Frodo Baggins lay in his bed, still conscious, but new memories would not form and he was left in a confused daze.

"Aragorn…" Frodo whispered.

Aragorn bent close to Frodo to hear his weak voice.

"…I- I can't see you…"

Aragorn frowned in concern and checked Frodo's vision by waving his hand over Frodo's eyes, which flinched in anticipation.

"…You'll be alright, Frodo."

Frodo was being closely monitored by both Ryndil and Aragorn as he drifted in and out of consciousness.

"You have served Frodo well today, Ryndil. You've earned some rest. Why don't you go see your brother and then retire?" Aragorn suggested.

"I dare not leave Frodo."

"I will stay with him tonight."

"…My lord, please understand that I mean no disrespect, but… He is in a very delicate state right now, and though I am sure you-"

"I assure you that if I had even the slightest inkling that I could not properly care for Frodo, I would not have the audacity to suggest that he be placed in my care."

"…Very well." Ryndil said after a moment, "You saved my brother's life with a skill beyond what I have ever seen… I know that Frodo will be well looked after by you."

"Thank you."

Ryndil went to fetch some supplies he thought Aragorn may have use of and came back to leave them with him.

"-Here, I brought a pitcher of fresh water too. Have him drink some if you can, it's important he stay hydrated." He said as Aragorn relieved him of his armload.

Ryndil stepped to the bed and put his ear to the hobbit's chest for a moment, then placed his hand over his brow, feeling for a fever which he was glad to not find.

"…Good-night, my friend. Rest well."

Frodo stared back emptily, almost as if he were looking right through Ryndil and it unnerved him, though he knew this was very normal for the amount of medicine he'd been administered. Ryndil bade Aragorn good-night and went out the door.

Aragorn filled a cup with water, then lifted Frodo's head and pressed it to his lips, attempting to coax him into taking a sip, but Frodo, delirious and confused, struggled against it, causing it to spill out over his shirt.

"Oh- Frodo…" Aragorn sighed, attempting to mop it off, "It is not poison!"

Frodo only whimpered slightly and turned his head away.

"Look at me… Come now, look at me, Frodo."

He slowly turned his eyes to Aragorn's.

"Do you know who I am? Do you?"

Frodo nodded after a time.

"Tell me."

"…Aragorn…"

"And you know that I would never hurt you… You know this, don't you?"

Frodo nodded again, slowly.

"Drink. It is only water, I promise."

After much tedious persuading, Frodo finally drank some, though not as much as Aragorn would have preferred.

All was quiet for some time, until Frodo suddenly stirred and yelled out.

"SAM! WE HAVE TO GO BACK FOR SAM! I LEFT HIM! I LEFT HIM THERE!"

"Shh… You didn't leave him. He's safe." Aragorn told him, taking up his hand.

"No, I left him! I left him!" Frodo said, weakly.

"You didn't leave him, Frodo. He's in the next room."

Aragorn continued to try and comfort Frodo and soon he quieted down as he became transfixed on the sparkle of the fireplace reflecting in the evenstar that hung from Aragorn's neck.

"…Couldn't we just rest for a bit? I'm so tired…" Frodo whispered.

"Yes…" Aragorn said, humoring Frodo's delirium, "Rest now, my friend."