He didn't even bother to try hiding the quiet little laugh at that. "Why yes, how could I not have thought of that, in all my centuries? Ah, how foolish I've been; the solution was plain for all to see." But he shook his head, the halfhearted smile fading soon enough; he wasn't going to keep making fun of the guy. But to have suggested that to him, here and now, in the first place? Really? He really couldn't help but find it funny.

"Do you honestly think we haven't tried? Some have attempted diplomacy, others threats. None have seen great success yet, or none for long, to the best of my knowledge. Even our attempts to retreat have failed. The monsters are persistent, and unreasonable. But you may do better to speak with the wine fairy on it at a future date; she is more capable than I, of at least pretending to be human long enough to try conversing with them without arousing suspicion. I would not be surprised if she herself had tried... but if they would put even elven children to death so easily as I have seen, I doubt they would be quite willingly swayed."