After her conversation with Edwin, the day transpired rather normally. They ate breakfast and began training. (F/n) ended up being a little bit amused when she noted that Keiran seemed annoyed that they had started without him. But, he didn't say anything on the matter, just joined in after he ate something. Keiran was annoyed for a different reason. Yes, he knew that Edwin and (F/n) weren't romantically involved, but he would've liked to join in on their training well before he did. That way, they hadn't spent so much time alone. He trusted (F/n), but his jealousy made him worry nonetheless at times. Once she gave him a good morning kiss, though, and informed him that she had wanted him to get a better sleep than her, he relaxed and let it go. Her thoughtfulness warmed his heart too much.
May still wasn't home, however. So, she would be home tomorrow, or her absence would signal trouble. But, she did often take the full time limit she was given so that she could gather as much information as possible, which did ease everyone's minds. Thus, the three went to their rooms after dinner as usual.
Since (F/n) had awoken early that day, she could feel readily that her body wanted sleep. The bed felt amazing, and she almost instantly curled up on it as she got comfortable. Keiran got into the bed soon after and wrapped an arm around her to hold her close, and she instinctively cuddled into him, such an action becoming a habit of hers when they were alone after he began courting her.
Unfortunately for Keiran, what he thought he had let go earlier in the day came back, and he couldn't help but ask, "What happened before I woke up? Anything besides breakfast and training?" He sighed. "Sorry, that sounded accusatory. I'm only curious." Not entirely true, but she didn't need to know that. Some secrets he would keep from her if he could help it.
(F/n) had been about to close her eyes, but a light chuckle parted from her. "It's alright, Keiran. I know that you didn't mean anything ill by it." She rested a hand on his chest. "I know that you worry at times. We all do." He loved how kind she was to him; she truly had such a beautiful soul. "But before breakfast, we talked." A smile touched her lips. "It was a good conversation."
He hummed in acknowledgement but also hoped for her to continue. At his silence, she figured that he wished for more information, which she didn't mind. "We talked about his time at the castle some. He was able to get a weight off of his chest." The frown on her lips indicated to him that it must've been something unpleasant. "And, we talked about how he was able to cope with his time there. He made me realize what gave me hope to keep moving forward."
"And, what would that be?" He began to comb his fingers through her (h/c) locks gently, being mindful of any knots. Keiran began to relax once he found out the topics of their conversation.
"Well, my belief in there being a higher power ruling over the afterlife. Knowing that I'll see my parents again. It keeps my fear of death at bay and lets me focus on what I need to do while I live rather than on what will happen to me after death. Plus, I know that my parents are with me; they watch over me." A small laugh parted from her. "Maybe, it sounds silly, but it gives me comfort."
"To me, it doesn't. It gives me comfort that I'll get to be with you again after death." He knew that they both would die eventually, but he'd see her again. Death wouldn't part them. He'd do whatever he could in his power to make sure of it.
A smile remained on her lips. "Yes, that is reassuring. And, you're also what gives me hope. You gave me my will to live back." Her (e/c) optics met his caramel ones. "You've also given me a love that I didn't think possible after I was imprisoned. Even before that, I didn't know if I'd find such wonderful love in a courtship."
His heart skipped happily at such words, and he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "And, I'll never stop loving you, (F/n)." He leaned down, and she met his lips in a gentle kiss before they both pulled away. Mind reassured and heart pleased, he said softly, "You should go to sleep now. I'm sorry that I kept you up longer."
She shook her head. "No, it's alright." Another smile touched her lips. "I can stay up for you, Keiran. But," she chuckled out, "if you're ready for sleep, so am I." A light laugh parted from him before he nodded. (F/n) closed her eyes as a result and settled against him, and Keiran noted that she fell asleep. Keiran joined her soon after.
