You have a soft spot

It's a hard life here in the matchsticks, and you've been in her place at one point. There's a hole in your stomach, but this kid, needs to eat more than you, race be damned. That was the one good thing about living in poverty; second only to death, desperation was the greatest equalizer. Sitting against the wall next to her, you hand over the loaf to her with a small grin. Her already smiling face beamed in joy. Quietly, seeing such a response from merely a gift of bread was a morose remark on the state of life here.

"Are you serious?" She asks, looking at you as she holds the loaf in both hands, a few inches away from her face.

"Absolutely, Jiaghan. Knock yourself out." You patted her leg gently and egedg her on with a dare "besides, not like you'd be able to finish all of that by yourself. I'll have whatever you don't eat."

"Ha!" She gently poked your ribs "I'll take that challenge Liz. Just sit back, watch, and be amazed!" The Elf teenager starts to devour the bread with an even greater enthusiasm than you would have imagined. You wonder how long her last meal would have been to have her be this way. Whatever the answer is, that you got to be a temporary salve makes you feel joy; enough to overpower the voice of hunger from your own stomach. Jiaghan slowed for just a moment to break off a piece and hands it off to you.

"This doesn't count against the bet." she quips quickly "Thanks for the food. What's the catch for giving me this?"

"No catch here, kid." You responded calmly.

She remained skeptical, her brows carrying her doubt on her face "Oh come on. There's always a catch in the Matchsticks. You know that better than anyone."

"I'm being straight with you Jiaghan." You reaffirm "No catch. With you and me, there's no ledger or scorecard. If there's a time where you think you can help me out, please do so. That's all that I ask"

"Me? Help you?” Jiaghan scoffed at the idea, “Who do you think I am? I’m just a kid"

"More capable than you know. You’re sharper and more cunning than most adults. There'll be an opportunity, you just need to keep your eyes out."

"Speaking of", she pointed down the dirty alley "looks like bad news is on its way" In the direction she pointed towards were two burly humans, carrying heavy clubs and maces. The crowds easily got out of their way as they headed directly for you. One hand moved towards your new dagger, but you kept your demeanor neutral. Though you didn’t know their names, their boss and their business was clear. They were thugs for Baccha Khan, the real owner of the Matchsticks and everything in it. Corrupt as he was ruthless, nobody stood up to him, not even those of legitimate authority in the larger city of Ten Forks

"You know why we're here Liz" One of the humans said as they stood on either side of you.

"Only my friends get to call me Liz,” You countered coldly, starting matters on the wrong feet on purpose “You two call me Tralizznt"

"Don't play coy with us" The other responds as he gently kicked your boot for attention "You're late on your payments, and you've run out of excuses."

"You really expect me to pay rent for that dump, and to that monster of a landlord?" You motion your head behind you, indicative of the 'apartment' you rent in the building behind you "A rat wouldn’t make that place a home if it had a better option. Even by Matchstick standards, this is robbery."

"Don't start making excuses, wench. You knew what the consequences were when you agreed to pay the rent, and you're going to get the money out of you, one way or the other"

The threat was very real, but your mind wanders to possible alternatives to their words. You look over at Jiaghan for a second, and she gives you a small nod. You're not sure what that means, but you're sure that whatever you're about to do, she's got your back.