Merry woke for the third time that night and after a quick survey of the camp he saw Aragorn still standing at the edge of the camp guarding their sleep. Merry thought back to all the nights he saw Strider standing guard over the sleeping Hobbits. He disentangled himself from the warm blankets and stood to join him.
- Why aren't you asleep Merry? Strider asked him quietly.
- I thought you may want to have a bit of sleep yourself after all those sleepless nights.
He saw astonishment written on the man's face and smiled.
- I know what you have been doing for us all this time. Letting us rest during the nights, staying awake all this time. But you need not do it alone. We too can help. I think we will need you before we reach Rivendell and you will be of no use to us falling over with fatigue.
- You are right Merry and I thank you. I will rest for a while and then go to scout ahead before dawn.
Merry looked at the man, for the first time really, and clearly saw the exhaustion there, the dark circles under his red rimmed eyes, the tired stoop of his shoulders.
- Go and get some rest Strider and ... thank you.
A small smile flickered across Aragorn's tired features as he headed back to the camp.
- You are most welcome Merry, he said, almost too quiet for Merry to hear.