[** Back to the house **]

Lancelot kept sitting by the window.

"You should eat too," said Eclipse and put a plate with meat from the yesterday and fresh vegetable on the window frame, since the window was opened. The knight made only hmm sound, constantly deep in his thoughts.

Eclipse was greatly worried about him. He never saw him like that and his worries skyrocketed when he saw a moment later the meat was untouched... while the vegetable was gone. This was serious! Lancelot loved meat! He hugged his head. "Lance, what's with you? Please, tell me."

He sighed and that would be first normal response he provided since the morning. "I don't know if I really love you." Eclipse jerked. "I wonder if I took you only because of my sense of duty." his voice sounded sad and distant.

"W-What are you talking about?"

"Galahad... I don't recognize him. When did I see him last? I don't even remember his child's face. Did I ever visit him? My first wife died soon after his birth, since then he was in the care of maids, nurses and other servants. I was barely at home, serving the previous knight.

And now, look at him... he has grown so much and I have to question myself... Was I ever a father to him? Did I ever earn the right to be called that way? I hated Mephiles when he called himself Aalis' father, but I may be the same."

Eclipse's hug got tighter. "Don't speak such nonsense. You may not see it, but your eyes are full of love whenever you see the children or me. You may not show it with words but your every action is full of love."

"You think so?" he looked at him.

"I know it." Eclipse kissed him and he returned it.

Unbeknownst to them, they were overheard by Galahad. He didn't want to eavesdrop, he only wanted to apologize to his father for his rude behavior. He felt even worse now. He walked away, pondering what to say or do next.

Soon after he left, Lancelot finished his meal and asked about Mephiles' whereabouts. When he heard, he is not around the house and that in fact, he may be with Aalis, he had shown hardly any emotion, he only nodded. He headed outside, to get some fresh air and stretch his stiffed muscles. There he saw his first son sitting on the bench in front of the house.

He noticed he has man's clothes. He said nothing, passing him by. It seemed he had remembered something and so he headed to the castle. With his speed, it will be a short trip for him.

After an hour or so, two voices could be heard overlapping. "Mom! Dad!"

Eclipse looked out of the window to see his children ran towards the house with aunt Moriana behind them with a big smile. Their mom dashed outside, hugging her kids.

"How was the sleepover?"

"It was awesome!"

"Aunt Moriana is so funny!"

There was more as they were shouting it over each other so Eclipse caught only half of it. But judging by their shining faces they had a lot of fun. The white bat came closer.

"I guess I'm getting old, I was having a hard time to keep up with them. They are just full of energy."

Eclipse chuckled. "Don't say that. You are still young."

They walked into the house, where they noticed Galahad. He smiled towards them in a friendly manner.

"Who is this?" asked Amyce.

"Is he a guest?" added Magnus.

"Yes, he is our guest here, but he is as well your oldest brother."

They gasped. "How so?"

Moriana eyed him. He was actually quite attractive. He had this innocent face and if her guess was right, he may be quite a naive and honest person. She had a smirk. It will be fun to tease him.

Eclipse was about to explain it, but Galahad did it instead as he slightly bowed. "It's nice to meet you. My name is Galahad, I'm the son of lady Elaine of Corbenic and Sir Lancelot. My mother had died shortly after I was born. Please, excuse me for my late introduction, I have been busy with my school. I hope we can be friends as well."

The children were watching him with curious eyes, before bursting in a stream of rapid questions.

"Why are your quills so weird?"

"Have you slew a dragon?"

"Were you in any fight?"

"Do you have a girl?"

"Why are you silver? Dad is black!"

"Can you show us your sword?"

"What is the school?"

"Have you been in the castle?"

Galahad could only back down and Eclipse had to calm the children down.