Ari was actually a fairly punctual person, as long as the appointment was set after noon, so she had arrived first. Not that she minded waiting - some of the people with whom she associated had a positively relative relationship with time. Fortunately, since Altair had introduced her to the Wren, she had been there often enough that the staff seated her at a table near the window and left her courteously alone.
She saw Merri come up the street and had to laugh; he was clearly rushed and flustered, practically tripping over his own feet. He reminded her of a puppy sometimes, though she didn't think he would enjoy the comparison.
When he entered the cafe, she waved to him, hoping he could manage not to trip again on his way over.