"Under normal circumstances, that would be more or less how it works, yes."

Xunxian shrugs, not disturbed by the dryness of that look.

Then he focuses on one of the rats trying to come at them to attack - in their way, rapidly talking to him until the rodent slows, tilts his head up at the large person, and comes to stand in front of him, whiskers twitching. Xunxian bends down and reaches, but that gets the rat to hiss and lower himself defensively, and they stay like this for seemingly a few moments before Xunxian finishes his motion and holds his hand out, palm up, and the rat climbs into it. Still not very peaceful, but at least not trying to bite or scratch.

"The rats here are cold, hungry, and angry, so it might take somewhat more than a polite request, especially as they see this as their territory. I will probably need to persuade enough of them, and likely bargain." One shoulder twitches up and then down again.

"I will not tell you to not kill them. Merely that you might not have to."

A few more of the rats gather around his feet, rising up to their hind legs to pay attention, though it's a small part of them.