Eastern Torrs Governor's Mansion, Night.

After the covenant was made, Huo Lan had sent for his disciples and followers to to join him in the Governor's mansion. He knew that to make it more symbolic, his own people are needed to turn the tide of public opinion to win their hearts. Dino Corrvin and Governor Don Patricius on the other hand wanted to supplement Huo Lan's numbers by bringing in more troops from Corrvin-Torrs. Huo Lan wishes to already barge in, playing the tradition card in order to claim both the Chief Priest position and Star Fierrio as his bride. The governor however, by orders of Dino Corrvin is against it until the troops requested make the trip from Torrs Castle to the Eastern Governor's Mansion.

Star's Chamber, Tamaran High Temple Residential Corridors, Tamaran High Temple.

Pattou was resting as Star again laid her hands on him to heal the Blade Empire Leader. Star was once again worrying over her powers as she had already healed Pattou earlier. This time, she had healed him enough to lessen the damage from the fireball laden punch earlier by her so-called fiancee, Huo Lan. Star's energy was running out so she stopped healing Pattou for the meantime. Until she saw that Solaris was behind her, hearing her weeping and sobbing. Solaris while healing Pattou asked his daughter, 

Solaris: So is there anything you are not telling me about him? 

Star: *weeping* Father, I found him lying down after taking significant damage from an ogre-like opponent. So I asked his allies, the same one from the temple earlier, to take him to Ceres Inn for me to heal him. He healed but... but I thought he had healed just enough that he could no longer feel pain. I tried Father! 

Solaris knew that his healing magic was already more than enough for Pattou to recover in his own capacity to let bed rest do its job.

Solaris then comforted his daughter, 

Solaris: Star. It is alright. You did what you can to at least help him recover. But for you to react like this over someone who protected you from the unclean words of that infidel Huo Lan, if only our traditions were not so cruel and close minded about outsiders like Patriarch. Maybe, just maybe he would be the perfect companion for you. 

Star blushed and then recalled how hours ago, after he recovered from the onslaught of Tierria, he would come to her defense despite being slightly wounded. 

Star: (mind) Someone like that may be a rare find. But it is quite early if I wish to be wed to him immediately, sadly per our custom. 

Solaris: - sees his daughter blush- You love him, don't you?

Star: - taken aback - Father.... he only came to my defense after I healed him. 

Solaris: - gently laughed - I only jest. But if you have feelings for him, let it out now. I recall how you had droves of suitors, only for that infidel to snuff them out and intimidate them. Claiming you as his even if you have denounced his claim multiple times. 

Solaris then looks upon Pattou's body, armor once again removed but still had the shirt on and trousers. 

Solaris: At the very least he stood up for your innocence. But if he does have feelings for you, let him express it. And so shall you. 

Star nodded in agreement but felt sleepy. 

Solaris: - before leaving her room - Star, you may sleep in the same bed as him. I trust he will not do anything that he will regret, given how he is still resting from those injuries earlier and days before.

Star did just that and slept on the same bed with Pattou. Just on different sides, but Star held onto his left arm and uttered, 

Star: Please be safe. For yourself, for your allies....for me. 

She then closed her eyes and drifted to slumber.

Star's Chamber, Tamaran High Temple Residential Corridors, Tamaran High Temple, Morning.

Pattou had woken up, feeling like he had been out for hours with his last memory awake being that he defended Star's honor against Huo Lan. He tried to move but he saw orange hair near his arm. He brushed some of them away and was surprised to see Star laying beside him. He did not want to ruin her sleeping form as he adored her beauty. As much as he wanted to remain in the bed, he had to wear his suit of armor once more. As he was in the process of placing in the armor, Star woke up as well and greeted him,

Star: Good morning Lord Patriarch! 

That cheery voice got to him as he blushed upon hearing her speak. 

Pattou: Good morning Lady Star! 

She giggled upon hearing this.  

Star: When you are done wearing your armor, can you please leave the room? I must change into my priestess garb. 

Pattou: Will do

Residential Corridors, Tamaran High Temple.

