Galen Trollbane was, without a doubt, the most prominent human in the Eastern Kingdoms in nearly a thousand years, eclipsing even the legendary Alliance High King Terenas and the valiant Alliance Marshal Anduin Lothar.
Their influence had been confined to the Alliance, but Galen's fame had spread far beyond the Eastern Kingdoms, reaching the distant shores of Kalimdor and the frozen wastes of Northrend.
From the Battle of Mount Hyjal to the fall of the Lich King, Galen had been a central figure, a driving force in Azeroth's destiny.
His wedding, therefore, was destined to be a spectacle of unprecedented grandeur, a celebration for the ages!
As Galen's invitations spread across Azeroth, Stromgarde, and indeed the entire Alliance, became a whirlwind of activity. The nobles of Stromgarde, energized by the prospect of such a momentous occasion, threw themselves into the planning.
The various kingdoms of the Alliance, too, were caught up in the preparations. This was no ordinary wedding. With the Alliance High King and Marshal extending personal invitations, they could not send a mere delegation. Kings and chieftains were expected to attend in person, bearing gifts worthy of the occasion!
The preparations continued throughout the Feast of Winter Veil, and as the eighteenth year of the Dark Portal drew to a close, Galen's wedding day arrived.
The first to arrive was the delegation from the Kingdom of Stormwind, led by King Llane and Queen Taria. They emerged from the portal, followed by the venerable Anduin Lothar and his son, Varian.
After many years, Varian had shed his youthful delicacy. His face was now hardened, etched with the scars of war, radiating an aura of iron and blood.
Lothar had trained him well.
Behind them came Varian and his radiant Queen Tiffin.
But Galen's attention was drawn to the child Varian held in his arms.
Anduin Wrynn, born in the same year that Arthas joined the Silver Hand, and Galen returned from his journey through time.
The little lion was now two years old.
Galen couldn't help but marvel at the relentless march of time. This child, destined to become a pivotal figure in the coming age, was growing up before his eyes.
Following Stormwind came the delegation from Kul Tiras. Admiral Daelin Proudmoore strode towards Galen, a statuesque woman at his side.
"Uncle Daelin, Lady Katherine!" Galen greeted them warmly.
"Hahaha! I've been waiting for this day! That old rascal Thoras has been practically drooling with anticipation. It's a pity you're not marrying Jaina, otherwise, we'd be family!" Daelin boomed, his voice filled with jovial affection.
"Ah...ha...ha..."
Galen could only offer a polite, if slightly strained, laugh. There was no graceful response, especially with Jaina glaring at him from behind her father.
Fortunately, Derek Proudmoore arrived with his Queen, breaking the awkwardness.
"Congratulations, Galen!" Derek said, clapping Galen on the shoulder. "Allow me to introduce my wife, Anna Veiled Sea!"
Derek was older than Galen, and his wedding had taken place even before Varian's. However, Galen had been away on his ancient adventure and had missed the celebration.
Galen recognized the young Queen. She was the ruler of Drustvar, the sister of Lord Arthur Veiled Sea.
Galen was more familiar with their future daughter, Lucille Veiled Sea.
That tragic noblewoman, who had fallen in love with a common merchant, only to have her mother hire an assassin to prevent the marriage, resulting in a bloody and sensational tragedy.
But looking at Derek and Anna, Galen sensed a political alliance, a union of power. Derek's rule would be secure, at least for now.
Kul Tiras was a maritime nation, its prosperity built upon trade. While the Proudmoore family held the throne, three other families wielded immense power: the Ashvane family, the Veiled Sea family, and the Stormsong family.
The Proudmoores ruled from the capital, Boralus. The Ashvanes held sway in Tiragarde Sound, the Veiled Seas in Drustvar, and the Stormsongs in Stormsong Valley. Together, these four families formed the backbone of Kul Tiras's naval might.
The Proudmoores commanded the fleets, the Ashvanes produced their weapons, the Veiled Seas provided their equipment, and the Stormsongs, with their Tidesages, held sway over the very seas themselves.
After Kul Tiras, the guests from Gilneas arrived. King Genn Greymane, accompanied by his Queen and their children, Liam and Tess, emerged from the portal.
Then came Kael'thas Sunstrider of Quel'Thalas, Thalyssra of the Nightborne, Fandral Staghelm of the Night Elves, and Cairne Bloodhoof of the Tauren, each accompanied by their families and retinues.
As the honored guests arrived, Galen finally welcomed the delegation from Lordaeron. Queen Calia Menethil, radiant in a simple, moon-white priest's robe, arrived in person.
She held the hand of a young boy, no older than eight. Behind her came Turalyon, Saidan Dathrohan, Alexandros Mograine, and other prominent figures of Lordaeron.
Just when it seemed that all the guests had arrived, a group of figures emerged from the Tower of Arathor, their presence drawing every eye.
These were figures of immense power, beings of legend, and they were greeted with the highest honor by the assembled kings and leaders.
They were the leaders of the Dragonflights: Alexstrasza, the Life-Binder; Ysera, the Dreamer; and Chromie, the master of time.
