Ooooo I really like both of those actually cx 

I think the timing will work out pretty well too! That'll give a small peaceful(ish cx) time before shit really hits the fan lol Plus we can use that to focus a little more on side characters and small stuff before it gets crazy again with Eyaris striking and them having to go steal the staff. 

Also, since another war would be starting up, I'm thinking Penelope would probably leave to join Mia at this new battlefront since, even though marrying the viceroy would technically boost her status, she'd have her title as lieutenant. I'm not sure how far into the new war you're thinking that they reveal they have the staff, but if it's not right at the beginning and Crow and Penelope are separated, it could be interesting to sorta write it out with letters to each other. cx 

Though if you had other plans, maybe something can prevent Penelope from returning or things just happen so quick that she doesn't even get the chance to before they have to leave on the new mission