Another day had started. They had eaten some breakfast and had gone onto training. It was morning still, and Edwin and (F/n) were training solo. Keiran watched and would step in every now and then to give recommendations to their forms and swings. Due to the focus, they didn't pick up the quiet sound of a door opening in the stables. Hearing voices in the forge, May headed in that direction.

She paused, though, when she heard Keiran and another male talking. May didn't panic since Keiran and (F/n), if she was in there, weren't freaking out. There was no yelling. Rather, Keiran was giving the male advice on fighting? Confused and curious, she opened the door and peered inside. Her caramel optics widened at the sight before her.

Keiran was beside a male with wavy orange hair and bright blue eyes. He had on a beige shirt and pants with brown leather boots. He had a metal rod in his hand, which didn't know where he got because Keiran definitely didn't craft it. There was no blue sheen to it, and it hadn't been in the forge before; there was no way he could've made that in the week she was gone, right? It was a simple design compared to other weapons, so maybe?

Regardless, she just knew that it wasn't his. But, that wasn't the end of it! (F/n) was standing and training herself. She had steel arms and legs that were moving with her. Keiran couldn't have finished them so quickly, which meant that ... Well, she didn't have any bad news to bear on the matter of the magic user. That was for sure.

A chuckle escaped her lips, and she stared in awe at the sight before her. Everyone else did hear her, though, and that instantly grabbed their attention. (F/n)'s (e/c) optics met May's caramel ones, and (F/n) smiled. "May, you're back! We have great news!" she practically exclaimed, setting down her weapon and coming over to May. (F/n) wrapped her arms around her briefly, and May smiled at the fact that it was the first time (F/n) gave her a hug. It was cold from the metal, but it still warmed her heart.

Giving (F/n) a hug back, May nodded before the pair pulled away. "I am. And, it looks like you have better news than me." She looked over to Edwin. "On multiple accounts." Her eyes soon went back to (F/n). "All things aside, though, I'm happy for you, (F/n)." A soft smile touched her lips, and (F/n) returned it. "To see you move, I ... Well, I hadn't expected it so soon, but I'm so pleased that it did." Looking to Edwin, she maintained her smile, "I take it that we have you to thank for our queen's new limbs."

Edwin nodded. He set his weapon aside. "Yes, I'm Edwin. It's good to meet you, May."

"Yes, it's good to meet you too. You've also ended a search for me, so thank you. But more importantly," she smiled softly again, "thank you for what you've done. Our queen is in higher spirits no doubt because of you." She inwardly chuckled a bit when noted that Keiran gave her a slightly annoyed look. "I think that you've also raised Keiran and my spirits too," she commented, sending Keiran an amused glance. Focusing back on Edwin, she continued, "But, let's bring some chairs by the fireplace inside and talk. I'm anxious to hear what happened, and I do bring other news with me as well. Also ..."

She moved her gaze over to (F/n) once more. It was strange to see her standing but in a good way; it was something she looked forward to getting used to. "Your dress, (F/n). Let's get you some proper dresses now. I'll give you a few more of mine. Some long ones." (F/n) was wearing her long dark brown dress, but May knew that was the only one she had. "You haven't been wearing that one for too long of a time have you?"

A chuckle escaped (F/n), and she shook her head. "Only a couple days, not counting today." She moved closer to May. "I like the freedom of the short ones, but I didn't want to show anything while I trained," she whispered to her. Another chuckle left May, and one passed from (F/n) too. "I see. Very valid. But, we'll pick out some new dresses for you after we talk."

"I'd like that. Thank you so much, May."

May nodded back before she looked over to the two men. "Are you both okay with us going and talking?" There was no argument over the matter, and the four moved to the fireplace in the living room, bringing the two chairs from the forge with them. Once all four were seated, Keiran, Edwin and (F/n) began to explain exactly how Edwin came to be in the home and all that had transpired over the incident and while May had been gone.

Needless to say, May was surprised that he had managed to get past the illusion. She made it so that it would be very difficult. Making it impossible to get through would've been nice, but that was beyond her scope of magic. Maybe, another illusionist could if there was one, but the most she could do was make the object feel like what it's pretending to be and conceal what was inside the object, including any noises, smells or tastes. But once someone passed through the illusion's barrier, the game was over.

Granted passing through the barrier was more difficult depending on the object. A home had windows, doors and open spaces, so it was easier to walk right through or into. Whereas if an orange was pretending to be an apple, someone would have to break open the fruit. If the illusion was on a person, they'd have to damage the person in some way to lift the illusion. Knowing that Edwin went through it, though, let her know where the weaker points were. If possible, she'd need to block the stable somehow.

Other than him passing through her illusion, she thought that he really was lucky or blessed depending on how one wanted to look at it on how he escaped the Stowwen castle. Talk about right place at the right time. Not to mention that same phrase could be applied to how he got into their home. If she didn't see him before her, she would've thought that he made it all up due to how crazy it all sounded.

