MacKensie stalled a moment before moving to Jared and putting a hand on his sword-arm. It didn't occur to her that she couldn't stop the hulking knight, even if she tried, but after hearing the promise of a peaceful resolution, she wanted to hear Chatak out.
The little goblin in front of them spoke with an eloquence that was completely unexpected by MacKensie. Perhaps 'eloquence' was not the right word, the young woman wasn't sure, but beyond the broken English was a confident, persuasive poise and logic that felt eerily reminiscent of the best orators she'd ever heard. Chatak was a charming individual and clearly very smart.
She listened to his parly with David, about the plight of his goblin kin, and a pang of guilt ran through her. These goblins looked ugly and terrifying. Even without this massive battle, she would've no doubt assumed they were monsters, and not batted an eyelid to hear about them being exterminated in caves for their treasure. This guilt, however, did not exceed the assessment of the current situation. The goblin armies of the Witch had just decimated an entire city of humans. And it would seem that this war against the Empire of Hume was not over. In her heart, she'd already picked a side.
"And even then, Chatak still ask Witch to free humans. You know why? Because Chatak believes in human, even if humans not believe in Chatak back. Even when most humans stupid, cruel, insult Chatak, Chatak still know some human good. Chatak hope some human good. Chatak want world where human, gob, and all other race not fight, work together. But that world not happen on own, so Chatak make happen. Start today. Here. So you stop fight, before make worse. No more dead today."
"Sir Chatak," she started, walking up to him, not too close so she could look the little goblin in the eyes. With a proper curtsy - a little drawn out to make sure the respect was shown - she continued. "My name is MacKensie Trydant and I thank you for coming to speak with us." She flicked a stern look at Jared and Yakeru before settling back on Chatak. "You speak with great wisdom and a good heart. That much is certain. And thus, we will heed your words and trust that the prisoners will be set free. You have my gratitude for coming to a peaceful negotiation with the Witch."
She returned to Yakeru's side and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, showing she was on his side but hoping he'd calmed down, for his own good and theirs. Looking at David, who seemed the only other one of their group who was looking at the bigger picture, she said, "Now's probably not the best time to talk strategy. We need to get the hell out of here." Then back to Chatak. "Do the prisoners have somewhere to go? There's a village just outside the city." She pointed in the direction of the gate they'd come through. "We can escort them to safety if necessary." Then she let out a deep breath and got snarky real fast. "If not, then I'd like to rid myself of this awful vista."
If there was any signal that the refugees didn't need an escort, MacKensie would glady walk off back towards the city gate. Down that long market street, she could see Robert and Dexter, and amidst a cacophony of competing thoughts, a lone concept popped up above them all.
Fish night.
Her stomach grumbled.