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Chapter 46 - The Wedding of the Sun and the Starlit Queen

The preparations began as soon as Anórien announced the joyous news: Galadriel had agreed to marry him. The announcement sent a wave of celebration through Onymë Ennorë, the heart of the Avari realm. The city, already resplendent with its white towers and golden accents, became a hive of activity as banners were raised, songs were composed, and gifts poured in from the six tribes.

Galadriel, though unused to the customs of the Avari, embraced her new people with grace and dignity. She walked through the city streets with Anórien, listening to the music of the Kinn-Lai and admiring the intricate handiwork of the Hwenti. The Penni wove garlands of fragrant flowers for her hair, while the Windan scouts ensured her safety at every step. The Kindi, wise and ancient, recited poems of love and union that brought tears to her eyes.

Word of the union spread far and wide, even reaching the distant halls of Nargothrond. In honor of the occasion, Finrod himself traveled to the Avari realm, accompanied by Aegnor and Angrod, to bear witness to Galadriel's new life and to celebrate her happiness. Their arrival was met with great fanfare, and Anórien personally welcomed them with the respect due to their station and as kin of his beloved.

On the day of the wedding, the city glistened in the light of the morning sun. The ceremony was held in the great hall of the royal palace, adorned with flowers and lit by lanterns of gold and crystal. The High Lords of the Avari tribes gathered, each wearing the colors and symbols of their people, while visitors from beyond the forest stood in awe of the beauty and majesty of the event.

Galadriel entered the hall wearing a gown crafted by the finest Avari artisans, its silvery-white fabric shimmering like moonlight. Her golden hair, braided and adorned with flowers from the forest, cascaded down her back, and her radiant presence silenced the crowd. At her side, Finrod walked proudly, a brother offering his blessing to his sister's union.

Anórien stood at the end of the aisle, clad in crimson and gold, his flaming hair glowing like a beacon. When Galadriel reached him, their eyes met, and the love between them was evident to all.

The ceremony was conducted by Arvaran, the Lord of the Kindi, whose ancient wisdom and reverence gave the occasion its solemnity. Vows were exchanged, promises of love and unity that transcended the bounds of tribes and bloodlines. When Anórien placed a golden circlet upon Galadriel's brow, crowning her as High Queen of the Avari, the hall erupted into cheers.

The couple sat together on the thrones of the High King and High Queen, their hands entwined as they received the blessings of the tribes. Finrod stepped forward, his voice ringing clear and proud.

"I, Finrod of the House of Finarfin, give my blessing to this union," he said. "May it bring strength and joy to both our peoples, and may the love you share endure beyond the ages of the world."

Galadriel smiled, her eyes shining with gratitude. She turned to Anórien, and in that moment, they both felt the weight of their shared responsibility, the union of their hearts now symbolizing the bond between their realms.

The celebration lasted long into the night, filled with music, laughter, and dancing. Anórien and Galadriel moved among their guests, sharing their joy with everyone present. Though the years ahead would undoubtedly bring challenges, they faced them now as one, united by love and purpose.

As the stars lit the sky, Anórien and Galadriel retreated to the quiet gardens of the palace, where they could finally be alone.

"You are my queen," Anórien said, his voice soft but filled with reverence.

"And you are my king," Galadriel replied, her hand resting gently on his cheek. "Together, we shall guide our people into a brighter future."

They kissed beneath the starlight, their love as enduring and eternal as the heavens above.

It is the 103rd year of the sun of the first age.