_____

Then Jesus told him, "You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me." -John 20:29

_____

Taenya's POV

'Dan leads me through the stables slowly, pointing out each of the horses and telling me a little about them. Because he is going to be teaching me how to ride one, I was given female training clothes that look just like the male ones, only much smaller. So, I match Elladan with brown pants, a white fluffy tunic, and brown leather boots. As he tells me about a tall and lanky horse with fuzzy brown fur, I touch the end of my braid, softly blushing as I remember what happened this morning when he came to wake me up.

___

A knock sounds at the door, and 'Dan's voice bleeds through the oaken surface. "Taenya? 'Tis just me. May I come in?"

"You may," I call back, sitting in front of the white vanity in my guest room. I cringe as I try to brush through the knots in my curly hair, and I bite my lip to keep from yelping at the pain. I have always been very tender-headed.

Elladan opens the door, and I turn to look at him, smiling sheepishly. "You caught me at a bad time. My hair does not seem to want to cooperate," I tell him, and he grins as his gaze travels over me.

He walks toward me, and I take the moment to stare at him. His eyes are very clear and bright this morning, their silvery depths just as mesmerizing as they always are. His hair, unlike mine, falls down to his collarbones perfectly, a few pieces pulled back in small braids at the top. He is clad in his training gear which shows off his muscled figure perfectly, and I turn away from him when my gaze unconsciously travels down to his toned thighs.

"Would you like my help?" he asks charmingly, placing something on the vanity beside me, and on closer inspection, I realize it is a bundle of clothes, "I had to braid Arwen's hair on countless occasions when she was an elfling."

I meet his gaze through the mirror. Our eyes lock onto each other for a few, very long seconds before I break the spell, grinning in amusement. "You can try. I unfortunately inherited my grandmother's unruly curls-at least, that is what Gweyr used to say. I never met my other family members since they sailed to the Undying Lands many, many years ago."

"Count your blessings," 'Dan says with a deep chuckle as he takes the comb from my hands, "I have a grandmother who reads minds, a father who has foresight, and a mother who might have inherited a few of her own mother's mind reading skills. Family can be quite uncomfortable, especially when they are as nosy as my family members are. You definitely do not get much privacy."

I relax against the back of my chair as 'Dan begins to run his fingers through my hair carefully. Every once in awhile I feel the pull of the comb, but he is so gentle that it does not hurt. "Your family is absolutely wonderful," I state softly as I gaze upon his features through the mirror's reflection, "I would give anything to have such a close, loving family."

He is silent for a moment, a look of deep concentration on his face as he begins to braid my hair. I bite my tongue to keep from laughing at how cute he looks. "Well, you have one now," he states, and when I furrow my eyebrows in confusion, he continues, "From the way they treated you, Falenas, and Gweyr, I can tell that they already think of you all as family. They are just like that. It surprised me only slightly when Naneth and Ada asked you to stay here until the baby is born. They have large hearts and are always giving to and helping others. You are the daughter of their closest friends, so my parents seem to have taken you all under their wings."

His words bring a pang of sadness to my heart as I picture the kind smiles of Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrian. We only met yesterday, but their kindness was evident within the first few moments of speaking with them. I especially have taken a liking to his mother, for she reminds me so much of my own mother.

"That warms my heart to know," I tell him quietly, "I truly love your family."

'Dan reaches over me to get a hair tie, and I tense, his masculine scent filling my senses. He smells like crisp autumn air, and the scent that clings to the forest after it rains and everything is damp and beautiful. I watch him as he ties the end of my braid, and he steps back to appraise his work. I stand, turning to face him, and I look into his enchanting eyes. "Thank you, 'Dan. You are truly a miracle worker," I say with a laugh, caressing the thick braid happily.

"Oh, I almost forgot," he says, and he leans close to me in order to reach behind me. He picks up the bundle of clothes and takes something from them. He is so close to me that I can feel his breath caressing my skin, and he reaches up, pinning something in my hair next to my ear. "Naneth wanted me to give this to you. She said Ada gave it to her when they first began courting. She wanted it to be worn again instead of just sitting in her jewelry box."

