Wander through Michel Delving square in the evening, chances are that you will find a group of hobbits gathered near one of the stalls. Why are they there? To play music, dance, share a pie and gossip about the latest news, of course.
The first few times I visited Michel Delving, I was sad ter find it so hard ter make new friends. Oh, there were many hobbits around, but they were so busy! Running between the vault and the salesmen, riding fast through the square, muttering somet about a prancing pony they just had ter meet somewhere in the east. Truly a sad sight fer a Brockenborian looking fer the local gossip, it was.
So I set meself up by one of them stalls near the well there. Brought me old lute, played some tunes, hoped that a few of the locals would stop and chat a bit. Most did not. Some did. One in particular invited me along to a party at the Plough and Stars and later to the Green Dragon. This is where I first made good friends outside of Brockenborings, which was a grand experience. Still, I found meself drawn back to me old spot in Michel Delving, hoping that the place would liven up somehow.
That was about two and a half years ago. These days, the square is more lively, and no mistake. More musicians come to play. Others stop to listen, chat, or engage each other in dancing. I think many a young hobbit in the Shire today make their first friends among the group of hobbits meeting there. Lately, there has also been a biweekly market set up, which makes the place come even more alive. And that cheers me up no end!
Not every day is busy. Sometimes I go there to relax and play me lute a bit, just to look at those who run past. I smile a bit fer meself, though. I know that soon, very soon someone will stop to listen and say hullo. And once yer get one to stop, the rest will follow.