Refectory, Tamaran High Temple, Noon.

Sayfuro: Milord, the situation in the East on the ground is like this. The templars are still in hiding as they were also targeted as part of the persecution being done by Governor Don Patricius. The Church of Eastern Torrs had long been voicing their discontent against the Governor and moreso, Baron Corrvin. From what Lady Star gathered, Master Zo's claims were confirmed. Priests were being made to "defend" their churches against soldiers, while unarmed for Don Patricius to try to shake their resolve, but to no avail. 

Zo: By association, templars such as myself became targets of Corrvin's persecution and purge in his efforts to solidify his reign.

Pattou: Then what was meant earlier by this alliance between dancers and templars being something of vital importance? 

Jinzy: Because what used to be temples to the Gods became brothels or pubs by order of Governor Don Patricius. This led to Don Patricius favoring businesses and jobs over matters of faith, of which he reduced to falsities and fantastical drivel. This also furthered the conflict between dancers and members of the Eastern Torrs Church. Sure the entertainment district is booming but our kind does not feel safe. If for the price of coin, we can be possibly harmed or never seen again, then....

Jinzy began to lose her composure with tears forming from her eyes. Liger saw this and sat next to her and held her hand.

Sayfuro then took over from there, 

Sayfuro: What Lady Jinzy tried to say was that their livelihood endangered them. Jinzy, Clara and the other dancers were usually exploited by the clientele with some even becoming mothers but never seeing the fathers of their children. Some even live in the slums outside the walls. Yet despite the squalor, they still somehow praise the Governor for giving them food and wealth. This is despite their habitat, their situation. Which anyone should have a reason to despise him. But the way the Governor ran the East is as if all their needs are answered by him. Some of the dancers have wanted an end to this type of situation as what mattered more is their safety and respect for their craft over how society has branded them by, with reinforcement from the Governor.

Pattou was impressed by the information gathered

Pattou: Hence the dancers and templars, once sworn enemies, now will throw their lot with us is what you're saying. Am I right? 

Sayfuro nodded in agreement. Jinzy then said, 

Jinzy: That is indeed the case P... Lord Patriarch! 

Pattou then told a nervous Jinzy, while eyeing Liger to ensure he would not harm her, 

Pattou: Jinzy, you did what you can. All four of you did. I am glad as well as I am sure Liger is as well, that you came back safely. 

Liger: Lord Patriarch, I will take it from here with Jinzy. Sayfuro may have more information on hand that will be of most vital importance. 

Jinzy was then led away by Liger to a separate part of the refectory.

Pattou: Sayfuro were you able to see if the East has Corrvin soldiers or any of the men of Don Patricius patrolling about? 

Sayfuro: None as far as I saw. But as I was able to see in the religious dialogue with Lady Star, the lack of patrolmen is not a cause to not lose sight or consideration of difficulty in the East. Governor Don Patricius was able to have his men or some ruffians dress in templar garb, who almost imprisoned Lady Star and company. Milord, this will be the most difficult liberation we will have to face as it appears the people side with their despot rather than want to be free from it.

Pattou: The people of the East have long been fed by the hand that harms them to no end. Have you found any safe spaces in your scouting? 

Sayfuro: So far, there are no soldiers of Corrvin or the Governor's own men who dare reach the slums. But I have had a near brush with the Governor himself when he tried to assault Jinzy. 

Pattou's eyes were flaring but he had to keep calm, 

Pattou: So the slums seem to be safe haven? 

Sayfuro nods in agreement but adds, 

Sayfuro: Jinzy knows one of her dancer allies who resides there. Maybe she can aid us in getting safe haven.

Outside the refectory

While Pattou and Sayfuro were still inside the refectory hearing out the report, Liger led Jinzy out the hallway to be at safe distance. Liger sensed Jinzy is holding somethings back in the briefing earlier. Liger then asked, 

Liger: Jinzy, anything you didn't mention? You were tearing up earlier.

Jinzy was trying to hold it in, 

Jinzy: No. I said all that there is needed to say. 

Liger: Jinzy, for the short time we've been together as allies and I guess confidantes, when you quiet down and tear up, I know something is up.

