[Child of the 7th Age]

Hawthorne had finished ironing all the table linens and had now slipped out to go to her room. As she climbed the stairway to her chamber, she thought how different the Inn was from her own home. Brandy Hall was built deep inside a hill, with rambling tunnels running out in all directions. The Inn was just the opposite: it stretched straight up instead of down and around. Many Hobbits lived in buildings instead of smials, although Hawthorne swore that she never would. Still, there weren't many Hobbit homes that had staircases leading to a second floor.

Next year, if she stayed out of trouble, Uncle Merry had promised to take her along when he visited out east and introduced his new wife to his old friends from Rohan and Gondor. Hawthorne was trying very hard to behave because she was excited by the idea of such a trip. Uncle Merry had told her that the entire city of Minas Tirith was built up in the air, with several layers extending upward, each one higher than the next. The Hobbit lass couldn't imagine such a thing, but she wanted to go and have a look. Uncle Merry had said she and Estella would be the center of attention. Folk from Gondor and Rohan had seen several Hobbit lads during the war, but a young lass would be a pleasant surprise for them

Hawthorne brought her thoughts back to the present and looked over to where her new gown was carefully laid out on the bed. She had brought it all the way from Brandy Hall. It was pale yellow with green lacing and a bright green vest. The skirt was full and billowing and came up high on her waist. She slipped the dress over her head and fastened the lacings. She intended to dance a great deal tonight and wanted to look her best. Tying back her curls with a bright green ribbon, she smoothed out her skirt and slipped out in the hallway, preparing to go downstairs and see if anyone else had already dressed for the party.