I have decided to create a glossary. I did try to place all relevant terms and people in there, but if I missed something that you do not know, do not hesitate to ask me. It will be updated as the story is written.

The lost Heir

Chapter 2: Acceptance

Kari shoved her way through the crowd.

It seemed as if all the populace of Anduin was packed into the courtyards. They had come to welcome their future King and were jammed so tightly that Kari could scarcely breathe in the press and the heat. *The ways of men are strange.* She thought. *Give them but a hint of glory and they will love you forever.*

Kari was feeling wretched, for she had slept little for two nights on account of the worry and the strain. Apart from the uncertainty of the fate of her husband, she had been burdened with the onerous duty of preparing for the coming of a child. Added to which, now that her husband had returned, she was still parted from him.

The guards on the borders had been doubled, taking away some of the protection for the royal family. With orcs roaming the borders, the King would rather risk his family's lives than those of his people. Anyway, she had run from the palace when she had heard the news of the return of her husband, not waiting for the few guards who were on duty to join her.

She could see her husband moving through the crowds. The barrier that kept her from him opened in front of him as a knife through soft butter. He walked, tall and proud, acknowledging those he knew and those who were of noble birth, with either a nod of the head, or a wave of his hand. And yet, he did not even glance in her direction.

Lotert squared his shoulders and strode forward, flanking Frumgar, one measured step to his rear. "Sir, I am not a married man, and might not know much of such matters. But do you think it to be prudent to keep your wife waiting. Her temper is well known and she'll give you a lashing with her tongue if you do not recognise her soon." He tried, without success to keep the amusement from his voice.

"As always, you speak the truth, my young warrior. Go to her, and bring her to me." Frumgar sighed. His heart rejoiced at seeing his wife again, but he had hoped to avoid her until he had spoken to Urena. It had been decided to consult Urena on the best course of action, and now, his wife was a complication he did not need.

Kari watched the lone man break away from the progression and sighed in relief. He came with but a little difficulty towards her, the men who had blocked his path nursing painful bruises. He reached her, bowed, and asked: "My lady, may I escort you to your husband?" He had to shout to get himself heard above the clamor of a few thousand people.

"Certainly." She replied, her face brightening. *He had not forgotten me.*

With her escort in tow and the barrier of human bodies gone, she all but ran towards her husband. When she reached him they stood for a moment in silence as she carefully scrutinized him.

He was in desperate need of a bath and blood decorated his tunic, but he appeared to be generally unharmed. He seemed to have aged beyond his years in the time they had been parted. His eyes were older and wiser, but with a hint of the joy she had last seen when his son had been born. She felt a pang of jealousy which she immediately suppressed.

He grabbed her around the waist and stared into her eyes. "The sun did not shine during the time we were parted, but it has risen again, and I am whole. It is good to see you again, wife of my heart. And I have news. But first I must see Urena. I must ask her council. Pray, do forgive me for holding from you news that might gladden your heart as well."

The crowd cheered as he bend down to kiss her. White pedals floated in the air, some of them falling in Kari's hair. She laughed in delight and the years of sadness seemed to fall from her shoulders. "You always know exactly what to say to me, Frumgar. Urena is in my chamber." Her laughter changed to a scowl. "She had me preparing for… No wait, you should see for yourself."

"So, we both have our little secrets." He smiled.

They reached the entrance of the palace. Frumgar turned around and held up his hand in a command of silence, which the crowd immediately obeyed. "Countrymen."

"I have seen the land to the north. It is a rich land, but there's no strength left in their world. They're scattered, divided, leaderless. They are ready to be invaded."

The crowd cheered. "Frumgar! Frumgar!" A voice sounded through the crowd, and was soon taken up by every tongue. "Frumgar! Frumgar!"

Frumgar made no attempt to acknowledge the applause. He turned and entered the Hall of Kings.

***

They reached Kari's chambers. Urena immediately ushered them inside and closed the door behind Lotert, who was the last of the assembly to enter.

She laid a blanket on the bed and whispered to one of the men in Frumgar's party. The man took a step forward and placed the bundle he held gently on the blanket.

Kari gasped as she looked down at the object. It was a small child, but it was the most beautiful child she had ever beheld in her life. He had small pointed ears, dark gray eyes that seemed to express more emotions than one as young could feel, and blonde, almost white hair.

She began to stroke his hair and the child giggled in delight. Without thinking she took the small bundle of joy into her arms, rocking him gently. His eyes closed and she sang the sleeping song she had song for her son such a long time ago:

"Away to the world of dreams
my sweet.
Along meandering streams
fall softly thy feet."

Frumgar joined her song, his tenor complementing her lovely soprano to perfection.

"Away until thee wake
my child.
As long as you need I shall wait
until your breath draws mild."

Another voice joined theirs, strong and powerful, like the growling of an old lion.

"Away from all your fears…"

Frumgar broke of and turned around feeling a bit flustered. He had not heard the door behind him open and close softly, but it must have happened, for where the young men had stood, there was an old man.

"My Lord, I apologise for I did not see you." He said, his face a peculiar shade of red.

"Do not fear my son. I can see that you have more important business than to speak to an old man." The King smiled. "Who is this child?"

Urena answered. "They found him amongst the bodies of his family and could not leave him to a certain death. Instead they decided to seek my council."

"How did you know?" Asked Frumgar, feeling even more bewildered.

"Men." Urena snorted. "They are not surprised when I listen to the wind and tell them whether the sun is going to shine or not. And yet they are surprised when I see something of their personal life. Have you decided a name for a child."

It was Kari's turn to look bewildered. "Does this mean we can keep him. Yes, we should probably name him. I think "Fram" will do."

"Keep him? Why do you think did I ask you to prepare for a child? I must warn you that it is not easy to raise a child from a different race. He will grace your life with joy and great sadness." Replied Urena, "But I think you should allow him to keep the name his birth parents gave him…"

The King interrupted, "Very well. You may raise him as your own. But do remember that he is not of our blood and is thus not the heir to the throne."

Frumgar nodded. "What do you suggest we name him, Urena?"

"You should hold this until he is ready to understand who he really is." She removed a ring that was fastened to a gold locket from the child's neck. "His parents named him… Legolas."

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Authors note:

Ridiculous? Yes that is what I thought when the idee first came to me. But Legolas was chosen to join the fellowship bcs of the qualities that would make him a good companion. This explains why he was able to get along so well with the other races (except dwarves of course). And there is so little known abt him that it might have happened.

I would like to note again that this story is purely fictional. Tolkien never hinted that this happened.

Thanks to all my reviewers:

Amorous: Yes I did some research on Legolas, and couldn't find much (as I've said). When I do have time I'll send you what I have. And yes, it is not uncommon to want to know more abt Legolas (although it was until the movie came out. Orlando Bloom did a good job.)

Kitera-Matar: Hint: Read Appendix A in LotR (The house of Earl). Thanks for your support.

Arwen Tinuviel: Thank you very much for your support. I know that it was mean of me to remove the story (with your review) and expect you to continue reading. I really appreciate it that you did. Kari's age is a bit of a mystery. Bcs Tolkien never said much about Frumgar I am loathe to give him an age (bcs I don't know how old he became). But I think of him as about 20, that would make Kari abt 19. Hope this answeres your question.

Strawberry Chick: Yes well, you haven't reviewed yet, but I know that you will (or I hope that you will). Thanks in advance.