Violets in the Midst of Winter

            Violets grow in profusion east of Brandy Hall, and Aunt Esmeralda has sent trays of them, candied and crystallized, as well as a bottle of violet water, for Frodo to use in his baking.

            Frodo smiles as he looks on such bounty, remembering days spent intoxicated with their beauty.  “I shall use them to make and decorate biscuits for the children,” he tells Bilbo.  “A taste of the promise of spring, now in the heart of winter.  A sign that the Sun will now spend more time with us each day.”

            Bilbo smiles to see their dear lad made glad.