AN: Sorry this took so long…been pretty busy for a while. Hope you like it, I've decided to change a bit where the story is going. I want it to earn it's R rating ;) I'm a little nervous about writing the particular subject matter I've chosen (it'll come up in the next few chapters) but it's where the characters are leading me, so I must follow. Please comment, I can use all the help I can get with this one!

Chapter Four

Current Mood: relieved

Current Music: Thank U- Alanis Morrisette

I have my wife back…at least, I think I do. I did not realise how much I missed her until I saw her again, standing there among the mallorns. She really does belong here… I know she said that her heart is in the water, her ship, but I would hope there is some room in there for me and Lorien!

She told me she'd be here for a week while her crew rests and they restock the ship. I with she would stay longer. We are married, we are supposed to share our lives with each other, and yet she spends more time on that ship than with me. I asked her to stay longer but she said the same thing she always does – she has to work. Keep the communication open between Mirkwood and Lorien. I suppose it's just as well. Haldir and I have a meeting today to re-assign border patrols. Perhaps I will request a watch near the Anduin…

Ameron gently sat on the edge of the bed, careful not to wake his sleeping wife. He watched her for a moment as her chest rose and fell, strands of golden hair partially hiding her face. He leaned in to brush away the silken locks with his hand, lightly caressing her cheeks as he did.

She stirred and groaned, but did not wake. He smiled and again caressed her face, tracing her cheekbones and jawline, until his thumb came to lightly smooth across her lips. This time she did wake, slitting her eyes open to peek at him through her drowsiness. He leaned down to kiss her, full on the lips and she lazily returned the gesture. He buried his hands in her soft hair, drinking her in – touch, taste and smell.

Slowly his kisses moved from her mouth to her cheek, down her neck to her still bare shoulder. Mirien began playing in his hair as he began to trail kisses across her collarbone to the other shoulder. Just as he was about to make another trail further down, there was a sharp knock at the door. Ameron jerked up, startled. His gaze went from his wife's shocked, yet amused grin, to the door.

"Yes? What is it?" he demanded. Beneath him Mirien began to shake in barely controlled mirth.

"The Captain is waiting for your arrival," said the door. This time he heard a small giggle escape from the elf under him. He turned to her revealing that he too was struggling to keep his laughter to himself. At last, unable to resist, he said it.

"I'll bet she is," he whispered to her, causing her to loose all control and dissolve into peals of laughter. He clamped his hand over her mouth, biting back his own amusement and responded.

"Yes, I'll be right there!" he shouted. He had tried to sound annoyed, but it came out as amused. The two waited in silence for a few minutes until they were sure the messenger was gone before dissolving in a fit of laughter. When finally the giggles had subsided, Ameron caressed his wife's cheek, looking at her lovingly.

"We haven't laughed like that in a long time, have we?" he said. She reached out to caress his face in return and he leaned into the touch, before taking her wrist and kissing her palm. He then leaned down to kiss her lips before getting up off the bed.

"Ameron," she called as he began dressing.

"I have to go, melmenya," he said.

"Ameron, we must talk," she continued. He looked up as he laced his trousers.

"And we will. Later."

"Bu-" she was cut off as he planted a kiss on her lips.

"Later," he said. He picked up his weapons from the table and, strapping them to his back, left their home. Mirien sighed and lay back on the bed, wondering what it was she wanted to talk about so urgently.

After she'd had breakfast, Mirien also received a summons at the door. Celeborn wished to speak with her. When she arrived he explained that his scouts had informed him that it was becoming increasingly difficult for them to send reinforcements to the north and south borders in good time, and that they had requested the aid of ships.

"Are you saying that you want me to ferry soldiers back and forth to the borders?" she asked bluntly. Celeborn appeared amused at her response.

"It would only be for a little while, until we can build a ship specifically for that purpose. Will you?" She sighed. She hated the idea of her ship being used like this. It was hers to command, no one else's. Reluctantly, she nodded.

"Thank you for your help," he said, sounding truly grateful, "I will inform Captain Haldir immediately." She froze. Mirien had been in the midst of rising from her chair when he spoke and it was all she could do not to fall back into it with shock. She continued to stand, hoping he hadn't noticed her reaction.

"If there is nothing else…" she said. He shook his head. She bowed and left his talan.

That night, over dinner, Mirien finally spoke of what had been on her mind since Ameron had left her that morning. They had been eating in relative silence, save for the occasional sound from the forest and his complimenting her cooking. Her words took him by surprise.

"Ameron, do you love me?" she said softly. He nearly choked on his food as he lay the fork on the table.

"What…what does that mean?" he asked. "You know I love you." Mirien leaned her arms on the table, as if trying to physically grasp what was going on inside her head.

"I know you like me, even care for me, that's not in question," she looked up at him. "What I mean is…" she sighed, frustrated. "Like, Galadriel and Celeborn…my parents, your parents…they're all good solid marriages, been together for thousands of years. Why can't we make two hundred work?"

"What are you saying?" he asked. His expression hovered between hurt and anger.

"We married because of our parents, Ameron, you have to admit that. I was just barely an adult when they put us together."

"I remember," he said, nodding. "But you took the vows regardless."

"Because my parents told me too. They said it was the right thing and I trusted them. But now…"

"Mirien, do you love me?" There was a long silence as she thought about it.

"I like you and care for you," she responded. He sat back and nodded.

"I see. So, what do you think we should do?" She could see it now, it was definitely hurt in his eyes. 'He really does love me, doesn't he?' she thought. That realisation made her next words painful to speak.

"Maybe we should separate." Ameron cast his eyes down. She watched him with concern for a moment, but soon he looked up at her again. The hurt was gone, replaced with looked like feigned indifference.

"If that is what you think is best," he said coolly. She frowned at his tone, but he would not explain it. Shaking and unsure, Mirien left the table and did not see Ameron lean his face into his hands as she went.