Odel led Kelda to the stables, and soon they were among his beautiful horses once more. Kelda loved each of these animals, though she had only met them once before. She giggled in delight and just as before, she let go of Odel's arm and walked briskly over to the pens. Odel smiled broadly, remembering how she had ran to the stables the first time he'd taken her riding, he enjoyed hearing her greet them all in her cheeriest voice.

"Hello again to you all!" she beamed, and made her way over to Dishja's stall.

Odel entered just in time to see Kelda give a special greeting to the young mare, and his heart was warmed by it. Dishja had come forward to greet the girl, and the mare's head was now peaking out from behind the pen's gate.

"I have missed you, dear Dishja," Kelda said softly, petting the mare's nose.

"And she has missed you," Odel replied kindly, coming up to stand beside Kelda.

Kelda gave Odel a smile, but quickly brought her attention back to the horse.

"May I ride her again today, Odel?" Kelda asked politley.

"Well of course you can!" Odel chuckled in reply. "She's been waiting for you!"

Kelda giggled and nodded her thanks.

"Who will you ride today?" Kelda asked curiously, as Odel brought Dishja out of her pen.

"I shall ride one of my stallions I think," Odel said with a decisive nod.

Kelda stepped back and let Odel saddle Dishja for her, placing a large satchel on the mare's side. She knew how to saddle a horse, something she would never forget from her childhood. But she respected Odel, and these were his horses, she should let him handle them.

"Which one?" she asked excitedly, as Odel handed her Dishja's reigns.

"Erland, I think," Odel replied thoughtfully. "He has been patient while I have trained the other horses. He's not been ridden in a few weeks."

Odel made his way over to the right side of the stable pens, and Kelda brought Dishja to the left side and far enough away for a second horse to be brought out. She watched with eagerness to see Erland emerge from his pin, and she wasn't disappointed when he did. He was large, strong, built to run for days it appeared. His coat was a deep brown, almost black. His mane was black, and his legs were blotched with black up to his knees. When Odel brought him closer, Kelda could see his muzzle was also colored black, and his eyes were bright and adventurous.

"He is beautiful, Odel," Kelda breathed, petting Dishja as she stared in wonder at Erland.

Odel smiled proudly.

"Thank you, Kelda," he nodded, as he saddled the stallion and fastened his satchel. "I purchased him from some of the Silvan elves who came through the market a fortnight I swear this hose has something elven about him." he chuckled, petting the beast's neck. "He never startles, he is constant, patient, and his endurance astounds me."

Kelda smiled in admiration of the steed, as Odel brought him close enough for her to touch his nose.

"I have no doubt there is something elven about him," she said softly, petting his nose with reverence.

Odel nodded in agreement, "Shall we, miss Kelda?" he suggested with a smile.

Kelda nodded and beamed, and they brought the horses out of the stables and into the open field.

Odel helped her to mount Dishja, and soon he was a top Erland. Odel gestured for her to follow him as she had before, and they began in a slow stride out onto the green grass and into the beautiful day. The air was warm, but a cool breeze blew every so often, and Kelda thought it was the perfect day for riding. They walked side by side in silence for a time, just enjoying the lovely day.

Then Odel pointed over towards a hill with a single standing tree, it wasn't more than 15 miles away from them, or at least Kelda guessed it wasn't.

"I thought perhaps we could ride to that hilltop there?" Odel suggested with a grin. "I have a small picnic for us prepared and placed in our packs prior to your arrival."

Kelda chuckled and nodded in agreement. "That sounds wonderful! But shall we race there?"

She asked with a playful wink. Odel was about to agree to it, but Kelda had already urged Dishja forward and into a trot, laughing happily. Odel chuckled and clicked his tongue at Erland, who immediately picked up his speed and in only a few seconds, matched Dishja's stride. Kelda saw Odel had caught up to her, so she encouraged Dishja again to go faster into a gallop. The rush of the wind on Kelda's face, her heart racing with the beat of Dishja's hooves, had the girl laughing and squealing with delight. Odel laughed heartily as Erland kept up with Dishja, for the stallion could easily outrun the mare, young as Dishja's was. He loved hearing Kelda's laughter on the wind, her squeals of joy, it made his heart beat faster. He wished he could always hear her so happy. He wished she would be happy with him.

