Face impassive so as to not betray her shame at the inadequate blow she, Wei had positioned herself  to block the door of the inn while her new-found companions made short work of the rogues who had ruined their fine evening.   A woman Wei had not yet seen came down the stairs into the room and set about healing the gravely injured man, a delicate wisp of a veil shielding her face from all eyes.<br/><br/>Her hearth burned hearing Gan claim a debt from the poor metalsmith, and for a fleeting second she regretted her charitable impulse from earlier.  True wu xia offered their protection and services as their honor, not with the expectation of recompense.  Rogues and bandits indeed!<br/><br/>Nodding as Brother Wu was healed by the newly arrived woman, Wei stepped forward.<br/><br/>"Spared they have been, Brother Wu, and that gift enough for what they deserve."  Turning to Gan, Wei continued, scorn and contempt dripping from her voice.<br/><br/>"These lands and times are troubled, entire villages suffering sickness and death are strange tales indeed.  Yet not stranger than wu xia demanding a price for the protection and assistance we are honored to provide.  So tell us, what is it that is owed?"