Yvain had not ridden far when he saw a dwarf on horseback cross his path. The horse was dapple-grey but its ears were red. One cheek was snow-white while the other was black like a raven. Between the two colours ran a line greener than a grape-vine leaf.
Yvain thought he would follow this dwarf and ask him the way, but before he
had ridden six paces the dwarf had vanished. Instead Yvain saw a knight ahead
of him on the path.
The knight heard him approach and turned round at once. Yvain prepared to defend himself, and called out:
'Friend, I mean no-one any harm. I am searching for a wonderful Spring, and came this way following a dwarf. Yet I am ready to fight, if need be.'
The other replied:
'I know nothing about your Spring, but the dwarf is surely my friend Guivret the Little. He is a fine man and has helped many a knight in their adventures. But tell me, do I not know your voice?'
'I am Yvain, King Urien's son.'
'And I am Erec, son of King Lac. I am King Arthur's nephew.'
At that they took off their helmets and hugged and kissed one another, for they knew each other well - though Erec had not been seen at Arthur's court for a long time.
