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The Grace Given to Me  by Mirach 4 Review(s)
CairistionaReviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/3/2009
I'm so glad you've posted this story here... I've already reviewed it elsewhere but it bears repeating: what a wonderfully poignant and moving look at Elessar's final decision. I don't think anyone's done it any better than this.
In many readings of it, one passage always springs at me:

"I have lived a full life. I have known hate and love, suffering and healing, war and peace, danger and shelter. I have lost loved ones and overcame many hardships. I have had many names and disguises, fought in fierce battles. I bled and my blood soaked the soil of many edges of Middle-earth. I cried and the earth drank my tears. I have battled with darkness itself, my will pitted against the devouring fire of the lidless eye. I have walked the paths that no man dared to walk, in the shadow of the Dead. I faced death and the end of all that was fair in this world, the end without hope when I gave it all and left none for myself.

And I saw the hope rekindled, like a spark that lights a flame consuming the darkness."


That Aragorn went through that level of pain and suffering and sacrifice and still came through to see his hope... and his efforts... vindicated is the triumph that crowns a life lived in service for others.

I hope this does well for you in the MEFAs. It really deserves to. :)

Author Reply: I'm glad that I could join this archive! Thank you for reviewing again, and for telling me that you have read it more times, that's a great honor to me and I really appreciate it!

What you said is the reason why I not only love Aragorn like a favourite character, but why I find him a paragon of fulfilled life - until the death...

And this story wouldn't be in the MEFAs without you, so many thanks for the nomination!

InzilbethReviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/3/2009
That was absolutely wonderful, one of the best interpretations of Aragorn's last words I've ever read. Thank you for that.

Author Reply: Thank you very much Inzilbeth! This is only one chapter of the story of Aragorn's life that you have written whole, so I'm really glad that you like it.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/3/2009
Yes, a gentle passing, worthy of the King Returned, the Renewer....

Very nice.

Author Reply: If the life is worthy, then death is not a reason to fear. But still it is hard... This is the way how such a man would pass, I think, showing his greatness in the very last moments...

Thank you very much for the review!

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/2/2009
This is absolutely beautiful.

I feared that after so many tests that were laid before me in my life, I would fail in this one final test and deny all that I have achieved.

Now I fear no longer.


What a deeply moving glimpse into the heart and mind of a noble and wonderful man.

Author Reply: Thank you very much for the review!

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