In the year 1298 both Nikolla and Leka's parents died of fever. Not long after their uncles forced them to marry each other at the age of 14. They didn't consummate their marriage until the turned 16 in 1300. After, which Nikolla separated their family and cut contact with his uncle's family and Leka's maiden family. They talked with the village head, and he gave them an old home to stay in that they would slowly pay back.

One year into their marriage Nikolla's older brother Walter who is one year older than him was married to Emma before quickly moving out. He wanted to take his brother with him, but his uncle threatened to torment his wife so that even if she got pregnant, she would lose the child and make sure she never got pregnant again. So, he left his brother making sure to stay in contact with him. Two years together and Emma never became with child which had her stressed and panicked due to the other villagers talking about her being barren and telling Walter to divorce her and send her back to her maiden home.