Disclaimer: See any of the other chapters.

Warnings: Slash, A/L.

Sorry 'bout grammar and/or spelling mistakes.

Wow, ya know, I just realized it's taken nine chapters for them to get to Mirkwood. Pretty much all eight previous chapters have been so pointless. XD Sorry peoples… maybe that's why I'm losing people… .:ponders:.

Speaking of which, I did have this ready a while ago, but no one reviewed, except like three people, so I wasn't sure if you peoples were reading or not. Please do review, if you will; it's the only way I can tell me people are reading this. Sorry if I sound like a bitch or whatever… I will still update no matter the amount of reviews, though.

Please enjoy this chapter. n.n

Heart's Truth

Chapter Nine: One Mistake

Legolas and Aragorn had laid their clothes near the fire to dry when they had returned from the lake. They were now lying against each other, Aragorn with his arms wrapped around his elf. Both were wide awake, enjoying what was probably their last night together like this for a long time.

The two were silent, the crackling of the fire, the night animals, and their soft breathing were the only sounds either could hear.

Aragorn gently ran his fingers through the golden hair in front of him, his other arm pulling the elf closer to his body.

Legolas breathed a sigh of contentment, completely relaxed. Here, within his lover's warm embrace, he could forget everything, every worry that constantly plagued his mind. Here, none of that mattered, only the one he would forever share his life with.

The blonde relaxed further into the arms of his lover as he watched the flames dance as they played with the wind's soft breeze.

He started to sing softly, not realizing it at first. He smiled warmly when he heard the human join along, his voice not as soft or sensuous as the elf's but still went along perfectly, as if they were meant to sing together from birth.

Aragorn kissed the archer's head after he sang the final note. "Get some rest, my love," he said caringly, after minutes of comfortable silence. He knew the wood-elf did not want to sleep, for the day would be upon them much too fast. However, he had received no sleep the night before, and they couldn't avoid the confrontation with the Mirkwood king forever.

Legolas gave a sad sigh, but said nothing.

The ranger felt bad for changing the elf's cheerful state; however, he couldn't help it.

"Good night, estel-nin," the blonde said softly.

Aragorn smiled at the title, his guilt fading. "Good night, my love," he said, kissing the elf's head again, before settling back down. Closing his eyes, sleep quickly claimed the content human.

Legolas was soon able to fall into elven slumber. This night he had no worry within the caring embrace of his lover.

Aragorn looked over at his blonde elf when he heard him give a heavy sigh.

Swallowing back his own nervousness, he tried to give Legolas words of encouragement. Unfortunately, his mouth had seemed to dry up. Unable to speak he gently placed his hand on the elf's' shoulder for comfort; giving him a soft smile.

Legolas returned the smile, though it did not reach his eyes in the slightest.

He stared straight ahead again, a sad look in his eyes.

They were now within Mirkwood borders; it would only be a matter of minutes before they reached the palace.

Even though Aragorn was nervous about meeting the elf king again, he couldn't help but admire his surroundings in awe. The sight of Mirkwood always made his breath catch in his throat. It was all so beautiful; so different from the trees in Imladris. It only enhanced the beauty since he rarely got to see it. Every time he did, though, he cursed himself for being so foolish around King Thranduil. He swore to himself that he would be on his best behavior during this visit… nay, beyond that. He would win the king over yet, for he could not fail to do so. He needed Legolas.

The two continued on, riding in silence, only a few words being exchanged over the hours they rode.

"Halt," a voice from the trees suddenly commanded sternly. "State your names."

"I am Prince Legolas, and this is Estel of Imladris," the archer said pointing to the human.

The one who had spoken jumped gracefully down from the tree to reveal a dark blonde elf, bow in hand. Other elves stood next to his side.

"Forgive me, my lord. I had to be sure," the guard said, bowing.

"Worry not," the prince stated. Of course the elf had recognized him but he was required to confirm it.

The dark-blonde elf turned his gaze to Aragorn. He frowned, seeing that he was human. However, the human was within his prince's presence and traveling with him so he kept his mouth shut.