While in the hallway, Pattou came across Quasar. Quasar was not as cold after the events of yesterday but was still uneasy with the situation. Sure he saw the purity of intention when Pattou stood up for his little sister but the fact that he is an outsider still muddles the situation. 

Quasar: Lord Patriarch. My apologies for my cold treatment yesterday. It is in our culture to distrust outsiders like yourself. We were once trusting towards the outsiders when your predecessors were ruling Torrs as we knew your kind were not the outsiders who would defile our sacred lands. Only when Corrvin's men took over, did my father's predecessor talk to our Goddess Creator and had told us to close ourselves off from outsiders once more for the safety of our way of life, and ourselves.  

Pattou: I completely understand. I was once a wanderer so the cold welcomes are already expected. But I do understand why you are protective over your little sister. 

Quasar: Think nothing of it. I am glad that after some time, someone protected my sister apart from my father or myself. 

Quasar now asked as they walked towards the main hall, 

Quasar: Do you have feelings for my little sister?

Pattou: To be honest, we only met, but it was in the most inopportune of times. She saw me wounded severely after an ambush from Corrvin troops. She worried over me hoping I do not leave this realm. Truly a dedicated person. It was only fair that I defended her honor as I did not find any truth in the obscenities hurled at her by Huo Lan 

Quasar: Is there anything more to it than that? There is no need to hide anything from me. 

Pattou: Her being a caring person. Her beauty. For me it is unmatched. I understand per your traditions that outsiders like myself having any relations with any of your kind is frowned upon. But if only, I would see myself marrying her. But not right now, it is quite early and we have recently met after all.

Quasar was quite amused at how Pattou would have answered the question concisely, but ended up making a case for himself. 

Quaser: Now now, I may act as an arbiter for my people. But let me tell you as one who is a good judge of character, I can tell you have noble intentions for her. I respect that you wish to wed her, if not for our traditions on outsiders.

Refectory, Tamaran High Temple.

Quasar and Pattou's talk led them to the refectory where the morning meal was to be served. Pattou saw that his allies had arrived as well at a table. Quasar led him to his allies and joined them as they ate. Pattou watched as his allies ate but did not touch his food. He saw Liger and Jinzy together, with the latter trying to feed the former. 

Pattou:  -asks Liger - Good to see your lady is up and about now is she? 

Jinzy blushed at the remark and it was an incentive for her to be all affectionate towards Liger. Liger can only say between mouthfuls, 

Liger: -between mouthfuls- She recovered nicely along with those left in the Inn that day. But most important of all, you were wounded again. Are you fine now? 

Pattou: Oh yes, Luckily I have been saved by he 

Rikkou: Oh 'saved'... 

Pattou: - snaps back at Rikkou - Not in that manner! Come on. 

Rikkou: - laughed - We're only kidding. I mean after months of traveling without women, surely we would assume you found yourself a queen. Just as Riff and Liger here have women wrapped around them. 

Clara: No. You are terribly wrong if you think Riff and I are like that. 

Riff: You don't seem appreciative of my musical talents. But the other women in the village seemed to be entranced.

Jinzy: What can I say? This rescuer of a man may have a sharp eye for shooting arrows and a sharp eye over talent and beauty, - uses her free hand to move across her face, gesturing and supposedly exuding beauty - 

Liger: It is quite unique to say the least. But it is good that someone cares. 

Jinzy blushed at Liger's remark and nuzzled her cheek against his.

Star then joined them at the refectory and greeted them, 

Star: Good morning friends! 

Everyone greeted back, especially Pattou. Star was shocked to see Pattou's plate still full while his other companions were either at half plate or empty plate. Pattou merely replied, 

Pattou: Won't seem fair to just watch you eat alone. Let's dig in, shall we? 

Star was appreciative of his gesture and they ate together.

After they have all eaten, Star would ask Pattou and his friends if they can assist her in her daily youth ministry. Pattou willingly assisted but Sayfuro opted out in order to scout away for the meantime.

Hallowed Gardens, Tamaran Main Temple, Late morning.

