Disclaimer: I do not own anything.

"Your horse is beautiful your Grace," Éowyn said rubbing Lady's head.

Queen Amie smiled and told her how Lady became hers.

xxx

Elan saw King Adair and Éomer King talking to one another. Then she turned and saw Uri talking to Lady Lindra, who were sitting apart from everyone. Lothíriel Queen was talking to Ladies Jaya and Ming.

A hour later they rode back to Minas Tirith.

xxx

"What do you think of Lord Uri," Lord Mercer asked his daughter when she returned.

"He seems very nice father," she answered.

Lord Mercer was very happy to hear that.

Lindra showed her father her dowry.

"I'm sorry I could never give you such things," he said with tears in his eyes.

"You gave me all your love father," she replied.

He took his daughter into his arms and they cried together.

Later that afternoon Hanna drew her Lady a bath and brought her and her father's lunch and dinner to their suite with the help of a Gondorian servant.

xxx

When the King and Queen of the North and their Court entered King Elessar's private dining room that evening they saw others in the room they didn't know.

King Elessar introduced his wife to King Adair, Queen Amie and their Court. Then he introduced them to everyone else.

Drinks were served before dinner.

"How did you meet Lady Lindra, Lord Uri?" Faramir asked, keeping a straight face.

"I saw her with her father when we rode through the gates of the city," he answered.

Faramir nodded his head. He knew Lord Uri fell in love with her the moment he saw her – the same as he did with Éowyn

xxx

"You now dress differently your Grace," Prince Erchirion said to Amie during dinner.

"It's the influence of the ones who's ancestors came from the Far East," she replied smiling at the Prince. "I lived with them with my husband in the East and I learned their laws and customs before I became their Queen. Lady Jaya and her sister, Lady Amara, are the King's cousins; and they're part of my Court, along with Lady Ming."

"King Adair's great grandmother's ancestors came from the Far East and she married a Northmen. That's why he looks the way he does," Elan told them.

"He looks like an elf," Pippin said.

Everyone laughed.

"Lord Balar and I are also related to the King," Elan said.

"How?" Merry asked with a confused look on his face, looking from one to the other.

"Ana and her husband Adair, the first of his name, had four children, three sons and one daughter. Two of their sons were killed in their war with the Númenóreans. Lord Balar and I come from their daughters line, and King Adair comes from their surviving son's line. Ana and Adair's great grandson moved East with his Lord, while their daughter's descendants stayed in the West. Ana prophesied that we'll not have another King for a very long time, and he'll come from hers and Adair's line and he'll be a Lord's son. She also thought he'll be born in the West and bought all the lands in the West, and our family holds the titles to all the Lord's and Ladies lands in the West, and they've always come to us for loans," Elan answered.

"Ana was very clever," Prince Imrahil said with a smile.

"She certainly was," Elan replied returning the smile.

"Why did it take so long to crown a new King?" Merry asked.

"The majority of the Lords in the North had to agree who are next King would be. Ironically, it was King Adair's father who made him King," Elan answered.

"How?" Faramir asked.

"My Lord sent me to warn everyone in the East and West about our coming war with the foul things," Adair answered.

"I was with him and so was Lord Khan and a few of his other friends and we rode to every farm, village and town in the East and West, and I watched as my husband rallied our people to war and they followed him," Amie said.

"Our borders are very long and Lord Balar and his army fought in the West and King Adair and his army fought in the East. The majority of King Adair's army were Lord Khan's people," Elan told them.

"Our people are a Calvary, but we can fight just as well on the ground. We chased the remaining men across our borders and rode South after them," Khan said.

"They're great archers, swordsmen and women," Amie replied.

"Why did you change your bow?" Lothíriel asked Amie.

"The bow I now have is made for a female," Amie answered. "Na, who's from Lord Khan's village, taught me how to use my new bow and she taught me things no one else had. She's an excellent teacher and can see things others can't."

"Can you ride and shoot your bows at the same time Lord Khan?" Éothain asked.

"Yes we can and so can our females," he answered. "After we killed the foul things and the men that came with them, King Adair led us westward along our Eastern borders and we helped the others who were also fighting the foul things."

"After the war the people in the North began to call Adair, King Adair and they talked about his deeds when they returned home – which the Lords in the North didn't like. But I told the Lords in the West that the people's will in this matter will not be denied. I simply suggested to them that they do the people's will," Elan told them.

"Which was?" King Elessar asked with a smile on his face.

"The Lords in the West signed a Proclamation proclaiming Adair, King of the North and Amie, Queen of the North. Their seals were next to their names and the Lords in the West are the majority of the Lords in the North," Elan answered smiling at King Elessar.

"How did you get together Madam Elan?" Lilith asked.

