Altair took a long sip of tea and set the cup back down on the saucer before answering. Then, smirking across the table at Siana, he said, "Oh, darling. I rather thought we were friends now, after our shared experiences." He waved one hand dismissively. "You know, after helping someone out of a tight spot, fighting alongside one another, risking life and limb, finding buried treasure..." he trailed off and gave Siana one of his more charming smiles. "It's all very life-affirming, is it not? A real bonding experience."
"Of course," he went on thoughtfully, "I did recognize you back there. It took me a while to connect a name to your face—the lighting was terrible down there—and once realized, it seemed indelicate to bring up the past in front of so many new acquaintances."