~~~~~~~~~
When morning came, there was a gentle knock on Keiran and (F/n)'s bedroom door. (F/n) remained asleep, but Keiran awoke. Carefully, he sat up as he heard the door open. May peeked her head in. A small smirk on her lips. "Sorry to wake you both but also not sorry." A chuckle left her. "You two are so cute."
"Glad you're back," he said in a somewhat quiet, monotone voice, a little annoyed at her teasing. (F/n) moved a bit next to him and nestled her head into the bed as if to block her ears from the noise.
"Anyway, I wanted to let you know I'm back. I'm going to wake Edwin too." Her smile turned into a frown. "I have some troubling news that everyone will want to hear."
Now, a frown formed on Keiran's lips, and he nodded. "We'll be out soon."
May gave a quick nod in response before she left and closed the door behind her. It didn't take long before everyone was down in the living room. No one was yawning. Rather, they were all attentive. Simply knowing that May couldn't wait to disclose what she had to learn and that it was worrisome was enough to wake everyone fully.
Everyone was seated, the two chairs from the forge having remained in the living room, since the forge was more used for training now than blacksmithing."Hopefully, you're alright with me telling you all the news before we eat anything for breakfast." There was no argument to May's words.
"Right, well, I'll start with that I have an update on Credel." (F/n) sat up a little straighter on her seat. May met (F/n)'s gaze as her hands folded on her lap. Her caramel gaze held anger and worry. How would (F/n) take such news? They had all been expecting the new rulers of Credel to do something horrid eventually, but that didn't mean that such news wouldn't hurt any less. "I've heard that the Kingdom of Credel has now passed policies restricting the freedom of magic users."
Edwin paled, and (F/n) clenched her fists. Keiran crossed his arms. "It's because of me running away, isn't it? Felin and Kendra used that to their advantage, didn't they?" Perhaps, he was wrong, but his gut feeling said otherwise. Why else would the royal court agree to such a thing? It practically shouted at magic users to evacuate the kingdom if any lived there besides him, but that meant that the court was fearful enough of what his leave meant.
"Well, they didn't outwardly say that. They still claim to have you in the castle, working under them, since they wouldn't give away that you're gone, but I'm sure that there are suspicions."
"Well, those in Credel know that you're gone," (F/n) pointed out. "Surely, that rumor has spread."
"Yes, but they're denying it. They're stating that Keiran returned before the rules went into effect, and they're holding him in the castle now." May shook her head. "That hasn't stopped the rumors, but Stowwen has relaxed a little on that border."
"That could work in our favor. Stowwen and Credel might start their own war, and we take both kingdoms while they're weakened by fighting each other," Keiran mentioned in thought.
"I doubt it. Stowwen isn't moving to fight to Credel. They're too worried about their own citizens right now. It's nearly impossible to get into the Stowwen castle right now. They're even taking their imports outside of the castle gates and bringing them inside through heavily monitored guards."
"What restrictions have they put in place?" Edwin asked, eyes staring down at the floor. He was glad that Keiran wasn't back there. But, he feared for the magic users still living in Credel. Perhaps, there were none, and they'd now stay away, but since he couldn't prove, he worried. Noting Edwin's demeanor, (F/n) rested hand over his hand and gave it a soft squeeze. He squeezed her hand back in return. Keiran glanced over but told himself that it was merely a gesture of support, nothing more, which was why he hadn't said anything on such actions before between the two of them.
"Magic users are no longer allowed to leave Credel as they please. They are to remain in the castle under watch. The court has claimed them too powerful to be on their own. With the murder of their past rulers, they want to be extra cautious and not risk anything."
"And, no one's asked to see Keiran? Have they publicly blamed Keiran now for my parents' deaths as well?" (F/n) questioned and didn't say anything as Edwin continued to hold her hand for support.
"The court has stated that they have their suspicions, given the time when he left. It was too convenient they say. So until proven innocent, they're keeping him locked away."