Soon enough, they neared the hilltop, and Kelda brought Dishja to a slower gallop, and Odel slowed Erland next to her. They came to a stop on the hill top, and were both still laughing and smiling at once another.

"It seems we tied!" Odel chuckled breathlessly, dismounting Erland.

Kelda dismounted Dishja with a giggle, bringing the mare under the tree for shade.

"It would appear so!" she replied. "Though I have a feeling you held back!"

Odel gasped, as he brought Erland to join the Kelda and Dishja under the tree.

"I did no such thing!" he protested, feigning offense.

Kelda feared for a moment she had offended Odel, but when she looked at him, she saw that playful twinkle in his eyes. She grinned and gave him a look of playful suspicion.

"Well, maybe I did, a little," he chuckled, giving her a guilty smile.

Kelda shook her head and laughed in reply, helping Odel take the satchels from the horses. They set out a blanket on the warm grass, and Odel brought out some cheese, cold, sliced meat, wine glasses, and a red wine for them to enjoy. It was a little after noonday, but it wasn't too hot.

The couple sat beneath the shade of the long branches, and the horses grazed close by them. The horses weren't bound, for this was Odel's land and they knew to stay near their master when they had been ridden. Kelda sat herself on the blanket, and Odel followed suit. Just as the time before, he didn't sit close to her, but kept his distance and sat no closer than a friend should. Kelda noticed this and felt relief in her heart. She wasn't pressured this time either to act like more than friends towards Odel, and she thanked him in her heart for it.

They began to eat the small lunch in silence, simply enjoying the fair sky, the cool breeze, and each other. Odel sat up against the tree, while Kelda sat on her legs, still keeping her posture as a lady should. She looked around her, turning her body to face away from the picnic. There was hill after hill of green grass, the strands swaying in the breeze. Further into the distance, she could see an outline of pinetrees, a small forest it seemed, and it surrounded and created the border of Odel's lands.

"My land ends at that tree line," Odel commented softly, as if reading Kelda's thoughts.

Kelda brought her attention to him and returned the smile he was giving her.

"It is all so beautiful," she complimented, looking once more out into the fields.

"Thank you, miss Kelda," he replied with a nod, and took another sip of his wine.

"The mountains..." Kelda's voice trailed off, as if the remark was made audible without intention.

"Yes," Odel replied with a smile, and Kelda realized she'd said it aloud and turned back to look at him.

"You can even see Erebor from here," Odel began, inching himself closer to Kelda. He leaned forward, raised a hand, and pointed south-west. "There, the tip of the Erebor mountain."

Kelda followed his hand, and did indeed see the tip of Erebor's summit, the tip of the massive green gates. A wave of guilt and sadness came through her, for Bofur's smile and kind eyes immediately appeared before her mind's eye. She hid it from Odel, knowing he'd ask what was wrong, so she continued to gaze off into the distance.

She forced Bofur from her mind, it did no good to wish to see him right now, because there was no means to do so. She brought back her smile and turned to look at Odel, and he smiled kindly in return.

They were much closer to each other now than they had ever been, Odel's head nearly bumping Kelda's when she turned back, and the closeness caught them both off guard. Odel cleared his throat softly and resumed his seated position against the tree quickly, while Kelda blushed and turned herself back to face the food.

"My father always liked to see the mountains," Odel said softly, trying to shake the awkward silence. "He insisted that his plot of land have a view of them."

Kelda's eyes met Odel's, and she smiled, though Odel could see a touch of sadness in it. He was puzzled, and then she spoke quietly.

"I have always thought of the mountains as a representation of Fate."

Odel quirked his head slightly, and waited for her to continue the thought.

"They are immovable, they cannot be changed. You have no choice in the matter," Kelda's voiced cracked in that last word.

