Disclaimer: I do not own anything.
Belfalas
"They're be here tomorrow," Lilith said to Haldar.
"I know mother," he replied.
"Are your things packed for our trip North?" she asked.
"Yes they are mother," he answered. Haldar knew he'll only be in the North for a short stay and will return to South Gondor when Prince Amrothos returns. "Are your servants going with you?"
"A few, but the rest will go with you to your new home," she answered.
Haldar knew he'll have a good cook and kitchen staff and others who'll keep the place clean and a few who'll take care of his needs. All in all, it isn't that bad, he thought. He'll finally be on his own and never have to see his mother again or hear her criticism – and he'll be taken care of for the rest of his life.
xxx
Lilith went outside the next morning when a servant told her riders were approaching. She became nervous when she saw the King's Banner in the distance. As they rode closer she saw her daughter riding next to her King. It was at that moment Lilith began to cry. She saw them stop and the King turn and say something to Amie, who smiled and got off her horse and ran towards her mother. Lilith also began running towards her daughter.
It was a poignant moment as everyone watched mother and daughter embrace and weep in each others arms.
"I would like you to meet by King and husband," Amie said to her mother when Adair rode up to them.
Lilith bowed to the King of the North when he got off his horse and invited him into Amie's former home.
"Hello brother," Amie said when they walked into the elegant sitting room.
"Your Majesty, Your Grace," he stood up and replied with a bow.
The servant in the room also bowed to the Royal Couple when they entered, poured their tea and left the room.
Haldar thought the King is beyond beautiful and at that moment he was jealous of his sister.
"Are you ready to go mother?" Amie asked after taking a sip of her tea.
"Yes," she replied and told Amie where Haldar will be living after she leaves. "I still have your dowry Amie."
"I don't need a dowry mother," she said laughing.
The King also laughed. "Bring Amie's dowry with you," the King told her.
"I will," she said.
xxx
While they were having tea Lilith's trunks were being loaded onto wagons to be taken to Dol Amroth. Before lunch Amie showed Adair around the grounds of her former home, which he thought were lovely.
During lunch Lilith asked how they met.
Haldar thought that was typical of his sister and saw the horrified look on his mother's face.
After lunch Lilith left her home for the last time – and didn't look back.
xxx
Minas Tirith – The Old Guest-house Inn – The First Level
No one commented when the shabby Nobles walked into the lobby and paid for two small single rooms. One clerk remembered them when they arrived years ago and it seemed to him they're wearing the same clothes. He knows they're there to attend the State Dinner for the foreign King. At that moment he's glad he's not part of the Nobility.
xxx
When Éomer King and Lothíriel Queen arrived they were shown to their suite. After they had a bath and changed they were escorted to King Elessar's private dining room. When they entered they were greeted by King Elessar and Queen Arwen. The Queen's brothers were also there along with Lord's Celeborn and Glorfindel, Prince Faramir, Princess Éowyn, Prince Legolas and Gimli.
"What do you know about King Adair?" Celeborn asked during lunch.
"Only what Queen Amie wrote to her mother," Elessar answered. "Queen Amie is from Belfalas in South Gondor and she met Adair when she left home at 18, but she didn't go into details how they met, and said she'll tell her mother when she sees her again. She also wrote..."
"A servant and bastard who became a King," Éowyn said, still not believing what she just heard.
"Do not judge him Éowyn," Faramir turned and said to her. "There's a lot we don't know."
Éowyn nodded her head.
"Queen Amie also wrote that it was his deeds before and during the Ring War that made him a King," Elessar told them and about King Adair's horse and sword.
"A Mearas?" Glorfindel asked with a elegantly raised eyebrow.
"His name is Wind and he's the only Mearas in the North," Elessar answered.
Gimli nearly chocked on his ale when he heard about the King's sword. "That sword was made by a dwarf," Gimli said wide-eyed.
"We thought so," Faramir replied smiling at Gimli.
"Do you know what the prophesy was?" Celeborn asked.
"No, but Queen Amie wrote that everything Ana said to the King from the across the sea came true," Elessar answered. "Seer-witches are women who can foresee part of the the future and King Adair's mother is also a seer-witch."
"That explains a lot," Celeborn said thinking about his wife.
"They called orcs, the foul things," Faramir told them.
"They were," Éomer said and took a sip of his tea.
xxx
Dol Amroth
"Thank you Prince Imrahil for having me and my children in your home again," Lilith said.
