[ Ariane matches that smile with a rare one of her own. It shows her teeth and everything, and for once, Ariane doesn't feel self-conscious about the missing ones. She doesn't think this person will judge her. That's the one part of this strange exchange she's actually heard about. ]

Maybe I am. I can't remember if I have any experience with spite, but I don't think you're wrong, so thanks. [ She means that genuinely. ] I guess I just learned something about myself.

My name is Ariane, by the way. There's food and drink at the hotel, and I have a room there, if you need some space to catch your breath.