Her mind was wandering to her current situation. Her brother forcing her to marry because they were financially ruined. The fact that she could not choose her husband, the fact that she was a nobleman's daughter. Her fate was in her brother's hands and she was powerless to change it. Odel could see that there was something troubling Kelda to the point of tears.

"I do not agree," he said softly, his gentle blue hues fixed upon her.

Kelda looked up to Odel, her expression confused.

"I believe that one's fate can be changed," Odel stated, a small smile curling his lips. "There are forces that force the mountains to change, such as rivers and even the dwarves themselves. Perhaps you cannot change everything that is to happen, but you can be like the rivers, and fight against the mountain, changing it's shape."

The smile that had begun on Odel's lips now was wide, his eyes warm. Kelda stared at him for a moment, her expression unreadable. But then she smiled, a soft and comforted smile. Her eyes were glassy with tears that had tried to form, but her expression was happy again.

"I have never thought of it that way," the girl said softly. "Thank you, Odel."

Odel nodded to her, and reached for some cheese and crackers. He took a few pieces, but didn't go back to his former sitting place. Instead, he sat on his legs as Kelda was doing, and now sat next to her.

"Miss Kelda," he began, his voice gentle, but also serious, his eyes remaining on the food. "I know what your brother has planned. I know that you are in financial ruin, though Bron hides it very well."

Kelda looked up at him, and her expression changed to panic. She felt her stomach lurch, and her chest felt tight suddenly.

Odel met her fearful eyes and shook his head with an assuring smile.

"But I promise you that I have no intention to do his bidding," he stated, his voice full of assurance.

Kelda's expression became one of confusion and curiosity, her stomach relaxing and her chest also.

"Forgive me..." she began timidly. "I do not..understand."

Kelda was genuinely confused. Was not Odel courting her? Was that not what these days with him were for? Did he not intend to marry her? If he knew that they were financially ruined, why would he not make a plan with Bron?

The kind Lord continued to smile at Kelda and began to explain.

"I will not let Bron force you into a marriage with me, Kelda," he stated, his voice soft.

Kelda stared at him for a second, unsure if she had heard him correctly.

"If we are to marry, Kelda. I would wish it would be because you wanted to."

Odel slowly took Kelda's hand from her lap, and held it gently in his own. Kelda watched him do this, her heartbeat quickening at his touch. His hands were softer than Bofur's, they held the same warm as the dwarf's though. Odel also looked down to her hand, still smiling, then they met each other's gaze..

"I would wish you to...love me...before we were married," he nearly whispered, as if afraid to say what his heart desired dearly. "I know that I have not made my intentions entirely clear to you, But I…" Odel faltered for a second, knowing that the girl may be overwhelmed by the words he was about to say. "I care deeply for you, Kelda."

The words were a whisper, and the lord's light blue eyes were filled with a tenderness.

Kelda's chest became tight once more, and her heart skipped two beats at least. Now she knew that Odel did love her, and her heart raced at the realization. She did not know what to say, or how to respond to such a pure confession. She did not want to hurt him, he was dear to her already. He was one of her friends, and she had few.

Odel saw the confusion and turmoil come over Kelda's features, and he removed his hand from her, looking away.

"Please forgive me," Odel apologized hurriedly, as he began to move away from Kelda. "I spoke out of turn and"-"No!"

Kelda's sudden protest caused Odel to pause, and he looked to her with a puzzled expression.

Kelda fidgeted, her hands pulling at the fabric of her dress. She looked away from Odel, feeling tears prick her eyes once more. She felt such guilt, because she couldn't requite these feelings, at least not yet.

"I...I," Kelda stuttered. "It is I who ask your forgiveness...Odel," she said meekly.

Odel returned to his place beside her, looking to her with confusion.

The sad girl returned her gaze to his, and let the tears fall.

"Forgive me...for I..do not feel the same," she confessed, and her heart felt a pang as the words left her lips.

Odel was silent for a moment, he looked at her thoughtfully, then shook his head.

"Oh, Kelda," he sighed, a warm smile coming to his handsome features. "To think that you would grieve over not returning my affections."

