Brasseniel was still humming the last song of the night under her breath as she let herself into the room. It had been a lovely evening of music and dancing with others of Bar-en-Vanimar, practicing their steps for the Yule Ball. She was sad that it ever had to end.
She found Nelthiel curled up in a chair by the fire, cooing over a soft ball of fur in her lap. A kitten? When and where had her sister found herself a kitten? Brasseniel had to wonder how long it would take for her to fill their rooms with every stray that Imladris had to offer.
She greeted her sister with a sigh.
"What have you named this one, then?"
Nelthiel beamed at her.
"Lossë."
Brasseniel arched an eyebrow.
"Quenyan?"
Nelthiel shrugged.
"How was the dance?"
"Better once you were not there to trip up the poor Ambassador."
Nelthiel grinned, and Brasseniel laughed, settling down into the chair across from her. She absently started to undo one of the small braids in her dark hair, narrowing her eyes thoughtfully at her sister as she did so. Nelthiel's attention had returned to the small white kitten in her lap.
"And speaking of Parnard," she continued archly. "What were you on about, calling him my escort? You know very well that he did not ask me. No one asked me."
Nelthiel smirked at her kitten.
"Well, it made him ask, didn't it?"
"Yes, but that's not the point."
"Then what is the point?"
Brasseniel rolled her eyes.
"You are a pest."
Part of her was nervous to attend this Ball. Although thus far she had gotten along well enough with the people of Vanimar -- with one or two exceptions -- and even secured a position among the Hammer, she still did not feel entirely comfortable in the company of all these Noldor. Even their dancing felt different -- organized, practiced. It made her homesick.
But the only outward sign of her agitation was the tapping of her foot as she unbaided her hair.
"Well, since you left the practice early, I should teach you what I learned."
"You mean I should help you practice some more."
"True. I would be better off teaching that kitten of yours to dance."
"Lossë."
"Hopeless."
