Most Bright by Lyra

Oh, this is great! So well constructed. They are like ships passing in the night. Ancalimë may have been a sly one, but in this case, she simply told the truth and her grandmother simply wouldn't or couldn't understand what she is saying.

I died at these lines:

Shaking her head again, Ancalimë explained, "No, grandmother, what I mean is that I infinitely prefer my handmaidens to any man."
Patting her hand gently, Almarian replied, "Yes, of course, my dear. Go and play with your friends." Another fond smile. "You will grow up soon enough."

A princess who has grown up among sheep is not really likely to be unaware of certain anatomical issues, regardless how many men were around, but city dwellers do tend to get confused by their preconceptions about rural innocence, don't they?

It does seem quite possible that Ancalime had been trying that line out on others before she used it on Hallacar and that it had come in handy before!

I do realize Ancalime is being sincere, here, but I think she may perhaps have been glad, later on,  that Almarian did not understand.

This makes a great deal of sense to me, both in terms of Ancalime's character and Aldarion's!

She would not be interested in anything which assigned her such a passive role and Aldarion really doesn't seem to consider women as anything else than potential passengers, almost luggage, even if precious luggage treated politely, does he?

Too bad about all the things that Ancalime consigns to the blazes, along with sailing, at the end!

I like your take on Zamin, both loyal and practical enough to protect water bowls and give advice against smashing heads, despite her sympathy.

(Also, I like that mental image of the door-keeper, although she doesn't actually appear.)

And that last twist is very neat!

Very much enjoyed your story on Ancalimë. I'll admit I'm not not versed at all with the Númenoreans (hard core Feanorian fangirl here). It was an interesting, entertaining read. I've always thought of Númenorean culture as very political, which you showed off. I really liked the fact that we have a relatively "rare" character in Ancalimë who is willing to speak her mind and desires her independence. She and Zamîn both are thoughtful and smart women -- something that from the Númenorean culture seems not to be valued too much.

I still like all your takes on Ancalime in this collection; the first piece is now featured in the link collection here.

I came here after Himring's selection of stories about the ruling queens of Númenor and I'm happy that I did. I really enjoyed each episode and the way we are shown who Ancalimë is and why.