Star had finished with teaching the youth of their village about the Goddess Creator and now the youth were running around the garden. Jinzy, Clara and Riff performed for the children to keep them happy. Liger was joining along, or at least trying to, with their performance to keep Jinzy happy. Gerard and Zo were tending to some of the other kids, running along with them. Zo letting some of them sit on his shoulders. Pattou was only focused on what Star was doing with the children, singing along, carrying one of them. 

Pattou: (mind) Would life with her be all like this? 

One of the young boys then said, 

Young boy: Hey mister, do you like Lady Star?

Pattou: Hey, if I let you sit on my shoulders, will you keep that our little secret? 

The young boy agreed and Pattou then let the little boy sit on his shoulders and they ran around the garden. Once the two reached Star, the little boy then said, 

Young boy: Lady Star. This guy likes you. 

Star blushed while Pattou said, 

Pattou: Let's go around one more time. Shall we? 

Pattou running a bit fast being a bit mischievous for that little boy exposing his feelings for him. Star giggled at the scene, but a little girl then told her, 

Little girl: You seem to like that knight Lady Starr. Do you love him? 

Star was shocked to hear that question from such a young person 

Star: In time but yes. 

The little girl was gleefully squealing at the answer.

Refectory, Tamaran Main Temple, Noon.

Pattou and allies were once again gathered to eat after getting exhausted from tending to the young in the village. Clara enjoyed being the typical big sister in ensuring the children had indeed learned and enjoyed themselves. 

Riff merely told Clara, 

Riff: My music enchanted the children. You, Jinzy and somehow Liger joined in on the fun. 

Clara rolled her eyes and told Jinzy, 

Clara: At least you had fun. 

Jinzy: As long as Liger is here, any time is fun. Am I right? 

Liger saw her wink after the last part and said,

Liger: Yes. This takes me back to my days in the orphanage. Being around younger kids. Good times. Eh Pattou...I mean Lord Patriarch?

Liger's story seemed to not have reached Pattou's ears as he was eating and stealing glances from Star. Liger figured out what was happening and he said, 

Liger: Oh Star, I sure hope you heard what that young kid on Lord Patriarch's shoulders said about him and you.

Pattou: - angrily stares at Liger - Don't you dare.

 Liger laughed at his childhood friend, 

Liger: Hey. At least you had fun too. Calm yourself Milord. 

As he said this, Jinzy was once again being overly affectionate with Liger and feeding him again. 

Liger: Jinzy, I can feed myself you know.

Jinzy was embarrassed and apologized, but this did not stop her from charming Liger with her attempts at being overly affectionate.

Sayfuro had arrived and reported to Pattou, 

Sayfuro: Pardon the interruption to all of you from your meals, but Lord Patriarch, Huo Lan is returning to Tamaran, with some Tamaraneans and I also saw some Corrvin soldiers among the ranks. 

Quasar joined in, 

Quasar: I know he has some disciples, but what of those other forces you mentioned Master Sayfuro? 

Pattou answered for his adviser, 

Pattou: Corrvin soldiers, he cannot be for real.

Zo: I do not know he was able to acquire those troops, but something tells me the Eastern Governor had a hand in all this. 

Pattou: Not just the governor,  Zo. Dino Corrvin.

Tamaran Main Temple, Tamaran, Noon.

Pattou and his allies have gathered in front of the Main Temple. Quasar had gone to get his father to meet the infidel Huo Lan. Solaris was able to join Pattou from the Temple's platform after the last step.

What greeted them was in fact, Huo Lan, and this time he had brought with him his disciples, clad in blue and black garb. He had also brought along some Corrvin knights, champions, paladins, and snipers. Pattou and his allies braved and had their hands on their weapons.

Huo Lan: Relax pretender. This does not concern you - points his staff at Solaris - This concerns you Solaris! You and your daughter have never honored my intentions to wed her. You convince her time and time again to dishonor tradition. So here is where I stand in all this and in front of you fellow Tamaraneans. I implore you, Solaris, to give me your daughter's hand in marriage, this time with no delays or avoidance. I shall also stake claim and ask of you, due to your disrespect of tradition to step down as Chief Priest and ordain me as your replacement. That is unless, there is anyone, a suitable rival who will fight for Lady Star's hand in marriage and as Chief Priest as well. 

