Onward to a practical point. It must be catching. The glossary explains quite clearly what ashiren means, and I'd expect anyone reading a novel with alien terminology and a glossary to flip to the back if baffled. Also, I guessed it very early on when I was reading without the glossary. How remiss of me.
Rats are quite sweet, really.
Gosh, I've just had a fun weekend. I consider that the attacks made upon the integrity of Avedon Carol as North American TAFF administrator are wholly unjustified and unjustifiable and represent nothing more solid than slurs and innuendoes arising from personal animosity and malice. To date no evidence at all has been produced to show that Avedon Carol is guilty of any wrongdoing, and I therefore call upon those concerned either to produce their proofs without further delay and equivocation or to make a full public withdrawal of their allegations.