with his older brother, which ended with Hanni running away, and announce to Erland that he would not be leaving Dutoria with him, or anyone else.

And so, in 506, Hanni’s family left, and he found himself completely alone in Dura, devoid of anyone to turn to. It was then that he realised how completely he had isolated himself from anyone who knew him or would be willing to help - so many of his acquaintances were tied to his mother or his siblings.

At last, he was taken in by one Eyvindur Maikoa. In an annoyingly ironic twist, Eyvindur knew of Hanni because of Erland, but let the young man stay with him anyway. But Hanni knew he could not stay with Eyvindur and his husband forever - whatever he would do next was entirely up to him, and for once, his usual angry determination gave way to a genuine fear for his future.