"I can understand your position. Having to stretch supplies and trying to keep everyone fed is a situation all three of us have found ourselves in as well. But perhaps they could work off their sentence? Where we come from prisoners are sometimes put to work under strict supervision. There they can still contribute to society and perhaps learn the error of their ways. You could teach them to craft or work the land. Perhaps something difficult that keeps them occupied that few people know how to do. You could have more to trade with other clans if you have more hands to help." You offer. Your host seems unconvinced.

"These men attempted to rob and kill us. You suggest that we feed and teach them our ways." Ming translates as the man stokes the fire between you. "Truly, your land is a strange one."

"I am told I am strange myself." You admit. "However, circumstances in my life have taught me to try and give people a second chance. Many times, all it takes is someone to have faith in you for you to make the change to better yourself. I've seen and lived it myself. That's why I am hesitant to simply kill someone when they could be turned into an ally. Sometimes, more often than not I would like to imagine, people turn to the path of evil because they see no other way out." You ponder for a moment. "There is another punishment my homeland does offer. It's quite rare and extreme but...you could simply remove two fingers from their dominant hand. However, I do stress that this is seen as a bit barbaric and from what you have told us would probably mean death for them." The room is quiet as everyone takes in what you said, and Ming uncomfortably translates what you say.

"It is not our way to follow the whims of strangers. Our traditions go back to the beginning and have kept us alive all these generations. We have no need to listen to those who have not lived like us and pretend to know better." You host says. "However, we cannot deny that you have saved lives with your intervention, and we will not go without repaying that kindness. Technically, it was you who subdued these criminals and because of that they are technically your prisoners. We are simply assisting in keeping them under watch. I will leave their fate up to you. But be warned, should you let them live and they continue their ways then their crimes will also be reflected on you. Both in the eyes of the Gods and in that of the clans. If I were to suggest an option, it would be to strip them of all of their possessions and leave them with a day's worth of food. It will be up to them to return to their roots and survive as their ancestors once did. Perhaps in this time they will contemplate their actions as you so wish."