When the butler brought Siana to the back garden, Altair stood. "Good afternoon, my lady," he said with a rather sardonic smile. "Care to have a seat? The tea should be brought around shortly." He dismissed the butler wordlessly and waited for Siana to take the seat opposite the one he had just vacated. Once she sat, Altair sat also.
"I must admit," he said, leaning forward slightly. "It isn't every day I have a respected Knight of the Peace over for tea. And speaking of tea, here it is." He sat back as a maid set out a steaming teapot and a plate of fresh honey-cakes, Altair's favorite. Once the maid left, Altair reached for the teapot and poured tea into Siana's cup and then his own. Replacing the teapot in the center of the table, he took one of the honey-cakes and set it on his plate. "Please, help yourself," he said. "I'm not sure whether or not you remember, but we have an excellent cook."