Aragorn stood as Eomer did, their discussion was almost completely forgotten. Meriadoc had arrived, but not the way they had wished. Thoughts raced in his head, but he kept calm. He had to or the healing would work. The king of Gondor made his way past Eomer and to the healing house with a hurried pace.

Just as the king was at the end of the hall, Pippin had reached a bed. He had laid Meriadoc down when the doors opened slightly. Merry screamed sharply as Pippin laid him on the bed because movement hurt. The wail echoed through the halls. It did not sound like his nor any living beings scream. The cry was inhuman and strangled.

Aragorn paused for just a moment when he heard Merry's agony filled screech. The king then hurried to the healing room, but paused right outside of the door. He turned and looked at Eomer. "Do not come in, Eomer King. Go back to the throne room. Keep anyone from entering this room." he said. Eomer nodded headed back to where they had been just a moment ago. Aragorn then turned to Pippin. "Go get rest, my friend. I will retrieve you when the healing is over," Aragorn said softly to the hobbit. After this Aragorn hastily went to the door and closed it. He then went back to Merry's' bedside. The king of Gondor took the hobbits cloak and his bloody, wet and muddy shirt off and then the crude bandages Pippin had wrapped around the wound. Gently, he rolled Merry over ever so slightly so that he could look upon the crudely wrapped wound. A low moan escaped from both Merry and Aragorns' lips as he did all of this. The wound was deep and infected. Black lines also crisscrossed all over Merry's chest and arms and they were dangerously close to his heart.

He would have to work quickly, Aragorn knew, if he were to save this dear hobbit.

Carefully, Aragorn laid Merry back on his back. He went to the cupboard that held the healing herbs and took some Altheas. With haste, he went back to Merry's side. Without thinking, Aragorn placed it into a bowl of steaming water. The ranger then went back to the cupboard and retrieved miuco atsa (cat's claw), comfrey, and thistle. When the king of Gondor went to the sick bed, he blended the two into a paste and placed it onto the wound. A small hissing sound came from Merry's lips. "Lav sina periannath mare. Auta ho ed'. Ed i eruanna en eru Auta ho ed'." As Aragorn spoke the elven, he placed a gentle hand upon Merry's forehead. The hobbit did not stir, but no long did his cry out in anguish and pain. His features were drawn, but no longer was his face etched in pain – he was slightly in peace. Aragorn leaned back slightly and pressed his fingers together.

After a little while, Aragorn placed a hand on Merry's forehead. It was still deathly cold to the touch and was clammy. Aragorn closed his eyes and whispered repeatedly, "Lav sina periannath mare. Auta ho ed'. Ed i eruanna en eru Auta ho ed'."

Pippin trembled as stood near the door. He had not heard the man tell him to leave. The hobbit watched in amazement as Aragorn speaking a strange language, which by now he recognized as Elvish. His friend lay there, cold and pale. It was too much for him. He rushed outside, and waited for hours.

Finally, sleep overtook him, and he was carried down to the sleeping chambers.

Merry let out a whimper and his eyes opened slightly. He gasped as he did so from the pain. "Meriadoc, en e i elee en amin, Meriadoc," he spoke softly. Gently, Aragorn took Merry's face between his hands and turned the hobbit's head ever so slightly. Merry's eyes looked in Aragorns eyes. "Good lad," Aragorn whispered and Merry closed his eyes. Aragorn removed his hands and slowly, Aragorn stood. "I will be back," he whispered to the maimed hobbit as he left. Aragorn looked out the window he passed and saw that many hours had gone by. He gave a slight sigh and continued on his way. The king soon found the room Peregrin had been given – though it had taken a few times of peeking his head into the room to find the hobbit. When he found the room, Aragorn knocked.

Finally, sleep overtook him, and he was carried down to the sleeping chambers. A soft knock on the door woke the lad, startling him. With a quick look around sent memories rushing back. He ran to the door, opening it. There stood Aragorn before him.

"Peregrin," he said as he peered down at Pippin, "Meriadoc is better. He is not out of the woods yet, not nearly, but he is better. He rests without pain." Aragorn looked at Pippin as he spoke. He was tired and it showed, but Aragorn had a small smile of hope on his face.

"Is he well? Is Merry goin' to be alright?" he asked, grasping Aragorn's sleeve. Peregrin sighed and suddenly buried his face into Aragorn's stomach, sobbing tears of relief at last...

Gently Aragorn stroked Pippins hair. "Shh…" Aragorn murmured. Aragorn drew away from the hobbit and placed a hand on his shoulder. He looked wearily down at Pippin. "Come Peregrin, let us go to Merry's' side. He is as well as possible," he said softly. Aragorn led Pippin to the door and then out into the hall, down it, and to the healing house. He paused for a moment and then opened the door. The King led Pippin into the room. Quietly, Aragorn closed the door and took Pippin to Merry's' side.

The wounded hobbit lay motionless in the bed. He was still pale as a sheet, but there was life in his features. His chest rose evenly and with the peace of sleep. Aragorn peered at Merry and gave a small sigh of relief. Worry came into his eyes though as he thought of what lay ahead for Merry – it will not be easy. I must warn Pippin. I must tell him now. Let him prepare, Aragorn thought.

"Peregrin," he began slowly, "Just as with Frodo there was only so much help Lord Elrond and Gandalf could give, there is only so much healing I am able to do for Master Merry. Merry was struck just like Frodo was. Even though no part of the Morgul blade was embedded in his side, Merry will always feel the affects just as Frodo did. He will never fully recover from this." Aragorn paused for a moment. "At times, it will be nearly unbearable for him and then there will be times he will se fine. As you well know…" Aragorn let his voice trail off. The King cleared his throat. "I will be back soon. I know you will keep a good eye on him. If he worsens, come get me immediately," he said, leaving the room. He strode down the hall and in to the throne room.