Ryndil had found his replacement for the empty bottle in the medical supply room and made his way back to Frodo. Walking through the halls, he turned a corner too quickly and bumped into someone. He lost his grip on the bottle as the two collided, but it was caught just in time by the other man. Ryndil righted himself and an expression of complete mortification came over his face as he realised who he had crashed into-
Aragorn.
"I- I am so sorry, my lord! Please accept my- my deepest apologies." The healer said with a bow.
"Please accept mine. I'm afraid I wasn't looking where I was going." Aragorn smiled.
Ryndil nervously ran his fingers through his messy hair, still flustered by the incident.
Aragorn looked to the bottle he'd caught and read its markings.
"'Essence of Narod'…" Aragorn read before handing the bottle back to Ryndil, "For Frodo?"
"Yes, sir… For his- thank you-" Ryndil said, taking the bottle, "-For his finger."
"That is a very harsh substance…"
"Well… Yes, but it wards off disease," Ryndil defended, "-And I'm afraid the injury may be showing signs of infection."
"Might I suggest an alternative?"
"Please."
"Athelas may be a more effective and less painful substitute." Aragorn suggested.
"…Athelas? My lord, that is… That is but a weed." Ryndil said, ending with a bit of nervous laughter.
"Oh, but it is much more than that. If you could help me to find some, I will show you." Aragorn told him.
Ryndil was skeptical, but would not deny the soon-to-be king's request.
"If that is what you suggest, I shall get it for you." The healer promised, bowing and taking his leave.