As Haethorn and Kelda approached the building, two stable boys opened the doors for them. When the couple entered, Kelda gasped in delight. There were at least twenty horses in that stable, and each of them were beautiful. The girl let go of Haethorn's arm, and quickly entered the stable. Haethorn didn't mind her abrupt abandonment of him, for he had guessed that horses were something Kelda treasured. He simply watched her with an amused smile, as she twirled about to peek into each horses' pin. Some were solid black, others were multiple shades of brown, some cream-colored, a few white and then others grey. Each was so calm and appeared very happy, Kelda was filled with delight at the site of these creatures, for horses were her favorite animal.

"Oh my goodness!" she gasped excitedly. "Odel, they are all so beautiful!" she clasped her hands and beamed at the horses.

Haethorn chuckled happily, and he came up to Kelda.

"I am most pleased that you love them," he said softly. "It gladdens my heart to see you smile so brightly, Kelda."

Kelda looked up to Haethorn then, and she saw that tenderness she had seen before in his pale blue eyes. She dropped her eyes to the ground, unable to accept his affectionate gaze for long, but she continued to smile.

"Yes," she replied softly. "I love them all."

The kind lord noticed that Kelda did not hold his gaze just then, and he thought that perhaps he was showing his affection too quickly.

"Then shall we choose one for you to ride today?" Haethorn asked, hoping to make the girl comfortable again.

Kelda nodded enthusiastically.

"Oh yes, please!" she replied happily.

Haethorn nodded with a chuckle, and began to show her each horse and tell her their name.

"These are my mares here," Haethorn said, showing Kelda two horses that were stabled together.

"This is Griselda, and Disjah," he announced, as he petted Griselda.

Griselda was a dark brown, with a black main, streaked with grey. Her eyes were gentle and she seemed very wise. Disjah was a cream color, with a white main, and a white mark on her forehead. Her eyes were gentle too, but more youthful.

"Hello there," Kelda greeted softly, raising her hand slowly to Disjah.

Disjah accepted Kelda's touch, and let the girl rub her forehead.

"I think Disjah likes you," Haethorn smiled, watching Kelda pet the mare.

Kelda smiled more brightly.

"I am so glad she does," Kelda replied. "Could I ride her today?"

Haethorn nodded and smiled.

"Of course you can," he replied happily. "I shall ride my stallion, Ryce, today."

Haethorn made his way over to where Ryce was stabled, and one of the stable boys was already getting a bit and saddle ready. Another boy began to open the door for Disjah, and Kelda stepped away and waited patiently for the mare to be prepared for riding.

In no time at all, Kelda was atop Disjah, and she had forgotten how wonderful it felt to ride. They started with a slow stride, then after a time, they came into a trot, then a run. Kelda was in bliss, this was what she loved to do. She loved to ride, she loved the freedom it gave her. She adored the feeling of the wind push against her face, she loved leaning forward until Disjah's mane licked her cheeks, and she relished the sound of thundering hooves. Haethorn heard her laughing happily, and he laughed in turn to see her so blissful. Kelda thought of her father, and remembered her rides with him. And though it was sorrowful to remember that he was gone, it was also a joy to recall how much he loved riding with her, and the time they had shared. After the run, they headed back to the stables. Haethorn had some of his servants meet them outside the stables with a picnic, and Kelda hadn't realized how hungry she was until she dismounted, the adrenaline still pumping through her.

They seated themselves on a blanket, and Haethorn began to serve her some tea.

"I'm very pleased you enjoyed the ride, Kelda," Haethorn began, smiling at her.

Kelda smiled in return, as she took the cup of tea he offered her.

"Yes, Odel," she replied sweetly. "I enjoyed it very much. I had forgotten how wonderful it feels to ride."

Haethorn nodded as he poured himself a cup.

"Yes," he agreed. "It is invigorating."

They talked for a time about horses in general, and Kelda reminisced about her childhood with her horses. Kelda enjoyed Lord Haethorn's company more and more as the day progressed. She began to feel comfortable with him, for he did not pressure her to sit close to him, or to hold his hand. He truly was a gentleman to her, and he had kept to his word that he would not rush their courtship. Kelda knew she had found a friend in this man, and that made her very happy.

After they had finished their meal, Kelda asked if they could ride a bit longer, and Haethorn happily acquiesced to her request. They rode until the sun was low in the sky, and Haethorn knew it was time Kelda should leave for the day.