I turn quickly to look in the mirror, and I gasp, lightly stroking the precious jewel. It is a fairly small hair piece with a bright, fiery orange jewel upon it that is crafted to look like an autumn leaf. The orange jewel is gorgeously bright, looking as if it might burst into flames at any moment.

"She said it reminds her of you because it is fiery in appearance, like your hair, and is also so very beautiful," he says, his voice delicate like a light summer breeze against one's skin.

I turn back to look at him, and his eyes search mine as I speak. "I adore it," I tell him, still touching it in awe, "And what she said about it reminding her of me is so sweet. No one has ever given me such an expensive gift, and I feel unfit to have it."

He smirks slightly, reaching up to touch the jewel himself. "I knew you would say that," he says amusedly, "Do not feel that way, Taenya. 'Tis a gift, and the owner has deemed you worthy to wear it so there is no reason to be worried. Treasure it. That is all she wants."

I nod hesitantly. "Alright, but I must remember to thank her," I say more to myself than to him.

'Dan runs his fingers across my cheek tenderly, and my eyes widen at his sudden touch. "You are beautiful," he says quietly, almost shyly, "'Law lîn síla sui Ithil (Your radiance shines like the moon)."

____

"Taenya?" 'Dan questions, snapping me out of my memory of this morning.

I blink, embarrassed to be caught not paying attention to him, and I hope that I have not hurt his feelings.

"Are you alright?" he asks, stepping closer to me in concern.

"I am fine," I reply, shaking my head, "I promise. I was just lost in thought."

He assesses me for a moment before nodding. "Well, this one is the last horse," he says, taking my hand and pulling me in front of the last stall, "We call him Rochael, meaning wise one, because you can see the intelligence in his eyes. 'Tis almost like looking into the eyes of a person."

I stare at the beautiful horse, knowing immediately that this is the one for me. He is tall and muscular, and his coat is silvery-gray, reminding me of Elladan's eyes. There are flecks of white on him, and his coat turns to a blackish color on his legs. His mane is long and healthy, and it looks silky to the touch.

"I love him," I breathe, stepping forward to rub his head, "This is the horse I want." He snorts, as if agreeing to my unspoken request of friendship. I grin broadly, running my fingers through his thick mane.

"Ah, I see you have found Rochael."

I turn in surprise to see Lord Elrond slowly approaching us, his wine red robes dragging across the hay-covered stable floors. His expression is soft, a small smile resting on his lips, and his eyes are smoldering with wisdom and intensity. It is almost impossible to tell what he is thinking, and I feel nervous in the presence of the famous lord of Rivendell.

"I had a feeling you would pick him when Elladan asked if you could have a horse."

I bow to him, but he shakes his head. "There is no need for that, dear Taenya. I am not very fond of formalities," he says kindly, his deep voice seeming to rumble in his chest when he speaks.

"Ada," Elladan addresses him with a smile, "What brings you to the stables?"

Lord Elrond's gaze travels from 'Dan, to me, to the horse amusedly. "I came to see if my intuition was correct." He walks closer, stopping beside me, and he rubs the bridge of Rochael's nose fondly. His circlet rests upon his head carefully, its surface shining in the light of the stables. His noble appearance is a striking contrast to the small, humble stables that smell like horse manure, and looking at him is like being in an odd dream.

"It seems you were correct," I respond, still running my fingers through my new horse's mane, "He is so lovely. 'Dan was right about his eyes. They seem much like a person's."

The horse stares at me, a sparkle of mischievousness in his eyes as if he knows we are speaking of him. He whinnies, shaking his head happily from all of the attention we are bestowing upon him, and Lord Elrond chuckles, patting his warm neck affectionately. "That is why your father gave him the name Rochael."

I meet Lord Elrond's gaze. "My father?"

"Yes. Elluin found him in the forest one day very many years ago. Rochael was just a colt at the time, and his mother had broken her leg trying to protect him from wolves. Your father shot the wolves as they attacked the mother, but it was too late to save her. Elluin cared greatly for horses which is why he shot the wolves. As you may or may not remember, your father rarely used his bow or sword. He was not one for violence," Lord Elrond says, his eyes far away in memory, "He brought the colt to me where he would be safe, and Elluin named him Rochael because of the great wisdom evident in his eyes. Your father would feed him every morning before he began work and would visit him before leaving to travel home at night. I thought you would pick this horse because something about him stood out to your father."

