"I-I…" Baloo's open mouth finally managed to form some words. "B-but… Why… W-why me? I j-just attacked you… I-I'm a slave. I don't know anything… I-I'm not special…"
Though Baloo was on his knees, he was still taller than Ayse squatting down. But once Baloo dropped to his hands as well, Ayse put a hand on the man's shoulder.
"A person's value is in the eye of the beholder," Ayse said. "Some people see us both as monsters. Some people see you as a slave worth as much as your price tag. Some people see me as an outlaw, only worth as much as my current bounty.
"Looking at you, what I see is a person."
Baloo's head tilted upward. He was baffled to see Ayse still sharing that understanding gaze.
