It seems they wish to be more on good terms with us than make enemies, even with the Malnosso's protection, that I don't think they would be willing to give up that trust so easily anyway.

The reason they came here could have led to who opened the tunnels and why in the first place. I've only been here a short period of time myself that I'm afraid I can't find the reasoning or motivation behind it like longer inhabitants can.

With the way you speak of Twila's influence, it could be the cause of all of this, but the connections seem disorganized at this point. I won't pretend to know or understand how the spirits work, but you spoke of attempting a compromise with her. Is there any way that could actually be done?