"Thank you inviting me over, Frodo." Said Merry, while sipping at the warm tea that Frodo had made a while ago. Frodo and Merry were both sitting in the living room, by the fireplace. It was a quiet evening.

"You're welcome, Merry." Frodo smiled at his cousin. All of a sudden, Frodo let out a loud yawn. "Oh, Goodness me." He mumbled.
"Looks like it's getting a bit late. Merry, could you please excuse me for a moment? I have to get Brianna settled into bed."

Merry grinned. "Sure. Go ahead. I'll just be sitting here, enjoying my tea."

"I won't be long." Frodo added. Frodo rose from his chair and slowly walked down the hallway.

I was seated on the end of my bed, waiting for Frodo to arrive. When he did, he squeezed my shoulders gently and spoke to me in a soft, soothing voice.

"It's time for sleep, dear. Let's get you settled into bed."

I rose from my bed. Frodo followed me from behind. I quickly crawled into my bed; covering myself with the cozy sheets and comforter. I rested my head on my pillow. Frodo sat down at my side and continued to talk to me. He squeezed my shoulders once more.

"It has been a long day, hasn't it, Brianna?" Frodo asked, with a smile.

I chuckled. "Yes, it has. It was a wonderful day."

Frodo chuckled. "You look sleepy, Brianna."

I let out a loud yawn. "Mmm hmm." I mumbled. "I am sleepy."

Frodo gently brushed my hair over my ears and pecked my cheek. "Is there anything that you need, my dear? Anything I could do for you?"

"Could you stay with me until I fall asleep, Frodo?" I asked, gingerly.

"Of course, darling. Of course."

Merry quietly crept towards my room, hiding behind my bedroom door. He didn't want Frodo to notice him. He perked up his ears and carefully listened to the private conversation between Frodo and me.

"You know, Brianna, you are a special girl. You are such a blessing."

"I know I am."

"Brianna. My dearest Brianna. Don't let anyone try to break your heart. You deserve so much love. I know it isn't fair how the other hobbits in the Shire tease you. But, you must always remember that there are people who love and care about you. I care about you. I love you. So does Sam. And Pippin."

"What about Merry?" I asked.

"Yes, he loves you very much." Frodo smiled. "He told me how much he loves you."

A wide smile fell upon Merry's face. "Yes. I do love her." He whispered.

"He told you?" I asked, excitedly. "That's wonderful! I can't wait to see him again!"

"There, there, Brianna." Lulled Frodo, while taking a hold of my hands. "You don't want to get overexcited. You still need to sleep."

"Oh, right. Sorry, Frodo." I apologized. "Um, Frodo, could I ask you something? Could you....sing me to sleep?"

"I would love to sing to you, dearest." Frodo whispered, soothingly. There was a sparkle in his deep blue eyes. They were mesmerizing. I felt comfort when I gazed into them. I was at peace.

Sleep came over me like a giant wave. I slowly closed my eyes and listened to the sound of Frodo's quiet, gentle, soothing voice.

"Go to sleep, Go to sleep, Go to sleep, my dear." He sang. "Lay down your weary head. Sleep, sleep, my dear. It's time to go to bed. Hush a bye, hush a bye, hush a bye. Goodnight. Goodnight. Goodnight."

Merry sighed softly after Frodo sang the lullaby. "So, he really does care about Brianna after all." He thought to himself. "Frodo is right. She does deserve to be loved. I hate how those hobbits tease her. I'm glad that there are some people in Brianna's life that care about her. Like, me. I would do anything for that lass. Anything at all. I would give her all the love I have to offer. I would die for her. She's so beautiful. So quiet and soft and gentle. She truly is a good person. I know that for sure. I would never hurt the poor lass. If I ever did, it would be something I'd regret. I just love her so much. I love her."

Frodo leaned forward and kissed me softly on the cheek. He tucked me in snugly.

Merry ran back to the living room to try not to get caught by Frodo. Frodo wouldn't have liked it too much if he found out that Merry was eavesdropping on him. Merry sat back down in his chair and finished the rest of his tea.

When Frodo came back to the living room, he looked over at Merry. "I'm sorry, Merry. I hope you understand."

Merry nodded his head. " I understand. I'm sure that Brianna is all safe and sound by now." He said, nonchalantly. Merry got up and handed Frodo his empty teacup. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I better be heading on home. It's awfully late. Goodnight, Frodo."

"Farewell, Merry." Frodo smiled. "Have a good evening."

"You too, Frodo." Answered Merry, as he headed out the front door of Bag End.