[doug*platypus]

The Road to Olo's House

Sending long wisps of pipe smoke behind him as he walked, Biffo headed across the bridge to Hobbiton. His stay at the Green Dragon last night had been quiet, but very restful, and today he felt as though he could even slay a troll, if the opportunity came up before teatime.

Nodding and saying "good morning" to the folk he passed by in the market, the hobbit continued up towards The Hill. Before the road started to wind its way up to Bagshot Row, he turned down a winding lane towards Olo Proudfoot's house. Biffo had a good sense of direction, and even though he had only been to his uncle's once before (last night, as a matter of fact) he had no trouble remembering the way.

Arriving at Olo's house, Biffo rapped on his jolly, bright yellow door and waited patiently. Looking around he noticed that grey clouds had begun to gather overhead, and it was starting to look more wintry. He also noticed that Olo's garden was very well kept, and the lawn had recently been mowed. Shortly, a round-faced hobbit woman appeared at the door.

"Hello again, Aunt!"

"Hello there, Biffo," she replied, "do come in, won't you, the others have already begun to arrive. Ooh, looks like a bit cloudy, doesn't it?"

The hobbit furrowed her brow, a funny expression for one only ten or so years older than Biffo. Still, she and Olo already had two children (apparently, Biffo had not met them last night) and were quite well settled in their comfortable hobbit-hole.

"My word, Auntie, your grass looks so green!" Biffo commented, pleased to note the proud look on her face. She and Olo kept a very tidy house and garden, and never got sick of well-deserved praise.

After politely wiping his feet on the mat, Biffo entered the round doorway. Olo's wife took his hat and walking staff, and showed him through to the parlour. There, on a seat by the window, sat Primrose, the organiser and ponymistress of the group. Opposite her sat another hobbit lass. A Brandybuck, unless Biffo was mistaken. He said a good morning to them, and then Olo came in to say hello. After a brief chat, he excused himself and went back out of the room. Biffo could hear the voices of hobbit children as well. After introducing himself properly to the two hobbits, he waited in the parlour for the meeting to begin.