"I shouldn't keep you here any longer," Haethorn commented, as they looked at the sunset together. "Let us head back, stable the horses, and get you home to your brother."

Kelda nodded in agreement, though she was not in any way eager to see her brother. He would surely ask her to 'report' her day to him.

They made their way back to the mansion, and Kelda entered the carriage that would take her home. But before the carriage pulled out, she said her goodbye to Lord Haethorn.

"Thank you for today, Odel," Kelda said with gratitude.

She smiled happily at him, peering out of the carriage window. Odel gestured for her hand, and she gave it to him. He kissed it and smiled at her kindly.

"It was my pleasure, Kelda," he said softly. "I'm so happy you enjoyed yourself."

Kelda nodded enthusiastically, and Odel released her hand.

"I would ask that I could see you again tomorrow, but I have some rather boring business I must see to," he sighed.

Kelda giggled at his depressed expression over 'boring' business, and Haethorn chuckled too.

"Perhaps in a few days I can call for you?" the kind nobleman asked, gently smiling.

Kelda smiled and nodded.

"Yes, of course, Odel," she replied, and she meant it.

Haethorn smiled brightly, then waved to the driver to start up the carriage, and Kelda waved good bye until she was well down the road.

When Kelda arrived back at home, Brena and Bron were both there to greet her.

"Ah! Here you are!" Bron greeted her, helping her out of the carriage. "Did you enjoy yourself?" he asked with his smile.

Kelda nodded and smiled back at him, feigning happiness to see him.

"I did, my brother," Kelda replied.

Brena was there to take her hand after Bron led her out of the carriage, and she was smiling. But the old woman's eyes were filled with concern. She wondered if Kelda was lying to Bron.

"Wonderful!" Bron exclaimed happily. "Then we shall hope for him to call for you again very soon!"

Kelda nodded to her brother, still smiling.

"Yes , brother," she replied. "He told me he was too busy tomorrow, but that he would call for me again within the next few days," she told them both, as they walked into the house.

"Good!" Bron replied, still grinning. "Then tomorrow, you should spend time on your studies! Brush up on your Elvish and such!"

Kelda agreed and said goodnight to her brother, saying she was very worn out from riding all day. Brena took Kelda up to her room, and then she shut the door behind them both.

"Did you truly have a good time, my darling?" Brena asked Kelda, turning to the girl.

Kelda sat down on her bed, and began to take her riding boots off.

"Yes, Brena," Kelda replied, a real smile on her face. "I truly did."

Brena smiled then, happy to hear that Kelda hadn't been miserable all day.

"I am very relieved to hear that," Brena said, coming over to Kelda.

She sat down next to Kelda, and saw that the girl's smile fade as she put her boots on the floor.

"He was wonderful to me, Brena," she whispered, her eyes to the floor. "I didn't realize how much I have missed riding…until today. All of his horses were beautiful, and he truly loved them all. He took me on a picnic, and we spoke about horses and other simple things. I enjoyed my time with him, Brena…I feel ashamed to say so…"

Kelda trailed off, still staring at the ground, her eyes beginning to fill with tears.

Brena shook her head and shushed the girl softly.

"You have nothing to be ashamed of, my darling," she replied gently. "Lord Haethorn is a good, good man, and it gladdens my heart to hear that he treated you with such care. There is no shame in enjoying a good person's company. Bofur would not be angry."

Kelda looked to Brena quickly, and with slight alarm. Brena knew that Kelda's feeling of shame stemmed from her feeling that she was betraying Bofur somehow. Though Kelda herself could not explain why she felt she was doing so.

Brena stroked the girl's hair and smiled warmly.

"Go to the gardens tomorrow," Brena began warmly. "Read your Elven books and calm yourself. Do not let your mind or heart be troubled, my sweet girl. Bofur will be back at market the day after tomorrow, will he not?"

Kelda nodded, a smile forming on her lips. The thought of seeing Bofur again, to see him smiling at her as he had, made her heart skip a beat.

"Then we will go see him," Brena beamed. " I shall think of something to tell Bron," and she winked.

Kelda smiled more brightly, and nodded.

"Now, let me get you ready for bed," Brena began, getting up from the bed.

Kelda nodded, and went over to her vanity and sat down. As Brena brushed out her hair, Kelda's mind wandered through her day with Haethorn. She had indeed loved the time she had spent with the horses, and with the kind lord. And though her heart felt great happiness to think of those things, it soared when she thought of seeing the joyful toy maker again.