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As it was custom, after the feast of Erulaitale, the King received Numenorean, who would like his king's view on any matter.
The first to address the king was Caliondo and his son Malantur. Caliondo was the son of Earendur younger brother of Tar-Elendil and thus the cousin of former king Tar-Meneldur.
Tar-Aldarion got down from the throne and greeted Caliondo and Malantur as family. Caliondo was old and used a stick to walk. Aldarion offered him to sit in the seat besides the Throne reserved for the King Heir.
Caliondo knew whom the seat was intended for. Nevertheless, he said; "I trust I am not occupying a seat that belong to someone else."
"No!" said the king, "It used to be I, who sat there!"
"Oh yes!" said Caliondo; "it should not be occupied by an old man ...!"
"Please!" said Aldarion and used his hands to signal to Caliondo what he should take a rest in the seat. However, Caliondo continued
"… It should be occupied by a young man!" He continued.
Aldarion smiled. He looked at Malantur then back at Caliondo, and said; "Can I ask to your business?"
Caliondo stated; "It is with sadness; we have learned that the Queen does no longer live in our capital!"
Aldarion was surprised over this remark but chose to say nothing.
Caliondo found it difficult to continue.
After a break he continued; "It will please the King to know that my son has produced a mail heir. This is good news for the people of Numenor. The line of Elros continues to produce male offspring."
Aldarion stated; "the line of Elros has many offspring, both male and female."
Caliondo stood up and walked to his son and places his hand on his shoulder
"But no male is as close to the King as Malantur!" He said.
"I know this, Caliondo, and you must know, that I know! In addition, we both know that it is the King who points to his successor. So why are you telling me this?" the King asked.
Caliondo stated; "Correct. It is the decision of the King in due time. When in doubt the King often address the council. However, I am old, and I am not a member of the council. Hence, I will address you here and now. Please consider making Malantur your Heir, if you do not produce a son."
Aldarion looked at Malantur; "I cannot recall if you have served your king, Malantur?"
Malantur spoke, "Give me a command, uncle! Any command, and I will serve you! Regardless of your decision."
Aldarion said; "I have none for you now, but I will remember the words from both of you, I thank you for coming!"
When the day was over Meneldur came to the Throne Room. Aldarion told about the meeting with Caliondo and asked his father for advice.
Meneldur said; "After I became Heir, my grandfather Amandil told me that my father Elendil had asked him the same question, when he his first child was born. It was my sister Silmarien."
Aldarion asked; "and what did Tar-Amandil answer?"
"You are no finished having children?" Meneldur answered.
Aldarion understood the cryptic statement. He stated; "I believe I am!"
"Then what about Ancalime? Meneldur said.
"She lives with her mother. She hardly knows me, but I hope one day she will! And then she will know her place is here. What do my father think, the council will advise if I asked them?"
Meneldur said, "I think the council will welcome Ancalime. I know Vandilme will and I also suspect Valandil will. Furthermore, I know Cemendur will pass his seat to his son Hallatan next year, and Hallatan you know well; he will support you, if you ask him. This is only half the council, but this council trust its king, and remember his victory in Middle Earth. There is no need to delay this decision."
One day, next spring Aldarion was looking into the courtyard. There were many thirty years old young men getting instructions, as they were about to enter the service of the king. Suddenly one of the men caught the king's attention. Aldarion got a servant to fetch the young man.
The young man entered the Throne Room and bowed to the king.
"You have certainly grown, Ibal son of Ulbar;" The king said.
"Enough to be in the great Captains service!" Ibal said proudly. "I have asked for duty in Romenna!"
"Your king has other duties for you to start with!" the King said, "I want you to travel to Emerie and escort the princess back to Armenelos!"
Ibal was very surprised over the task. He said, "Does the princess want to follow with me to the capital?"
The King said; "I am sure she will, and I am sure you will not fail!"
Ibal did as the king asked of him and rode to the house of Erendis. He told about the task what had been given to him.
Erendis said; "I understand your dilemma, Ibal. I cannot disobey the Kings order."
She hugged Ancalime and said to her; "Remember what I have taught you and come back soon!"
Ancalime hugged Zamin much longer than she hugged her mother!
"I know you will come back!" Zamin said so everybody could hear.
Ibal and Ancalime entered the courtyard. The king was there with his parent.
"We welcome you princess Ancalime;" Aldarion shouted.
Ancalime walked into the courtyard with Ibal. Suddenly she started to run. She ran directly to Almarian.
"Grandmother, I remember you!" She cried as she hugged the old woman.
Aldarion waited until the reunion was over.
"You must be the King;" she said to Aldarion.
"I am also you father;" Aldarion said
Ancalime bow to her father.
"You need not to bow;" her father said.
He had trouble finding the next words.
"Look Ancalime. This is Nimloth. It flowered the first time, the year you were born!" He pointed to Nimloth.
Ancalime walked to the tree and gently touched it.
She turned around and faced her family; "Tell me all about Armenelos!" she said.
At Erulaitale, Ancalime walked with her father to the top of Meneltarma. This was her first trip to the summit.
At the top, the King gave thanks to Eru. He presented his daughter to the population as his heir, and she helped him pass out the fruit and bread. Everybody is astonished over her beauty.
At the council meeting, the members were surprised that Ancalime was part of the meeting.
The King stated; "This is Ancalime, my only child. I expect her to rule Numenor after me! I would like to know if the council would welcome her among them.
Hallatan of Mittalmar, who was only at his second council meeting, started; "The people of Mittalmar welcomes the princess to the council.
The king looked at Thorondur of Orrostar, but before he could speak, Vandilme said, "So does the people of Forostar. Valandil agreed of behalf of Andustar. The King looked at the rest of the council.
The next to speak was Hadorian of Hyarnustar. He said; "the princess has lived close to my home. The rumor of her beauty has already reach all areas of Hyarnustar. We welcome her to the council."
Hatholdir of Hyarrostar also supported Ancalime entering the council.
The king looked back at Thorondur. He looked around in the room, and then gave his support to Ancalime.
The king spoke; "I thank you for your unanimous support. There is another reason for Ancalimes early entry into the council. I plan to return to Middle Earth on Hirilonde to meet our allies from the campaign and ensure that the peace in Middle Earth stand. I will use the next year to teach Ancalime my duties, as I expect her to rule while I am gone."