Five years ago, I lost someone close to me, and I wasn’t able to cry. I tried all kinds of things, but I couldn’t. I got tired of trying and decided to numb myself completely for a while and let my mind go blank on fanfiction in the middle of the night, and I happened across this story. It broke whatever wall there had been, and I wept. It sounds so strange and foolish to say, because it’s fanfiction in the face of real loss, but it was a gift. I didn’t think I would find this story again, but here it is, and I’m in a better mindset to write to you now. Thank you, friend.

First time I’ve cried at a fanfic in a long, long time and l think the last time I did (this many tears at least) was at this story. Well done!(:

Luthien was allowed to follow Beren into his own afterlife instead of the Halls of Mandos, why shouldn't Legolas be allowed to do the same for Gimli? Don't worry, dear author, you do have a precedent to work from.

One of the most beautiful stories I've ever read! I cried and smiled and was deep in thought. Thank you for this incredible piece of art.

This story is amazing

you made me cry so much... but also smile in the end
... Beautifully written... *still sobbing*

This story was beautiful to read, an emotional at that too! It's been a long time since I have had tears brought to my eyes when reading a fanfiction - one so short too. Well done! I loved every word of it.

bravo!

When I clicked on this title, I didn't think I would be sucked into its depths so immediately, nor that I'd find it to be a treasure among tales. And I most certainly did not imagine that it would touch me at my very core. I am a rather hard person to make cry over a story - not because I don't get the feels, but because the writing has to be perfect to turn on the water faucet - but you can be proud of yourself, because you did it.

I'm actually glad that Legolas chose to die. From the moment of Gimli's death and the way the story progressed from there, it seemed as if everything was leading up to Legolas's own departure. Any other choice would have made me feel cheated - and to be honest, this development is such a refreshing change from the way most of these stories go. The last-minute realization that one 'has to live' is a terrific dramatic element, and perfectly acceptable - even absolutely desirable - in a lot of fictional situations - but it does get a bit tiring after a while, and on occasion a twist in the opposite direction is just what's needed. So I'm glad it happened here - it is, in fact, the key feature of this story that compels me to add it to my favorites.

The only (minor) thing I felt was lacking was Thranduil. Given that it was his only son who decided to break all known laws regarding Elves and death, I would have liked to see his reaction.

Other than that, I have nothing to say, except...

Bloody well done.

I Wept

this was stirring beyond all words, heartbreaking and uplifting, perfect and imperfect. I cried twice (not an easy feat), the first of sorrow and the second I can not honestly decide whether in joy or grief.

I've...honestly never hit the favorite button this fast before.

I've done my fair share of crying for the past few months, but this is the first time the back of my tongue felt so freaking heavy. I couldn't talk and was completely silent throughout the three chapters. This is death done right. It's beautiful.

I read the note... *cries harder* I can't believe an explanation would make me cry. Snap, I hate you but love you at the same time. Well done! That was a fun and exhausting read, but eye opening and heart warming. I am glad they rejoined each other. :3

Snap, I was the guest *crying* about my fragile heart... xD My account logged out on its own. :3

Aghh... *Cries harder* You've harmed my fragile heart once more. I read onto the next, hoping to free thy tears from my eye sockets. (TuT) *cries* Ugh...