I stare at the beautiful stallion in front of me, proud of my father. "I guess I am a lot like him, my father," I say softly, "I am happy that I chose Rochael. It is almost like having a piece of Ada with me. He would be proud."

I feel Lord Elrond's heavy gaze resting on my face, but I continue to look at the horse, rubbing his head tenderly.

"Yes, he would be very proud of you." Lord Elrond's statement is quiet and laced with grief, and I feel bad that my presence seems to only reopen wounds for him and his wife, "Well, I unfortunately must take my leave of you. I snuck out of my study when Erestor went to fetch me some tea." He winks teasingly, and 'Dan and I laugh.

"Ada!" Elladan exclaims in shock, laughing boyishly at his father's actions, "You have no right to get angry at me anymore when I neglect my duties."

Lord Elrond raises a brow at his son jokingly. "'Tis only healthy to break out every once in awhile," he says with a slight bow, and he turns, sweeping out of the stables quickly.

Elladan shakes his head, grinning. "He says that, but when I try to do such a thing, I am 'being irresponsible' and 'embarrassing him.'"

I laugh lightly. "Your father loves you, 'Dan. That is why he cares so much."

He steps forward, his arm brushing mine slightly. "Well, are you ready to ride your new horse?" he questions.

I nod hesitantly. "Yes-well... I think so. I am quite nervous," I say, fixing my gaze on Rochael anxiously.

'Dan chuckles, brushing a stray piece of hair back away from my face, and I hold my breath at his touch. "You will be perfectly fine. Rochael is very tame, and I will be right beside you, just in case."

He opens the swinging wooden door, guiding the horse out of his stall, and Rochael comes easily. 'Dan grasps my hand with his free one, and we walk out of the stables, stopping just a few feet away from the building.

"Wait here while I get Sirdal. Oh, and I need to get Rochael's saddle," Elladan says and disappears back into the stables.

I analyze my surroundings, relieved that no one is around to watch me possibly fail. My gaze meets Rochael's, and I feel an amused smirk come to my lips at the look he is giving me. "Go easy on me, boy," I say softly, rubbing his neck affectionately, "I am already nervous, as you can see, and I would not like to embarrass myself in front of 'Dan. I am quite fond of him, you see." I whisper the last part, and Rochael snorts as if he is laughing at me. If horses could roll their eyes sarcastically, I am sure he would right about now.

"What is this I hear? Our new, lovely guest is fond of my brother?"

I whip around to see Elrohir dropping down from the roof of the stables, and I remember his words that he whispered to me last night.

Love sparkles in your eyes when you look at him, sister.

I blush all over again. His statement kept me up all night, tossing and turning. Sister. Is that what I might be one day? And love? Are my feelings really that obvious?

Elrohir stops in front of me, smirking happily. "It was nice to hear you admit it, even if it was to a horse," he says and begins laughing, "Do not worry, I will not tell him. I am just happy that my words were correct last night."

"What were you doing up there?" I ask him, still flustered.

"I was eavesdropping, of course," he responds with a smirk, "You should be on alert. Being with my brother is going to bring a lot of attention to you. I already heard a few servants whispering this morning about Elladan's 'mystery elleth.'"

"What?" I ask in surprise, my voice barely a whisper.

Elrohir and I look to the stable door when we hear 'Dan speaking to one of the stablehands. "Do not worry about it Taenya. 'Dan cares deeply for you, and that matters more than what others have to say, yes? Well, I have to leave now. He will be angry if he sees me," Elrohir says before he takes off running towards the house, "Farewell, sister!"

I hear 'Dan thank the stable hand, and then he emerges from the stables, a handsome smile on his face as he guides Sirdal behind him. "Are you ready?" he questions, raising his eyebrows and lifting the saddle he is holding.

"I am excited," I say distantly, still staring at the place Elrohir disappeared.

"Well," 'Dan says, "Let us begin."

I watch him as he straps the saddle and bridle to Rochael. 'Dan turns to me and grasps my waist carefully, lifting me up to sit upon Rochael. He places the reins in my hands, and he gives me a handsome, encouraging smile. "Alright, to make him simply walk, you squeeze his sides with your legs," he says, swinging up onto Sirdal beside me. He does so, and Sirdal begins to walk slowly. I copy his actions, elated when Rochael begins to walk.

