"I do as well as can be expected in this strange place," he answered, but then he was returning the favour of an introduction, as politeness required, his right hand lifted to his chest with a partial bow. "I am Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad of the Levantine Brotherhood, forever of Masyaf."

So far, he had carefully kept the word 'assassin' from his speech. While he'd yet to see any evidence of Templars, Crusaders, or Saracens, he knew better than to say his full heritage. One never knew where ears may overhear, and old instincts were once more coming to light. It was comfortable in its way, keeping his senses honed even if one very important one was missing. Even now, he found he would give nearly anything to be able to look past this surface and see the colours of any in the room, be they yellow, red, or, miraculously, blue. For now, he would treat the world as grey and cultivate the blue on his own.

"I beg pardon for disturbing you, but you seemed as pensive as I have been. A man of thought as much as action. I do not believe myself to be wrong in that. May I sit?"