Yeah, there is snow outside! It is officially winter in my opinion. Only downside is that it's really cold in my room, and my parents are really stingy with the thermostat. Well, on to the disclaimer.

Disclaimer: If you haven't learned by now that I don't any part of Lord of the Rings, I'm not sure you deserve to read my story.

Just kidding, keep reading!

Chapter 9 Recap:

Haldir grabbed the slit sword.

"When I come at you, try to block with one dagger, and right away attack with your other. If you can't hold me, use both."

"Should a block with my right or left arm."

"If you can try to do it with the left, because you can get s stronger cut with your right and it's likely the right side will be the most exposed side."

"After I block."

"Be creative," he shrugged. "Let's see how well you think on your feet."

"Okay," she said, making fighting stance. "I'm ready."

Haldir ran at a slower charge, and they danced a small duel.

Chapter 10:

It had been about ten months since Abigail's first sword lesson, so to the best of her knowledge she was now 13.

(A/N-Since she forgot her real age, the elves decided she was 12 when she first came to the woods.)

It also meant a new year was added to the age of Middle Earth.

She was now much better and swordsmanship and archery now thanks to Haldir's teaching. Still not at the elvish skill level though.

With Haldir gone for the next couple day on yet another long scout, Rodwen and Authion took it upon themselves to start a new lesson: horseback riding.

"Now make sure you find a calm horse," lectured Merilien. "And make sure you don't go too fast. And for all that is good, Authion, no pranks! I do not want he horse to go on a rampage."

"Well that ruins all my plans!" exclaimed Authion.

Merilien and Rodwen smacked him at the same time.

"Ouch!"

"Oh toughen up little brother," teased Rodwen. "Sometimes a mistake you as being 13 and Abigail's the 81-year-old."

Abigail giggled. "I hope your math is wrong, Rodwen, or I would be an old maid."

"That does it, if no one can be serious there is no way I'm letting you get on a horse."

Merilien had become quite protective over Abigail. She was like another daughter.

"Don't worry mother, you know I'll take care of her."

Like her mother, Rodwen also considered the girl one of the family, but like a little sister.

"I agree to what I'm guessing she said," nodded Abigail. "And besides, maybe I have already been on a horse. With me you never know."

Merilien nodded and said nothing. She sometimes worried when Abigail joked about her condition. She wondered if the none-caring mask she put on was true."

"If you two are ready, let's go," Authion yelled.

"Wait, dear, take a cloak with you. It's a tad windy today."

Merilen threw a couple of dark green cloaks towards Rodwen.

"Thanks mother, we will be back for dinner."

'Speaking of dinner, I should start heating the water know,' Merilien thought.

Abigail was excited. She was finally going to see the horses!

"Have you really not been on a horse here?" asked Authion.

She shook her head.

"Haldir showed me his, but I have yet to ride."

"Excellent! Swifter's a great horse to start on!"

"No," Rodwen interrupted. "Didn't we agree Dagor is a much better horse?"

"He is not!"

'Here we go again,' Abigail thought. She decided to try and change the subject.

"Does this dress need to be so baggy?" Abigail tugged at her clothes.

"That's the point. It's so we can move easier." Rodwen explained.

The girls were both wearing riding dresses. Rodwens was a brownish-red, while Abigail's was a dark blue. They were loose, with slits up the side so they could saddle the horse and they wore leggings underneath. Authion was wearing the normal gray tunic with green leggings.

Authion gave a chuckle.

"Don't let the gown swallow you up, Abigail."

"Your mean!"

"Just my job, dear. And you should think up some better comebacks."

Abigail, very "maturely" of course, stuck out her tongue.

"Here we are, the west stables," said Rodwen.

Abigail gasped. It was huge!

"You need more stables than this?"

"Think logically, Abby. How many elves and soldiers are in Lorien? And we get new horses all the time for newcomers, like yourself," Authion said.

"Okay, good point-wait, I get a horse?"

Rodwen smiled. "Surprise! Haldir arranged it. Think of it as a late birthday present. Come on, we'll show you."

They walked past rows and rows of horses before they actually came to a halt.

"First off, this is my horse, Swifter," Authion presented. It was a male horse that was gray with white spots.

"I can't believe you couldn't think of a more creative name," said Rodwen.

"Hey, I was 10, give me a break."

