His Queen

Chapter 37 - Kitra

Kitra stood tall on the battlements of Helm's Deep, her steady breaths belying the rising tension in the air. All around her, men and elves scurried about in preparation for the looming battle, their faces etched with determination and grim resolve. The sky above was a dark canvas, painted with heavy clouds that threatened to unleash their fury at any moment. In the distance, thunder rumbled like an ominous drumbeat, adding to the foreboding atmosphere that hung heavily over the fortress.

As Kitra made her way through the bustling crowd of warriors to take her position, she couldn't help but steal a glance down at Gimli, standing resolutely beside Legolas on the Deeping Wall. His short stature made it difficult for him to see over the edge, but his unwavering determination was evident in every fiber of his being.

"You could have picked a better spot," Gimli grumbled, squinting into the distance.

A small smile tugged at Kitra's lips as she joined them. "Well, lad, whatever luck you live by," Gimli continued, turning to look at Legolas, "let's hope it lasts through the night."

Legolas nodded solemnly, his piercing eyes scanning the horizon. "Your friends stand with you, Aragorn," he said, casting a quick glance up at Aragorn as he approached with Kitra by his side.

Gimli let out a dark chuckle. "Let's hope they last through the night."

Kitra felt Aragorn's hand gently grip her arm, guiding her away from the others for a brief moment of quiet. As the first drops of rain began to fall, Aragorn's gaze lingered on her, his concern evident in the furrow of his brow and the creases around his eyes. He held her upper arm firmly, as if grounding them both in the gravity of what lay ahead. "Good luck," he said softly, his voice laced with emotion.

Kitra nodded, but before he could walk away, she reached out, her heart pulling her toward him. "Aragorn!" she called, and as he turned, she rushed forward, her hand finding the back of his head as she pulled him into a kiss. Her other hand gripped his arm to steady herself, and she felt his fingers tighten on her as he kissed her back, his lips warm despite the cold rain that began to fall around them.

"Stay safe for me," she whispered as they pulled apart, her forehead resting against his for a brief moment.

Aragorn's hand lingered on her cheek, his expression filled with the weight of the world. "Stay safe," he said, leaning down to kiss her once more, slower this time, before pulling away. "No more jumping off cliffs or throwing yourself in front of a blade for another."

Kitra smiled faintly, though the tension of the coming battle still hummed in her veins. "No promises."

With one last look, Aragorn turned away, moving to his position below. Kitra quickly returned to the wall, pulling her bow from her back. She notched an arrow, feeling its smooth wooden surface under her fingers as she took aim at the advancing army of Uruk-hai. They came closer with each passing second, their torches casting an eerie glow on their faces and weapons. The sound of their stamping spears and growls filled the air, creating an ominous beat that sent chills down Kitra's spine. Rain pelted against her face and armor, but she remained steady, focused on her target.

The Uruk captain raised his hand, signaling his forces to halt. The grunts and growls of the monstrous army echoed through the night, sending shivers down Kitra's spine. Their massive bodies and fierce snarls seemed almost otherworldly. As the rain grew heavier, the glow of their torches intensified, creating a fiery sea that stretched as far as the eye could see.

"Show them no mercy!" Aragorn's voice rang out from below. "For you shall receive none!"

The battle began in earnest as the Uruks charged forward with deafening roars, their weapons flashing in the firelight. Kitra released her arrow with precision and watched as it struck one of the creatures in the chest. But there were too many, and soon she was immersed in the chaos of battle, arrows flying and swords clashing. Her heart raced with adrenaline as she fought alongside her comrades, each strike fueled by a fierce determination to protect what they held dear.