"You're welcome Madam Lilith," he replied smiling. "It's time for us to leave for Minas Tirith." Prince Imrahil knew that once Lilith and her children leave Minas Tirith it'll be the last time he'll see them. He's glad that Amie has always been safe and has found love and happiness. He's also happy that Lilith will be living out the rest of her days with her daughter and grandchildren. But he felt a foreboding for Haldar and didn't know why. He dismissed the thought and walked out of his study with Lilith.
He didn't know Lilith left instructions with one of her advisers to keep an eye on Haldar and she too has the same feelings about her son.
When they arrived at the docks they boarded the ships for Minas Tirith.
xxx
A day before the Royal Party arrived in Minas Tirith their luggage was unloaded at Osgiliath and taken to their destinations. The town lands on the Pelennor Fields have been repaired and are green again. A few large inns have been built to house more visitors to the city and the Royal Party of Rohan – so they will not longer have to stay in tents on the Pelennor Fields. The Rohirrim Royal Party will stay in one inn and the North's Royal Party will stay in the other inn.
The Rohirrim Royal Guard watched as their counter-parts from the North were escorted by and finally saw the others from the Far East. They were surprised they ranged in colors from light to dark and their long black, brown or blond hair were tied in a leather strap down their backs, including the females. Some had eyes they'd never seen before and they were shorter. Some men had short hair. They all wore light gray pants and black boots; a light gray coat that came to their knees, with their swords and daggers attached to the belt around the waist of their coat – and they all had bows and quivers across their backs. Their noticed their bows are different.
Later that evening a feast was held on the open field for both Members of the Royal Guards. They sat apart because they didn't speak each others language.
xxx
Lord Mercer, his daughter Lady Lindra and many others watched as the foreign King and Queen's luggage was being escorted to the Citadel.
"I was told they'll arrive tomorrow," Lord Mercer said to his daughter.
"The King is already married father," Lindra replied.
"He's bringing part of his Court with him," he said.
xxx
The next morning Lilith arrived at Osgiliath. After she disembarked she was escorted to a waiting carriage and after her trunk was loaded on the back of the carriage, she was taken to Minas Tirith. When they reached the first level of he city Lilith looked out the window and saw Lord Mercer and his daughter Lady Lindra. Her heart went out of them because she knew what the other Nobles will say about them.
The Gondorian Lords and Ladies started arriving that morning, including Lord Galir and his meek wife, who got him out of a great deal of debt. They now have two sons.
xxx
"How was the feast last night Éothain?" Éomer asked during breakfast.
"Fine," he answered.
"The females?" Éomer asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Their eyes are different and they're short," he answered. "They get along very well with their men and they mingle easily."
Éomer didn't asked about the females eyes.
Éothain also told his liege about their horses. "You'll see them when King Adair arrives with the rest of the Royal Party," Éothain said after seeing the look on Éomer's face.
xxx
Prince Faramir informed King Elessar that King Adair has arrived at Osgiliath.
xxx
Adair looked around at another Númenórean ruin, but knew Osgiliath was once a great city.
They followed Prince Imrahil out of Osgiliath.
xxx
Many on the 7th level, including some of the guards of the Citadel, watched as the King and Queen of the North rode into view with the King's banner flapping in the wind behind him.
"I can't see," Gimli said.
His friend Legolas smiled down at him and picked him up.
Glorfindel raised an eyebrow when he saw a white light around the King and his magnificent black horse. The King's ring nearly blinded him.
"Look at King Adair's horse," Éothain said to Éomer
Éomer studied the horse and the rider and saw they're one. He also saw the King's long sword was strapped across his back and as they rode closer he saw his two long daggers on a belt around his waist and his bow and quivers were strapped across his horse.
"The Queen is wearing pants?" Merry said.
"She always wears pants when she rides," Lothíriel said. Lothíriel is happy to see Amie again.
The Queen's horse is beautiful, Éowyn thought looking at the light tan horse with a white mane and tail. She also noticed the Queen's bow and quivers strapped across her back.
"Why are their horses different?" Pippin asked.
"It has something to do with the weather in the North," Faramir answered.
When they rode through the gates of Minas Tirith, Lord Uri looked right and saw the most beautiful women he'd every seen. She has long black hair and beautiful blue eyes. His gut told him she and the man standing next to her are part of the Nobility, but their clothes left a lot to be desired. Poor nobles, he thought, but he didn't care he wanted to meet the daughter.
Elan also saw the young woman and smiled.
When they arrived on the 6th level they dismounted their horses and were met by Prince Faramir who escorted the Royal Couple and their Court to the 7th level and to the Throne Room. When they entered the long hall they saw others in the Throne Room and walked to the King of Gondor who sat on his High Throne. The King and Queen of the North and their Court heard murmurs as they walked by. When they arrived at the steps of the Throne, King Adair nodded to his counter-part, Queen Amie and her Ladies-in-Waiting curtsied and the Lords from the North bowed to the King of Gondor.
