It had been a long time since someone had spoken so highly of him. Altaïr was respected for his skills but by the time he'd lost his rank much of the brotherhood spoke ill of him behind his back, for his failure at Solomon's Temple and the loss of Kadar. Even in that moment Altaïr had not understood the depth of his failures. Assassins were lost all the time, it was expected, they lived and died by the Creed. Yet Kadar had been but a novice and his respect and admiration of Altaïr had gotten him killed. Altaïr looked down and away, feeling a strange mixture of both pride at Ezio's words and shame for his actions. It was that same pride which had cost lives.

Yet his pride did swell with Ezio's words. Had he not already made up greatly for those mistakes, had not Malik said himself that he was not the same man? He sought forgiveness from Malik most of all but the man had said he no longer needed it. Perhaps his time of shame was indeed done, and the future ahead where he would accomplish these great tasks that Ezio spoke of could be attributed to this new him.

Altaïr felt the corner of his mouth twitch up very briefly, almost a smile, and he smoothed his hands down over his thighs as he glanced up at Ezio before shaking his head and looking away to try and hide the smile that was trying to surface. "Not young enough that I do not recognize that having my pride stroked so is not entirely healthy for me, or anyone else."

A good stroking. Such a choice of words, it had Altaïr's bottom lip between his lip a moment to prevent himself a snort of his own. Altaïr had never been one to be very emotive, nor indeed to have many emotions besides a drive to succeed and to be the best, and often anger or at least heated blood toward violence. Something about Ezio was putting him at ease though, made him feel comfortable and light. Perhaps it was fact he respected Altaïr already, and was so comfortable in saying so.

At the admittance of his own pride Altaïr felt a further kinship to this new brother, and he finally allowed himself a sharp exhale through his nose that was nearly a chuckle. Ezio was amusing, as well as capable.

"Then allow me stroke you in return, Ezio. I am highly impressed with this den." Altaïr looked briefly around the room but then his eyes were sharp on Ezio again, taking in the details of the man. "With your stature..." He was a big man, it wasn't the first or last time he would mentally remark on that fact. "With your abilities, and what you have done here. It is not often I compliment others but it is due here, I will say it freely. You have impressed me." After this was said it was no good, Altaïr could no longer subdue nor hide it, he gave Ezio a smile.