Liv settled herself comfortably in the quiet room of Edoras, the gentle rhythm of her baby's feeding the only sound breaking the silence. Gabby latched on, a small sigh escaping Liv's lips as she nestled against the soft fabric of her dress. Nearby, David was tucking Lily into her makeshift bed, a small pile of blankets on the floor, adorned with tiny drawings of horses and flowers.

"Did you hear that?" David whispered, his eyes flicking towards the open door.

Liv nodded, a small smile creeping onto her face. "Gimli's snoring again. I wonder if he's dreaming of glory or of food."

Just as David chuckled softly, the scene shifted to the main hall where Gimli was indeed sprawled out on the floor, his booming snores echoing off the stone walls. The floor was littered with sleeping bodies, warriors who had fought valiantly and earned their rest.

Aragorn moved stealthily through the room, careful not to disturb anyone as he made his way to the door. He paused for a moment, glancing around at his friends who lay in various states of repose, their faces softened in slumber. Pippin turned over, sleep still tugging at his eyelids, but the restlessness in his heart made it difficult to surrender fully to the night.

"Can't sleep, Pip?" came a whisper from a nearby figure. Merry, slightly propped up on his elbow, watched his friend with concern.

"I'm trying!" Pippin replied in a hushed tone, rubbing his eyes. "But I keep thinking about everything that's happened. It's all too much, you know?"

"Just think about tomorrow. A new day. And if all goes well, we might even have a little adventure," Merry suggested, trying to ease his friend's mind.

In the main hall, Eowyn lay near the fire, the flickering light casting a gentle glow across her face. Aragorn walked past her, feeling an overwhelming urge to protect her even in her sleep. He knelt by the fire, shifting the logs with careful hands, coaxing the flames to dance higher. The warmth washed over him, a momentary comfort amid the uncertainty of their journey.

After a moment, he turned back to Eowyn, his heart aching for her. He reached down, gently pulling her dress down to her ankles and lifting the collar up around her neck to shield her from the chill. "What time is it?" she murmured, eyes still closed, her voice a soft, sleepy melody.

"Not yet dawn," he replied, his gaze lingering on her peaceful expression.

Eowyn's brow furrowed as she shifted slightly. "I dreamt I saw a great wave climbing over green lands and above the hills. I stood upon the brink. It was utterly dark in the abyss before my feet. A light shone behind me, but I could not turn. I could only stand there, waiting." Her voice trembled with the weight of the vision.

Aragorn knelt beside her, feeling a pang of worry in his chest. "It was just a dream, Eowyn. Night changes many thoughts. Sleep while you can," he said, his voice low and soothing. He clutched his hands, longing to offer her comfort.

But as he rose to leave, Eowyn's hand shot out, grasping his wrist lightly. "Please, don't go. I need your strength. I fear what is to come."

His heart ached at her words, the vulnerability in her voice pulling him back to her side. "You have more strength than you know, Eowyn. But I will not abandon you. I am here, always."

She released his hand reluctantly, her eyes searching his. "You promise?"

"I promise," he affirmed, his gaze steady and unwavering. "Now, rest. I will be close."

With a nod, she finally let her eyes flutter closed again, the tension in her face easing as she surrendered to sleep. Aragorn stood a moment longer, watching over her, the flicker of the fire mirroring the hope in his heart.

As he turned to step away, the warmth of the fire seemed to envelop him, reminding him of all they were fighting for: the peace of their lands, the safety of their people, and the bond he shared with those he loved. He moved back toward the door, pausing once more to look back at the sleeping figures, determined to protect them all, no matter the cost.