Given what she knew about how magic users were treated in the castle and what Edwin confirmed from personal experience, she found herself looking towards his right ear. "That cut, it's from the royal family, isn't it?" Her caramel optics locked with his bright blue ones. She noted that he leaned back a little. (F/n) and Keiran glanced over a little towards his ear as well.

"... Yes." He intertwined his fingers and glanced down at them. "They make a cut in every magic user's right ear. It's used to tag us, to mark that we're theirs." Even with him not looking her in the eyes, May noted that darker thoughts seemed to pass through him. That cut wasn't the worst of his physical treatment if her gut feeling was right, but she wouldn't press him for the information.

Gently, (F/n) rested a hand over his. Edwin gave her an appreciative smile before she pulled away and rested his hands unfolded on his lap. "Well, I'm glad that you got out," May mentioned, and he nodded in agreement. Deciding it was time to change topics, May adjusted herself on her seat to make herself more comfortable and stated, "Now that you've agreed to help us, the news I have will be of more use to us since we can move onto the next stage of our plans."

"Which we need to work out quite a bit," Keiran noted, crossing his arms. "Will this news lead us towards followers or taking the path of stealth? Even then, we haven't decided which is best yet."

"I know, but this might lead us towards gathering followers." (F/n) raised a curious brow, Edwin now focused on May and Keiran motioned for her to continue. "Discontent is growing in Stowwen. Once you escaped Edwin, there's been talk that the royal family has become weak since they couldn't keep all of their magic users in line. No one bothered the royal family before because of the threat of the magic users being sent on them, but they've lost one, and so people feel a bit more powerful now, especially since the royal family hasn't always been the best to them."

May shook her head. "Honestly, the royal family should've been expecting it at one point or another. Taxes are high, the city of Stowwen is filthy and riddled with crime and the rural areas rarely have a chance of upward mobility. Meanwhile, the castle glitters like the brightest diamond surrounded by tall walls."

"So, you're saying offer the people a new home?" (F/n) questioned, and May nodded. "But, surely, us taking a good portion of their people with us will cause a commotion. Plus, we'd probably have to teach a majority of them how to fight. And, would people want to leave their homeland?"

"We wouldn't have to take so many, assuming they would come with us. But, we will need quite a lot of people to start a war against Credel," May pointed out, which (F/n) didn't deny. "But yes, eventually, people will start to notice our movement. If we choose to build an army, we can't remain hidden until we decide to strike."

"Another option," Keiran started, "is we raise up the people against the royal family."

(F/n) sat up straighter. "Is that even possible? I'm not from here. I'm from Credel. I can hide my identity, but sooner or later, people will begin to wonder who I really am. Where I came from? Why they should follow me?"

"(F/n), they'll ask those questions regardless," Keiran remarked truthfully. "But, they'll need someone strong to lead them, to organize their front against the Stowwen family. Besides, you've told us that you want to help the two other magic users trapped in the castle, that you want to help free the magic users in Stowwen. This would accomplish that goal and would give you a whole kingdom to bring against Credel."

"But, would they want to follow a queen who's rumored to have murdered her parents. You all know the truth and believe, but not everyone will. If anything, someone might take the news back to Credel and try to capture me to bring me back there for a second go at my execution." She clenched her hands into fists at the thought.

"(F/n), should we choose this path, we'll encounter many enemies. It won't be easy, and we might fail. But, this does give you the best chance at building an army and equaling your odds when fighting Credel. Edwin and I can arm the fighters with the enchanted weapons so that they aren't facing off against what I made back in Credel," Keiran pointed out, leaning towards her and resting a hand over her right one, which she appreciated.

"Yes, I know." She sighed roughly. "There are the kingdoms of Aercen and Solin. We could seek help from them. But, I know that they would want a piece of Credel or something from Credel in return. I don't know what cost they would want if they even accept the offer." Leaning back on the chair, she crossed her arms after Keiran drew his hand back. "And, that could weaken the kingdom further, which wouldn't be good if we wanted to free the magic users in Stowwen. Two wars back to back wouldn't go over well with the people."

A frown touched her lips, and she looked over to Edwin. "Unfortunately, the residents of Credel don't know the extent of the suffering of magic users here. The treaties in place between Credel and Stowwen keep them from wanting to fight against them. There is peace and comfortability. Even if I were to tell them all that magic users endured here, they might not want to throw that away. The royal court might advise against it, not to mention morale of the army might be low." She pushed back a strand of (h/c) hair. "That would almost guarantee us losing the battle if I started a war regardless."

"Then, this plan of changing Stowwen first might be the key," Edwin responded. "But, you'll run into a second war again to battle Credel next."

