Merry heads Northwest, walking slowly through the dark. He stops as he hears footsteps coming towards him through the dark, "Hello?"

And those footsteps prove to be Filby's, heading southeast. "Good-evening, sir. Or good-morning, as the case may be." The old hobbit tips his top hat. "Not a bad time for a walk, eh? A bit of snow, but it's still rather pleasant."

Merry walks closer to the Hobbit he has encountered, getting close to try to see who it is, "It's rather dark, if you ask me, and I haven't a lantern to light the way. I think I mighta taken a wrong turn a ways back. Who is that I see, anyways? It must be someone as foolish as I am to be wandering about in the cold dark."

"Not foolish, sir. I'm on business in these parts. I admit that it was foolish to continue from Nobottle last eve, but since I did I'm simply continuing on toward Hobbiton-Bywater." The old hobbit stops his walking and bows to Merry. "And I'm afraid I'm as lightless as you, sir. I am Filby Pott, the head of Pott Manor in Michel Delving. And may I ask your name, sir?" He looks interestedly at the other.

Merry leans in to see if he can put a face to the name, "Well, hello Filby. I'm Merry Brandybuck, Of Brandy Hall in Buckland, and I'll think I'll just head back the way I came, for there was a light on at the Green Dragon, and since you're headed that way, we can keep each other company."

Filby nods. "Ah, Merry, eh? Not Meriadoc, the Master's son? A pleasure making your aquaintance, sir." The Pott chuckles to himself. "I'd not mind seeing the Dragon again... though I am much more fond of the Ivy Bush: the food is better, and the innkeeper more pleasant."

Merry smiles, thought it may not be visible through the darkness, "Yes, I am that Merry. As far as I know, I am the only Merry. As for whether we go to the Green Dragon or the competing Ivy Bush, I've no preference. If I might say so, without giving offense, I find the further one gets from The Brandywine, the ruder people get. But there was no light on in the Bush, as there was in the Dragon." Here Merry turns around and begins to walk the way he came, "But by the time we get back to Bywater, it might be different."

"Perhaps," agrees Filby, "though I -could- take that as an insult, sir, being a Delving native... one can't get much farther from the Brandywine than Michel Delving. But enough of that." He brushed the matter aside with a wave of his hand. "I would not mind the Dragon either."

Merry looks back to be sure Filby is walking with him, "Lets head to Bywater and we'll see which it'll be. Hmm?"

Filby nods to Meriadoc and moves quickly to catch up. "Of course, sir. A pleasure meeting you, by the way, if I may say so."

Merry heads southeast.
Merry has left.

You travel southeast toward the village of Hobbiton, visible in the distance. The road gradually improves as you get closer to the village.

Hobbiton Lane, Hobbiton
This is a perfectly pleasant, well-groomed lane, with trimmed grasses blanketing either side of the gravel road. The reaching branches of trees provide spotted shady areas, and every now and then a small cottage can be seen just off the road a bit. The cottages are rather odd looking, very small, long and low, with perfectly round doors and windows. The road continues here both to the east and northwest, with the center of the village of Hobbiton lying just to the east, and becoming less populated to the northwest. A plump hobbit gardener looks up as you pass,and smiles.
Contents:
Merry
Obvious exits:
Number Five Hobbiton Lane, NorthWest, and East

Merry looks around as he walks, "It looks like the day is breaking anyhow, so where we go is up to you. Is the breakfast good at the Ivy Bush?"

Merry continues east.
Merry travels east to the center of town.
Merry has left.

You follow Bywater Road east to the center of town.
Hobbiton
The center of Hobbiton, a small village even by the standards of the Shire-folk. Smials burrowed into the earth and cottages are clustered along the road, and all share certain peculiarities of hobbit architecture: they are low one-story dwellings with round doors (mostly green) and equally round windows. The largest structure is a pleasant guest cottage, just off the road to the south. A narrow river, The Water, meanders by just north of here, winding its way eastwards. A cobblestoned path to the adjacent village of Bywater leads east, North Hill Lane stretches northwards, and Hobbiton Lane continues to the west. Hobbits are sitting by their front doors, and you can smell the aroma of cooking coming from the Guest House. Easily seen in daylight is a sign posted to the Big Tree of Hobbiton.
Contents:
Merry
Tordobrand
Obvious exits:
Chandler's Shoppe, Stables, North, West, and Bywater

Pott nods. "Of course, sir. That is what I had hoped for in the first place." He couchs as he walks along. "Well... it's awful what's happening in the Buckland, eh? What with the epidemic, and all." Filby sighs. "Must be rather bothersome being away from home at a time like this.

Merry says, "Well, I'm used to being away from home alot. Dad is getting up in the years, so I do most of the travelling for him. He says it'll help prepare me for when I become Master. But I do get worried, yes."

Filby nods sympathetically. "Of course. I'm sure you'll be a fine official in your time, of course." As he plods along, the old fellow notes a house off to the side of the road. "Ah... I'm sorry, sir... if you don't mind, I'd like to stay here, in Hobbiton. A friend of mine lives in this area, and I'd like to stop here to say hallo to him. Adam Hornblower, the blacksmith of these parts, that is. I haven't seen him in years... and, well, I'd like to take leave of you to visit his home, if you don't mind."

You say, "Thank you, sir." With these words the old hobbit steps off the road toward the smithy. "It's been pleasurable meeting you you, as well."

Merry heads east along Bywater Road.
Merry has left.