Eirlys shrinks back a little, knowing she's said something Wrong but not really understanding why Herian should suddenly turn so cold and distant over that turn of phrase. She frowns, looking apologetic and a little wary.

Herian was right, of course. The Dalish had done nothing for them in Gwaren, just left them to rot. But neither had they deliberately caused them pain. She wondered just how far she'd become dazzled by her own idealistic image of the Dalish and how quickly she'd taken to the lessons in their language.

"My friend Ellana, she said that was a term for all elves, one we could use and reclaim to define ourselves against the shemlen that have kept us down." She had far more hatred for humans than she could ever have against other elves, Dalish or not. "But if it upsets you, I shan't-- I know other alienages must have suffered in far different ways than mine."