Disclaimer: Lord of the Rings and characters therein belong solely to the professor Tolkien.
"Dad close the book. I don't want to hear any more. It's too scary!" a small voice cried from under the bed covers.
"All right, all right," another voice answered with a chuckle.
"It's not funny," the little voice squeaked, muffled a bit by the blankets.
"All right Elanor, I closed the book. See?" little Elanor pulled the covers down so that her tiny eyes could see if her father was telling the truth. When she saw that he was she pulled them further down and sat up.
"Daddy?" she asked quietly.
"Yes?" he answered and rose from his chair.
"Is it bad to be scared?" she looked down and twirled her curls with her fingers. Elanor felt the bed move as her father sat down, the book in his lap.
"Of course not dear," he smiled and stroked her hair. Then placing a finger under her chin he raised her face so she would look at him.
"I was scared more oftener than I could possibly count," he said but she looked as if she didn't believe him, "Honest," he added in a low voice and took her small hand in his own.
"But you seemed so brave in the story," she replied with awe in her eyes.
"Well maybe I was, but I certainly didn't feel it," he laughed softly, "I felt that it was more of a responsibility and a duty than anything else. I had to do whatever task I was given whether I liked it or no. And even then, I was afraid. But I suppose it's all right to be frightened and still be considered courageous. For even the best of heroes can be scared to death and still be brave."
"Just like you!" Elanor exclaimed loudly and wrapped her arms around his neck. A smile crossed his face, he never felt that he was any great hero, just a simple gardener.
"Everyone's asleep," was all he could manage to say and he motioned her to lower her voice.
"Oh I forgot," she giggled and sat back down.
"I think it's time for you to be sleeping too," he whispered, "I'm sure Mother Rose would be quite upset if she knew I let you stay up so late."
At that Elanor scrambled to get under the blankets as if her mother was going to open the door at any second. She laid her head back on her pillow and looked as if she wanted to ask something.
"What is it Elanorellë?"
"Can you read me the story tomorrow?"she asked, and her eyes looked longingly at her father.
"I thought you said you were scared," he said.
"Well I was- I mean I am,"she mumbled, then spoke in a louder whisper, "But I think I can be brave."
"I'm sure you can," he leaned in to kiss her brow. After tucking her in he put out the candle that was by her bedside and made his way quietly to the door.
"I love you,"she said as her father began to turn the door handle.
"I love you too," he smiled and stole out of the room with the book under his arm.
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-HoN