Though they walked in humanoid form, the magnificent dragon horns adorning their heads left no doubt as to their true nature.
At this moment, the entire Stromgarde city was already decorated with lanterns and colored banners, preparing for their prince's wedding. The royal palace was even more bustling, with the palace stewards overwhelmed by the name cards filled with intimidating titles and lists of valuable gifts.
However, the wedding was not held in the royal palace, but in the church in the old city of Stromgarde.
This church, located in the north of the city, has a history of more than two thousand years. It is a building from the era of the Arathor Empire, and it still coexists with Stromgarde after thousands of years.
Of course, this is also inseparable from the Torbane family's annual repairs. After all, the backyard of the church is the Torbane family's ancestral tomb.
In terms of fame, it cannot compare with the Holy Light Cathedral of Tirisfal, the Chapel of Holy Light in Eastweald, or even the Northshire Abbey, which has only risen in the last hundred years.
However, this church is recognized as the oldest!
The wedding of human nobles and high elves is quite cumbersome, especially since this is a union between humans and high elves.
High elves are famous for their unwavering loyalty to love. They have a long lifespan, so they are very cautious in choosing a soulmate.
Therefore, they attach great importance to this ceremony that determines a lifetime together. Galen respects this custom, just as he values the Windrunner sisters.
Moreover, all the members of the Windrunner family have arrived. Looking at the number of female relatives from the high elf side, Galen has reason to suspect that Windrunner Village and Windrunner Spire are both empty!
No wonder, Alleria is the eldest daughter of the Windrunner family, and Sylvanas is the Ranger-General of Silvermoon City, even though she is about to step down and be replaced by Vereesa. The situation of two young ladies marrying the Grand Marshal of the Alliance is also a rare event in history. All the Windrunner's blood relatives and their friends and relatives have come to Stromgarde to celebrate.
At noon, the sun had already crossed the towering Alterac Mountains and hung high in the sky. The winter sun was bright and warm.
At this time, the entire square in front of the church was densely packed with people. Humans, high elves, night elves, nightborne, tauren, and many other races were toasting and exchanging greetings here.
Following a melodious organ piece in the style of Quel'Thalas, the ceremonial band played the ancient and majestic ceremonial horn of the Arathi Highlands. The majestic sound of the ceremonial horn silenced the lively scene of toasting and exchanging greetings.
They knew the wedding was about to begin!
"Ladies and gentlemen, citizens of the kingdom, friends of Stromgarde. I am Thoras Torbane. Today, as king and as a proud father, I welcome you all. Your arrival makes Stromgarde shine!"
Thoras was wearing traditional Stromgarde formal attire today. He strode to the front of the platform. Accompanied by the ceremonial music, his magnetic voice also reached the ears of everyone in the church square: "Today, we gather here to witness my son Galen and Alleria, Sylvanas enter the hall of marriage!"
In fact, this wedding can be regarded as breaking with worldly conventions. Azeroth is a human society, and the norm is monogamy. Even the nobles have not broken this tradition, at most they secretly keep some lovers.
Now Galen is marrying two beautiful high elves at once, which has surprised humans and high elves!
However, Galen has a high status and strong strength, so no one has openly questioned it.
With Thoras's blessing, the protagonists of the wedding walked to the main seat. Galen was wearing a gold and red Dress formal attire, and Alleria and Sylvanas were wearing snow-white wedding dresses, which, coupled with their fair skin, made the sisters even more beautiful and moving.
The Windrunner sisters' years of ranger life have not left any traces on them. Their skin is still smooth and delicate, but it makes Alleria heroic and Sylvanas look heroic.
These two sisters, plus the tall and handsome Galen, have become the most beautiful guys in the audience!
At this time, Galen could no longer hear his old father's long speech. His eyes had been attracted by the Windrunner sisters. Sylvanas and Alleria's faces turned rosy when Galen looked at them so affectionately.
"May the Holy Light bless them!"
Finally, the long ceremony ended, and the wedding entered the stage of a buffet-style banquet. Moonlight Wine, Saffron Liquor, Southsea Ice Beer, Eastspring Firewine, Magic Wine, and wines from all races on Azeroth were provided in unlimited quantities.
At this time, the band's music was also changed to soothing accompaniment.
Galen breathed a sigh of relief. At this time, the first batch of guests came to Galen.
Galen, as the groom and the protagonist of today, and also marrying two beautiful ladies at once, naturally became the focus of everyone's attack!
The first wave was the prince team, Varian, Derek, Liam, and Kael'thas.
Then came the paladins of the Holy Light Church, and finally the tauren and night elves.
During the banquet, the Bronzebeard brothers, Kurdran Wildhammer and Durin, and several dwarves who loved wine like their lives were attacking indiscriminately, pulling a acquaintance and starting to drink heavily.
Their help helped Galen resist wave after wave of persuasion to drink. Others were already drunk, but Galen was still strong!
In the end, the banquet ended with the guests and hosts enjoying themselves. Galen and the Windrunner sisters became husband and wife in the early 19th year of the Dark Portal.