Disclaimer: I own neither the Elf nor the Ranger nor anything else that is a part of Middle-Earth.
Summary: Aragorn, sensing that his time is coming, tries to say goodbye to his closest friend.
Rating: PG
Author's Note: This was written for the Teitho October prompt, Healing.
Many thanks to my wonderful beta, Calenlass, for advice, suggestions, and patience with questions.
The Parting of Our Ways
--
Am I a King? Can my decree,
Can Gondor's mark or royal seal
Command the waters of the Sea
That caused the hurt I cannot heal?
--
Not Sauron's wiles nor Morgul-blade
Can torment as the Sea has done
An Elven soul; and yet you stayed
With me beneath this Eastern sun.
--
If I could heal, and ease your pain –
The Valar gave me not that grace;
And while in Arda you remain,
I face the Doom of all my race.
--
I bade you stay, but I must go.
My sun must set; my time is nigh.
And oh! It scars my soul to know
That we'll be sundered, you and I.
--
The Sea caused hurt; another grief,
A colder and a deeper pain
I bring upon you: Men are brief,
And we may never meet again.
--
With all my heart I wish you joy,
I bid you live in gladness – yet
Though I would every skill employ,
I cannot ask you to forget.
--
Remember me – your years are long,
And this the morning of your days;
And never think I meant you wrong
Upon this parting of our ways.
--
Remember me; though others might
In Eldamar delight your heart,
I loved you till the Mortal night
Decreed an end to all mine art.
--
Remember me; and raise your eyes
To Varda's lights, and know I see
From distant shores those very skies
Whose stars you counted once with me.
--
The path before I do not fear,
Nor will I grieve for crown or throne;
But who this Mortal night will cheer
If you are far in Elven-home?
--
My own bereavement I'll subdue
For Mortal souls were made to part –
My soul now trembles most for you,
And for a grieving Elven-heart.
--
The love of brothers never fades,
And you were never less to me;
Take comfort, as you walk the glades
Of Eldamar across the Sea.
--
I cannot teach you how to heal:
Immortal souls will sink and soar
To depths and heights no Man could feel,
And if once felt, none ever bore.
--
Remember, Elf, the love we bore,
And let your soul in gladness mend
That once, upon this Eastern shore,
You knew a Man who called you Friend.
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