Solaris knew Huo Lan's bluff, no suitor was left brave enough due to Huo Lan's craftiness and shrewd means of accomplishing his goals. What he did not count on was Pattou stepping forward, 

Pattou: I am well aware of your traditions that only a Tamaran shall be chief priest. But you and I have a common stake, pardon for my usage of the term, in your wager. Lady Star Fierrio's honor 

The rest of the Taramaneans looked shocked at the proceedings.  

Pattou: Yes, you heard it here. My heart was smitten when one of your own had healed me. Twice. On that second time I was wounded, it was all due to that man who has shown no respect for your Chief Priest Solaris and to Lady Star."

The Tamaraneans gathered were all gasping in reaction to that statement. Sayfuro and Liger were surprised as they have never seen Pattou jump at an opportunity like this. Usually, it is for the liberation of the citizen of Torrs. But they were mere guests, this did not stop Pattou from taking the mantle of defending traditions that did not benefit him neither. Pattou continued on, 

Pattou: If you were truly as strong as you claim, did you need to verbally question the purity of the woman you so-loved by hurling obscenities at her for knowing she had healed me? Is that your basis of strength? 

Huo Lan brushed him off saying, 

Huo Lan: Surely you jest as suitor and chief priest. You are not even one of us. My fellow Tamaraneans, we have had a long held policy since time immemorial that we only need each other to survive and live. Now this invader wishes to seek what should be for us and us alone? That is heresy. Now unless another wishes to....

Solaris: Huo Lan! You speak so much of tradition, yet here you are bringing in outsiders yourself. Corrvin soldiers even.

Huo Lan did point out the obvious disregard of tradition he himself did. Pattou however jumped in, 

Pattou: Chief Priest Solaris, pardon my rude interruption, but since Huo Lan has already blatantly disregarded your traditions, should it not be fairer that his challenger to both the Chief Priest post and your lovely daughter's hand in marriage be fought by an outsider?

Solaris figured out Pattou's bluff and played right in, 

Solaris: Lord Patriarch, you have made a valid point. It seems since the one challenging for my post as Chief Priest is dead set on breaking tradition. I figured after some time and your interactions with my daughter that you are worthy for her. 

Star looked at her father all surprised, Solaris continued, 

Solaris: As Chief Priest and the one who also creates the laws and traditions we all follow. I shall allow just this once that you, an outsider fight against Huo Lan. Consider this a concession for Huo Lan's elimination of past rival suitors for my daughter. 

Pattou was thrilled because he was given a stake that he knew deep down was most valuable, Star's hand in marriage and honor. He only thought however of the other condition, 

Pattou: I accept your offer to fight for your daughter's honor, as tradition bars me from marrying her. But, as far as being the Chief Priest, I will not fight for that. Instead, should I defeat Huo Lan, I fight not only for Star's honor, but for you, Chief Priest Solaris, to remain as the Chief Priest of Tamaran. This I swear upon you not only as leader of the Blade Empire, but as one who believes in honor."

Solaris, Quasar and Star were surprised at Pattou's conditions but Solaris accepted. 

Solaris: I accept the conditions. As Chief Priest, I still have the right to say that the two of you will face each other...in the Sacred Forest Temple Ruins in 3 days...for a Sacred War. Should Huo Lan succeed, Star will be betrothed to him and I shall ordain him as Chief Priest and new Leader of Tamaran. Should Lord Patriarch Blade succeed, I shall remain Chief Priest and my daughter's honor shall be protected once more, with Huo Lan becoming excommunicated and exiled along with his heretic brethren, never to set foot here again.

Both men agreed to the terms. Huo Lan and his alliance of his disciples and Corrvin soldiers going up against Patriarch Blade and his allies who had joined him from the Western Liberation, Southern Liberation and the rescue from the ambush. The numbers as they presently are do not favor Pattou and his allies as Huo Lan amassed 50 disciples and 50 of the Corrvin reinforcements.  

That was Chapter 21. Pardon if it is this long but it will be a set up for some great chapters ahead.