*hugs* I am so sorry, Nonnie.

Custard is a big pile of fluff, and so the shedding is truly stupendous. Twice a year, Thrain complains that he could make another cat with the fur he has collected – from the hem of his trousers alone.

Custard has an enduring fascination with Hrera’s jewellery. It has led to some very awkward moments. Because Custard also bats at things she likes.

Custard is not much of a one for jumping. But she is a big fan of the Manic Unexplained Dash. Every so often, she tears around the place as though trying to catch invisible pixies. AAAAAH GOTTA GET EM GOTTA GET EM AHHHH. This is the cause of much swearing should the invisible pixies strike in the forge or Thror’s workroom!

Likewise, skittering sounds in the forge are always Custard, batting around a bolt or scrap that has fallen from the table. skitter skitter skitter POUNCE

Custard has discovered the best place. It is the corridor just outside Vili’s room. It echoes. If she sits there and meows, it will wake at least sixteen people. One of them might be convinced to feed her if she looks cute enough (protip: 5am is best time. She will get fed simply because people are desperate to go back to sleep.)

Custard never bites. But she is a champion food-stealer. She has been known to nick a morsel out of someone’s hand. Kili is a good one to choose, as he sometimes gets so into his topic of discussion that he forgets about what he is eating. An enterprising kitty can make use of that!

She purrs loud enough to wake Fris. Custard will settle at the end of the bed, and flop down like a giant fluffmonster. Then she will begin to purr like an engine. Fris doesn’t mind, though – because Thrain always sleeps well when Custard settles down with them.

Don’t move your legs under a blanket if Custard is nearby. She will pounce on them. What? They’re shifty, moving around like that! They are obviously up to something, and must be stopped.

Custard always, ALWAYS knows when Thrain needs her. She will sit on his lap, rub her head against his, and will lick his hands when he dissociates. The raspy tongue is a good tactile way to bring him back. She will purr, and press her big fluffy warm body against his. Eventually Thrain will sigh out and hold her close, burying his face in her fluffy side, and she will purr all the louder.

Thorin’s lap is a good lap. He also gives superior cheek-scritches. But Thrain is Best Person. Frerin and Kili are best at playing. Fris is best person to sleep near, and her workshop is also the most interesting (and smells the most exciting! Instruments also have padded cases – Custard Approves.) Thror is best treat-giver. Hrera is sparkliest. And Kili makes the best noises when pounced on. 🙂

She has been known to wander through the Halls now and then, turning up in some very odd places. Mahal’s forge was a good one, as was the Chamber of Sansukhul. She is a very intrepid explorer!