Caretakers

[rabidsamfan]

The nightmares were the worst of it, Merry decided, after the first few hours he'd spent watching the others. Pippin could be shaken awake if you were gentle, and coaxed into taking another dose. Sam would settle again with a touch and a lullaby. But Frodo struggled, and did not seem to hear, and at last Merry sent for Aragorn, in hopes that he had athelas.

When the king came he scooped up the Ringbearer and set him against his shoulder. And Frodo sighed and slept while Aragorn walked till dawn like a father comforting a fauntling fretful with fever.