Faramir introduced the Royal Couple and his Court to his liege and King Elessar welcomed them to Gondor. Faramir then escorted them out of the Throne Room and to the Royal suites.
xxx
"It seems all the North is here," Uri said when entered his King's suite a few hours later.
"This is my mother, Madam Lilith," Amie told him.
"Hello Madam Lilith, it's finally nice to meet you," Uri said.
"Lord Uri," she replied and got up and bowed to the Lord of the East.
"Madam Lilith I saw a lovely woman today with long black hair and blue eyes who was standing next a man whom I believe is her father. They're of the Nobility, but..." Uri said.
"Their clothes are worn," Lilith finished. "That's Lord Mercer and his daughter Lady Lindra. They're the poorest nobles in Gondor and Lady Lindra has no dowry – that's why she's not married," Lilith told him.
"I don't care if she doesn't have a dowry, I still want to meet her," Uri said.
"I brought her dowry," Elan told Uri.
"That's why you told me to bring him," Adair turned and said to her.
Elan smiled at her King.
xxx
"They're very nice people, but the other nobles look down on them and they never get invited anywhere," Lilith told them.
"How did they become so poor mother?" Amie asked.
"No one seems to knows," she answered. "Lord Mercer and Lady Lindra live in a small cottage on a large estate, which is very prosperous."
"I find that very odd Madam Lilith," Adair said. "Lords have there own estates, but Lord Mercer doesn't and I wonder why?"
"I'll tell you what I know your Majesty," Lilith replied. " Lord's Adan and Delmar were brothers. Lord Adan was the oldest and inherited a grand estate and the surrounding lands from the father after his death. Lord Delmar, who's ten years younger, inherited the smaller estate. Lord Adan's wife died giving birth to their son, Lord Mercer. Lord Mercer's father disappeared when he was a boy and has not been seen or heard from since. When Lord Mercer's father never returned, Lord Delmar was given custody of Lord Mercer and he moved back into his childhood home. Lord Delmar married a year later; however, the women he married is not of the nobility, and they had a daughter a few years later. They raised Lord Mercer and when he married he and his new wife, Lady Elsa, moved into the smaller family estate. After Lady Elsa died 10 years ago Lord Mercer and Lady Lindra moved into one of the small cottages on the grounds of the grand estate."
"Why would Lord Mercer move out of his own home Madam Lilith?" Adair asked. "That home and those lands belong to him."
"Why didn't Lord Delmar marry noblewoman, which was expected of him?" Elan asked.
"I have no answer to your questions," Lilith answered. "No noble has met Lady Rina and only Lord Delmar is invited to the other Lord's homes. Lady Haleth married Lord Galir and they have two sons."
"They paid Lord Galir's debts mother and in return he had to marry Lady Haleth," Amie said. "Who's Lady Elsa's family mother?"
"She was the only daughter of Lord Huor.
"Who owns the title to that estate and those lands, Madam Lilith?" Elan asked.
"I assume Lord Delmar does," she answered. "After my father died I met with our advisers and went over the books. Our family does business with all the Lords in Belfalas and Lord Adan nor his father had any debts. However, I was told Lord Adan's younger brother had considerable debts. I found out later those debts were paid."
"By an estate that's always been prosperous and after he married Lady Rina," Elan said.
xxx
Faramir told his liege King Adair's plans for the evening and King Elessar gave his blessing with a smile.
A Royal Messenger was sent to the Guest-house with a message for Lord Mercer.
xxx
There was a commotion in the best restaurant in Minas Tirith when the King and Queen of the North, their Court and guards entered and were shown into a private dining room. The proprietor received word they were coming and he's honored to have them as his guests.
There were many stares and murmurs when everyone saw the Queen's circlet and the King and Queen's Court.
xxx
Elan saw the look in Uri's eyes when Lindra walked into the dining room. It was the same look Adair gave Amie when he first saw in a dress.
Lord Mercer and Lady Lindra bowed to the Royal Couple.
King Adair introduced himself, his Queen and their Court. He then told them where to sit.
Lady Lindra sat next to Lord Uri and Lord Mercer sat across from the King.
Ale and wine was served.
"Like me tell you why we asked you and your daughter to have dinner with us this evening Lord Mercer," King Adair said. "When we rode into the city, Lord Uri noticed your lovely daughter and wanted to meet her."
Lindra turned and studied Lord Uri and thought he's quite handsome.
