A sudden wail sliced through their peaceful cocoon.
Tavriel.
Their two-year-old's cry erupted from the bedroom with the authority of an ancient dragon demanding tribute.
Lunivelle sighed softly, but her smile was instant."Such timing… our little queen has awakened."
Thirukumaran nodded solemnly. "Babies do not recognize holidays since they need parents."
She slipped off the couch and walked toward the bedroom, her pink silk gown whispering across the floor.
Inside, Tavriel sat up in her crib, face scrunched, dark curls sticking in every possible direction. She saw her mother and lifted her tiny arms, crying louder—as if announcing her suffering to the gods of all five elements.
"Oh, my noisy star…" Lunivelle murmured, scooping her up with practiced tenderness.
The baby's cries softened immediately, melting into soft hiccups.
Lunivelle sat on the edge of the bed and held her close, cooing gently before guiding Tavriel to nurse. The little girl latched eagerly, still sniffling between little breaths. Lunivelle stroked her back, whispering warm, patient nonsense only a mother could invent.
"Our daughter has no volume control," she said over her shoulder, voice affectionate.
From the living room, Thirukumaran called back, lowering the TV volume, "She gets that from you!"
Lunivelle laughed quietly. "Excuse me?"
"My wife shouts at furniture," he replied.
"It disobeys me."
"Of course…"
His voice drifted into a hum as he sipped his coffee, letting her have this quiet moment.
After a few minutes, Tavriel finished, blinking up at Lunivelle with sleepy satisfaction and a milk-drunk smile that could overthrow kingdoms.
Lunivelle kissed her tiny forehead. "Such a noisy girl… but your father and I love you more than the whole damn world."
She carried the baby back to the living room.Thirukumaran immediately stood and extended his arms.
"Come here, little chaos machine."
Tavriel practically leapt into his embrace, a happy babbling mess now that her crisis had been resolved. She pat his cheek repeatedly, making little "Da! Da! Da!" noises like she was scolding him for existing without her.
Thirukumaran pretended to stagger. "She hits like a warrior."
"She is an elf-human hybrid," Lunivelle said, passing them both an approving look. "Expect greatness."
He bounced Tavriel lightly, making her squeal in delight.
Lunivelle moved toward the kitchen. "Since it's a holiday, let's go out today. Somewhere calm. Somewhere fun."
Thirukumaran nodded, voice muffled as Tavriel grabbed his face. "Agreed. After breakfast… assuming we survive your daughter's morning energy."
"Your daughter," Lunivelle corrected playfully, pulling ingredients from the cabinet.
"Not after what she did to my face," he said, as Tavriel smacked his cheek again with loving enthusiasm.
Lunivelle laughed as she began preparing breakfast—the rhythm familiar, warm, rooted in love.
Behind her, Thirukumaran swayed gently with their baby in his arms while Tavriel babbled wildly, telling him very important two-year-old secrets.
And just like that, their Zero'thday morning unfolded—messy, loud, perfect.