His Queen

Chapter 32 - Kitra

The weight of Théodred's death hung heavy in the air as Théoden stood before his son's tomb, his head bowed in grief. Kitra watched from a respectful distance, her heart aching for the king's loss. She knew all too well the pain of losing a loved one, and seeing Théoden's anguish brought back memories of her own father's passing.

Eowyn's mournful voice echoed through the somber silence as she sang a lament for her fallen cousin. Her ethereal melody carried on the wind, a haunting tribute to Théodred's life and bravery. Kitra closed her eyes, letting the sorrowful notes wash over her, mingling with her own unspoken grief.

As the ceremony drew to a close, Théoden remained motionless before the tomb, as if the weight of his sorrow had turned him to stone. Kitra hesitated, wondering if she should approach the king and offer her condolences, but a gentle hand on her shoulder stopped her. She turned to see Aragorn, his eyes filled with understanding.

"Give him time," Aragorn murmured, his voice low and soothing. Kitra nodded, acknowledging Aragorn's wisdom. She cast one last glance at the grieving king before turning away, her steps heavy as she made her way back to the Golden Hall.

Before she made it to the doors though she glanced over her shoulder and caught sight of something in the distance. There was a horse with two small figures a top of it. As it slowed it's pace one of them fell off and she realized that it was two children. Without warning she took off at a sprint to get to them.

Kitra raced across the grassy plains, her heart pounding as she approached the horse and the two children. As she drew closer, she could see that they were a young boy and girl, both looking exhausted and frightened. The horse, too, seemed weary, its coat matted with sweat and dirt.

"Are you all right?" Kitra called out, slowing her pace as she neared them. The boy, who appeared to be the older of the two, looked up at her with wide, haunted eyes. He nodded slowly, his arms wrapped protectively around his sister.

Kitra knelt beside the children, her voice gentle as she asked, "What has happened? Where are your parents?"

The boy swallowed hard, his voice trembling as he spoke. "Our village... it was attacked. Orcs came in the night, burning and killing. We barely escaped."

The girl, no more than six years old, began to sob, burying her face in her brother's shoulder. Kitra's heart clenched at the sight, and she reached out to place a comforting hand on the girl's back.

"You're safe now," Kitra assured them, her voice steady and soothing. "I'm Kitra. What are your names?"

The boy hesitated for a moment before answering. "I'm Eadric, and this is my sister, Aelfwyn."

Kitra offered them a warm smile. "Eadric and Aelfwyn, you've been very brave. Let's get you inside and find you some food and rest."

She helped the children to their feet and guided the weary horse towards the stables. Aragorn met her halfway, taking the horse from her. As Aragorn led the horse to the stables, Kitra wrapped her arms around the shoulders of Eadric and Aelfwyn, guiding them towards the Golden Hall. The children leaned into her, their small bodies trembling with exhaustion and fear.

Inside the hall, Kitra found a quiet corner and sat the children down on a bench. She knelt before them, her eyes filled with compassion. "Wait here," she said softly. "I'll fetch you some food and water."

"Can you watch after them while I go find some food for them? Maybe find some blankets?" Kitra asked Alana, as she got the kids settled at a table.

Alana nodded, her kind eyes filled with concern for the young siblings. "Of course, Kitra. I'll stay with them until you return."