True Love by Fate

Chapter II.

'His situation is severe,' Eldron said in a worried voice. 'Whether or not he will live until morning is beyond my sight. My team of healers will do the best they can, but...' his voice trailed off. 

Zimmy could sense his fear. There was a good chance the young Hobbit might die. 'Is there anything I can do to help?' he asked. 

Eldron sadly shook his head. 'Nothing the healers are not already trying. But it might help if you just sat with him. He will need to see a friendly face when he wakes up from this ordeal, and you are the closest thing he has right now.' 

'I understand,' said Zimmy. 'And I will stay with him for as long as it takes. I will not let him die.' 

With that, Zimmy turned and hurried to the room where the wounded Warrior was being housed. He was surrounded by healers, all of whom wore the same concerned expression. They had washed his body and dressed his wounds with healing salve, but still the Hobbit showed no signs of improvement. His breathing was shallow, and his pulse was weak. One of the healers turned to Zimmy with a defeated sigh. 

'It will be an uphill battle,' she said. 'We have done all we can at this time. Now, we can only wait and see if he wakes.' 

Zimmy nodded resolutely. 'I will stay with him through the night and keep watch as he sleeps.' 

One by one, the healers left the bedside, the last one closing the door behind her. In the flickering candle light, Zimmy dipped a square of cloth in the bowl of warm water left by the healers, and gently used it to stroke the injured Hobbit's abbs. Then, taking up the Warrior's limp hand, he settled into his bedside chair and prepared to wait through the remainder of the long, cold night.