He stood there, stirring the eggnog, listening in vain for any sound of Christmas cheer, but all he heard was the clink, clink of his spoon hitting the side of the glass as he stirred.

All he'd ever heard was the 'clink'.
He'd abandoned his family, too eager for wealth, fame, power.
And now- he had no one. He wished he knew if they missed him, if he could ever go back.

Faintly, outdoors Percy heard carolers singing. Setting the eggnog down, grabbing a few coins, he went to stand outside and sing, so that Christmas wouldn't be completely lonely.