"Keep up the good work," Legolas said dismissing the elves.

They bowed to their prince; then they quickly disappeared back into the trees.

"Well, so far so good," Aragorn said wryly.

"Aye," the blonde replied seriously.

The human looked at his elf in concern. "Loosen up, mellon-nin. You do not want to be so uptight when you see your father, do you?" he asked, trying to help.

"Nay," the elf said, but was unable to change his demeanor.

Aragorn wanted nothing more than to hold and kiss his lover; however, they were now surrounded by Mirkwood elves, and were soon to meet King Thranduil. There was too much risk. He hated having to hide their relationship, but if Legolas did not wish to speak of it then he wouldn't either. He didn't think it would be a wise idea to spring it on the elf king so quickly in the first place.

Instead he flashed the archer a smile, which was half-heartedly returned.

When they came upon the Mirkwood palace Aragorn stared, mouth agape. The palace amazed him even more than the forest itself. It was so unusual for elves to live underground and yet the elf king had his palace under the hill. It was seemed so unreal.

"You have returned, ion-nin!" the elf king exclaimed, ecstatic to see his son at last. It had been too long, a couple of months at least. Last he had heard his son had been seriously injured. He did wonder why it had taken so long for him to return, though. It had been almost a month since then. The archer's healing ability should have taken care of that a lot sooner.

"Adar!" Legolas said happily, despite his earlier sadness. He couldn't deny hat he was glad to see his father after so long. He dismounted and ran up to the elf king, giving him a hug.

Thranduil smiled at his Greenleaf. "Tis good to see you, ion-nin," he said softly. "You must tell me all about your trip."

Legolas stiffened at this. What could he tell his father? 'Oh… well, first, Estel and I fought orcs; I was poisoned. After that Elladan and Elrohir were missing so we went looking for them, even though I had not fully recovered; then we ran into orcs. I was stabbed in the chest protecting Elladan, and almost died a few times. Oh, and then, Estel and I confessed our love or each other and have since become lovers.' He very much doubted his father would be pleased to hear that… to say the least!

Aragorn fidgeted on his steed, unsure of what to do. He didn't know if Thranduil hadn't noticed him yet or was just ignoring him. Either one was possible at the moment.

He finally dismounted, deciding it was rude of him to stay on his horse.

Staring at the father and son, he wished that Thranduil would be that welcoming to him. He just hoped he'd be able to get him to be forgiving.

All of a sudden the elf king's cool glare was fastened on him.

Aragorn gulped down the lump that had formed within his throat and bowed. "Good evening, my lord," he said formally, trying not to sound as nervous as he felt.

"Good evening," Thranduil returned coldly. Turning to his son he whispered, "What is he doing here?"

"He wished to accompany me to ensure my safety," Legolas said, telling the half-truth. "Do not be disrespectful, Father."

The human strained his ears to hear what the two were saying. However, they were speaking too softly for him to hear, and he was sure they were doing it on purpose.

"He must go home at once!" the elf king hissed.

"But Adar, he is doing no harm. Please let him stay; give him another chance," the archer pleaded.

The elder elf looked at his son in surprise. He rarely begged like that and when he did it was always over an important matter.

He turned his gaze back onto Aragorn, inspecting the human.

Aragorn suppressed shivered when the elf king's stare fell on him again, but he stood tall and proud, trying to prove that he was worth the time. He didn't like how long the two were whispering (undoubtedly about him) and he wondered if his lover was going to be able to convince his father to let him stay. He prayed he would, for it would break his own heart if not, and the elf's as well.

Thranduil had to admire the human's courage for not backing down, if nothing else. Not everyone hit him with egg and wasn't terrified of him at their next meeting, if they ever saw one another again… then again; the ranger was the only one who had been foolish enough to throw eggs in his presence.

The elf king turned back to his son and saw the same pleading look in his eyes that he had actually seen in the human's, though it was obvious that the both of them had been trying to hide it.

