[Slowly, his eyes lower to the green and blue, wood-tailed, mossy kits that waddle up with their prize. Throwing it the first few times only spoiled them. Now they know one of the two of them will do it again perhaps.] It is their choice to attack.

And it is my choice to defend. [Typically, D does not harm humans, if he can help it. But he always gives them the opportunity to make their own decisions. Attacking him first will result in retaliation. His own survival trumps that of others. If they manage to kill him--that's their honor.]

I have tried speaking to them. They believe the land can be theirs. [Carefully, he lowers to one knee and stretches a hand out. When the mossy ball is relinquished, he raises it and, after a brief pause, throws it for them to fetch.] They want to settle it. [Again, he stands fluidly back up, letting the cloak fall around his arms and chest.]