"I'm saying look at us..." he put a palm on his chest. "A herm thief has for a husband a noble knight, they are living happily and they have children and are even approved by a king. Who would ever think about it?"

"Look, I know, our situation is unique, but---"

"So is their!" he interrupted him. "They may be struggling the same way we did!"

"Are you out of your mind?!" Lancelot couldn't believe Eclipse was taking their side. "Look, you are a kind person, but Mephiles is just trying to take revenge on us!"

"No, it can't be his intention! Remember what Moriana said! He was at the end of his life, he lost all will to struggle or to hold a grudge. What can we know about his true character?"

"True what?" He shook his head.

"He may have committed many bad things but deep inside he may have been just controlled by his dominant nature. It can be same like with some people who try to control their aggressive nature, it just doesn't go well every time."

Lancelot took a breath, ready to argue, but Eclipse shut him, by continuing: "And I know what he did to us and you know about the offer he gave to me that night." Eclipse went silent, letting his words to sink in. "I'm willing to forgive him and give him a chance. Just like you gave Aalis a chance to live with us."

"But that was different..."

"No," Eclipse put his hands on his cheeks. "It's the same. I know you too well. You seriously thought about taking her life, but you didn't do it to not hurt me. So you decided to be strict with her, to see how she will grow up..." He gently kissed him. "And you have never stop thinking how to take care of her in a case she will turn evil."

Lancelot hugged him. "I admit, I thought that way about Aalis, but not anymore! She protected you, she is my daughter!"

"I'm happy you can see her that way. You gave her a chance," Eclipse broke the hug. "Now, can you give them a chance? You have seen him only as an enemy, but there may be a different face to him as well. Go to see them with your own eyes not clouded by an anger."

With this Lancelot got a permission to go. He nodded and left the house with much clearer head. He was thankful for it, if he was to battle in his previous state, he may have seriously hurt his son. He was looking for them for a few long minutes until he saw them sitting on a log.

He jumped into the trees, moving silently and observing them. His hear was beating like crazy. His son... was wearing a dress! It was a simple one, one worn by the middle class. It was mostly beige to yellow with occasionally orange. Galahad was sitting next to Mephiles, resting their heads on the other one's shoulder.

He came closer, directly above them, listening to them. He heard Mephiles talk: "Maybe you should return."

"No, my father refused to acknowledge us! I thought he would understand since his second wife is the herm."

"I don't blame him, but I'm not worthy of breaking the bond between a parent and a child, tho I can't speak for myself. I'm no father to Aalis."

"It's not your fault. We can live happily even without his approval! Let's go back to your home!"

"I still need to apologize," noted Mephiles, trying to get up.

"Don't go! Father will only hurt you! He will never accept it!"

"Even so, I have to go. It's the last thing I owe them."

Lancelot was clenching his teeth. Is Mephiles faking it? Or are his words telling the truth? He did look different. There was hardly any strong aura around him... like he was a new person. His ears perked, he heard breaking branches and rustling of leaves.

"Hey, look, lovebirds in the forest!" shouted a bandit. Behind him was a group of five more.

"Lucky for us!" said another one.

They all had dirty clothes and were having daggers or rusty swords in their hands.

'Are those the remaining thieves?' They must have moved here in a hope to avoid the capture. Lancelot was getting ready to jump down to beat them. He had no doubt Galahad can't fight in that ridiculous dress when he was surprised.

A thief approached his son, calling him a pretty lady. There was no doubt what was on his mind. An elbow landed on top of his head, grounding him. Galahad's face had an angry expression but that soon turned into smug one. Lancelot never saw him that way.