I walked through the House of Healing. I had been told Eomer had taken Eowyn here almost as soon as he found her. I asked one of the healers where Eowyn was and she directed me to a platform. I saw Eowyn laying on a mat. Eomer was with her, (y/n) at his side. She had her arm around his shoulders, trying to comfort him. They both looked up as I approached. I nodded to them before kneeling beside Eowyn.

I gently lifted her arm into my hand, wringing out a cloth that was sitting in a bowl. I placed it on her forehead, trying to bring down her fever. Beside me, I could hear (y/n) whispering comforting words to Eomer, who stared at his sister with worry. After a few minutes, Eowyn's chest began to rise and fall more. Her breathing became stronger as she looked at me. Tears fell from Eomer's eyes as he knelt beside her, holding her gently. I stood up and stood a few feet away. (y/n) joined me.

"Good work," she whispered.

"You know she would come," I said at the same volume.

"Yes."

"Why did you not warn me?"

"Aragorn, I have told you before. I couldn't for I did not know what my actions would cause. Eowyn may have been prevented from coming and the Witch King would still be alive."

I nodded slowly.

"I understand."

We watched Eomer and Eowyn for a few more moments before (y/n) stepped forward, offering to take Eowyn to a room to rest. Eomer picked Eowyn up in his arms and followed (y/n) out of the room.

The next morning, Gandalf called a meeting. We met in the throne room. Eomer stood by Legolas and (y/n), Gimli sat in the steward's chair, while Gandalf stood a few feet away from where I stood.

"Frodo has passed beyond my sight," the wizard said. "The darkness is deepening."

"If Sauron had the ring, we would know it," I replied.

"It's only a matter of time. He suffered a defeat, yes, but behind the walls of Mordor, our enemy is regrouping."

"Let him stay there!" Gimli said. "Let him rot! Why should we care?"

"Because ten thousand orcs now stand between Frodo and Mount Doom." He paused. "I've sent him to his death."

"No," I said, turning to him. "There is still hope for Frodo. He needs time and safe passage across the plains of Gorgoroth. We can give him that."

"How?" the dwarf asked.

"Draw out Sauron's armies. Empty his lands. Then we gather our full strength and march on the Black Gate."

Gimli choked on his smoke.

"We cannot achieve victory through strength of arms," Eomer said.

"Not for ourselves. But we can give Frodo his chance if we keep Sauron's eye fixed upon us. Keep him blind to all else that moves."

"A diversion," Legolas said with a small smile.

"Certainty of death, small chance of success," Gimli added. "What are we waiting for?"

"Sauron will suspect a trap," Gandalf said to me. "He will not take the bait."

"Oh, I think he will," I replied. I turned back to look at my friends. (y/n) gave me a small smile. "Am I allowed to ask what will happen if we do do this?"

Her smile grew a little.

"You will get Sauron's attention," she stated. "He won't notice Frodo or Sam." She looked at Gandalf. "And they are both alright, Gandalf, though they still have quite a ways to go. The ring grows heavier, but Sam will be the strength that Frodo needs to fulfill the quest."

"I am glad you are here, (y/n)," Gandalf sighed with a smile. "If you were not, I would not be sure where my hope would stand."

She smiled at him, nodding. After a bit more of discussion about preparation, most of the group left. Soon, only (y/n) and I stood in the throne room. She looked at me.

"Be careful, Aragorn," she said. "I know what you plan to do. The Palantir can be dangerous. Sauron will try to trick you, but you must stay strong, no matter what he shows you."

I nodded slowly, taking in her words.

"I will, (y/n)," I replied. "Now, go rest. I will see you in the morning."

She nodded and left the room.