"Good," 'Dan says with a smile, "Rochael is already trained, you see. I am just teaching you to control him. To make him trot or canter or gallop, you just squeeze his sides again. Controlling a horse is fairly simple for elves since we understand animals very well."

"Okay. I am ready to go and get my things from the house now," I tell him with a smile, "Just go slowly."

He nods, and I raise an eyebrow at him when I see his mischievous smirk. I gasp as he kicks Sirdal's sides, and the horse takes off at top speed, disappearing into the trees. I roll my eyes, kicking Rochael's sides, and I shriek as he takes off just as quickly as Sirdal did. I grip the reins tightly, my knuckles turning white as I squeeze my legs around Rochael to keep from falling off. Guiding a horse alone is much different than riding with someone. My heart leaps into my throat, and I can hear the blood rushing through my ears as Rochael and I weave through the thick trees of the forest. I catch sight of 'Dan a few yards ahead of me, and he turns to look at me with a grin.

"Manen le? (How are you?)" he asks with a smirk, guiding his horse to ride beside mine, and he reaches over, gently pulling on Rochael's reins to slow him to a trot.

I stare at him, wide-eyed, my heart still pounding in my chest. I fear that the braid he put in my hair this morning must look horrendous now, and I reach up, sighing in relief when I feel that the pin his naneth gave me is still clipped securely in my hair. "I think I might be sick," I tell him lowly, and he laughs boyishly, throwing his head back as his laugh echoes around us like an enchanting song.

"Goheno nin (Forgive me)," he says, still grinning, and his eyes sparkle with a light that makes my heart skip a beat in my chest.

I turn to look ahead, hoping he will think my flushed cheeks are from the fear of riding or the chaffing of the wind. "Nan Aear a Geil! (By the Sea and Stars)," I exclaim breathlessly, "That was much scarier than riding with you."

He chuckles deeply, his eyes crinkling at their corners. "But you had fun did you not?" he asks with a dashing smirk, tilting his head slightly as he appraises me, "Ah, you cannot lie to me! I see it in your beautiful eyes. You enjoyed it, and now you must admit so!"

I swallow, a strange warmth pooling in my stomach at his well-disguised compliment. "Dôl gín lost (Your head is empty)," I reply, glancing at him as a smile tugs at my lips.

He laughs again, straightening his posture as my home comes into view. "You had fun," he states again, nodding his head in affirmation, "And now that we have arrived, you must find your drawings and show them to me. I have been most anxious to see them after you spoke of them."

I freeze for a moment, just now remembering that I did, in fact, promise to show my drawings to 'Dan and his mother. Dread seeps into my bones. How will he react when he figures out that I drew a picture of him?

He reaches over once again, pulling the reins to bring both Sirdal and Rochael to a stop in front of my house. He dismounts quickly, and I swing my leg over Rochael to meet the other one, but 'Dan is at my side quickly. He reaches up, grasping my hips, and he lifts me from the horse, setting me on the ground. I turn, leading him up the stairs, and I take out the key from my boot, unlocking the door.

I push open the door, breathing in the fresh scent of pine and homemade pies that seems to always cling to my home. A smile makes its way to my lips as I lead him down the hallway, but I stop abruptly when I am under the doorframe of my room. I turn to look at him sheepishly. "Will you wait right here?" I question him, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks, "Falenas left only one rule for when I am here alone. You are not allowed in my room."

'Dan leans against the door frame, brushing against me slightly, and he laughs. "That is fine. I will wait here."

I watch him for a moment before nodding. I turn and step into my bedroom, walking over to my dresser. I pick up my leather bound notebook that contains my drawings, and I bring it to 'Dan. I meet his eyes uncertainly as I hold it out for him to take. He takes it, opening it slowly, and I turn away to pack my things, scared to see his reaction.

I take my traveling bag out from under my bed and begin folding dresses and placing them inside it, along with undergarments, nightgowns, and several other things I think I might need. I place a few of my favorite books in it and several pieces of charcoal to draw with. 'Dan is silent as I place my hairbrush in my bag along with a few hair ties, and I try to tune out the sound of the pages of my notebook turning every few moments.