"Not necessarily," May interjected. All three looked over to her. "If we take Credel, yes for certain, you'll have to fight Stowwen to change things here due to the royal family's pride and stubbornness. But if we take Stowwen, that display of leadership and power might sway Credel against a war. If you managed to garner strangers under your banner and make them believe that you didn't murder your parents, the royal court in Credel might begin to question the story they have. The people of Credel might too."

"Yes, that would cause confusion and distrust in Kendra and Felin." Keiran smirked a little. "We might not have to fight. Rather, Credel might remove their rulers for us and want you back, (F/n)."

"But, would those of Stowwen want a joined kingdom?" (F/n) looked over to Edwin. "Our two kingdoms would be a new kingdom. Plus, that would heavily shift power on Anigour. Aercen and Solin might feel threatened and form an alliance against us in fear of their land being taken."

"What if," May started, "we don't have (F/n) leading the charge against Stowwen? What if we give them someone else for this battle." She looked over to Edwin, who tensed a little, understanding her suggestion. "Edwin, you're the start of this. And if you were to take over the kingdom, we wouldn't have the issue of a combined kingdom."

"But ..." Edwin wrapped his mind around the idea, never even thinking of such a thing. "Some people might not want me in power. They might see a magic user as king too powerful. And, none of the other kingdoms have one ruling."

"But, it's happened before," (F/n) pointed out. "Magic users have ruled in the past. If anything, it does put the kingdom more at risk because that ruler attends the political meetings between the kingdoms even if it's not made public."

"Then, how did anyone know they were a magic user?" Edwin asked, raising a brow of confusion.

"History books. At least in Credel. One of my ancestors two hundred years ago controlled light magic. He simply needed to raise his hand, and he could illuminate a whole room." She gave him a reassuring smile. "Yes in this case, people would know. Or, you pretend to just be another angered citizen of the kingdom and hide your magic. But if anyone finds out, then, you've started your rule on a lie. There are pros and cons, but you do carry more weight than me in leading the people here. On the note of lying, though, if you are to help me after you come to power, it's best that people know why you're aiding me. My identity will have to be made known."

She'd like to hide it, but it would make people doubt Edwin as a ruler if he hid such a detail from them all along. Eventually, the island would know that she was alive unless the four of them worked up a plan to enter the Credel castle, but even then, people would learn the truth at one point or another. There was no hiding it forever. But with this way, she had a whole kingdom behind her.

Slumping a bit on his chair, Edwin leaned his head back. "I ... I don't even know how to rule." He leaned his head forward. "And, it creates the same issue. How do I convince people who just fought to fight another battle? They'll see me as a puppet of yours potentially."

"I can teach you what I learned. But, books don't know everything. You have to have confidence and rely on your advisors as well to make informed decisions," (F/n) admitted, but she noted that his gaze was no more hopeful. "And, I ..." (F/n) looked over to May and Keiran. "Any thoughts?"

"Some people may want you back in power in Credel," May mentioned, humming in thought. "If they know the truth, they may not want to be allies with such power-driven individuals. They might think Kendra and Felin will try and overtake them at one point or another. Not to mention that if you're friends with their ruler, you'll be more favorable to their needs as an ally kingdom. You may give Stowwen more favorable import and export deals than your sister otherwise would."

"Is this also what you garnered from what you overheard, May?" Keiran questioned, meeting her gaze. "You sound confident that they'll support (F/n) and placing her back in power in Credel."

"Yes. People are getting tired of the current family. And, word has spread of Edwin's escape. They know that other kingdoms are just waiting to make a move to gain power over Stowwen. They feel threatened and frustrated with their current rulers. They want change, and why not extend that change to another kingdom that'll benefit them?"

"Wait, wait," Edwin spoke out quickly. "Are all three of you actually wanting to move forward with this? I have no claim to the throne. People are judging me based off of an escape attempt that we all know was extremely fortunate. They think that I had some grand master plan when I didn't."

"Why is that bad?" (F/n) asked, resting her hands on her knees. "If they know that you didn't, they'll think you lucky or blessed. Both only boost your image as either trait is incredibly fortunate to have."

"What if it runs out? What if I make mistakes?"

"Now, you're getting stuck in your head like I do." (F/n) glanced to May and Keiran. "This might be our best shot at taking back Credel and freeing magic users, and it doesn't shift power too much across the island. No kingdom will gain new land or a magic user, and neither May nor you will have to leave your homeland." She released a sigh. "Yes, there will always be consequences, and things may not work out so smoothly, but this gives us a good shot."

"I ..." Edwin looked to all three of them, still not believing his ears even if this did all make sense. "And if they don't support it, what then?"

"We move onto the next plan and act accordingly," (F/n) answered, getting a firm nod from May and Keiran.

"I ..." Edwin groaned and rested his head in his hands. "Ugh, I guess that this could work as insane as it sounds." He looked over to May. "Where do we start?"

