"Ma serannas," Ariadne repeated, perfectly matching Ellana's intonation and accent.

She hesitated a moment, temptation struggling against her better judgment. But, finally, she decided that it would be all right to probe into the language a little further. After all, how could Ellana know that Alastrians picked up on new languages in an instant?

"My aunt served as a translator for a royal court back home," she said. "I'd love to hear more of your language. Maybe learn a little. I think it would be beneficial, if I'm going to be here awhile."