Disclaimer: Yeah, I don't own LotR.

Warnings: Slash, A/L.

Sorry 'bout all grammar and/or spelling mistakes.

Man, that scared the shit out of me! I thought my comp didn't save the file... Apparently it auto-saved or somethin'. I don't even know. This comp is so messed up; the program glitches sometimes too... Eesh.

Mmm… not too long of a wait. Hope you all like this chapter. I'm iffy about it, but… ..:shrugs:.. Please let me know what you think.

Heart's Truth

Chapter Fourteen: Forced Civility

Much to Thranduil's great dislike Legolas seemed beyond exhausted and soon after they had eaten, or rather everyone else did while he watched Aragorn force his son to eat. When they had finished with that the two had settled down beneath a tree, close to everyone else, not wanting to seem like they were trying to isolate themselves from the others.

The elf king watched as the human spoke to Legolas, caringly. He could hear the soothing words that poured forth from Aragorn's mouth, the way he pleaded with the younger elf to sleep, to take care of himself.

Thranduil frowned in concern, wondering what had become of his son. He had noticed how pale he had become too. He had no idea how much of an impact his words had had on the archer.

It was also hard for him to bite back any retorts he had about the human and his son being so close and affectionate before them. It was impossible for him to hide his scowl, a look that surely wouldn't help Legolas' condition if he had seen it. Not wanting to lose his son so soon after he had found him and his concern over his tired, almost sick-like behavior, kept him quiet.

The warriors tried not to stare at the two lovers. They couldn't help it, though, so they tried to be inconspicuous about it, staring from the corner of their eyes, watching as the human coaxed their prince into sleep as his fingers gently ran through the golden hair.

Neither Aragorn nor Legolas cared about the all too obvious stares they were receiving, or even the scowling elder elf. Frankly, the younger elf was too tired to care at that moment and the ranger was too focused on trying to help his lover. Even if he desperately wanted Thranduil's approval he wanted his elf even more, and wanted him to be well.

When the elf king was sure his son had fallen asleep, his eyes half-closed, testifying to his exhaustion, he stood up and then sat back down again near Legolas and Aragorn.

Watching his son for a moment, he was silent.

Aragorn stared at the elf king warily, unsure of his intentions. Had he come over to tell him he had changed his mind? Very unlikely. Had he come over to say more rude things about their relationship? His body was tense with apprehension, wishing Thranduil would just say whatever he was going to already.

Finally the elder elf raised his head to meet with his grey eyes. He didn't see anger, hatred, disgust, or anything that he had expected. Instead he saw worry and exhaustion. Had Thranduil been affected by Legolas running away as much as the younger elf had been? Had he been refusing food and barely sleeping as well? Did Thranduil really care for his son as much as Legolas had said? He was confused now, and he didn't know what to believe.

"I need to know something," the elf king started quietly, uncharacteristically.

The human merely nodded, trying not to show how suspicious he was of the on-coming question. He was also extremely curious. This was the first time the elder elf had actually spoken to him in a calm manner and not angry.

"Was it your idea to run?" the blonde elf asked, unblinkingly watching the ranger for any signs of dishonesty.

"Nay," Aragorn started, unsure of how much he should tell the elf king and of how he would react to anything he might say. Because of Thranduil's previous behavior he was almost scared to speak freely, especially since his relationship was hanging on the already thin thread, and maybe even Legolas' life if he were to fall too far into his despair.

Thranduil sighed, closing his eyes briefly. He could tell the human was now timid about talking to him, and he didn't like it, not at all. "Go on," he urged, wanting to hear what he had to say. He wasn't exactly sure if he believed that the ranger hadn't told Legolas to leave, but he'd accept the answer for now.

"I… tried to convince him to stay, for I knew it would only make things worse, but he would not listen." Aragorn looked down at the elf in his lap sadly. "He hasn't been eating recently and barely sleeps."

So, that's what their argument was about…the elf king thought. He did believe that the human spoke the truth about this. He had seen the weary look in the normally sparkling eyes.

"Forgive me, but it is because of your words that he ran away and is now behaving like this," the human continued quietly, looking directly into Thranduil's eyes. He knew he had to be cautious about what he said, however, the elf king really did need to know this... he just hoped he would not become too offended. "They hurt him a lot more than you think." Aragorn absentmindedly ran his fingers through Legolas' hair caringly.

Thranduil eyed the human closely, taking note of his behavior. His concern seemed genuine and so did his affections. He had known his words had hurt his son, but he hadn't thought they were hurtful enough to drive him away. He just thought the young elf had run because he wouldn't let him be with the human.

"How can I trust you?" the elder elf asked warily.

"I guess you cannot, but know this: I really do love your son. I care about him more than anything and I am worried," Aragorn said sternly, his eyes never wavering from the elf king's cold gaze. "I truly love Legolas and would do anything for him. I have protected him with my life and shall always continue to do so." He felt like this was going to be his only chance to tell Thranduil exactly what he felt; the only time Thranduil would actually give him the time.

