Hello again!

Look! I actually updated EARLY! Go me!

So you can put away your weapons…

Before I get to the story, many thanks to lindahoyland: my 50th reviewer! Snaps for you! Thanks!

On we go!

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Merry remained plastered to Aragorn's chest, listening in vain for a sound, any sound. Tears tracked slowly down his cheeks. He slowly got up.

Suddenly Legolas's barrier broke down. He collapsed into sobs, clutching Aragorn's hand, calling for him repeatedly. But no response came.

Gandalf and Eowyn remained where they were. Eowyn was too stunned to move, except for the tears that escaped her eyes. How could he be gone? How could one who had so selflessly given himself to the defense of all of Middle Earth be destroyed by the very beings he had saved? It wasn't fair. Eowyn turned to face the door, not wanting to see and accept the view before her. But she was rewarded by a new one.

An old woman was pelting toward the door, a bundle clutched in her bony hands. She came to a skidding stop before a very surprised Eowyn, who recognized her as Ioreth, the head healer.

"Please," the woman gasped. "A boy just came…he found a man who had the herbs. They will save him…please. Give them to Mithrandir. He can save the King." Eowyn looked away, not sure how to respond. How could she finalize Aragorn's death to the people?

"I'm sorry," She whispered. "He is…gone." Ioreth shook her head and pressed the bundle into her hands.

"The crownless again shall be king…" she whispered. "Mithrandir told me, just yesterday. These are the kingsfoil, the athelas that he asked for. They are miracle plants. Trust me. Give them to him, in his hands." Eowyn nodded, almost in a trance. Ioreth clasped her hand, then turned around and left.

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Eowyn stood still for another few second, and then snapped back in to action. If the woman believed that there was still a chance of saving Aragorn, then she would do it. She took a deep breath, and walked back into the room.

It was no better than when she left it. Merry had collapsed, and Pippin was supporting him wordlessly. Gandalf was standing still, as if he didn't quite believe the scene before him. And Legolas was still helplessly pleading with the Valar to bring Aragorn back. Gimli had a hand on his shoulder, his head bowed in grief. Eowyn almost didn't want to intrude on the Fellowship's mourning, but if she could save Aragorn, there would be no need to mourn.

She walked briskly past Merry and Pippin and came to Gandalf.

"My lord, a healer, Ioreth just gave me the herbs he asked for. The kingsfoil. She believes you can still save him. Please, can you try?" Gandalf looked at her, seeing her sorrow and yet a faint glimmer of hope. Then his gaze turned to Legolas. He would surely fade without Aragorn. But if they brought him back…Gandalf nodded.

"I will do what I can, my lady. I will attempt to bring him back. It is not yet his time to die."

Gandalf moved past her and placed a hand on top of Legolas's, which still clutched Aragorn's hand. "Legolas," he murmured. "We have one last hope. The athelas, it could save him. But I need his hands." Legolas looked up at him tearfully, then back at Aragorn's still form.

"The hands of a king…" Legolas muttered, almost to himself. "But can he heal himself?" Gandalf smiled sadly.

"It is his only hope."

TBC…

Sorry for the short chapter! See ya soon!

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