Uri noticed she didn't break eye contact with him and he liked that. "I would like to marry your daughter Lord Mercer and I have a dowry for her," Uri told him.
Everyone could see the relief on Lord Mercer's face.
"If you give your consent to this marriage Lord Mercer, Lady Lindra will have to move North and you can come with her if you wish," King Adair told him.
"Thank you Your Majesty," he said. "She's my only child."
"You daughter will also be part of my Queen's Court," King Adair told him.
Queen Amie smiled at Lady Lindra.
Lady Lindra like the Queen at that moment.
"Gondorian law for the Nobility requires...," Lord Mercer started to say.
"We do things differently in the North, Lord Mercer," King Adair said.
"Of course Your Majesty," he replied.
"What is the waiting period?" Lindra asked.
"There's no waiting period Lady Lindra. We simply get married if all parties agree," Uri answered.
"If it makes you feel better Lord Mercer we can wait until we return North and Lord Uri and Lady Lindra will be married in the Castle," King Adair said.
"Of course Your Majesty," Lord Mercer replied.
"Are they betrothed Lord Mercer?" King Adair asked with a smile.
"Yes, Your Majesty," he answered.
"Let's celebrate," King Adair said.
A fine meal was served and the ale and wine flowed and everyone congratulated the couple.
xxx
"What happened?" Lilith asked when she entered the King and Queen's suite.
"They're betrothed mother," her daughter answered laughing.
"We'll have to wait until we return to the North to get married," Uri told her.
"I brought an extra maid and she's now Lady Lindra's maid," Elan said.
"Thank you Elan," Uri replied smiling. "Can we find them better accommodations?"
"You've have to ask Prince Faramir," Lilith answered.
"Can we buy Lord Mercer new clothes fit for a Lord," Uri asked.
"I'll take him shopping tomorrow Lord Uri," Lilith answered.
"Thank you mother," Amie said and walked over and gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
xxx
The next morning Éowyn told her brother and sister-in-law that Faramir met with King Adair yesterday, but she didn't know why.
"Here they come now," Lothíriel said.
Everyone in the King's private dining room watched as the King and Queen of the North walked into the dining room, hand-in-hand, with their Court and Madam Lilith following behind.
Amie smiled when she saw Lothíriel at the other end of the room.
Lothíriel returned the smile.
The took their seats and a servant poured their tea and water and they ordered breakfast.
"What are we doing for the rest of the day?" Khan asked his liege.
"We're having a private dinner with the King and Queen of Gondor and a few select guests this evening," Adair answered. "As for the rest of the day, I would like to go riding."
"So would I," Uri said. "I don't want to sit in this stone building all day."
The others agreed with him.
"Maybe Lady Lindra can come riding with us," Lord Balar said.
"That's a good idea Balar," Adair replied.
xxx
"Lord Mercer and Lady Lindra have been moved to new accommodations," Faramir said to King Adair when he walked into the dining room.
"Thank you Prince Faramir," he replied smiling.
"Let me introduce you to Éomer King and Lothíriel Queen," Faramir told them.
Amie and Lothíriel embraced when the King and Queen of Rohan walked over to their table.
After the introductions Éomer King asked King Adair if he wanted to go riding.
"Yes we do Your Majesty," Adair answered.
"I'll make sure Lady Lindra is dressed properly for riding," Elan said.
"I'm coming with you Madam Elan," Lilith told her.
xxx
"How do you like your new accommodations Lord Mercer and Lady Lindra?" Elan asked.
"The suite is very lovely Madam Elan," Lord Mercer answered.
"This is Lady Lindra's dowry Lord Mercer," Elan said after two soldiers from the North walked into the suite with a large trunk.
Lady Lindra showed them into her room and watched as they sat the trunk on the floor.
"This is Hanna your maid and she's from the North, Lady Lindra," Elan told her.
"My Lord, my Lady," Hanna said with a curtsy.
"It's time for us to go Lord Mercer," Lilith told him.
"Of course," he said and left the suite with Madam Lilith.
xxx
Lindra's breath caught when she saw Madam Elan and Hanna open the trunk and take out many find dresses, shoes and jewels.
"Hanna will hang up your dresses, but you'll put on these because we'll all going riding in an hour," Elan told her.
"They're pants," Lindra said surprised.
"Women in the North always wear pants when they ride," Elan told her. "Our customs are very different from the customs in the South."
xxx
Faramir told his liege why King Adair invited Lord Mercer and Lady Lindra to dinner last night.
"Did her father give his consent?" he asked.
"Yes, and they'll marry when they return to the North and her father is going with her," Faramir answered.
They both laughed.