"These are exquisite," he breathes out, and I turn to look at him, biting my lip.

"Do you really think so?" I question him, admiring how handsome he looks standing in my doorway. His eyebrows are furrowed ever-so-slightly as he flips through the pages. He looks up, meeting my gaze, and he smiles.

"You drew me?" he questions suddenly, and I feel my breath catch in my throat at the question.

I once again turn away from him, embarrassed. I do not answer, simply placing one last dress in my bag. I stare out of the window, wondering what I should say. "I draw things that catch my interest, so I started to work on that drawing after meeting you," I tell him softly.

"Naneth will certainly love it," he says teasingly, and I shoulder my bag, turning to look at him.

He is staring at me already when I meet his gaze, and a satisfied, handsome smirk rests upon his lips as his silver eyes stare deeply into mine. "Please come here before I break Falenas's only rule," he says, and I laugh sheepishly.

I walk closer to him with a raised brow. "What could possibly tempt you to break the rule?" I ask him teasingly, stopping just a few steps away from him.

"I wish to hold you close, and I cannot when you are standing there," he says temptingly, and I try not to blush at his bluntness.

He holds out my sketchpad, and I take it from him, closing it and holding it close to my chest. I hesitate on whether to approach him, feeling shy after what he said. Hold me close? What if he tries to kiss me? I have never kissed anyone before, and I have no idea what to do. The whole thing just feels awkward to think about, so I look down, my cheeks finally beginning to burn.

He chuckles, and the sound makes my heart beat faster. "Taenya," he says my name softly, speaking the way one would to coax a scared animal to approach, "Come."

I slowly close the small distance between us, stopping in front of him. He reaches toward me, and I inhale quietly as his warm fingers wrap around my arms, pulling me toward him. His arms encircle me, and he buries his head in the crook of my neck, his nose brushing my skin. His breath fans across my neck, and warmth spreads through my veins.

I pull away from him slightly to drop my bag and my sketch book, and he watches me amusedly before pulling me to him again. I wrap my arms around his neck, basking in his warm, and he pulls me to him tightly. "'Dan?" I question him quietly.

"Hmm?" his chest rumbles with the sound, and the blush in my cheeks refuses to go away.

"Elrohir asked me yesterday if I have courted before, and I was... well, I was wondering if you have?" I ask him, scared to hear the answer.

'Dan pulls back to look at me, his eyes serious. "I have not," he admits, looking away for a moment with an embarrassed smile, "Actually, my family loves to tease me for the fact that I have never taken an interest in anyone."

A smile grows on my lips before I can stop it, and a burst of happiness explodes in my heart like a firework. "Oh."

He raises an eyebrow. "Oh?" he teases, "Is there a reason for your questioning?"

I pull away from him. "No reason," I reply, pushing past him and walking to the front door, "Are you ready to leave?"

He laughs, throwing his hands in the air. "You did not answer me! You are not allowed to leave until you answer," he says, suddenly bursting into a sprint, I shriek, trying to open the door, but his hand reaches over my right shoulder, shutting the door with a loud slam.

"'Dan!" I exclaim, laughter bubbling up to my lips, "Can you ever be serious?"

"I will not answer that question until you answer mine," he says with a smirk as I turn to face him. Butterflies swarm in my stomach like bees when I see how close he is. His nose is only a few centimeters away, and his hand is still pressed against the door beside me. I press myself up against the door, nervous at his closeness. "Why did you wish to know if I have ever courted?"

"I was simply curious," I respond.

His lips lift at their corners and he raises his eyebrow, leaning closer to me ever-so-slightly. "Really?" he whispers, "May I tell you why I think you asked?"

I do not respond, staring wide eyed at him as he places his other hand on the door, trapping me in his hold.

"I think that you asked because you fancy me," he says simply, his eyes open and honest as he looks at me, "Am I correct?"

I glance down, my cheeks burning, and I close my eyes when he brushes his fingers across my cheek tenderly.

"Taenya, please tell me how you feel," he pleads quietly, "I have cared deeply for you since our first meeting, and these feelings have grown over time. What I feel for you is ineffable."

I open my eyes in shock. "You-you do?"

He smiles beautifully. "Yes, that is why I want to know how you feel about me."

