[Child of the 7th Age]

Hawthorne Brandybuck and the party plans:

Hawthorne came barrelling towards the table in the midst of all the confusion. The Hobbit could see Aman kneeling with the stricken Crystal while Regin ran off to retrieve some water in response to the Innkeeper's plea. Not wanting to intrude on the doleful events now taking place, and seeing that Regin would be occupied for some time, Hawthorne beckoned to the tableful of volunteers to follow her into Mistress Aman's private parlor, a small room situated off the main corridor. The folk who'd come to plan for the party made themselves comfortable inside the cosily furnished sitting room: a few lounged on the braided rag carpet; others found places in the comfortable chairs that were arranged in a semi-circle directly facing the hearth.

At first, a number of the Hobbits quietly traded comments among themselves on the unusual events now occurring in the Common Room, expressing concern for Crystal and trying to figure out exactly what her situation was. Hawthorne quickly shushed them, pointing out that all their curious questions would not help Miss Crystal in the slightest and that Aman was already doing a good job of that.

Raising her voice and rapping on the mantle to get everyone's attention, Hawthorne brusquely explained, "Sorry to be late! But we have too much to do here in just a few hours. First, a piece of luck..... There will be a cart arriving shortly from Bag-end. The Mayor has made a generous gift of cut flowers from his garden that can be set out on the party tables. He's also provided us with plenty of seedlings for the herb and salad beds to replace the ones the ponies trampled."

"Next," continued Hawthorne, "have a look at this!." She held up a large square placard that was emblazoned with bold letters, looking over at Peony and smiling. "This tells everyone how they can help. We'll set it up in the Common Room against the wall near the end of the bar."

Hawthorne stepped back so the others could read the sign. As they crowded around the notice, she could hear the cart from Bag-end come rumbling up in front of the Dragon, loaded down with the flowers and seedlings that they would need.

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Hawthorne's placard:

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Time is fleeting! The Green Dragon would appreciate your help in preparing the Inn for the party. Please consider helping with any of these chores.
[list=1][*]Prepare your favorite dish to share with other partygoers.[*]Help arrange the tables, set out the flowers, and string up a welcoming banner at the entrance to the Dragon.[*]Replant the seedlings in the Inn's rear courtyard.[*]Mosts important of all, bring out your fiddles, flutes and other instruments to get ready for the party.[/list=1]