[Child of the 7th Age]

Hawthorne was hard at work trying to repair the damage that the ponies had done to the gardens. She'd managed to spruce up the flower beds, removing the half eaten blossoms and substituting others that she'd found in her walk along the banks of The Water. The herbs and vegetables were a more difficult propoposition. It had taken many long afternoons to find the stock of seedlings that she'd planted in the rear courtyard of the Inn. How would she ever replace them in such a short time?

Slowly, an idea formed in her head. Perhaps she could get some help from her former Nanny. Daffodil had been touring the West Farthing for several weeks along with several members of the Gamgee family while the Inn was being rebuilt. Now, she and the Gamgees had returned to Bag-end; Samwise wanted to come to the party at the Dragon, especially since his old friend Merry was expected to attend.

Of all the homes in Hobbiton and Bywater, Bag-end was still reputed to have the most beautiful flowers. No matter how much work Mayor Samwise had to do, he always saved time to keep his flower and herb gardens in tiptop shape. Plus, the Gamgee children were now old enough to help their father in his work, learning to plant, weed, and water the flower and vegetable beds.

Hawthorne decided that this might be a good time to visit Nanny Daffodil at Bag-end, and drop a few gentle hints about her carefully tended beds of herbs and salad greens that the ponies had trampled. A nice floral arrangement to grace the central table in the party room would also be of help. Hawthorne quickly slipped on her one spare dress -- all her others had been lost in the blaze -- and scampered out the door in the direction of Bag-end. She would need to carry out her errand quickly, since Regin had told her to be back soon to help with the party preparations.