Next-door was a golden horse with a black mane and tail.

"I see you've spotted my horse, Dagor." Rodwen said proudly.

"The black is cool."

"I like it too, it makes him unique. His coat comes from his mother and his father had the black hair."

Dagor gave a soft whinny.

"Your horse is right over here." Authion pointed to a stall right across from Swifter.

Abigail peered of the pen door, and felt the hot snort come on her face. Eye to eye with her was a chestnut horse with a white star.

(A/N-For those who don't know, a star is the mark on a horses forehead, if they have one. At least, I think that's the name.)

"It's a female, if you can't tell," offered Authion. "What do you want to name her?"

Abigail pondered. "I don't know what is worthy of her."

"Just say what comes to mind. If it comes from the heart, it's perfect," said Rodwen.

"How about…Sagitta."

(A/N-Sagitta is a constellation, 'The Arrow'. It comes from Sagittarius, 'The Archer'. I thought it worked, I'm not too good at names.)

The horse gave a "neigh", which she took as a sign of agreement.

"Hmm…well I give you points for creativity. Does it have any meaning?" asked Authion.

"I think…it's a star. I don't know where it came from, really."

"I kind of like it. Fits the star on her head," Rodwen said.

Authion shrugged. "Okay, let's get everyone saddled up."

He and Rodwen showed Abigail how to place the bit and the bridle, and well as how to strap the saddle.

"I doubt I'm going to remember this."

"Don't worry, we are going to come back tomorrow," Authion said.

Abigail noticed there was not saddle on Swifter. "Aren't you forgetting something?" she pointed.

"No," said Rodwen as she mounted Dagor. "The show off likes to go bareback." She whispered to Abigail. "He's trying to impress the ladies."

They both giggled.

Authion rolled his eyes.

"Abby, just give Sagitta a little kick and she should just follow us out."

Abigail laughed again. "What did you call me?"

"Abby. Seems to fit you better."

Rodwen nodded. "Abby-that's cute."

"Fine, you two go ahead and call me Abby."

She was surprised the Abby felt as normal as Abigail.

'Life is full of surprises,' she thought.

"Does this mean I can call you Authy? Or maybe Thion?"

"Nope," he said. "It does mean, however, that I can call you crabby Abby!" He laughed and made is horse gallop around the ring.

"No fair, I don't know how to gallop!"

"If you really want to," Rodwen said, "Give Sagitta a nudge and shake her reigns, then hang on tight."

"Abby" did as she said, and Sagitta was off.

'Yee-haw' she laughed again. The rest of the afternoon the siblings taught her some commands, turns, and even let her do a few small jumps.

"Just don't tell mother."

As promised, the three returned to the stables the next day. Haldir later returned in the evening.

As soon as he came in, Abigail rushed to him and gave him a big hug. He was a little shocked at first, but returned it nonetheless.

"What was that for?"

"The horse," she said. "She's beautiful."

"I see. Your very welcome."

"Authion and Rodwen taught me a lot. Maybe I can go riding with you now."

"Of course. But what I really had in mind was another lesson."

She raised an eyebrow. "What lesson?"

He smiled. "Fighting on a horse. Let's see how you aim lasts when bouncing on a horse. Or trying to keep you balance when riding."

"Sounds like fun!"

But to herself she thought, 'As if my butt isn't sore enough.'

"Well, if we are going to go on trail rides, let's brush up on your mapping skills," Haldir said. "If your up to it."

"Yes sir, I'll go make some tea."

That's how the pair kicked off a new year in Lorien.

So I lied. I didn't do the jump a said I would. I wanted to add some more to the relationship between Abigail and Arphenon's family, because they are a big part of her life. Only a few more chapters until the fellowship, I think. In those chapters there will be a power revealed, a feast, a mission and a vision.

Thanks to reviews from:

ArwenEvenstar83, midnight-flurry, and Samantha-Girl Scout. You three are part of my continuous reviewers. You guys are awesome!

XClaireX: Thanks for pointing out spelling errors. I know I have a lot to fix and it is on my to-do list.

Dee69: I'm glad you like it. I hope you keep reading!

I'm now past 25 reviews! Which is ¼ to 100! Which is ½ to 200!

(Geez, talk about having your glass half-full).

Keep it up please; you make my writing worth something:)

Happy winter.

-MN9