His Queen

Chapter 7 - Kitra

For days on end, they trudged through the endless terrain, the relentless rain pouring down upon them without mercy. Despite their efforts to outrun it, the wet weather had been following them since they set out on their journey. Even as they reached the murky marshlands, the heavy droplets continued to fall, unrelenting in their pursuit.

Kitra and her companions were waist-deep in the muddy waters, fighting against the pull and push of the current. The constant swarm of midges was a nuisance, their tiny bodies relentlessly seeking any exposed skin to feast upon. Kitra's cloak offered some reprieve from their bites, but she couldn't escape them completely - a few still managed to sneak past her flailing hands and sink their teeth into her neck.

"What do they eat when they can't find hobbits?" Merry shouted over the buzzing of the insects, his arms swatting furiously at his face. Up ahead, Pippin stumbled and fell face-first into the water. Kitra rushed forward and pulled him back up onto his feet, staying close by his side for the rest of the day to prevent any further mishaps.

When the rain eventually ceased, Aragorn declared it time to make camp and headed off with Alana to hunt for food. The group huddled around a meager fire for warmth while they waited for their leaders to return. By the time Strider and Alana came back with a deer in tow, the hobbits were already dozing off by the fire. Strips of meat were soon sizzling over the flames as they cooked their dinner - a welcome respite from their grueling journey.

As they ate in silence, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature, Kitra couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquility wash over her despite the dire circumstances. One by one, her companions retired for the night - first the hobbits, then Alana. Strider and Kitra were the last to settle in, with him taking the first watch as she curled up on her bedroll, her head resting near his hip for a sense of comfort and security amidst the unknown dangers lurking in the darkness.

"Tinúviel elvanui, elleth alfirin ethelhael o hon ring finnil fuinui a renc gelebrin thiliol."Aragorn's voice lulled her closer to sleep and she found it hard to keep the smile from her lips as he sang. She had always enjoyed it when he sang for her.

Frodo sat up and looked at Strider with eager curiosity. The campfire cast flickering shadows onto his face as he asked, "Who is this woman you sing of?"

Strider's eyes grew distant as he spoke, his voice soft and filled with emotion. "Tis the Lady of Lúthien. An Elf Maiden who gave her love to Beren ... a mortal." Her heart twisted in her chest at the realization.

The hobbit leaned in closer, captivated by the tale. "What happened to her?"

"She died," Strider replied with a heavy sigh, shaking his head as if trying to dispel the memories. But it was too late. She had caught sight of the tears glistening in his eyes and knew the truth. "You should get some rest, Frodo."

As they settled back into their sleeping bags, she couldn't help but ask, "You were in love with an elf?" Her heart ached at the thought.

"I was once," he whispered, his gaze lingering on the stars above before turning to meet her own. "But it was only a dream, one that could never come true. She found another and I must do the same." His words stung like a knife to her heart, knowing that he had been hurt by love.

"Get some sleep now," she murmured gently, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. He nodded in gratitude before laying down, using her thigh as a makeshift pillow. As he drifted off into slumber, she stayed awake keeping watch over them both. In the stillness of the night, she hummed an old lullaby that Strider used to sing to her when she was young. And she couldn't help but smile at the faint grin that graced his lips as he relaxed into sleep next to her.