Hello everyone!

Well, I got a ton of happy reviews, so I decided to get this chapter up as soon as I could.

And NO MORE MEANINGLESS HOMEWORK!

So I was able to get this up a little faster. But my grandparents came from Australia and they are probably the only grandparents in the world who know how to use a computer, and I had to share.

Sorry…rambling. Here we go!

In this chapter we have a nice little fight scene, some more angst, and we get some hobbit action! WoOt!

Eowyn hurriedly knelt by Aragorn and felt his forehead. Just as she feared, it was steadily climbing.

"What have you been doing?" she scolded as she examined the new cut across his chest. It was only then that Aragorn seemed to realize that she was there.

"Eowyn…did you find Gimli?" he asked while wavering against the wall. Eowyn helped him sit down, being careful of his arm.

"Yes." She replied. "He was just fine, and I only saw one guard on the way. But I guess you fared a little differently, hmm?" Aragorn grinned shakily, but looked troubled.

"Ask…Legolas. And tell them…must get going. The p-poison is catching up again." Eowyn nodded worriedly and caught up to Legolas and Gimli, who were talking softly about something. She found Legolas's arm and squeezed it gently as a new thought occurred to her.

"My lord, we must go. Some soldiers will be leaving their shifts. And Aragorn is getting much worse. I am a bit confused, really. He is already having a heavy relapse, much too fast for my liking. Did anything- "Here she was forced to cut short as Legolas clapped a hand over her mouth.

"Wait. Listen…" He said softly. Eowyn paused and listened, only to hear the sound of at least twenty mail clad feet, headed their way.

Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Merry was growing more and more agitated, even more so than Gandalf. He knew that the others would run into some sort of trouble. Even Gandalf agreed. He had entertained the hobbits for the last hour by telling them about a few of Aragorn and Legolas's adventures, or as Gandalf put it, mishaps. He and Pippin had listened with fascination as Gandalf vividly described finding Aragorn, Legolas, and Aragorn's adopted brothers, Elladan and Elrohir, severely wounded and tottering around the wild while trying to get home.

But the time had passed, and Gandalf had run out of entertainment. When Pippin actually got up and ran for the door, Gandalf had whacked him with his staff and told him that he would tie him to a chair if he tried anything else. Now Pippin was scowling in a chair, while Gandalf was smoking calmly by the door.

Merry sighed and leaned against the bedpost. But if he had been more alert to his surroundings, he would notice an armed soldier silently creeping toward the window.

A soldier with a red X on his helm.

Eowyn gasped in horror. They had walked into a trap. But before she could say a word, Aragorn appeared in the corridor. His breathing had grown worse, and his wounds had begun bleeding sluggishly.

"The men…coming. Must…leave." Legolas turned paler when he saw his friend.

"Aragorn! What ails you? You were alright just a moment ago! Answer me!" Eowyn watched, shocked, as Legolas seized Aragorn's shoulders and glared into his eyes. His gaze was stern, but Eowyn could detect fear and a thin layer of moisture in his eyes. She approached him and put her arm on his shoulder comfortingly.

"I know…it is the poison. We must leave quickly if we are to heal him. If we are able to get out in about…" Here she looked again at Aragorn's slumped, gasping figure and quickly calculated. "…fifteen minutes, he will have a good chance."

"Then let us not wait." Said Legolas calmly. He knelt and pulled Aragorn into his arms, despite his weak protests, and began walking down the corridor that led to the exit. Legolas tried as hard as he could to be gentle, but every square inch of Aragorn's body burned like fire. Somehow Aragorn held his unending pain and only moaned softly when the dagger was jostled, but that only made Eowyn worry more. She feared he would lose consciousness, and she knew that if he did, he might never waken. She caught up to Legolas and whispered in Aragorn's ear.

"Try to stay awake. It's only a bit farther…" But Aragorn seemed to be in a trance, despite his breathing.

"Eowyn…promise me…do not let…the West fall." He let out a rattled cough. "I am…only a small loss. Do not let…Gondor…Rohan…do not let them fall." Moaning again, Aragorn tried to collect himself, failing miserably. But before he could continue, Legolas came to an abrupt halt. Gimli, who had been quietly following, moved forward and gasped. Because in front of them, barring their only escape, was a unit of soldiers.

With red crosses.

Please review! And sorry for the short chappie!

Answers to reviews:

lindahoyland: Yes, Aragorn will always be the good, self sacrificial guy. That might kill him one day…a sequel hmm? I'll work on that. Thanks for reviewing!

Dark Borg Drone: Here's your update: plus an added bonus! A cliffie! Thanks for reviewing!

Ainu Laire: blushes Thanks for the compliment! And also thanks for the great advice. I'll try to pace myself a little more. I just love writing stories!

Petra: What a great birthday present!turns even brighter red You are so nice! When I read that, I totally danced around the house being all hyper and happy. My mom might not have liked it, but I had a blast! Thanks for reviewing!

catwraith: Woot! Thanks for reviewing! And for the good wishes! And yes, here's some angst. And it doesn't stop here!

Aragorn75: Tee hee! I know! Aragorn is ADORABLE when he's hurt! hugs his battered form and Aragorn and Legolas have been friends for quite a while, which accounts for the sarcasm. But they love each other (not like THAT you pervs!) Here's your update!

Thanks SO much for reviewing. They made my day! I hope to hear from you again!

-QueenofFlarmphgal, updated 6/7