Houses of Healing



Aragorn was helping Ioreth, one of the Healers assistants, make final preparations in the room they were setting up for Frodo and Sam. He had gone out and collected some herbs and plants that the Healer lacked in his own stores. Pippin watches as Aragorn arranged them on a table with the healers own remedies. Pippin had recently recovered from his own wounds and was eager for Frodo and Sam to return. Suddenly there was a shout from outside and the call was picked up by many voices. One of the scouts had spotted the eagles. Aragorn headed for the door, Pippin was close behind. Aragorn turned and stopped Pippin with a hand on his shoulder. "No Pippin, I think it would be best for you to remain inside. At least until we know what condition they are in. Go and be with Merry. I will send word as soon as I can". Pippin, too shocked with fear and grief to argue, simply turned towards Merryís room.


Aragorn met the healer outside in a small garden. He looked up and saw the three eagles approaching. His heart sank and hope all but died when he saw his two friends hanging limply in the eaglesí talons.


The eagles gently laid Frodo and Sam on the ground then drew away. Aragorn and the healer were at the unconscious hobbits sides instantly assessing their condition. Both hobbits were covered in soot and ash though there no obvious wounds on either one. Samís breathing was shallow but regular. Froro, on the other hand, was having some difficulty breathing. His breaths were coming in short raspy gasps.


Gwahir landed nearby to let Gandalf off his back. As Gandalf ran towards the small group, he called out to Aragorn. "Are they..." he stopped when Aragorn held up his hand. "Raytheon", Aragorn said to the healer, "get them inside and cleaned up immediately". "Right away" Raytheon replied. As the healer was giving instructions to his assistants Aragorn turned to Gandalf. "They live." Aragorn said. "though I donít know for how long. Samís breaths are too shallow and Frodo struggles for every one he takes". "May Elbereth help them." Gandalf prayed as he watched Frodo and Sam being carried into the Houses of healing. As Aragorn turned to follow he saw Pippin watching from the window of Merryís room, A tear silently slipped down Pippinís cheek.