"Why would I return if I had killed them or helped in killing them? Do people really believe that I'd be so foolish?" Keiran was skeptical. Then again, no one had supported (F/n) in her trial. Yes, her trial had been tampered with and false evidence planted against her, but so many had known her for so long. Perhaps, the people of Credel were really that easily convinced. If so, it'd make taking the kingdom back easier since they could more simply persuade them of the truth, but it'd need to be a trait that they'd need to change so that such events couldn't be replicated.
"Not everyone. But, no one has any proof right now since you're supposedly under lock and key. Some believe it since they're saying you're too confident in yourself to begin with if you worked (F/n). They say you deserve it for thinking yourself so above them and for killing their king and queen even though there is no proof yet. Clearly, not everyone is thinking this through entirely, and Felin and Kendra are playing into that." May sighed deeply and rubbed the bridge of her nose. "It's annoying. But, some people are suspicious at least."
"Are they at least upset by these changes?" Edwin asked, drawing his hand now as he used to brush back his hair. His other hand clenched around his pant leg a little. (F/n) wished to know that as well. If her people weren't, she seriously misunderstood her own people and their willingness for fairness.
"Some are, and others aren't it sounds like. But, it sounds like it has created some division." May released another sigh. "But, fear is definitely controlling the situation. No doubt, Felin and Kendra have whispered in the court's ears that Keiran betrayed them, and they're scared of another magic user taking the kingdom into their own hands."
"Well, at least some are against this," (F/n) answered and frowned heavily. She didn't mind that some of her people were beginning to turn against Felin and Kendra. It worked in her favor, but she hated that such policies were getting passed. And, she was disappointed in her court. They were supposed to be more reasonable than this. The death of her parents no doubt shocked everyone deeply, but she didn't expect it to change the court like this. If anything, she expected Kendra and Felin just to pass it on their own, maybe even disbanding the court, but this was obviously the smarter tactic as more of the citizens would be in favor if the court supported the decision. Plus, it helped hide her sister and ex-mentor's lust for power since now the court bore part of the blame for this too. It made the decision more likely seem to be one out of caution rather than power. "And, the people will eventually get suspicious if Keiran never comes into the light."
"Yes, I'm surprised that they went public with such information, but I suppose that they're showing that they're not keeping secrets from their people even though they actually are." Keiran glanced over to (F/n). "Some of the people also might just accept that I'm locked away somewhere forever; they might be happy about it. It sure sounds like some are already. And with these restrictions in place, not many will see the royal magic users anymore. As for showing their strength to other kingdoms and that they're not lying about my location, they'll no doubt use the enchanted weapons I left behind for the army of Credel. The other kingdoms don't know that once imbued with my magic that it lasts forever in the metal until that metal is melted or shattered."
"All things considered, and even if the execution of the plan wasn't the best, it is in some regards a smart play," May admitted, frowning still. "They took control of the situation before anyone questioned where you had gone and spread the rumor that you were still missing. Eventually, someone would let slip that you have magic as they were searching for you." A sigh parted from her. "It's honestly amazing how rumors haven't spread about all of the kingdoms' magic users' abilities."
"Well, people don't want to seem weak to other kingdoms and risk invasion," (F/n) pointed out. "And, most of the people outside of the castle don't know the exact ability of the magic user or don't know it at all. So if such information does escape into the open, it can be narrowed down to one of the castle's staff. Still, a lot of people, but they will be questioned. And if someone is missing or resists, it looks bad for them."
It was similar to her case, but she didn't resist and she didn't lie. However if someone planted false evidence and framed someone ... They really needed a better trial system, or someone else could wind up in her shoes unjustly. "... It has its flaws, and I'll work to fix them. Or at least, make it harder to frame someone."
Keiran rested a comforting hand on (F/n)'s shoulder before he looked over to May. "I'm sure the other kingdoms have protocols to keep the information hidden. Stowwen certainly has stricter ones." Edwin nodded to that statement. "And, it looks like Credel is now heading that way too. But, not everyone agrees with this change so that's something."
