Bound by Starlight

The 321st Year of the First Age was marked by a day of joy that the Avari realm had not seen in many years. Beneath the boughs of ancient trees adorned with glimmering lanterns, and under the watchful gaze of stars newly risen in the night sky, Arinyanénar and Aistalë were to be wed. The city of Onymë Ennorë was alive with light and song, the seven tribes of the Avari gathered in celebration of their prince and his bride.

The preparations had taken weeks. The Kinn-lai, masters of music and artistry, composed melodies that blended the sounds of the forest with ethereal voices, creating a symphony to honor the occasion. The Hwenti sculpted the ceremonial arches of white stone adorned with golden vines and silver flowers. The Penni wove cloaks and robes from the finest silks, shimmering like the morning dew. Every tribe contributed, united in joy for their High King's son.

As the evening descended, the great square at the heart of Onymë Ennorë was transformed into a sacred place for the ceremony. The open space was surrounded by tall trees draped in golden and silver light, their leaves shimmering as though they, too, bore witness. At the center stood a raised platform of white stone, upon which two silver torches burned, representing the light of Telperion and Laurelin—the symbols of eternal unity for the Quendi.

Arinyanénar stood waiting at the platform, his ceremonial robes shimmering in hues of gold and silver. His hair, white as snow, gleamed in the lantern light, and his silvery golden eyes glowed with warmth and anticipation. Beside him stood his father, Anórien, regal and imposing, his fiery hair ablaze under the stars. His mother, Galadriel, radiant and proud, wore a gown that seemed woven of moonlight and stars. Despite her earlier misgivings, her love for her son shone through, her expression soft as she beheld him on this day.

The music shifted, and a collective murmur swept through the crowd. Aistalë entered the square, accompanied by Maedhros, who walked her down the pathway lined with flowers and glowing lanterns. She was breathtaking. Her gown was a masterpiece of Kinn-lai craftsmanship, shimmering silver embroidered with golden vines and stars. Her fiery bronze hair was crowned with a delicate wreath of golden leaves, and her grey eyes sparkled with joy. She moved with the grace of her kindred, her steps steady and light, her gaze fixed on Arinyanénar.

When she reached the platform, Arinyanénar descended to meet her, taking her hand with reverence. Together, they ascended the steps, where Anórien and Galadriel waited, along with Arvaran, the lorekeeper of the Kindi, who would officiate the ceremony.

The rites of elven marriage were sacred, blending tradition and timeless symbolism. Arvaran stepped forward, his deep voice resonating through the square.

"Under the stars of Varda, we gather to witness the union of two kindred spirits, bound by love and fate. Arinyanénar, son of Anórien and Galadriel, and Aistalë, daughter of Maedhros, come before us to pledge their troth and to unite their fates as one."

The couple turned to face one another, their hands joined. Arvaran handed each of them a goblet of clear, golden wine, pressed from the finest grapes of the Avari vineyards, representing the mingling of their lives. They drank deeply, eyes locked, and placed the goblets on the altar beside them.

"Now speak your vows, that the stars may hear, and the trees remember," Arvaran said.

Arinyanénar spoke first, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "Aistalë, from the moment I saw you, my heart was drawn to you as a flower to the sun. I promise to stand by your side, to honor and cherish you, through the days of peace and the storms of war. You are the light of my life, the melody in my soul. I bind my fate to yours, until the end of all things."

Tears glistened in Aistalë's eyes as she replied. "Arinyanénar, my beloved, you have shown me the depths of love and courage. I promise to stand with you, to hold you in joy and in sorrow, to walk beside you on whatever path lies ahead. You are my heart, my strength, my star in the darkest night. I bind my fate to yours, forevermore."

Arvaran stepped forward again, holding a thin strand of silver, symbolic of unity and eternity. He wrapped it gently around their joined hands. "By this bond, may your lives be as one. Let your love endure as the stars endure, unwavering and eternal."

With the silver cord binding their hands, Arinyanénar and Aistalë exchanged rings, crafted by the finest artisans of the Kinn-lai. Arinyanénar's ring was a delicate band of silver and gold, set with a single emerald, while Aistalë's bore a golden flame entwined with a silver star, representing their union of light and strength.

At last, Arvaran spoke the words that sealed the union. "Before Eru Ilúvatar, the Valar, and all who witness, I declare you united as one. May your love shine brightly in the halls of memory and in the echoes of song. You are wed."

Arinyanénar and Aistalë gazed at one another, their hands still joined. Slowly, reverently, Arinyanénar leaned forward and kissed her. The crowd erupted into joyous cheers, and the music of the Kinn-lai swelled in celebration.

The feast that followed was a celebration unlike any other. The square was filled with tables laden with food and drink, the music of harps and flutes echoing through the trees. The tribes danced and sang, their voices rising in a symphony of joy that carried through the night. Arinyanénar and Aistalë sat at the head of the great table, surrounded by their families and friends. Laughter and stories filled the air as the stars bore witness to their happiness.

When the first light of dawn began to creep over the horizon, Arinyanénar and Aistalë stole away to the edge of the city, where the forest stretched out before them. Together, they watched the sunrise, their hands intertwined, their hearts filled with hope and love.

For now, they had found peace, and the world seemed bright with possibility. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, bound by the promise they had made under the stars.