"I sent them an invitation to all the Lords in the West to a feast at my home months after the war," she answered.

"And they all came running," Adair said laughing.

"Of course they did," Prince Imrahil replied also laughing, along with a few others.

"The people were demanding that the Lord's take action and crown Adair, King. The people already knew who he was and many had met him," Elan told them. "The Kingship in the North had to be earned, and it was Adair who earned it."

"Lord Balar showed up in my village in the East a week after Gandalf arrived," Adair told them.

"You know Gandalf?" Pippin asked surprised.

"We met him one night in Bree and we had dinner with him. It was Wind who lead us to him and he helped us that night and gave us some good advice while we were traveling in the South," Adair answered.

"That sounds like Gandalf," King Elessar said.

"Where did you get Wind your Majesty?" Glorfindel asked

"I was boy of 10 springs when he appeared on my Lord's lands one morning. No one could tame him and I said I'll try and he responded to me, and he's been my horse since," Adair answered.

"Wind appeared out of nowhere?" Legolas asked with an raised eyebrow.

"One of the stable hands told our Lord when he looked up, he saw a mist form and a young black colt came through," Adair answered.

"When Gandalf arrived in our village my husband was surprised to see him and he asked him how he found us. He only told us it was Shadowfax who found Wind and he's the only horse like it in the North," Amie told them. "He stayed at our home and a week later Lord Balar arrived and crowed us King and Queen. We stopped at every farm, village and town in the East and West and the people cheered their new King and were happy to see him."

"And also their new Queen," Adair said smiling at his wife.

"Gandalf rode next to me all the way West to the castle," Balar said. "He also stayed at Elan's home for a few days."

"When I left home I had no idea I would become a Queen mother," Amie said looking at her. "Adair told me when we met that we were meant, and he was right, and I married him three months later."

"At least the two of you didn't have to wait a year," Faramir said smiling.

Amie told them how they marry in the North.

"It sounds like a Rohirrim wedding," Éomer said.

"I had a great time," Amie said smiling to the King of the Mark. "I got married in my pants and boots, and I was crowned Queen in my pants and boots, kneeling in the snow and ice on a cold winter's day."

"Why didn't you wear a dress?" Merry asked.

"The females in the North don't wear dresses in the winter, but if they do, they wear pants and other warm clothing under their dresses. It's very cold in the North," Lady Jaya answered.

xxx

"The lands in the North are very beautiful and the Lords and Ladies live on magnificent grand estates and the people live in small towns, villages and on farms. The summers are beautiful and the flowers, trees and birds are different from the ones in the South. There's more land further North – as far as the eye can see – and many Northmen moved to those lands long ago. The North is larger than Middle-Earth and my husband's Kingdom is vast. After I arrived in the North, and when we were traveling East, the snows were deeper, ice was everywhere and the bone chilling wind never stop blowing. We were all covered from head to toe and wore warm face scarves with only our eyes showing.

The East is very different from the West. The trees in the East are different and much taller than the ones in the West and the South; and they're snow capped mountains everywhere. The animals are also different in the East and they all have fur. Everything is made of wood in the East because of the weather; and the Lord's and Ladies estates are much larger than the ones in the West and the South. My husband showed me winter has it's own beauty and pointed out everything around me. I was surprised when the spring came to see the East were the plains, and when the snow and ice melted I saw rivers, flowers and green grass everywhere," Amie told them.

"I had to buy Amie warm clothing when she arrived in the North," Adair said. "Her horse also wasn't bred for the North and Elan gave her a new horse."

"Why are your horses so different from ours your Majesty?" Éothain asked.

"Their hooves and legs are larger because of the weather in the North. They ride through deep snows all winter and have greater endurance and stamina than Southern horses and don't need as much rest," Adair answered.

"They also don't get cold because of the way they're built and we can leave our horses out in the winter and let them forge for their own food," Khan said.

"They're winters horses and they've always been in the North and East," Lord Balar replied.

"You grew up on the plains your Majesty?" Éomer asked Adair.

"Yes I did Éomer King," he answered smiling. "So did Lord's Khan and Uri and Ladies Jaya and Ming."

"When my ancestors came from the Far East they settled on the plains in the East because I was told the lands they originally came from were also plains, with had snow capped mountains, rolling hills, green grass, trees and flowers; but the winters were like the ones in the East, and so were the horses, but only shorter," Khan told Éomer

"Where there any cities where your ancestors came from Lord Khan?" Éothain asked.

"No," he answered. "Everyone lives on farms or in small villages and the horses roam free on the plains."

Éomer and Éothain realized Khan's people are like the Rohirrim, along with everyone in the East.

"Do you like the plains your Grace?" Éowyn asked.

