His Queen

Chapter 3 - Kitra

The crisp, cool air of the early morning greeted them as they made their way to the arena. The first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon, casting a golden glow on the surrounding landscape. The rules were simple when it came to their spars - no holds barred, only one had to emerge victorious. As they stepped onto the sandy floor of the arena, they were met with the sound of clashing blades and grunts of exertion from other rangers already deep in training. They blocked out all distractions and focused solely on each other as they began their dance of combat. Their swords moved in a blur, their bodies fluid and agile as they anticipated each other's next move. By the time the sun had fully risen, both girls were drenched in sweat and ready for the final match that would determine the winner.

The sun was beating down on them, casting a warm, orange glow over the clearing where Alana and Kit stood facing each other. The air was thick with heat and the scent of sweat as they circled each other, their feet kicking up dust from the ground. Alana's taunting words hung in the air, but Kit remained focused, her narrowed eyes never leaving her opponent.

With a sudden burst of energy, Kit launched herself at Alana, her fists flying towards her cousin's face. Caught off guard by the unexpected aggression, Alana stumbled backwards before regaining her balance and retaliating with swift jabs and kicks. They had been sparring for what felt like hours and both were starting to feel the fatigue of their intense workout. But neither was willing to back down.

Kit's arms trembled with strain as she landed blow after blow on Alana's toned body. The scars that marked her skin from years of training only served to remind her of the strength she had gained through determination and hard work.

Alana, on the other hand, was relying on her reserve energy to push through the fight. She knew it wasn't enough, but she refused to give up.

In a split second, Kit saw an opening and took advantage, disarming Alana with a well-placed kick to her chest. With a loud thud, Alana fell onto her backside, stunned by the force of the blow.

As Alana struggled to catch her breath and stand back up, Kit reached out a hand to help her cousin up. "Don't hesitate," Kit reminded her before pulling her into a hug. In that moment, they both knew that their bond as cousins was stronger than any fight or rivalry could tear apart. "Come on, let's go eat."

Following her graceful strides, they leisurely strolled their way back to Alana's home. As they approached the entrance, they were greeted by a familiar face, an old friend who warmly welcomed them inside.

"Gandalf! What unexpected surprise brings you here?" Alana exclaimed, her arms outstretched in a welcoming embrace for the legendary wizard.

"I have come to request a favor from you and your sister," Gandalf replied with a knowing glint in his eye, as Kit joined them.

"Why don't we discuss this further over our morning meal?" Kit suggested, gesturing towards the ornately decorated doors that led into the grand dining hall.

After an hour of intense debate, the family and Gandalf sat around the long wooden table. The air was thick with tension and the clinking of cutlery echoed through the room. Gandalf needed the girls' help to protect Frodo on his journey to Bree, where he carried a dangerous ring that could decide the fate of Middle Earth. Carth, ever the protector, argued adamantly for them to stay in Fornost. But Alana had other plans, determined to aid their friend despite her brother's objections. And Kit, always one to follow her heart, stood firmly by her sister's side.

"Frodo needs us and we cannot abandon him," Alana declared defiantly.

"But it is too soon after the birth of my son for us to leave," Carth argued back.