Not a minute past midnight

Through the glass balcony doors Zephyr could see the wolves stir, watching as Artorias first slid from the bedding toward him, opening the door and inviting him inside. Confidently their avian son strode forward (ducking to clear the doorway) and into the center of their room. A bird with a purpose. Artorias moved to stoke the warmth of the fire - a gesture he greatly approved of as it seemed to only get colder and colder as days went on - and Zeph held his tongue until he was sure both of his parents were awake and ready to listen.

His mother was slower to slide from the bed, wearing an equally sleepy expression to her mate and Aegis. The weirdest thing was that neither of them seemed to know the reason for his midnight visit. Had he mis-mathed the seasons and days? No, not possible! His companions had done the majority of the counting for him, as he had only six toes to count upon. Briar's paws smoothed his feathers and Zephyr's body gave a happy shudder at the gentle grooming. No, they couldn't have forgotten.

Straightening where he stood in the middle of their bedroom, the oversized raptor met each parent's eyes in turn. Excitement burned deep in his gaze, an uncontainable joy that threatened to explode. "It's my birthday!" Zephyr exclaimed suddenly, his talons tip-tapping excitedly on the stone flooring and his beak splitting in a wide grin. "What're we gonna do today!?" He'd hoped they'd gotten enough sleep.

"Zephyr"