"Yes, that is something," May agreed before she looked at (F/n). "And, we'll change that policy once we get you back in power, (F/n)."
"Yes, we will." She gave all of them a firm nod of confirmation. "I won't let my kingdom become like Stowwen. And, we'll change Stowwen too." No one said otherwise, all wanting the same thing. Keeping her attention on May, (F/n) proceeded to mention, "You had other news too."
"Yes." May felt the information just as important if not more so because it affected them more readily. Edwin was happy to change topics before he focused on what would happen to his fellow magic users in Credel if they were any and they were found. Keiran remained quiet and waited for the next piece of information. "It's about Stowwen. I mentioned already that the royals are getting worried about their citizens and are increasing security. People believe that Edwin is gone from the kingdom, and the royal family is moving resources away from looking for Edwin. They're giving up on Edwin and focusing on the growing angered population under their rule."
"Well, that's good for us, though, right?" Edwin asked, relieved that the search for him had died down.
"Yes, it is, but it also means that we should head out sooner than expected," (F/n) noted, earning a nod from May. "It's good but also troubling in a sense because time is lost." She rested her hands on her knees. "But, this was agreed upon, and I still stand by the decision. We wait much longer, and we might lose our opportunity to bring you in as the head of this rebellion to replace the Stowwen family with."
Edwin noticeably tensed. He instantly questioned if he was ready and let out a nervous laugh. No, he wasn't, but he didn't know if another month would change that feeling. He'd certainly have more training under his belt, but he'd still need years to get where Keiran, May or (F/n) were in their crafts, and they didn't have that time under any circumstance if they wanted to follow their plan. "I ... Right," he couldn't manage out more words as his mind processed the update.
"Edwin, this makes me nervous too, but we might not get another chance for this plan." Slowly, he nodded. He didn't disagree with (F/n)'s words, but he still felt a little sick to his stomach. "Just remember that we're all here together. Even if we're not masters in all the fields we've been training in, we're each masters of our own craft, and we can rely on each other for strength in the fields we're weaker in."
"Exactly," May stated, focusing on Edwin. "And, we'll be building forces. We'll have more people than just us. As a leader, you need to lean on others to get everything accomplished. This isn't something you can do by yourself even if you were to master every field."
"I know." Edwin glanced down at the floor. "I know that I signed up for this. I just need to let myself process that we'll be leaving so soon." He met May's gaze. "Tomorrow?" He hoped not. Maybe, just one more day before they started this crazy mission of theirs.
May didn't say. Rather, she looked over to (F/n) as did Edwin now. "No. We need to pack and make sure we have enough supplies with us. We'll work on this tomorrow and take another day if need be but no more than that," (F/n) answered as she readied herself for the time change in plans too. "May, we're still heading to Thorn?"
"Yes, I think that it's still the best place to start for us. It's close, and people want change there. No leader has been rumored to exist yet for those wanting a rebellion. So, we won't have to worry about a challenger for Edwin's position."
"I just hope that they accept me." Edwin released a sigh and chuckled nervously. "I guess that I should be a bit more confident, right?"
"Yes, or they won't follow you," (F/n) answered truthfully. She wanted to be more sympathetic, but he needed to inspire people to follow him. If he seemed weak, they probably wouldn't support him unless they wanted to put him in as a puppet ruler, which wouldn't benefit any of them.
"Right." Edwin ran his hand through his orange locks and sighed. "I might take today just to practice introducing myself, then. I'll need to take the lead when we go into Thorn." He really didn't feel ready, but he'd have to be. At least, he did have some training with (F/n) on leadership. He'd take those lessons into mind as he had done over the last month and use them for the very near future. "May, is there anything I need to know about Thorn?"
"It's a fishing village. They also export spikeplant. And as (F/n)'s indicated to us in our training, it grows along coasts and works well for burns, inflamed wounds and itching. We probably should harvest some while we're there. Perhaps on the farther reaches so that no one accuses us of stealing."