Jinzy can no longer hold it as her tears flowed down her cheeks and she was sobbing onto Liger's chest. Liger held her close to his heart. Gerard peered his head through the doorway but Liger motioned for Gerard to leave them be. Liger then told Jinzy, 

Liger: It's alright. Let it out. I am here.

They both stayed on like this for some minutes until Jinzy, between sobs, found the words to her sorrow, 

Jinzy: Liger, it was horrible. - sob - It's like Sayfuro said, we were almost taken captive. But I - sob - almost was once again taken in....by him. 

Liger, worried then asked on, 

Liger: Who do you mean?

Jinzy: Governor Don Patricius   

Liger felt anger boil up inside, 

Liger: What did he do to you?" 

Jinzy was worried when she sensed the anger, 

Jinzy: He almost tried to buy my services for the night, even while I was in disguise as part of Star's entourage. He...he made me recall that night when he....when he...Oh Liger!

Jinzy was unable to continue on retelling the harrowing experience. Liger looked down on her crying into his chest that he said, 

Liger: You can tell me when the time is right for you. But what he did shall not go unpunished.

Inside the refectory

Pattou and Sayfuro as well as the other allies were planning out how to proceed with the Liberation. 

Sayfuro: My Lord, the longer we plan here, we do not know if Ladies Star and Clara, as well as our newly acquired allies will be able to make it through another day with the Governor possibly planning against us as we speak

Pattou, conflicted but considering all possible options, had to be careful as this foe they are to face is not one who will easily relinquish power. 

Pattou: This Don Patricius never wanted it to be easy for any challengers to his rule. No wonder Corrvin rewarded him handsomely with the position.

Liger then charges in and told Pattou, 

Liger: You have got to decide how we tread! The longer we plan, the more Don Patricius will continue his perverse, corrupt ways! 

Pattou: Perverse? Liger...you don't mean. 

Liger: I know you're trying to weigh out all possible options but now is the time to act, not to remain in thought and deliberation. If he can do the perversion he almost did to Jinzy, think of what he could do with the other dancers, Clara or even Lady Star.

Quasar was outraged by Liger and nearly pointed his gauntlet bow at Liger until Jinzy stopped the Tamaranean, 

Jinzy: Please. I apologize on Liger's behalf! I could no longer bear to see us not acting to end the harsh rule of Don Patricius. Master Riff, Clara is with our dancer sisters who have stood against the Governor. Lord Patriarch, Lady Star is with the Templars in the high cathedral but I am afraid of what fate will befall upon them.

Riff snapped at Pattou due to the situation and said, 

Riff: You need to act! I want to save Clara and return to redeem my brothers. You have the last say on how we proceed. I want to return and lay waste on those corrupt fools who welcome the abuse and implement such.

Pattou had seen enough after being bombarded by his allies, 

Pattou: We march! 

Sayfuro is surprised then asked, 

Sayfuro: We have yet to figure out how... 

Pattou then interrupts his adviser, 

Pattou: We must march. The longer we stay here deciding and choosing options and possible paths, we may not be able to see our allies return to us alive!

Pattou: - looks at Quasar and Solaris - After I have made my oath, I cannot live to see a day without her. Neither can any of us. We march for the slums for us to eventually take down the fiendish Eastern Governor Don Patricius. 

His allies have cheered in unison.

Quasar nodded in agreement, seeing this side of this soon-to-be brother-by-marriage who finally grew into the leader that his clan and the times so dictate. Pattou then made a plea, 

Pattou: Quasar, I know you are all against being the aggressors in a combat. I will make an attempt here. Will you allow some of your men to march with us?

Quasar had wanted to support Pattou's cause and to rescue Star. However, Solaris chose to say, 

Solaris: Lord Patriarch, in as much as we are willing to bend traditions in light of the times. Our tradition to defend our land and never be the aggressors lay precedent above all. Even if it pains me that my daughter now be in direct line of danger, it comes with the risk that she has chosen upon joining your ranks. All I can grant onto all of you is the blessing of the Goddess Creator that may you all succeed in saving the Eastern Torrs citizens and end the reign of terror by this dastardly Governor.

