[The Saucepan Man]

A familiar clattering sound rang out from one of the recesses of the Great Hall. Most present ignored it, having become accustomed to the sound of pots and pans colliding with each other and their surroundings. One or two of the more recent arrivals looked up momentarily before returning to their party pursuits.

The Saucepan Man picked himself up from the floor beside the sofa where he had been sleeping. Confused and dazed for a moment, he wondered where he was.

"Ah yes, the Great Hall of Minas Anor" he remembered. "And the Barrow Downs Third Birthday Party".

A contended smile played across his wizened features as he took in his surroundings. Diamond had gone, but Heren-Istarion remained prone on a nearby sofa. Concerned over his somewhat uncomfortable posture, Saucepan picked his legs up and laid them across the length of the sofa. Heren-Istarion murmured contentedly in his sleep.

"Hmm, I hope that I haven't missed any fun while I have been sleeping".

And, with that, the Man laden with Pans poured himself another cup of tea and headed back to the merriment.