Yes, Queen Ypolita, your reason why Alec "knows a place" sounds most feasible. I was always somewhat bewildered by that line ( I noticed they didn't include it in the movie) as it makes it sound a bit like he's popping up to London for secret assignations on a regular basis!

Into The Greenwood, thanks for the information on the symbolism of the Assyrian bulls. I hadn't known that; very interesting. What a well-chosen spot for them to start to reconnect.

As for the ending if I didn't already know - I'd be passionately hoping for the best but probably expecting the worst.