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Toby sagged in the chair and slumped forward, nearly landing on the floor. He took a deep breath and sat up again, asking, “So…how’s life in Hobbiton nowadays? I have many a relative around these parts and I would certainly like to know of any interesting recent happenstances.” He leaned against the back of his chair again and stared dreamily into the crowd.
Mira chuckled and replied, "Well, it's the same old Hobbiton. Many birthdays have passed; and births, and deaths. But other than those few minor details...it's been the same quiet Hobbiton."
As if to counteract what she had just said, there was a crash of breaking glass. Toby jumped and looked about blearily, while Mira whirled in her seat and searched the crowd for the source of the noise. Aman suddenly appeared, looking angrier than a pestered bee. She stormed past, heading for the cellar. Mira began to turn back to Toby, saying, "Well, I guess I was wrong..." When she was facing him again, she saw that his head was bowed on his chest and he was breathing deeply.
Mira slowly leaned forward and touched the elder hobbit's shoulder. "Toby...are you awake...?"
He started and jerked his head up, saying loudly, "What? I'm not asleep. How could I fall asleep on such a fine evening?"
Mira laughed and said, "You didn't fall asleep, good sir. You were simply...resting your eyes."
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