Zephyr landed with a gentle thud, the sound echoing in the pre-dawn stillness. "Well, this is a first," he greeted, his eyes finding Zeeb, who was leaning against a tree beside Ralph.
"Honestly, I get why you're always so grumpy when I'm late," Zeeb grumbled, straightening up. "Waiting is no pleasure, I tell you." Usually, Zeeb was the one running behind, but today Zephyr had taken his turn.
Ralph pushed himself off the tree, and the three men converged. They were here to see Otsanna, as planned. The early morning sun hadn't yet touched the horizon, leaving the world cloaked in a serene darkness.
They made their way to the entrance of Otsanna's house, where she was already waiting. "Good thing you made it before the sun's warning. I would have sent you back," she said by way of welcome, then turned and led them inside without another word.
"I apologize for our lateness," Ralph offered once they were indoors.
