His Queen

Chapter 8 - Kitra

The journey to Rivendell was a somber one, the atmosphere heavy with tension and unspoken words. Alana had been avoiding Kit, her cousin and closest friend, for three days now and it was tearing Kit apart. Every time she tried to apologize, Alana would shut her out and ignore her. They were both exhausted from lack of sleep and their slowed pace showed it. Kit stayed close to Strider's side, seeking comfort in his familiar presence as they walked and talked, trying to recapture the easy camaraderie they once shared.

But whenever she looked at Alana, all her efforts crumbled. In her desperation to gain her cousin's attention, Kit missed a protruding tree root on the path and stumbled forward with a loud thud. The impact sent a jolt through her body and she saw stars for a moment before Strider helped her sit up. Her vision was still blurry when he chuckled at her groaning question of "Why me? Why is it always me?"

"Please don't laugh," she whined, attempting to stand on her own but immediately swaying and stumbling into him. He caught her easily, his hands firm on her waist as he steadied her shaky frame.

"Sure you don't need help, dilthen er?" (little one) He teased, earning a glare from Kit.

"Don't call me that," she protested weakly.

"Let me take a look at you. You're bleeding," he told her, concern evident in his voice. She sighed and sat back down on the ground, knowing he was right.

"How much further is it?" Pippin groaned impatiently as he fidgeted with the others.

"Not long now. We should reach the elven city by sunset," Strider responded absentmindedly, focused on tending to Kit's injury.

"Thank you," Kit muttered gratefully to Strider as he finished up and helped her stand.

"You should be more careful," he scolded gently.

"That's what I have you for," she smiled, leaning into him briefly before they resumed walking.

"Ok, you two. Moving on. No one wants to see your lovey-dovey talk," Alana interjected coldly, already starting to walk ahead.

"Alana!" Kit exclaimed, turning towards her cousin with a mix of frustration and guilt. Alana met her gaze with an impassive expression, but a small glint of amusement could be seen in her eyes.

"I'm sorry about yelling at you the other night. You didn't deserve it," Kit blurted out, feeling uncharacteristically vulnerable. For a moment, Alana just stared at her before breaking into a wide grin that made Kit feel both relieved and nervous.

"You tripping was apology enough," Alana replied, laughing and playfully shoving Kit's shoulder. "Now come on old lady, let's go. I want to sleep in a bed."

Relief washed over Kit at Alana's playful words, the tension between them finally dissipating. She returned her cousin's grin, grateful to have her friend back by her side. The hobbits exchanged amused glances, happy to see the two women reconciling.

As they continued their journey, the mood lightened considerably. Merry and Pippin regaled them with tales of their youthful mischief in the Shire, drawing laughter from the group. Even Sam cracked a smile, though his thoughts never strayed far from Frodo and his precarious fate.

The sun was just beginning to dip below the horizon when they crested a hill and caught their first glimpse of Rivendell. The hidden valley stretched out before them, a vision of ethereal beauty bathed in the warm glow of sunset. Graceful elven architecture melded seamlessly with the natural landscape, waterfalls and gardens intertwining with soaring arches and delicate spires.

Kit felt her breath catch at the sight, memories of her childhood spent within these borders flooding back. It had been years since she last set foot in Rivendell, but the tranquil atmosphere embraced her like an old friend, soothing the ragged edges of her soul.