I search his eyes, trying to find the courage I need inside of them, "I-I feel the same way about you, but your father and mother would never allow us to... to-"

"My parents only wish for my happiness," he states, his eyes shining, "You do not know how happy it makes me to hear you say you care for me. I can barely believe it." His voice is just a whisper.

I reach up, touching his jaw softly, and he leans into my touch, staring deeply into my eyes. "But I am just Taenya," I whisper, my eyes sad, "I am no one special. I am the one who can barely believe Elladan son of Elrond could care for me."

"I am just 'Dan," he says with a genuine smile, "Just 'Dan."

I smile at him, laughing lightly at his words and childish grin. "Just 'Dan... I like that."

His fingers caress my jaw, and he leans closer to me. "May I..." he begins hesitantly, "May I kiss you?" His silver eyes are smoldering, and his breathing is uneven like mine which alerts me to the fact that he is just as nervous as I am.

"Yes," I answer, my voice barely a whisper.

He leans forward slowly, and I let my eyes flutter closed. His lips brush mine just barely, and feelings I have never experienced before crash over me like a tidal wave. His lips are soft and warm against my own and I want to kiss him properly rather than our lips barely touching, but the sound of voices suddenly reaches my ears. Before my mind can tell me to pull away and move, the front door swings open, sending 'Dan and I flying from where we had been leaning against the door.

Pain shoots through my back and head as I crash to the wooden surface of the porch, and 'Dan catches himself with his hands to keep from falling on top of me. "Ow!" I groan in pain, turning my head to see who opened the door. Standing above us with identical smirks is Gweyr, Falenas, and Elrohir.

Elrohir howls with laughter along with Gweyr, and Falenas crosses his arms, staring down at us with his eyebrows raised. "We came to pack up our things, but it looks like we found a bit more than that," Falenas states, trying to hold back his laughter.

'Dan rolls off of me quickly, helping me to stand. "Are you alright?" he asks as I rub my head, a migraine forming, and I notice how Elladan's cheeks are flushed red in embarrassment. Normally, I would love to see him blushing, but considering my face must be as red as my hair, I cannot find amusement in the situation.

"Would you like for 'Dan to kiss you and make the pain go away?" Elrohir teases, and 'Dan glares at him.

"Why are you here?" Elladan questions his brother, narrowing his eyes.

"I volunteered to help Gweyr and Falenas pack their things, and I suggested they come today rather than later," he replies, his eyes round with faux innocence.

"You never help anyone," 'Dan says, rolling his eyes, "You only came to annoy me."

I brush past my sister, walking to the door. "We were just leaving," I state, quickly walking to my room and grabbing my bag and sketchpad.

Gweyr follows me, a wide grin on her face. "He kissed you?" she questions delightedly.

"Barely," I mumble, "Thanks to you. My head is aching."

She giggles, holding her stomach as she laughs. "You did not break the rule did you?"

I glare at her, and her laughter only grows louder. "Would you stop trying to embarrass me? You know as well as I that I would not go further than kissing without being married to the ellon. You have embarrassed me enough," I state, willing away the embarrassed tears that try to surface.

"Taenya," she says, sobering quickly, "Forgive me. Please do not cry. I sometimes forget how easily embarrassed you get. It was cute! I promise! You should not be upset."

I swipe at my eyes, trying to will away the redness in my cheeks. "I do not think I can face him now," I say quietly, finally beginning to see how humorous the situation is. I begin laughing, tears still running down my cheeks, and Gweyr laughs, too, pulling me into her embrace.

"The first time Falenas kissed me, he accidentally bumped his head really hard against mine," she says, erupting into giggles, and I laugh along with her, picturing the normally serious Falenas doing such an embarrassing thing.

I pull away from her when our laughter dies down, and I turn to look in the mirror, relieved to see no traces of my tears. "Well, I guess I should leave now. Elladan might kill his brother if we leave them alone for too long."

Gweyr smiles and shoos me out of the room as she laughs, quickly whispering, "You and 'Dan are going to have to learn to be more secretive if you wish to steal more kisses in the future."

_________________

A/N: Hope y'all like this! I made another Big Daddy chappieee :D 11 pages of writer's' block horror! Please excuse grammatical errors because my head is swimming from trying to proofread this! love y'all and God Bless!! <3

Love,

Josie