Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Professor Tolkien. I'm just borrowing. :)
Early Morning Reflections
Rohan
3021 T.A.
I dreamt of the Sea last night, of the waves crashing against the shore, of the tangy breeze and salty spray. Faramir has told me in the past that he sometimes dreams of the Sea, but his dreams are troubled, and of the drowning of Númenor. My own dreams are much different, for I was raised by the Sea and love it as much as I love my family.
Last night was not the first night I have dreamt of the Sea since coming to dwell here in Rohan. I have risen early as a result, dressing quietly so I do not disturb my husband, and have come to sit by the window, waiting for the sunrise. The breeze is cool and fresh, but it carries the scent of horses and grass. I do not hear the cry of gulls, either, but the song of different birds. A hawk soars over Edoras as the sky in the east begins to grow pale.
It is said that my aunt, Lady Finduilas, withered away in Minas Tirith pining for the Sea she loved so dearly. I do not know whether there is truth to this or not; I never knew her, and it pains my father to speak of her. I think that some in my family are worried that the same will happen to me, even farther from the Sea here in Edoras than my aunt was in Minas Tirith.
I lean out the window as the sun peeks over the horizon, illuminating the golden plains of Rohan, stretching as far as I can see. I have no fears of withering away, wishing ever for the salty Sea of my childhood. Edoras is an island in a sea of grass, as beautiful and wild in its own way as the waves that crash upon the shores of Dol Amroth. It wooed me even more quickly than did its king.
The thought brings a smile to my face, and I glance over my shoulder at the sleeping form of Rohan's noble king. His hair has fallen over his face, tangled with sleep, and he has kicked most of the blankets nearly off of the bed in the short time that has passed since I have risen. I press a hand over my mouth to stifle the laugh that rises in my throat, and turn back to the sunrise. Edoras is beginning to stir, and soon I will wake Éomer so that we may begin another day together. Somewhere from the direction of the stables, a horse whinnies, and the curses of a tired Rider reach my ear.
Rohan is very different from Gondor, I have found, but in much the same way as the sea of grass surrounding Edoras is different from the Sea that borders Dol Amroth.
The sun has now risen completely above the eastern horizon, and my time for quiet reflection is over. I rise from my seat by the window to face the first challenge each day of being Rohan's queen brings – waking Rohan's king.