Having seemed on the verge of commenting again, Xolkin cut off at the suggestions he was getting from the group. "[color=f26522]W-what?![/color]"  He sputtered, a mix of outrage and incredulity in his voice. "[color=f26522]You want to negotiate?  With ORCS?!  You would open our gates, let them plunder and burn MY town on the offchance they might not murder us all when they get bored?  No, I will not have it.  We need to stand and fight for what is mine![/color]"

"[color=a187be]It is true that orcs aren't well known in these parts for being very willing to come to the negotiating table, especially if they see you as begging for mercy from a position of weakness.[/color]"  Unlike Xolkin, who has dismissed the idea out of hand, she seemed to be giving this plan of action a bit of thought.  "[color=a187be]At the very least, if someone were distracting them with negotiations, that might give the rest of us a chance.  Perhaps get their leader to come talk and pack half a dozen or so of our men in a nearby guard tower with bow and crossbow?  Then we could cut off the head of the snake in one fell swoop and scatter the newly leaderless savages?  Or perhaps just evacuate into the moat while some poor fool tries to negotiate with them, then find somewhere safe to retreat to while they ransack the town.[/color]"

Having gained some measure of composure back, Xolkin was listening to Kella's suggestions with rapt attention, nodding in approval. "[color=f26522]Yes, yes, I like that.  Of course you're right- as things stand we would have no chance in a fair fight.  That's why we have to fight smart.  Kill the leader, scatter the rest.  Beautiful plan you had, err, I forget your name.  Were we ever properly introduced?[/color]"  The final bit he addressed to Marcon.

"[color=a187be]The real question is who we want to go try and chat with these brutes.[/color]"  Kella added in casually, looking pointedly at the pair she seemed to have taken a disliking to.