"Very much, and it has a beauty all it's own," she answered. "My King is building a house for us on the plains."

"It's only going to be a home for our family and not a castle," Adair said.

"Your home is going to be larger than most and have an entire village to accommodate a very large Royal Party, your Majesty," Uri said smiling at his friend.

xxx

"Why did your people go to war with the Númenóreans?" Lord Celeborn asked.

"The King from across the sea wanted us to swear fidelity to him and our King told him no, and we went to war and lost," Elan answered. "He had no right to ask that and those weren't their lands. For some reason they thought they were better than we were and they had no respect for us. They killed our King and the entire Royal Family, down to the last Lord and Lady, including all the children, and burned all their castles to the ground. Before we were exiled to the Northern Waste, Ana told the King from across the sea: You have invaded our lands and killed our King and his family and two of our sons – and so shall your sons perish also. Our people will prosper and grow mighty and strong, and your people will dwindle to nothing, and you nor they shall find peace in these lands, and all you build shall come to ruin...and we will one day take from you the same way you took from us."

"The Númenóreans exiled your people to the Northern Waste?" Amrothos asked surprised.

"Yes they did, and our ancestors tamed those lands," Elan answered.

"I thought the Númenóreans were the best of men," Legolas said.

"I see you don't know the history of the Númenóreans, Prince Legolas," Amie replied. "Long before the Númenóreans came to Middle-Earth to live, they completely destroyed Enedwaith, South of Arnor. The people who lived in Enedwaith went to war with the Númenóreans because they were destroying their homes and lands. The Númenóreans either killed them or drove them off; and Enedwaith is now a desolate place and has been for many ages. While we were traveling North, Adair asked me what happened to those lands and I told him. I also pointed out all the Númenórean ruins in Arnor."

"What happened to the Númenóreans your Grace?" Lord Uri asked.

"The Númenóreans died fighting the foul things and each other. Many others died from a plague and their people scattered and they're no more," Amie answered.

"...and your people shall dwindle to nothing, and you nor they shall find peace in these lands," Elan said. "Our people are still here, and the Númenóreans are gone."

"It was their fate," Lady Ming said.

"Lady Ming?" Prince Imrahil asked with a raised eyebrow.

"These lands were their curse your Highness," she answered.

Prince Imrahil nodded his head.

xxx

King Elessar told the elves what Prince Imrahil told him.

"How long have they lived there?" Glorfindel asked.

"Many years," Amrothos answered.

"We knew men would claim those lands one day and Lindon has been abandoned since the end of the Second Age, except the Grey Havens," Celeborn said.

"I wonder why the Northmen didn't move to Lindon sooner?" Prince Erchirion asked.

"King Adair was not yet born and everything revolves around him," Glorfindel answered. "King Adair is blessed by Eru Ilúvatar and not the Valar. I saw a white light around him and his horse while they were riding to the city, and that light extended around his Queen. When the sun shown upon the King's Ring it almost blinded me."

The others told Glorfindel they too saw the light around King Adair and his Queen.

"They're one like the elves," Celeborn said.

Glorfindel agreed with Celeborn.

"We never knew anyone lived in the Northern Waste," Amrothos said.

"The Númenóreans thought they would die in that place – that's why they were exiled there Amrothos," his father replied. "I was sickened to hear what our ancestors did to the Royal Family, and that everyone North of South Gondor went to war with them and hated them. We learned today how cruel our ancestors were to the other men on Middle-Earth and what Ana foretold came true. Our people have died out as a race, and they never did find peace in these lands."

"And everything they built fell into ruin," Faramir said, also sadden to hear what his ancestors did to others on Arda.

"As Lady Ming told us, these lands were their curse, and she was right," Imrahil replied.

"They had no other place to go," Erchirion said.

"We know that Erchirion," his father replied. "But the Númenóreans held themselves above all other men because they were blessed by the Valar and were given many things. The men on Arda were never blessed by the Valar; but the Northmen not only survived in an inhospitable place, but thrived as a people. That's because of Eru Ilúvatar and not the Valar."

"And King Adair's Kingdom is much larger than Middle-Earth," King Elessar said.

xxx

"What are they doing?" a guard asked Gregor, the Captain of the Citadel.

"The King of the North, a few of his Lords and some of his guards are going to practice this morning," he answered.

"Practice what?" the guard asked, watching as the guards from the North were covering the practice grounds with mats.

"We'll find out why later," Gregor answered, wondering that himself.

xxx

"Good morning Lord Mercer, Lady Lindra," Elan said with a curtsey when she walked into their suite.

"Good morning Madam Elan," they replied.

Elan told them why she was there.

xxx

Captain Gregor didn't show his surprise when he saw the way his Majesty and his Lord's were dressed when he arrived at the King's suite.

