921
Ancalime had lived in Emerie for twenty years. The rumor of the beautiful princess had spread around the countryside and many suitors had come to the house of Erendis to ask of her hand. They were all rejected, not only by Ancalime but also more often by Erendis or Zamin.
As time progressed fewer suitors came as the new rumor of princess cool nature spread. People gave her the name princess loveless.
When Ancalime became forty-two years old, a new suitor came to the house. This was a self-confident suitor dressed in expensive garment.
Zamin and Ancalime were outside.
The suitor rode close to the house. "Ancalime!" he stated when he saw her; "The rumors speak the truth. It is not difficult to find you."
Ancalime said nothing, but Zamin shouted; "-and now when you have seen her, all you need is to leave!"
The suitor said; "Keep your mouth shut old woman! I am Veryon son of Hadorian, who is a member of the Council of Numenor for Hyarnustar and a descendant of Tindomiel daughter of Elros; no one shall prevent me from speaking to the princess."
"How about the Queen of Numenor?" Erendis had heard the voices and came to the door.
Veryon hesitated. He knew he would never be able to get closer to the princess unless her mother gave her contents.
He said, "Consider my offer please. I will be back in three years' time and repeat my offer. That the princess shall own much land and wealth in Hyarnustar."
He turned around and rode away.
Zamin approached Erendis, "There will be others. I know of a farm close to the border of Hyarastorni. There the princess can live unnoticed by any suitor. The farm is empty now, but I would like to live my remaining years with Ancalime there."
Erendis accepted Zamins offer, and the two left the large house with many servants for the small farm.
After five years, another suitor came to Erendis house. He too, asked for Ancalime. Erendis recognized him from when he came with Aldarion to her when Ancalime was a little girl.
Erendis stated; "What is this. A simple sailor asking for the hand of my daughter?"
Henderch stated; "I am the kings Captain!"
Erendis said; "A title that is worth nothing in Emerie. Ancalime is not here. Find you luck in Middle Earth. Be gone!"
Henderch road back to Armenelos. He told the king that Ancalime did not live with his mother.
The king said; "can I ask of your business in that house?"
Henderch said; "As the princess does not live in Armenelos, I would ask her mother and herself for her hand before bothered the king."
The king did not know how to react, he was surprised. He said, "had you come to me first, I would have told you that this was a great quest, even for the brave captain. If it is any consolation, I have heard from others who also suffered defeat in the quest."
The king was relieved that Ancalime had turned Henderch down, as he knew how difficult it was to be a sailor and a husband at the same time.
"I wish to undertake a journey to Middle Earth," Henderch said.
The king now felt sorry for his captain as he understood he wish to leave. He said; "I understand there are much to do in Middle Earth, please take Hirilonde, and see that the peace in Middle Earth is kept."
That autumn Zamin died. Ancalime was in deep grief, but she decided to stay at the farm instead of returning to Emerie.
During most of the winter Ancalime was alone. She rode in the countryside but found no joy in the nature.
One day she heard a soft voice singing. She rode towards it and saw a shepherd sitting on a stone, singing.
Ancalime stopped and listened until the shepherd was finished with the song. He then noticed her.
Did you enjoy the song? He asked.
She answered, "Very much. It is rare that a shepherd has such a beautiful singing voice."
The Shepherd said; "Singing can change one mind to be more positive if you are in a sad mood, like the flowers and birds of the forest of Orome when Vana pass them."
Ancalime asked him; "Are you in a sad mood?"
"No!" He answered, "-but Vana just passed!"
Ancalime smiled, being compared to the Vala.
The shepherd introduced himself as Mamandil. He became a friend of Ancalime. She often visited during the winter.
When the spring came, Ancalime met Ibal close to her mother's house. Ancalime asked him where he was going.
Ibal answered; "For Romenna, to be a captain on a ship! I want to join the Guild of Ventures."
"Be careful, Ibal!" Ancalime said; "The time is running out for the Guild. The Ventures will lose interest for Numenor and disappear into the darkness of Middle Earth. Their children will be lost for Numenor. Do not become one of them!"
Ibal was surprised; "How can you foresee this?"
"Because I will make it so;" Ancalime said.
Ancalime met Mamandil again. She told him she would be leaving for Armenelos shortly.
Mamandil said; "I will give you a name, because you never told it to me. I call you Emerwen, Shepherdess. It is not easy to declare ones love to someone without a name. So here it is. Emerwen. I love you!"
Ancalime said; "I hear you Mamandil, but it cannot be so. You are a simple shepherd …"
Mamandil said; "-and you are?"
Ancalime said; "I am sorry, Mamandil, I will never forget you! Farewell!"
Ancalime rode away in a haste.
Mamandil looked at Ancalime as she rode away.
"Goodbye princess!" He said.
