The Sixth Year of the Sun
The morning light filtered through the leaves of Doriath's ancient trees, casting golden patterns on the forest floor. Anórien stood by the edge of a quiet glade, the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant song of birds his only companions. It was here that Galadriel found him, her presence as radiant as the dawn itself.
He turned as she approached, his heart quickening at the sight of her. She wore a simple gown of green and silver, and her golden hair shimmered in the dappled sunlight. For a moment, he simply looked at her, committing every detail to memory.
"Galadriel," he began, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "I have been thinking."
She smiled softly, stepping closer. "That much is clear. What weighs on your mind, Anórien?"
He took a deep breath, his hand instinctively resting on the hilt of Solarian at his side. "I must return to my realm. My people need me, and there is much to be done to prepare for the days ahead. But..." He hesitated, his gaze searching hers. "I do not wish to leave without you."
Her expression softened, and she reached out, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "Anórien..."
"Galadriel," he interrupted, his voice growing more earnest. "I know we have only just begun to understand what is between us, but I cannot deny what I feel. You are the light that has brightened my path, the thought that fills my heart. I would be honored if you would come with me, to stand by my side as we face whatever is to come."
Her eyes glistened, and for a moment, she said nothing, her gaze locked with his. Then she stepped closer, her voice quiet yet resolute. "Anórien, you honor me with your words, and my heart is moved beyond measure. But I cannot leave Doriath—not yet."
He blinked, taken aback. "Why?"
She looked away briefly, her hand still resting on his arm. "This is my home, and my family is here. Finrod, Aegnor, Angrod—they are my brothers. And Melian, with her wisdom, has so much to teach me. There is still much I must learn before I am ready to step beyond these borders."
Anórien's chest tightened, but he nodded slowly, his respect for her choice overcoming his disappointment. "I understand. You wish to remain with your family, to grow and learn in this place."
She turned back to him, her golden eyes filled with both affection and determination. "I do. But know this, Anórien: you have awakened something in me that I did not expect to find. You are dear to me, more than words can say. When the time is right, I will come to you. Until then, my heart is yours."
Her words were a balm to his soul, and he reached out, taking her hand in his. "And mine is yours, Galadriel. I will wait for you, no matter how long it takes. You are the love of my life, and nothing will change that."
She smiled, a tear slipping down her cheek, though her expression remained serene. "Thank you, Anórien. Your faith means more to me than you know."
They stood there for a long moment, their hands clasped, the world around them seeming to hold its breath. Then, with great effort, Anórien released her hand and stepped back.
"I will leave today," he said, his voice steady despite the ache in his chest. "But I will return, Galadriel. Someday, when you are ready."
She nodded, her gaze unwavering. "And I will be here, waiting."
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Anórien turned and began the journey back to his realm. His heart was heavy with longing, but also filled with a quiet hope. Galadriel's words echoed in his mind, a promise that sustained him with every step.
When he returned to his people, he carried with him not only the strength of his spear Solarian but also the resolve of a heart bound by love. And though the distance between them grew with each passing day, he knew that their fates were intertwined, their paths destined to cross again.