Snow, David and Regina

"So," Regina asked, as the dishes were taken away. "Do you have a plan to kill George?" She asked in her usual cool tone.

"Our men are working on finding the castle's weak spot." David explained. "When they do, we attack." Regina just laughed. "Not approve of our plan?" David grunted.

"No, I do not." Regina replied. "If you wish to kill George, you can't do it on his own turf. You have to smoke him out. Get him alone."

"And then, what do suggest?" Snow asked. "George is a dirty fighter. It'll be hard to lure him out with a whole army waiting for him." She pointed out.

"If you know his tactics, use them against him. He doesn't know you're working with me. Lure him out under the pretence of a one on one battle with your husband. I'm sure he'll have back up for foul play, but he won't know I'm there. I will finish him with my magic if needed. If not, Charming, you are free to kill him yourself." Regina suggested. Snow and David had one of their eye conversations before Snow nodded to Regina.

"That sounds like a good plan. When do you suggest we carry it out?"

"In a week's time. Start planting seeds now. Have word of rumours reach George by tomorrow. Make him think David is injured and it will be an easy fight if he knows the injury." She caught the look of surprise on their faces. "This is not my first time planning an attack." She grumbled.

"No, of course not. We will go speak with our men, thank you, Regina. For everything." Snow said, getting up with her husband. Regina nodded, getting up herself.

"I will be outside warming up if you need me. It's been a while since I performed any dark magic. I'll need some practise." She told them, exiting the castle.

Emma

Emma found herself watching some new guards training. They'd arranged before leaving to have some new men sign up from the surrounding area for the battle ahead.

"Boo." A voice whispered in her ear. Emma nearly jumped four feet in the air. She span round, hearing a mischievous laugh.

"That's not funny!" She shouted, going bright red. The young man looked at her, trying to hold in his laughter.

"Isn't it? That's what you get for being on the queen's land watching the knights!" Emma raised an eyebrow, this guy obviously didn't know who she was.

"Why shouldn't I be here?" She asked, claiming ignorance.

"Well duh, peasants aren't allowed on her ground!" He replied.

"Well I should be ok then. Being Princess Emma of the Enchanted Forest, shouldn't I?" The colour drained from his face. Emma allowed herself a smug smile. "Scaring me so funny now that you know who my parents are?" She asked. He shook his head.

"I'm so sorry your highness, I had no idea! I'm Marcus, I'm one of the newest knights. I just turned sixteen, so I signed up today. Please, don't tell your parents…" He begged. Emma let out a laugh herself.

"Relax, I'm not ratting you out. So, want to be a knight, huh?" Emma asked him. Marcus grinned sheepishly.

"Yeah, my dad died as a knight when I was pretty young. I always knew it would be the honourable thing to pick up where he left off." Marcus explained. "My mom wasn't too happy with it though."

"No, I bet she wasn't." Emma grimaced. "I'm so sorry about your dad." Emma said sincerely. Marcus shrugged.

"It was a long time ago. He died doing what he loved, defending the kingdom." Emma nodded in understanding. It could easily have been her dad they were talking about. "So listen…" Marcus said shyly. "Not that deep talks aren't great for a first meet, but do you fancy meeting up later tonight when I'm finished training? Maybe a lighter conversation?" He joked. Emma nodded enthusiastically.

"Yeah, I'd like that… can it be quite a bit later though? My parents are pretty stressed at it is…"

"I understand." Marcus told her. "Say, half eleven, right here?" Emma grinned.

"Sounds great." She told him. Marcus grinned back.

"Well, I'll see you then princess. I have to go do some sword practise."

"Bye." Emma said, watching him leave. As soon as he was out of sight, she twirled around, clapping her hands.

Marali

Marali rolled her eyes watching her sister.

"Pathetic." She thought as she saw her sister go all googly eyes. She kept on walking once the knight walked away and there was nothing interesting to spy on with her. She saw a sudden flash of light. Instinct made her dart behind a cart. When she felt safe, she peaked her head out. What she saw made her have to hide a gasp. It was Regina, practising magic she'd never been allowed to see. She was throwing balls of fire into the air. She'd never been allowed to do anything like that. Blue had both her and Emma doing all light magic. True, Marali's was stronger and she was allowed to do more advanced spells, but nothing like this. She watched Regina closely.

"I could do that." She mumbled to herself. She wanted to learn it. To protect herself. George's blasted army would not hurt her again. There was no way her parents would allow her to learn it. They'd deem it "too dark" or "too dangerous". No, she'd have to learn this by herself. She held out her hand and concentrated. She let out a small gasp when a little flame did appear. But it quickly went out with her being so startled. She looked back to where Regina was to see if she had noticed, but thankfully she hadn't. Obviously, she couldn't keep practising this now. Regina would notice her eventually. And she wouldn't be able to stay outside for long anyway, her parents would get worried. No, she had to have a time where nobody would be looking for her. Then, it came to her. She knew Emma would be sneaking off at night now. If she pretended to sleep until Emma left, she could sneak off after her. She'd just need to make sure she was either back before her, or after she was asleep. But she had her plan now. And she knew she could do it. She would be safe from George's men.

Later that night, Marali listened carefully until she heard the gentle click as Emma's door shut behind her, followed by Emma's shuffling footsteps as she made her way downstairs. Marali smiled as she pulled back the covers, still dressed in her day clothes. She too crept out of the room and went out into the night. Marali had mastered an invisibility spell, allowing her to slip past the guards. Emma had gained her stealthy genes from her mom. Marali made sure she knew where Emma and the knight were so she was far enough away that they couldn't see her fire balls, but close enough that she could keep an eye on Emma, so she knew when she was heading back upstairs.

By the end of the first night Marali had nearly managed to create a small fire ball in her hand and hold it for a few seconds. It would take practise to keep it going longer, and then be able to throw it. Once Emma had been gone a few minutes, Marali made her way back up to bed too. She was sure her invisibility spell flickered a few times, she was that exhausted from the fire spells. She settled herself down for the night, already eager to practise the next night.