Númenorean Hobbit Lass at your service

Gouache painting of Luthien and Huan from Tolkein's Beren and Luthien.

That was a lie

The lack of laughter and music: that says it all, doesn't it? It’s striking, but also only fitting within the context of Tolkien’s legendarium, how the lack of music and joyful sound in Erendis’ home underscored its dour atmosphere. Her cold, hardened mood resonated through her domain (which included no men, to be clear). 

The most heartbreaking part of that development is the impact on the child Ancalimë. She loved to dive into books and learn a wide range of lore from the servants of the house (unbeknownst to her mother, is also of note) – yet when she encountered a boy on the estate, she did not know what he was. Ergo, she had never met a boy. Imagine! 

She asked a maid of the estate where the boy's father was – gone venturing with Aldarion, her father, apparently. That led Ancalimë to ask her mother about her father and when he may return. 

Erendis referred to Aldarion as one who “was” her father…wow. “But why do you ask? …do not trouble yourself; for you have a mother, and she will not run away, while you love her,” Erendis continued. This is, arguably, emotional manipulation – and it sinks the heart to witness. 

That was the sort of coldness that Aldarion encountered when he returned to Númenor. From Rómenna, he sent word to Erendis in Emerië, but she “did not speak of it.” Next, riding through the rain, he found the home in Armenelos shut – but decided to consult his father, the King, rather than ask around about it. 

Speaking with Meneldur, Aldarion hinted at trouble and darkness brewing in Middle Earth – of which we readers will hear more about later in the story. Yet the King advised his son to “first rule well his own house ere he corrects others” – in other words, go home and set things right with your wife. 

as of yesterday, my longfic reached 300k words. appreciate the three people still reading it very much. y'all keep me going.