"Very well," he relented, and loud enough for Aragorn to hear, "I shall allow him to stay, butone mistake and I shall send him back myself if I must."

The brown-haired man swallowed thickly, even more nervous now. He couldn't believe the king had given him another chance. He definitely wouldn't waste it!

Aragorn nodded his head solemnly and bowed in appreciation.

Legolas hated seeing his lover bowing to his father, he shouldn't have to. However, under these circumstances it was proper so he held his tongue.

"I shall have a chamber prepared for you," the elder elf stated, turning to tell a nearby servant.

"Hannon le, hir-nin," the human said gratefully, though he was disappointed about not being about to stay with Legolas.

"I wish to speak with you in the morn, ion-nin. Get rest this night, it must have been a long journey," Thranduil told Legolas, giving him another hug. "Tis good to have you back."

"Tis good to be back," the young elf returned, smiling. He was actually relieved to be dismissed and especially glad that he didn't have to talk to his father about the many mishaps until morning. He would have to change some of the details…

After a few more words Legolas finally turned to go, beckoning his lover to follow.

Aragorn didn't need to be told twice. He bowed politely to the elf king, which was only returned with a curt nod, and then left with the archer.

Their horses had been taken care of already and their things brought to their rooms so they headed to Legolas' room.

Once positive that they were out of earshot the prince said, "See? That was not too bad, was it?"

"Nay, I suppose not. Your father still hates me, though…" the human trailed off dejectedly.

"Do not give up, love. You were only around him for not even twenty minutes. Give it a chance." It was the blonde's turn to give words of encouragement.

"You are right," Aragorn said, with new determination. He wouldn't be leaving Mirkwood without the king's acceptance. "Thank you," he said, smiling at his lover.

Legolas wanted to pin the human against the wall and kiss him deeply right then and there. However, he held back, with much difficulty, and smiled warmly back.

This is going to drive me insane, he thought about not being able to touch his lover at all for… who knew how long. He prayed it wouldn't be too long. He didn't think he'd be able to resist, especially since they had been alone for the four days on their way to Mirkwood and had been able to take care of each other's needs whenever they wished.

Aragorn was having similar thoughts while walking beside the blonde. They would have to refrain themselves from doing anything in the room… Stop right there, he firmly scolded himself, not wanting his thoughts to fuel his growing desire.

When they got to Legolas' room they found a maid with light blonde – almost white – hair, waiting for them. She bowed to the two and then said, "My lord, King Thranduil wished me to inform Lord Estel to the whereabouts of his room."

"Very well," the archer nodded, though disappointed that they had company again. "I shall join you."

"Follow me, my lords," she said politely, walking back the way they had come.

A couple minutes later and the she-elf stopped in front of a large door. "In here, my lord."

"Thank you. You may leave," the prince dismissed.

With a final bow she was off to take care of other things.

The two went inside with frowns. Their rooms were farther apart than they were used to. In Imladris they were right across from each other, not that Aragorn had been using his recently with all of Legolas' injuries. They would just have to make due. It wasn't as if they were going to complain about it. Or better yet, complain about being in separate rooms.

Aragorn closed the door silently, then wrapped his arms around Legolas, reveling in the feel of him pressed against his body again.

"Estel, we should not be doing this here," the prince whispered, barely restraining himself.

"Shh, they will knock," the ranger said. It would be disrespectful for even the elf king to just barge into his room, even if he didn't really like the human.

"But Estel—" his false protests were cut short by a low moan when Aragorn started to softly nibble on his ear lobe, then kiss down his neck.

He lifted his head up and kissed Legolas, the elf's mouth immediately opening to allow his tongue inside.

There was a knock on the door and the two instantly broke away from the other, much to their dismay.

Legolas glared at the human, though he only half meant it, and it wasn't very effective with his breathing still heavy, lust still seen in the blue orbs.

Aragorn only grinned. "Told you they would knock," he said triumphantly.

Legolas pushed the human on the bed in exasperation.

