Ithilien


Aragorn had seen Gandalf leave with the eagles. He knew immediately that Gandalf was headed to Mt. Doom. Frodo had fulfilled his quest and the ring had been destroyed. But the Ringbearer was not yet out of danger.


"Harland" Aragorn called to one of the remaining Dunedain, "see to it that the wounded are cared for and the dead buried". Harland bowed and Aragorn left to find the warden of the Houses of Healing. He had to make preparations should Frodo and Sam return alive. "There is much to be done before this victory can be celebrated" Aragorn said wearily to himself.


As He approached the Houses of Healing Aragorns thoughts went to Frodo and Sam. He thought of the horrors they must have faced in Mordor and shuddered. He said a silent prayer to Lluvatar that the two hobbits would be all right.


Upon entering the Houses of Healing Aragorn found the Warden coming out of Merryís room. Merry had been stricken with the black breath during his encounter with the Nazgul on the battlefield earlier in the war. "How is he doing?" Aragorn inquired. "He is mending well and should be able to leave in a day or two" replied Raytheon, the Warden. "These little ones are a wonder of healing abilities". Aragorn simply nodded, remembering Frodos recovery from the Morgul blade wound.


"Raytheon, I need two beds prepared and set aside" stated Aragorn. "Forgive me lord but we have many wounded and little space to spare" replied Raytheon. "I understand that but these are for two very special Pheriannath" explained Aragorn, "Gandalf will be returning with them soon I think".


"Ah!" exclaimed Raytheon, "like the little one in there?"


"Yes, one is his kin"


Raytheon bowed to Aragorn, "I will do my best my lord" he said and set about his appointed task.


"Aragorn?", it was Merry, "Is everything OK? I heard you talking to the warden." Aragorn turned and saw the worry on his friends face. "Iím not sure Merry, Iíll know more when Gandalf returns." Merry fumbled nervously with the buttons on his coat. "Its Frodo isnít it? And Sam? Something dreadful has happened hasnít it?" Merry asked with tears welling up in his eyes. Drawing a ragged breath Aragorn Placed his hands on Merryís shoulders and leaned down to look Merry straight in the eyes. Aragorn knew it would be wrong to deceive Merry. "I honestly donít know Merry" Aragorn said then quickly added "we must be strong. Get things ready for their return, but" Aragorn looked away, "we must also prepare for the worst." A single tear escaped down Mercyís face and he angrily wiped it away. "Theyíll be alright Aragorn, I know they will!"


"Yes merry, Iím sure your right. Now please return to your room, you still need rest. I will let you know as soon as I hear something." Merry simply nodded and turned to enter his room. Aragorn watched sadly and, though he did not know it, he mirrored Gandalfís fear that it was too late.