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The episode with Snaveling, the little girl, and the cake had attracted much attention and laughter from the guests, and a look towards the towering cake made Caity realize how very hungry she was. Gently setting her whistle down on the stage where it wasn't likely to get stepped upon, she descended the stairs and made her way over to the table. It took several minutes for her to manage to get to the table, but soon a plate with thick slice of cake on it was passed to her.
There were several empty tables, but she was perfectly content to sit on the grass, so she found a nice lush spot and plopped down contentedly with her cake. She lifted a forkful to her mouth and tasted the cake. It was absolutely delicious.
I must remember to present my compliments to the cook, she thought. Everything is going so well today.
The band played on as she ate, and the lively tune they played made her wiggle her big toe in time. When she was finished, she bounded up, barely remembering to take the empty plate with her. She put it on a table which was full of used dishes. Yet the rich cake had left her throat feeling somewhat dry.
Nearby, the three old grannies were still tending their vat of punch, stirring it every so often between handing out cups to the ladies. Caity decided she wouldn't mind a taste. She politely asked one of the gammers for some, and the elderly hobbit gave her a knowing wink as she handed her a cup. It was a curious-looking drink, golden and yet ruby red at the same time. Glad for something to moisten her dry throat, Caity took a sip and found it to her liking. Soon the cup was empty.
The band struck up another fast song, quite fit for dancing. The guests were coupling off in front of the stage. Caity suddenly felt like dancing, too. Her foot was tapping to the music, and had she turned around, she would have seen the three grannies chuckling to themselves. She looked about the crowd of people, wondering if maybe there was a nice hobbit lad about her age who she might dance with.
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