The elf king was taken aback by the amount of fiery passion and truth behind the words. If he had thought the ranger's voice had lied he would have known it was otherwise, for the stormy eyes told him more than the words being spoken. No matter how hard Thranduil looked, nothing about the human seemed deceiving in any way. He still held a deep grudge against Aragorn, maybe even hatred, but this night he would not show it, for it was their time to talk. He wished to know more about the person his son had fallen in love with. Come the morning and he would go back to his normal beliefs about the human.

"Legolas has been lonely since his mother's… passing," the elf king choked out, it was still hard on the both of them since she had died. It had made them both very depressed and had been difficult for them not to give into their grief.

"Iston," the human said softly with a nod.

It was then that Thranduil realized it was this human who had kept his son alive after the event. Legolas had briefly mentioned someone during that time. He supposed he did owe Aragorn for that…

"If you hurt him you shall greatly regret it. If he so much as sheds one tear because of you—"

"You need not worry about that. I would never do so willingly," the ranger promised, interrupting the elf king's threat. He now knew that Thranduil really did care for his son, though with how he had been trying so desperately to keep them apart he had had his doubts.

And at that moment Thranduil had no doubts in his mind that the human was telling the truth. Had Legolas been right, saying the things he had about Aragorn? Was he really not as 'fickle' as he had thought? He would have to continue his observations.

"Get sleep this night. I shall watch over Legolas," Thranduil told the human. It was all too obvious Aragorn hadn't been getting much sleep either. Perhaps it was from worrying over Legolas, or perhaps from stay up with him, trying to convince him to sleep. He couldn't be sure and he wasn't about to ask.

Aragorn sighed deeply. He wished to watch over his lover, but he knew he should listen to the elf king. He wouldn't allow any harm to befall either of them. He was surprised at the conversation he had been able to have with Thranduil. He had never expected it, but he was glad he had the opportunity. It had given him insight into the elder elf's mind and had allowed them to talk about how they really felt. Truth be told Aragorn was sorry the conversation was over.

However, he wasn't about to complain about it. He had already pushed his luck.

…He feared when he woke up the elf king would continue his spiteful attitude towards him. Nay, he knew Thranduil would. This was a one-time thing. He did wish for it to happen again, even if it didn't happen anytime soon.

Nevertheless, Aragorn did as he was told, his body not wanting to stay up another night. He closed his eyes and rested his head against the tree behind him. Then, without even being aware of it, he leaned back down ad kissed his lover's forehead gently, before settling back and falling asleep.

Thranduil's eyes widened at the human audacity. He couldn't believe that the ranger could do that with him watching since he was so blatantly against their relationship. Well, nothing he could do about it now.

He himself was extremely amazed at their conversation. Maybe the human wasn't so bad after all. But that was just it, he was human. Human's turned on others within seconds of friendship or being with each other. One small thing could tear apart a whole community. He did not wish that for his son. He couldn't allow their relationship to get any further than it already had.

Watching Aragorn he looked so content, even in the uncomfortable position the elf in his lap forced him into by lying on his lap.

He didn't understand; couldn't understand. What was so special about this human? What did his son see in him?

He looked down at Legolas. Even he seemed calm and at ease now.

Thranduil gazed about their nighttime encampment, wishing he could see the stars; however, the trees' leaves were too dense to see the black-tinted sky.

The elf king sighed deeply. This was going to be a long night.

Looking over at his son against he was unable to prevent a smile. Legolas was finally back.

He brushed a stray strand of golden hair out of the archer's face, pushing it behind his ear.

All was calm around him. He could hear the quiet whisperings of the warriors who were still up and from the ones who stood guard. He could hear the crackling of the fire as the wood burnt, causing shadows to dance among the camp.

The elder elf closed his eyes, inhaling deeply, peacefully.

The elf king wished to follow his son into the realm of elven dream, but he had told the human he would watch over Legolas and that was what he intended to do even if there were already guards.

He was more than likely too ecstatic to see his son to sleep anyway.

Besides, tomorrow… tomorrow would be different. A lot different. Tomorrow he wasn't so sure of.

Blah! I'm really not feelin' this fic anymore. I'm losing inspiration for it. Are you guys even still likin' it?

..:sighs:..

Once again go here (http/ www . geocities . com / indeath666 / rr . html ) for the review responses, few though they are. Don't forget to remove the spaces and add the colon.

Next chapter is actually written already… just have to type it up. Let me know what you think about this chapter, and I'll try to get the next one out as soon as I can.

School's also going to start tomorrow. XD Dammit, that freakin' sucks! I hate school so freakin' much. ..:sighs:.. Whatever. Because of this updates will be slower. I will have no time to type anything up except for on the weekends I'm at my father's. Peoples stay up here at night and are always on the comp. Also, I won't be able to stay up late and type it, since I normally type around 1-2am. ..:sighs:... I hate this. Oh, and I also have volleyball, which lasts 'til six and games that go even later... I won't be getting home 'til around 10ish on those daysso... yeah. I'll have a harder time even writing. ..:sighs:..

Well, let me know what you think, and hopefully I'll find some inspiration…

Ja ne