They followed the Captain to the practice grounds and when they arrived, King Adair nodded to King Elessar and Éomer King and they returned the nod, and Lord's Khan and Balar bowed to the two Kings. They had on long white pants, white shirts and a belt (karate outfits). They each took a long bamboo stick that was handed to them and then King Adair and Lord Khan stood aside.

Two female King's Guard then appeared and one took something from under one of her long sleeves and hurled it at Lord Balar – who ducked – and the flying projectile fell harmless to the ground.

There were murmurs in the crowd.

Then the females converged on Lord Balar. One had a chain in her hand and the other had two fighting sticks in each hand.

Lord Balar was looking at the guard who was swinging the chain in her hand and was backing up when she took a few steps towards him. When he changed the position of his bamboo stick and tried to deflect the chain, the guard wrapped the chain around the bamboo stick and snatched it out of his hand. The other guard then attacked Lord Balar and tripped him; and while he was falling backwards, she put both sticks in one hand and took a curved short sword out of one of her sleeves and held it to his neck when he hit the ground.

"You're dead Lord Balar," Lord Uri said from the balcony.

Lady Lindra was standing next to Lord Uri and her father was standing next to his daughter.

Lord Balar bowed to the two Kings and stood aside.

Everyone was surprised, except King Elessar, Prince Faramir and Lord Uri, to see a female guard appear on the balcony and do a somersault across the wooden railing and then jump. She didn't make a sound when she landed on her feet and hit the ground.

Éothain wasn't the only one who had his mouth hanging open.

Then the battle was joined when another female guard appeared. King Adair and Lord Khan twisted and turned and deflected many of the guards attacks with their long bamboo sticks, which their wielded expertly. The female guards got out of the way of their attacks by doing back flips and other skills, and deftly landed on their feet.

The elves had never seen anything like the female who wielded her fighting sticks which such speed and ferocity that King Adair was hard pressed to ward off her attacks.

Lord Khan was holding his own against two other female guards, but they too were also quick and agile and got out of the way of his attacks.

No one saw Lady Ming hiding in the shadows behind a pillar, nor did the King or her husband. Khan didn't see what his wife threw at his hands and hit him with, with such force that he dropped his bamboo stick and the two female guards moved in for the kill. King Adair's feet were in the air when a projective hit one foot and he lost his balance and fell on the mat. The female guards drew their short swords from their sleeves and put them to their King's throat.

"What the..," Gregor said with a stunned looked on his face.

Murmurs in the gallery.

Lady Ming walked out from behind the pillar and took off her black scarf off.

Everyone in the gallery saw she was dressed in all black.

When King Adair and her husband looked up they knew had happened.

"You're both dead King Adair and my husband," Lady Ming said with a bow and a smile on her face.

"Well done Lady Ming," Adair said after he got off the mat.

She bowed again to the King of the North.

King Adair said something in a language the others from the Middle-Earth didn't understood.

Small boards were brought out and the men held them in their hands and everyone watched as the female guards broke them with their fists and feet. The men, including King Adair, Lord's Balar and Khan, did the same.

Éowyn marveled at the way the women from the Far East fought and saw they were quick and nimble. One jumped up and out of the way of Lord Khan's long stick went he swung it at her feet. What amazed her is that none of them made a sound when they landed on their feet.

"I didn't know mortals could do that," Elladan turned and said to his brother.

"Neither did I," he replied.

"Now I know why the women from the Far East can break every bone in a man's body," Amrothos said to his father.

"Their fighting style is very different," he replied.

"That's an understatement father," Erchirion said, still stunned at what he just saw.

"Did you see what those women did?" Éothain turned and asked his liege.

"Yes I did," he answered. "Now we know why their men have a great deal of respect for them."

"I've never seen anything like it," Éothain said shaking his head.

"Neither have I," Éomer replied.

"Can you fight the same way Amie?" Lothíriel turned and asked her friend.

"No," she answered. "But my children are learning from a Master to fight that way."

"They're so young," Lothíriel said.

"They learn at a very young age," Amie replied.

"Those women can fight," Gimli said surprised.

"Yes they can Master Dwarf and they're very skilled," Glorfindel replied. Glorfindel is a master at sword fighting, but he'd never seen anyone who could break boards with their hands and feet – not even an elf.

"The mortal females are also unpredictable and you don't know what they'll going to do next," Legolas said.

Celeborn agreed with Legolas.

"That was very impressive," Faramir turned and said to King Elessar with a smile on his face.

"It was, and I now know why King Adair has great confidence in his female guards," King Elessar replied.

After the exhibition the combatants bowed to the Kings of Gondor and Rohan.

All who witnessed the exhibition that day talked about it for many years.