[ he dutifully copies down the spelling (underlining the emphasis for his own reference), and when that's done gives a small, sheepish smile. ]

I sounded ridiculous, didn't I?

--Oh, thank you! Or, ma serannas, I suppose I more properly ought to say. This is honestly fascinating. [ the lingering smile drops now, giving way to something more pensive. ] Is there... is there really so little of it left?