"Well if Edwin gets accepted as the rebellion leader and we do formally start one, everyone might work together to divide up resources," Keiran mentioned, but he did seem doubtful of his own words. "That is being optimistic, but it will change how the village operates."
"It's hard to say what exactly will happen, but in the worst case scenario, we'll eventually have to retrieve our own food and water once we run out of money." She patted her side, and a slight jingle was heard beneath her grey cloak she still had on. "I have silver, but it won't last forever."
"The people of Thorn, May, what are they like?" Edwin asked, preparing himself for what he might face in the village.
"They're kind mostly. Some are a little rough around the edges, but as you're not trying to rip them off and respect them, they're decent folk." A small smirk touched her lips. "The royal family has done neither, so they're not very fond of them at all. But," she gave Edwin a reassuring smile, "they won't rip into you if that's what you're worried about. They'll know me also since I've done business with them before for their wares so that will help you."
He nodded slowly and tried to let that news relax him as (F/n) asked, "May, can we trust them with telling them Edwin's identity right away? Or, should we wait? Or, is there someone there that you know that won't betray us and try to turn Edwin in?" She frowned a little. "I know that they want rebellion, but some might want quick coin instead if presented with the opportunity."
"Yes, I know a family that I often speak with when I'm there. I plan to take us to them first." May glanced at all of them. "I've already let them know that I'll be paying them a visit with friends soon. We can trust them." She now focused on (F/n). "I'm sorry if that was above my authority, (F/n), but after everything I heard, I figured that you'd want to move soon. And, I don't want to catch them off guard and lose their trust."
"No, it's fine. You're my advisor. I trust your feelings on this." (F/n) kept her gaze on May. "We have a plan set, then, for when we arrive. May, you'll take us to this family, and we'll talk to them. Do they hold authority in the village?"
"Yes, they run the alehouse of Thorn. They know the rest of the villagers well, and they'll be able to tell whether we'll be successful in our plan." May looked a little unsure now. "I haven't told them more than I'm bringing friends with me. I wanted to let Edwin be the one to tell them the plan. I want them to see him as our leader for Stowwen. Perhaps, it would've been better to give them some details before we leave here."
"No, I agree that it needs to come from Edwin." May relaxed, glad that her queen approved of her judgement, and (F/n) switched her gaze to Edwin. "You'll need to be the one making the decisions once we reach Thorn. Use what I've taught you, and I can still advise you. But, I want you to use May more than me. She knows Stowwen better, and with you helping me take back Credel, you don't want your people to think that you're agreeing with everything I say. It'll make it seem as though I'm wanting you in power so that you're a puppet ruler under my thumb."
"I ... Yeah, no, that makes sense." He nodded firmly and gave a nervous smile to May. "I guess that you'll be both of our advisors now."
"Yes, that does work best." May, though, hesitated for a moment before she asked, "But, should I stay in Stowwen, then? Won't it be the same issue if I move to Credel and stay as your advisor?"
"Yes, it will, but you won't be ruling Credel, so it'll seem less suspicious. But if you remain his advisor for the whole rebellion, it probably will be better for you to remain in Stowwen." (F/n) didn't like the idea. Keiran and May were like siblings, and she didn't wish to separate them. "So, we keep an eye out for someone else we can trust. Perhaps, one of the family members in the alehouse, and, Edwin, you make them an advisor of yours as well, maybe even replacing May down the road." (F/n) looked unsure now herself. "Only if you want to come and live in Credel. I won't force you if you wish to stay in Stowwen. Things will change for magic users here if our plan works."
"If I can move to Credel, I would like that, but we'll keep our options open. I don't want to place more restrictions on us than we already have with how we'll need to coordinate this."
"Very well. Then in that case, is everyone comfortable with this? Shall we get some food and begin preparations?" Everyone nodded to (F/n)'s questions, and she stood up soon after. "Then, let's get ready."