Pattou understood that some traditions by the Tamaraneans are not to be broken but the feeling of being outnumbered was no longer new to him. He has had different struggles and skirmishes where numbers were not on their side but somehow they make it out alive. This time however, the foe is not any easier than the previous ones.

Night Time, Ceres Inn

Pattou and his men opted to stay at the Tamaran Inn. Pattou was unable to sleep and proceeded outside the Inn to collect himself. Seeing the challenge that this Eastern Governor is bringing to the mission had caused some doubts in him. Pattou thought to himself, 

Pattou: - to himself - As a leader, I know what I said that we will march. But why do I still have doubts? I cannot act like this for fear my men and my allies will no longer find me worthy or may question my dedication and abilites...

He then heard some strumming while deep into thought and Riff found Pattou. 

Riff: Needing to calm yourself too, Milord? 

Pattou shrugged his shoulders and said, 

Pattou: Guess you read my mind. 

Riff then laughed and stopped strumming his guitar for a bit and told Pattou, 

Riff: I won't apologize for how I acted or what I said to you in the refectory earlier. But I do know how you're feeling, all things weighing down on your shoulders as if you have the entire world on your back. Balancing between wanting to save lives, liberate those lives but at the same time, fulfill the mission. Rebel to rebel, I know where your heart lies. While at the same time, I know your heart is with her too.

Pattou: Oh yes, you were once a rebel leader. How did you do it? How are you cool and able to make these decisions while at the same time, still come out with the calmer head?

Riff then strummed a few notes off his guitar and said

RiffL Look here. I always fight and decide what is best for the people. But stop looking into what I have done. Remember, I am not of nobility. YOU ARE! I appreciate that you want each of us to be validated or at least recognized beyond being implements to your goal and on behalf of your allies, we all love that. But this is the time for you to begin seeing the bigger picture. You have two territories under your control, as well as a betrothal and alliance sealed by the will-be marriage.

Riff then stops strumming, remembering that in this predicament, his muse Clara is also away from him. Pattou notices this then says,

Pattou: This is different, you have faced his men. I have yet to do so. I know we must be steadfast but a part of me is afraid of what is to come. This foe we will face will not be as easy as a buffoon-ish greedy, over-his-head imbecile. This one is quite a challenge that...

Riff: - strums once more - And you feel Don Patricius will vanquish us so easily is where your mind is? 

Pattou stops dead in his tracks, Riff then senses something, 

Riff: Liger come out. You too, Jinzy.

Liger and Jinzy were outside the Inn as well with Liger saying, 

Liger: Look, we both can't sleep because of your strumming Riff. And I kind of have a third sense when my friend Lord Patriarch here is tensed up. 

Pattou: You do know me from way back, Liger. I mean, Star told me that as a leader, I need to trust in you all as you all in me. That I cannot go in this alone. This situation however, I know we must save them and the East but the foe we are up against...

Jinzy then tells Pattou, 

Jinzy: I have seen how you fight and Lady Star has seen this too. Do not fight just for yourself, but remember that we are all here to be of help. I want the East free as well and so long as I do it with Liger and with you all. 

Liger: Jinzy is right. Look, cooler heads must prevail sure but the one who acts first will win it all.

Pattou was piecing together how their forces will infiltrate the East but recalls from earlier about the slums. 

Pattou: - asks - Jinzy do you happen to know of any acquaintance in the slums of the East? 

Jinzy: - remembers Amethyst - Yes. I have a dancer ally who will be more than willing to let you in. But given our numbers. Allow me and Amethyst to find other houses for the rest of our forces to use as a halfway point before we proceed to the East.

Pattou then saw that the plan for infiltration will be nearing its completion and said this, 

Pattou: I know there is more for me to work on but at this point, we all know what to do. I am glad that the three of you and the rest of our allies have banded together to end the reign of Corrvin, one Tower at a time. - turns to Riff - Not to worry Riff, we shall soon be reunited with our women. And in your case, you will redeem your fallen brethren.

He then turns and draws the Legacy Sword pointed upward towards the night sky, allowing the moonlight to bounce onto the sword. 

Pattou: Through darkness, light shall still find a way through this age. Let us return to rest. Shall we? 

Riff, Jinzy and Liger agreed and returned to their rooms to sleep away the rest of the night.