It seemed like an eternity was passing as Eowyn sat riding on Meledor. The wind screamed past her and she reminisced about her mount Windfola as they rode over the plains. They had been flying all night, and as the sun began to illuminate the sky she saw Fangorn Forest below her. It would be their final stop with the Eagles. Alighting at the entrance of the dark forest she saw Shadowfax and another stallion awaiting them.

"Thank you friends." Gandalf said to the eagles, Gwaihir and Meledor.

"It is an honour to serve you, Mithrandir." Gwaihir responded as he rose to leave.

Èowyn made her way to the horses, which awaited them patiently. The black stallion was a magnificient creature with a silky black down and powerful sinews.

"My friend." Gandalf said affectionately, patting Shadowfax's white head. "Too long has it been since we last met. Èowyn this is Mafusa one of the horses sired by Shadowfax." Gandalf said as he mounted his beloved friend.

"Mafusa. What a beautiful name for such a magnificent creature." She stroked his silky down as he nuzzled against her.

"Come my lady. We are almost there. To Edoras, Shadowfax!" He said as they sped away.

Eowyn felt as one with the wind on this horse. King and Prince of their kind and soon she saw the Edoras on the horizon. Èowyn felt the horse understand her torment of homecoming and he seemed reluctant to leave her before the city gates.

"Thank you friend" she said as she turned away. She sighed deeply and with determination made her way up to Meduseld.

Edoras appeared not to have changed, and she was instantly taken back two years to the War of the Ring, when Rohan was under constant threat of Orc attack. Then the villagers noticed the two travellers as they made their way through the city and hope was rekindled in their hearts.

"Look! It is Lady Èowyn and Gandalf! They have returned!" one child shouted. Soon throngs of villagers came to pay their respects to their beloved Steelsheen, as the news filtered through.

All who looked upon them were in awe, for both were clothed in white, and surrounded in a halo of light and sunshine. Relief washed through the hearts of all Eorlings as they saw the couple and knew that the king would be healed. With the look of a beautiful goddess, she smiled at them serenely and continued walking up the steps to the Golden Hall. Her beautiful features masking the emotional upheaval pervading her mind.

Then at last it was in front of her -Meduseld, her home. The vessel of all her memories for the greater part of her life. The people she loved and loathed were all connected to here. Théoden, Theodred, Aragorn, Eomer and that skulking maggot Grima.

"My lady! You have returned at last. Thank Valar for small favours." The familiar voice of Hama said, snapping her out of her reverie.

"Yes." She replied simply. "Hama take me to the King." She commanded with such authority that they all looked at her with awe.

Gone was the naïve child -like woman they were all familiar with. In her place stood a woman of calibre. The battle with the Witch King had greatly changed her and she seemed to Hama, a queen among men. He noted there were many physical changes as well. Her golden hair was longer and thicker like molten gold in the sunshine. Her beauty was breathtaking and Hama could hardly believe this was the same child he had seen two years ago. She was now a spring rose in full bloom amid lesser flowers.

"The king is in here, Lady." Hama said as they stood before the closed chambers.

She opened the door tentatively and walked inside. With her heart in her hand, she saw her beloved brother lying on his bed. His eyes were closed as he lay in a deep tranquil sleep. She had seen too many of her loved ones in this state and was filled with grief. Her mother had died before her, so had her cousin Theodred and her uncle Theoden on the battlefield. She hoped that Valar would not take the only member of her kin left.

She sat beside him, her eyes were moist with unshed tears. Touching his beautiful face she understood the loneliness he felt in his state. He was cold and pale, and she realized she had never seen Eomer ill before.

"How has this malady befallen the King?" she asked Hama.

"We are not certain my Lady. He was in fine health until his return from Fangorn Forest three days past." The steward replied solemly.

"Why in Valar's name would the King venture there?" she asked in surprise "What have the healers done to help?" she asked

"They have attempted to heal him my Lady but to no avail. They do not know what ails him." He replied crestfallen.

"And... The King of Gondor, has he been informed?" she asked softly

"He has my lady and is expected today."

"I see. Gandalf...." She replied turning to the wizard "Is there anything you can do to ease his suffering?" she asked "I am sorry my Lady. This malady is beyond my knowledge. I believe only King Elessar has the healing capacity to cure him. We shall have to be patient and await him."

"Then we shall wait Mithrandir. Hama please escort Gandalf to his quarters for some rest. I shall remain here with my brother." She stated.

"As you wish my lady." and he left the room awaiting the White wizard.

"My child, fear not. Aragorn will heal your brother. It is you I am chiefly concerned about. You must face your fears in order to fulfil your destiny." Gandalf said, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

She stood and faced him, her blue orbs shining with intensity and determination. She seemed like a golden goddess with untapped power and for the first time Gandalf saw she had accepted her role.

"I know Mithrandir." She replied a half smile gracing him. "You need not be worried anymore." she replied as she escorted him out.