"Metal and glass?" Malik asked, making a face. "What use is that? Even aside from how horrifically expensive it all must have been, metal and glass aren't... practical." He shook his head. "But I can see why you would want to create a more believable cover story, brother." He grinned a bit. "Although you may want to work on it the slightest bit more. After all, you aren't known for bringing women back to your rooms."

"I am in charge now. Perhaps I thought it best I settled down." Altair grinned faintly. "Besides, the child is mine."

"I believe you, brother," Malik said. He grinned a bit. "You wouldn't have brought either of them back if the child wasn't yours. And I suppose some late congratulations are in order."

Altair chuckled quietly. "Thank you, brother. I hope you are so lucky one day."

"Perhaps," Malik said, although he was grinning a little. "Luck hasn't favored me so in the past." He was quiet for a moment. "You will let me know if I can be of any help?"

Altair nodded. "You already have been." He grinned briefly, clapping Malik on the shoulder as he stood. Because now he wanted to check on his girls. Again.

Malik stood as well.

"I will spread the word, then," he said. "I'm sure the entire fortress will know by sundown that your lady and child are staying." He grinned a bit. "I wouldn't be surprised if you get more well-wishers."

Altair sighed in mock-distress. "I suppose. At least you'll be the one spreading word. I doubt many of the others will question my decision coming from you." Which was one good thing about finally having Malik on his side. Malik was well known and respected among the rest of the Assassins.

"I'll make sure the story that circulates is the proper one," Malik promised. He could see Altair keep glancing at the bedroom, and waved towards the door. "Go on, brother. I should go and head off the rumors, anyway."

Altair smiled faintly and nodded. "Thank you, brother." He got up and went into the bedroom, trusting Malik to take care of things for him for the moment.

Malik nodded and left the office, heading back into the fortress proper. Time to head off the rumor-mill.

Iris woke up when Altair came back in.

"Coming to nap with us?" she asked softly.

"I think so." Altair smiled faintly. "Now that I've gotten things cleared up with Malik." He walked over and settled down with them with a little sigh.

Iris snuggled closer to him, making sure not to disturb Amaya.

"I'm glad things are cleared up," she said. "Now you can relax a little."

Altair nodded, pulling her closer. "Malik will help," he said quietly. "Things will be fine."

"I trust you," Iris replied. She gave him a small kiss when he pulled her closer, but then leaned over again to pick up Amaya when the baby fussed a little. Amaya immediately quieted again when she was picked up.

Altair pulled both of them close, humming in content. He was very, very happy to be home again.

Iris could practically see him relaxing, and snuggled closer with the baby. She smiled slightly.

"Are you going to be showing off Amaya to everyone you know?" she teased. "I hear a lot of new fathers do that."

"Not yet," Altair said after a moment. "I need to make sure the correct story has time to get around first. Then... perhaps." His lips flickered in a smile.

"I know you want to," Iris teased. She put her head on his shoulder even as she settled Amaya against her chest. "You're proud of our little girl."

"Of course I am. I'm proud of both my girls." He smirked faintly at her, pressing a brief kiss to her temple.

Iris blushed slightly, but snuggled closer all the same.

Altair stayed there, content to just lay there for a while. Malik could keep everything running for a little while longer.

Indeed, Malik was already spreading Altair's chosen story, and it seemed there were already people intrigued. It wasn't like the Mentor to bring a girl back, they all agreed, and they wanted to see if they could get a look at her without triggering Altair's ire.

Altair emerged from his rooms later that night to get dinner for the two of them, and discreetly inquire at a shop in town to get clothes for Iris. Fortunately he was fairly certain no one noticed.

And if they did, they were smart enough not to ask.

Word had indeed reached all the way to town, since gossip tends to spread like wildfire, and the owner of the shop was more than happy to provide something for the Mentor's lady. The owner's wife clearly didn't think much of the men's abilities to judge clothing for a woman, and made sure everything would be flattering before giving it to Altair.