Kelda's heart still hurt, she could see the hurt in his eyes, but there was also understanding, and the warmth remained.

"Do not be sad, dear girl," he said softly, placing his hand once more onto hers. "As I have said, I will not pressure you into anything that you do not wish to do. And it is a joy in itself to have your love as a good friend. For I hope...I am at least that?" he asked, his eyes hopeful.

A smile came to Kelda's features, and she nodded with a sigh of relief.

"Oh, yes, Odel!" she replied, squeezing his hand. "You are one of my truest friends!"

The girl giggled, relieved that Odel still wished to be her friend, and that he had said once again that he would not pressure her to wed him.

Odel beamed at her, chuckling himself, happy to see her smiling again. He pulled a handkerchief from his pants' pocket and handed it to Kelda. The girl took it with a nod of gratitude and dried her eyes. They both smiled at each other for a moment more, hands still clasped, until Odel's smile faded slightly.

"May I...be so bold as to make you a promise, Miss Kelda?" Odel asked timidly,

"Yes, of course, Odel," Kelda replied, her smile sweet and caring.

Odel looked up to see her kind smile, and he smiled softly in return.

"Should Bron lose patience...and force you to wed a man you do not love, I will prevent it. And ask for your hand."

Kelda stared at Odel for a moment, her smile vanishing. She had not thought of such an event, though she certainly should have. Bron was very capable of doing such a thing and giving Kelda to whomever he pleased. He had been patient, but his patience would only last so long. She realized now that Odel would do anything for her, he would do all he could to protect her from a stranger as her husband. He was her protector.

Kelda's heart filled with an affection that was new, it felt warmer and more sweet than the feelings she had held before for this man. She cherished his friendship, she loved him as a friend, but what if...what if she could love him as a husband?

He wanted her happiness, he wanted to protect her from an uncertain fate, he wanted to give her a life full of love and security.

And she wanted that, she wanted to feel loved and safe.

Odel had watched Kelda's expression change and was concerned he had upset her.

"Kelda, forgive me," he began, his voice low and his eyes downcast.

But before he could withdraw his hand, Kelda squeezed it tightly, and Odel looked up to see a smile of relief and gratitude.

"Odel…" she began, her voice soft. "Thank you...I do not know what else to say but...thank you."

Odel sighed with relief and smiled warmly at her, squeezing her hand in reply.

"Then you accept this proposition. And we will continue as we have," he stated kindly.

Kelda nodded, still beaming, and she wiped her eyes once more with his handkerchief.

The rest of the afternoon was spent riding about the meadows, for there were parts of the land Kelda had not seen.

When the sun was beginning to set, they returned to the stables, and penned the horses. Odel's carriage was made ready for Kelda after she had cleaned up a bit, and he walked her to it.

"Thank you for this wonderful day, Miss Kelda," Odel smiled, helping Kelda into the carriage.

Kelda seated herself before replying,"It was my pleasure, Odel."

"Until our next meeting," Odel kissed her hand, their eyes meeting as he did so.

Kelda smiled bright and blushed, this time, his lips to her hand feeling much more welcomed.

"I hope it is soon, Odel," she said in a whisper, and she meant it.

Odel's eyes glinted with a hopeful joy, knowing that she wanted to see him again. His smile widened as he released her hand.

"It will be, I promise," he replied, bowing to her as he stepped back from the carriage.

Kelda suddenly realized she still had his handkerchief, and she gasped in alarm as she pulled it out of her dress pocket. She held it out through the window, but Odel waved his hand dismissively.

"Keep it, dear girl!" he said sweetly, as the carriage began to roll away. He waved good-bye as she rolled out onto the road.

Kelda beamed and waved the cloth in farewell, until he was out of her site. Kelda held the handkerchief thoughtfully, tracing the embroidered letters of "O. H.". What was she feeling now? It was different than before, what she felt for Odel was...was perhaps more than friendship. Kelda went over each moment of that day in her head until she was at the gates of her home and entering the main hall.