Chapter 15
Aragorn was overseeing the treatment of the prisoners when two of the Eagles who had flown off came back. He noticed Gandalf on the back of one, and that both carried something in their claws.
Gandalf called him over after the Eagles had set down their burdens. "Aragorn! We need to tend to them immediately!"
Fear and worry rose in him as he saw the two Hobbits — Frodo and Sam — lying on the ground. They were covered in ash and dust, so much so that Aragorn could barely recognize them.
Sam had a small gash on his forehead, and well as many other scratches. Frodo, however, seemed worse. For Aragorn could see that the hard journey had taken its toll on him, from the lines of hardship etched into his face to the missing finger on his hand.
"I will heal them as well as I am able," Aragorn said. "But first we must remove to Ithilien, where the sweet air will bring no memory of their hardships."
~o~o~
Aragorn opened his eyes and breathed a long, slow sigh. Frodo and Sam were out of danger and sleeping soundly, and now he could rest. Smiling at Gandalf — who had volunteered to watch over the Hobbits — he stepped outside.
The Moon cast its silver light over the many tents scattered around the open glade where they rested. Aragorn could hardly believe it was all over. Sauron was defeated, and the lands of Middle-earth would have peace. True, there would probably still be the occasional band of roving orcs, but they would soon be dealt with.
Revelling in the peace of the night, Aragorn entered his tent and slept deeply.
12-27-2022
A/N: I know this chapter is really short, but it was all I had time for, what with travelling for Christmas and all that.