From: queenmelly	Date: 02/08/2007 22:00:06

*finds the emptiery palace to be almost unbearably quiet*

*goes for a walk along the river herself, hoping to clear her mind and make more sense of her husband's accusations*

*has no doubt she's being followed, or at least watched closely, but really doesn't care*

	From: melante	Date: 02/08/2007 22:01:48

*opens her eyes as her song comes to an end*

There. That should help for a while.

*finally looks around and notices you*

*watches you walk, but says nothing, preferring to discover your mood on her own*

	From: queenmelly	Date: 02/08/2007 22:04:29

*continues walking, not paying attention to her surroundings*

He really believes that I would do it? There is no doubt that it was what I wanted, but I would never act upon that desire. Never. How can he not see that? Is he really so far gone from me?

	From: melante	Date: 02/08/2007 22:06:14

Ah.

*stands and approaches you slowly*

*softly, with a bit of a smile* Your thoughts weigh heavy upon you tonight, Melyanna.

	From: queenmelly	Date: 02/08/2007 22:08:01

*turns in surprise*

*drops down on one knee when she sees you* My lady. I am sorry; I did not see you.

	From: melante	Date: 02/08/2007 22:09:58

*shakes her head* There is no need for this formality, Melyanna. Come and sit with me. *gestures towards her log* I think we have much to talk about.

*takes a seat herself* My sister has told me a good deal about your exploits.

	From: queenmelly	Date: 02/08/2007 22:12:19

*takes a seat*

*carefully* How fares my lady Estë? I have not seen her in this new world. *guiltily* I should have sought her out, I know, but I was... distracted.

	From: melante	Date: 02/08/2007 22:14:50

*inclines her head slightly* She is well. She no longer dwells in Lórien. This world was not of our making and she is curious to see it all for herself. *smiles* You needn't worry over your absence. No one would think to question it. *gently tucks a strand of your hair behind your ear* You are our special case, after all.

	From: queenmelly	Date: 02/08/2007 22:17:20

*can't help but smile* I deserver no special treatment. Though I do thank you. *looks off into the distance* Perhaps it will not be long before I have taken my place again.

	From: melante	Date: 02/08/2007 22:18:47

A very long time, I hope, for your sake and others. *studies you closely* What is troubling you, Melyanna? You offer counsel to so many, who is there to hear your troubles?

	From: queenmelly	Date: 02/08/2007 22:20:44

*shakes her head* It is not my place to burden you with my troubles. *offers a weak smile* Besides, they are unimportant. Affairs of the heart, is all.

	From: melante	Date: 02/08/2007 22:22:36

Ah, but it is my place to decide what is and is not a burden. Helping you is my wish -- it is no burden. *smiles* Besides, affairs of the heart are my greatest concern. Affairs of your heart equally so.

	From: queenmelly	Date: 02/08/2007 22:29:11

*smiles softly* Thank you.

It is complicated. *weakly* My husband is a complicated man.

*sighs, wondering how best to explain things* He is very protective of our daughter, you see, and he goes to great lengths to keep her safe from the threats he percieves. Recently her husband returned and to keep Lúthien from him, Thingol locked Beren in prison. A few days ago Beren escaped, and today Thingol told me he believes I released him. *looks at you* Apparently I am under investigation for treason.

	From: melante	Date: 02/08/2007 22:32:51

*listens with growing concern*

*frowns at the conclusion*

*really does not like it when there is this much distrust in a relationship*

Of course you were not responsible, but there must be a reason he thinks it. Is it just paranoia, or has there been cause? There should be more trust in a marriage as ancient as yours.

	From: queenmelly	Date: 02/08/2007 22:37:37

I cannot imagine why he would think this of me.

*holds her head up* That is not true. He tries to control everything around him, but I do not allow him to control me. I won't be chattel, nor will I be a servant. Often I disagree with him and, in some instances, I defy him. *desperately* But never on something so grave. I may not be his subject, but I am still his wife.

*tries to smile* It has been some time since he has trusted me, though, so this should come as no surprise.

	From: melante	Date: 02/08/2007 22:39:53

*feels her own heart ache for you* Oh, Melyanna. No one should have to feel such doubt about the one they love.

*sits in silence for a time*

What will you do?

	From: queenmelly	Date: 02/08/2007 22:43:48

*simply* I will show him he is wrong.

I will see this is put right and that will be the end of it. There is nothing I can do at this point to change his opinion of me. Whether he choses to love me or tolerate me or trust me or hate me on any given day is his own decision. The most I can do is show him that I have not betrayed him.

	From: melante	Date: 02/08/2007 22:45:33

*sadly* There is a place for you with us, always. If ever you need it, no matter the reason. Lúthien would be welcome as well. We miss the sounds of our nightingales among us.

	From: queenmelly	Date: 02/08/2007 22:48:28

*shakes her head* That is kind of you, my lady, but my place is here. I made a decision and, good or bad, it was the right decision for me. I would not change it and I will not leave him.

*offers you a small smile* He's not a bad person, you must understand. He is just scared of so much he cannot control. Honestly, he would be lost without me, but I would be just as lost without him.

	From: melante	Date: 02/08/2007 22:51:47

*smiles herself* I believe you. Now if only I could get that sort of devotion out of everyone Öré would be a much happier place.

*kisses your forhead* I have a feeling this will all work out in your favor. I look forward to the day it does.

	From: queenmelly	Date: 02/08/2007 22:53:06

*smiles* Thank you, my lady. *rises* I have been gone for too long. *wryly* I must return before I am suspected of any more foul crimes. Goodnight.

	From: melante	Date: 02/08/2007 22:55:13

Yes, I should return to my work. Goodnight, Melyanna.

*watches you walk away while wondering if it would be against the rules to send a strong feeling of stupidity your husband's way*

*decides it would be acceptable*

*wonders if it will even work*