Where Ben Stands

"If you really want to help" You started, arms crossed "selling that fancy armor would be more than enough to get both of us out of here and set up somewhere else. At least as far aways as Vahn."

Ben laughed gently at the preposterous proposal, while Jiaghan gave you a stern look "sorry, that's out of the question."

"Why's that?" You asked.

"Well, first, Vahn's hardly the place for you. They actually have rules, and don't take kindly to violators. That, and there's some rumors in the wind that something bad is afoot. Hard to make out what's going on, but something went wrong at their southern border."

"I hope your other reason is more convincing" You responded, lightly amused.

"Well, beyond that is pragmatic. I need this to do my job, and I'm here to solve problems, not just to cure symptoms. Getting the two of you out of here isn't going to fix anything."

"Bold of you think to that you can fix anything either way" Your pessimism was flagrant. Jiaghan tried a more diplomatic approach.

"There's a lot of problems here is what she means. You could spend your whole life here and not make a dent."

"Perhaps not, but the fear of failure shouldn't deter anyone from trying. The only thing I'm more of a sucker for than a damsel in distress is a lost cause."

"I'm not a damsel" You refute "and I don't like the idea of you trying to help me to curry favor."

"I'm sorry that I gave that impression, and I'm sure you have reason to be so suspicious. I'm here to help, no matter the risk, and all I ask for is some trust."

His unflinching altruism was annoying you. Nobody can be this selfless, you're sure of that. You took a quiet moment to try and get a handle on it. If he's the type of person you suspect he is, he'll reveal it soon enough. If he's as gullible and naive as it seems, that can be a plus as well.

"Trust is earned, and scarce here" You make plain "We'll give you a chance. Show that you really are a person of your convictions."

"I'll take it. You won't regret it. Now, about this debt. How much do you owe?"

"Doesn't matter" you shook your head as you explained "after the stunt we pulled and your help, there is no simply paying back the coin. Their payment will have to be paid with blood"

A strange smile went across Ben's face as he reached for his shield on the floor "I'm actually counting on that. I'm not scared of a fight, especially not from these thugs. They'll take the gold, or taste steel. Are you ready for that?"

In the first moment, you were hesitant. This was not going to end quickly. This human was trying to single handedly declare war on the criminal underworld that effectively ruled so much of the city of Ten Forks. As much as you doubted this would end well, you recognized you wanted to see these people get a taste of their own sense of justice. "Fuck it." You responded, raising your hands up for a second "These bastards have it coming to them."