Not a minute past midnight

As soon as Zephyrus declared that it was his birthday and asked what they were going to be doing for it, Briar couldn't help but grin. Sometimes he was just too adorable to handle and this was no exception. Just like Artorias she glanced toward the window and saw the moon high in the sky. He was most certainly punctual for the very start of his birthday in the very moment that the day ticked over, that was for sure. As tired as she was and as much as she wanted to sleep, she wouldn't dare dampen his excitement for this special day. Her own birthday had become a point of contention and regret and she never wanted her children—pup or bird—to feel like they weren't celebrated or special. She nodded in agreement as Artorias assured their son that it was indeed a very special day. It was hard to believe it had already been a whole year since Zephyrus found his way into their lives. It had flown by so fast and she was just happy to have been a part of it.

Artorias did a good job of reasoning with their very excited son, citing their sleeping family as a reason to hold of on the festivities until it was light out. She didn't want him to think that they weren't going to celebrate him becoming a yearling, because they most certainly would and she was excited to do so, but maybe just not at midnight on the dot. Just as she was trying to think of something they could do for him now, Artorias came up with an answer faster than her sleepy brain could and she watched as he went over to the decorative wooden box on one of their tables. She tried to contain her grin and couldn't since she knew what was inside. She got to her paws to move closer to Zephyrus, settling again beside him as Artorias presented him with the box. As soon as Zeph opened his gift and revealed the special weapon they had gotten made by Ruga, she echoed Artorias as she said, "Happy birthday, Zeph!" She lifted a paw to affectionately stroke over his wing since he was far too tall now for her to reach his cheek to give him a kiss now without her reaching up on her tip toes, but it felt fitting considering how they met. "I hope you enjoy them, darling."

"Briar Carpathius"