Not a minute past midnight

Where Artorias was just drifting off to sleep, Briar was completely out, deeply asleep in her husband's embrace after all of the strenuous activity that they had filled the evening with. These moments were the only times that she really felt any relief from her heat so she fully took advantage and enjoyed the feeling of just being wrapped up in Artorias' arms and getting some very needed rest. However, that sleep was short lived as she was startled awake. Art's reaction to the thump woke her up more than the sound itself did, his jostling rousing her from sleep and making her sit up with a soft gasp as she blinked open her eyes, squinting against the low light of the fire. Art was up much quicker than her, Briar barely catching his mumbled questioning of their adopted son's name. She sat up more properly and rubbed her eyes with her paws as she woke up just as Art threw open the balcony door to let in Zephyrus, letting in a flash of cool air in the process.

Now that she was more awake and aware she was able to slide off of the bed as well, giving herself a quick shake while Art went over to drop another log into the hearth. With sleepy, slightly swaying steps, she walked over to where Zephyrus was standing, giving him a curious look and a small smile while she lifted a paw to smooth a few feathers that had gotten ruffled in his flight here. It made her think of the day she first met him when she settled the few feathers that had gotten stuck up on the top of his head. He had been so, so much smaller back then and she never would have imagined how much he would grow. "What's got you up so late, Zeph?" she asked, settling back on her haunches while she fought back a yawn.

"Briar Carpathius"