And In The Dawn Save Them

Chapter 53 : The Return

Illustration : The Forest of Mirkwood, by Tolkien himself

Music to listen to on this chapter:

No one knows exactly what Alcara was planning for several months.

But for his part, Éomer had a lot to do. He returned as quickly as possible to Edoras, where he met up with his marshals and court, who had many questions. He had prepared for this, and answered them as clearly and succinctly as possible. He himself discovered the joy and enthusiasm that had followed the collective astonishment, after such an incredible and total victory over the enemies of Mordor.

He immediately sent messengers all over Middle-Earth to warn the other kingdoms and all the remaining Fellowship of the Ring. Then he sent the whole of Edoras to prepare the most beautiful wedding the Earth had ever seen. The whole kingdom, and even the neighbouring ones, prepared for the event: town and village balls were organised everywhere, and flower walks and feasts were planned from Belfalas to the Shire. Not since Aragorn's coronation had there been such a festive event.

Finally, the spring equinox arrived. Éomer could feel it coming, and was sure Alcara would be back, thanks to many warning signs.

The first was the most subtle: just as the snow had finished melting, the moors were covered with pink and blue flowers. Never before in living memory had they grown so early in the year.

Other signs appeared in the landscape of Rohan. First in the south, then in the north of the kingdom, new trees appeared along the rivers and paths that once took soldiers to war. They sprang up one fine morning, already tall and mature, their leaves already green, and the locals assured that they hadn't been there the night before.

Finally, on the eve of the equinox, there was no longer any doubt: everywhere in Edoras, surrounded by soft green grass, birds appeared, the swallows first, singing every morning on the roofs of the houses and in the trees in the squares and streets. The city seemed to have returned to nature, bringing a peaceful and joyful atmosphere to the Rohirrim.

It was on the eve of the equinox that the rain of white flowers appeared: those who had lived through the battle of Mordor said that this was how the victory had begun. To celebrate the one who had saved them, the inhabitants gathered the little Simbelmynë and made great garlands of them, which they hung from window to window to create a welcoming path for their future queen.

When the day came, Éomer was ready before dawn and had donned an all-white and gold outfit, including the arms of Rohan on his chest. He looked like a white lion, imposing but calm and happy.

He looked out of his bedroom window as the sun peeked over the horizon and gradually rose into the sky, waiting impatiently for months. He hoped and dreaded this moment at the same time, there had been so many unpleasant surprises along the way...

Just then, Eowyn knocked on his door and entered. She had been one of the first, along with Faramir and their son, to rush to find her brother, who had told them that Alcara was alive, and this good news had overwhelmed them all with joy and hope. Since then, she had worked hard to ensure that everything was ready and perfect for her return. 

Meeting his gaze, her eyes sparkling, she said: "Éomer, the guests are arriving!"

They climbed the stairs as fast as they could, holding hands as they did as children, running and playing in the corridors of Meduseld.