Two Fathers, One Son

Two fathers,

One son.

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One child,

Two guardians.

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Two protectors,

One life.

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To Arathorn:

I can vaguely remember you, my father—

Your hands were gentle as they held me,

When they first taught me to grasp a sword handle,

When they first showed me the wonders of nature.

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I recall the first time you showed me a sunrise,

The look of wonder on my face,

The laughter in your eyes when I asked you who painted the sky,

The joy we had in the simplest pleasures.

The love that you always had for me.

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I remember that fateful day when you fell,

An arrow pierced through your eye.

I remember your last words,

“I love you, my son,

Never forget me,

Or who you are.”

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Those words were forever etched in my mind.

Though I may have forgotten your face,

And even the sound of your voice,

I shall never forget your bravery,

Your legacy,

Your last words to me.

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Though you were not here to see me mature,

To see me become an adult,

To see me become king,

I carry in my heart the faith that you loved me to the end.

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Father, I love you.

Thank you.

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To Elrond:

I remember the day you took me into your home,

When I became your son,

When you called me “Estel,”

When I became known to the world as “hope.”

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As I grew older,

You gave me your knowledge,

And taught me wisdom.

You gave me your love,

And taught me compassion.

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When we said our last farewells in Minas Tirith,

I told you that no man could have a better father,

A better teacher.

Your words to me were not that of an elven lord,

But that of a father’s.

You told me that I grown to become who I was born to be.

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As the years went by,

You have not been forgotten.

My children enjoying hearing about you,

About our adventures when I was a child.

How can I possible forget you?

You will always be in my memory.

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Though you were not here to see my children,

To watch them grow,

Though I can no longer turn to you for advice,
I carry in my heart the faith that you will always love me.

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Adar, le melon.

Le hannon.

—Aragorn

The End

Translations:

Adar – Father

Le melon – I love you

Le hannon – thank you