"Oh, you want to go now?" the ranger questioned with raised eyebrows, spreading his legs slightly.

"Estel!" the prince shouted, amazed by the human's behavior. He would be lying if he said he wasn't turning him on, though.

The knock came again, bringing his attention back to the door.

Legolas went to the door and quickly opened it. He didn't even think of how it would look with him opening the ranger's door. He didn't really care at the moment, though, for the human was now on his thoughts. Fortunately, Aragorn had sat up before he had opened it fully.

"Is something wrong, my lord?" the same maid from before asked in concern.

"Nay. What is it?" the prince snapped, not meaning to.

"Sorry, my lord, but I have food for you. You father wished for me to bring it to you," she said handing a try over to the blonde.

Legolas hadn't even noticed that the maid had been carrying it, he had been too distracted by his lover, who had been lying on the bed…

He shook his head to clear his thoughts.

"Are you sure you are well, my lord?" the she-elf inquired, confused by her prince's behavior.

"Aye, hannon le," Legolas said, flashing the maid a smile.

The archer turned back inside with the food and closed the door again. When he turned to Aragorn he found him trying to stifle his laughter, but failing miserably.

"You know what?" the prince asked to get the ranger's attention. Once he had it he continued, "You can just see how long you can last with nothing from me. No kisses, no touching, nothing."

This stopped Aragorn's laughter immediately, as his jaw dropped in surprise. "You cannot be serious…?

Legolas raised his eyebrow as if in challenge.

"Alright, alright, I'm sorry. I shall not act like that here. I promise," the human said in defeat.

Legolas grinned, "That's better."

Aragorn just huffed in annoyance, muttering under his breath.

The elf laughed at his lover and placed the tray next to them. Then he kissed the human passionately.

"Now, let us eat," the blonde said a moment after they broke apart.

"Can I have you for desert?" the human asked lustfully.

Legolas gulped, trying not to give into his desires, when that was exactly what he wanted to do. "We cannot, my love. Not here," he answered sadly, lowering his gaze.

Aragorn lifted his elf's chin up. "Tis alright, if you do not want to then I shall not force you to," he said with a warm smile.

Legolas kissed him again, thanking him for his understanding.

The two then ate, conversing and laughing all the while.

.:grins:. Too bad I couldn't have let Aragorn have some desert. XD

Yup, there you all go. Don't forget to let me know what you think of this chapter please. I would really appreciate it. I don't know how much I really like how I have Thranduil and whatnot, but… .:shrugs:.

Review Responses

Enelya Aldarion – Lol… that's alright. Wasn't far off anyway. n.n Yayness! Thank you; I'm glad you liked the images. n.n You're still not out of school? How much longer do you have? What's A2?

empath89 – Lol, I'm glad you think I made up for it. n.n …though I don't know how leaving you with another beginning of a lemon helped…

InsanePirate – Well, I already responded so… yeah. Thank you for your comments, and I'm glad you enjoyed it. n.n

IwishChan – Lol, you're welcome! n.n They deserve at least one trip without injury, right? n.n

Wow, where'd everyone go. I got a lot for the other chapter, but lost a lot of people… Four's kinda disappointing… thank you for those of you that reviewed. n.n Very much appreciated. They encourage me to update quicker.

Just to let you all know if I don't update before Monday, then you guys prob'ly won't be getting an update 'til August. I will be away for most of July. First going to Japan (yayness!); then I'm going to Ocean Shores (boo! …every freakin' year, man, so boring with my family)… with pretty much no break in between so… yeah. I will try to give you all at least one more update, but… well, we shall see. So if I don't see you all have fun on the fourth! n.n I have to be at the airport at 6:15am that day, eighteen-hour-ish flight, too. XD .:is not a morning person… by far:.

So… yup. Let me know how you liked or didn't like this chapter and leave a review please? n.n

How would you guys feel if I upped the rating for a possible lemon? I'm just wondering on how you all feel about that, but I might not anywayz.

Ja ne