May shifted her eyes over to (F/n). "Then, is this the path you choose, (F/n)?" (F/n) nodded to her, and she looked back to Edwin. "We start with the seaside village of Thorn. Most there seem to have a strong distaste for the current royals, and it's close to us. But, we need a map as well." Standing up, May disappeared from the room for a moment before she returned with a roll of parchment. She knelt on the ground and spread out the parchment, revealing a map of Stowwen on the inside. Pointing to a spot close by and on the northern coast, she stated, "This is Thorn. However once we move there, we abandon this place, and it's still active out there with the search for Edwin."

"What do you suggest?" (F/n) asked, seating herself on the floor to get a better view.

"We can wait a month. Use the time to study up on fighting, stealth and governing. We could even wait longer. I don't think people will lose their flame for change so quickly." May glanced at all of them. "People are finally wanting it, and with how much time is bubbled up against it, it won't die down so easily."

"Keiran and Edwin, do you agree?" (F/n) asked, trusting May but also wanting to hear from everyone.

"We do have a mostly safe spot right now." Keiran didn't want her to leave it and potentially be killed, but it was inevitable, so he wanted her to be more prepared for what was to come. "I think giving some time for us here will be beneficial."

"Yes, it'll also give me time to accept this more," Edwin muttered out.

"Very well. If we're staying, I also want to show you all the basics of healing. In case we ever get separated, all of you will know what to look for to treat yourselves." No one had an objection to that. "May, how long do you suggest?"

"Technically, we'd all need years to catch up to everyone else here. That's unreasonable. Someone else might rise up to lead a revolt against the current royal family." She hummed in thought. "I say two months will give us the opportunity for the basics. We won't be masters, but we won't be useless, especially as we gather followers. It'll also reduce the risk of someone else leading the revolt. Let the flame grow a bit more. Or once the search for Edwin begins to die down, that is another good time. He can come out of the shadows and strengthen that flame."

"Very well. We'll leave in two months or sooner if the royal family decreases its efforts for Edwin," (F/n) spoke, no doubt in her voice. Was she nervous, though? Yes. But, she refused to hide forever. No longer did she wish to die and let things be. Keiran had helped her to heal past that. Yes, she missed her parents dearly and looked forward to seeing them once it was her time, but for now, she wouldn't waste her friends' efforts for her. She wouldn't lose her grief, though. Rather, she'd keep it and let it fuel her ahead so that her kingdom wouldn't be left in the hands of those who dealt it to her. If her own sister and mentor could do such a horrid thing to her, someone supposedly they cared about, what did that mean for those they weren't close to? "Are we agreed?"

Edwin nodded slowly, May gave a smile to her queen, who she also considered a friend, and Keiran stood up from his chair. He knelt on the floor before her and dipped his head. "Of course, my queen." When his caramel optics met her (e/c) ones, he gave her a reassuring smile, and she smiled back.

"Then, we'll continue on training for all of us." She looked over to May as Keiran seated himself beside her. Edwin remained seated on his chair, still processing everything and what he just agreed to. "May, I hate to ask this, but can you go out again every now and then to gain information on the situation out there?"

"Of course. I'll be cautious as always."

"Thank you, but make sure to come back after four days. That's the maximum I want you out there at a time." A little bit of surprise crossed her caramel eyes. "I don't doubt your skills, but I get worried for you. Anything can happen out there, and I need to know when you're alright or there's an issue. If you're not back in four days, I'll know something is wrong rather than just wondering if something is."

Her surprise turned into appreciation. (F/n) truly was a kind soul. And, her care inspired her to do well for her queen. "Then, I will. You have much to focus on, and I don't want you worrying needlessly."

"Thank you." (F/n) stood to her feet as did May and Keiran. "For now, I think that we should eat and get rest." She gave a small questioning look to May. "Unless, you'd still like to look at some dresses." It seemed silly to make such a request after the conversation that just transpired, but it might be fun for them to have a light conversation before bed and do something with just the two of them.

Cracking a smile, May chuckled and nodded. "I'd like that." She looked over to Keiran. "Would you be alright preparing dinner for us? Edwin can help."

Edwin broke out of his thoughts and honestly wouldn't mind the distraction. During his escape, he did have to learn how to cook. It wasn't the best, but it was food. So if he was just helping with preparation work, that'd be easy.

Keiran nodded to the suggestion, thinking that the break would be good for (F/n). Perhaps, he could take a break with her as well soon. Just do something relaxing together that didn't involve prepping for what was to come. He didn't know what that would be, but Finn did always need brushing and feeding. That could be a good break for them, and (F/n) did love caring for Finn. "We'll call you both down, then, when the food's ready." Both women nodded their thanks before they ascended the stairs to May's room while the two men went to work on dinner for the group.