Alaric, when hearing the child in front of him introduce himself as Altair, could only smile wryly, thinking how fate was mocking him.
"You have a really nice name," he praised Altair, making the boy smile broadly at his words.
For a moment both of them looked at each other and Alaric saw his reflection in the pair of Altair's eyes.
If only fate didn't take Aleksis from his side, maybe they too could have a son like this.
That thought made him even sadder. He almost looked as though he was mourning in front of Altair. Finally, he took a deep breath and decided to stay away. If he were to be with this child any longer, he would be reminded even more of his own misfortune and how fate was playing with him mercilessly.
"Aren't your parents looking for you?" he asked after a while.
"Ah... Well, I've asked permission to play here while waiting for our puppy to come. They know I'm here anyway..."
"Puppy?" Alaric asked with interest.