Inspirational ""As strangers we met, as brothers we depart""

[Hollenthon]

Good day everybody,
First of all, thanks a lot for your help with this.

Explaining the reason behind my request... I have a really good friend from America leaving in Europe for quite a while, but he is moving back soon. He studied European History and he is totally in love with the Roman Empire, so I was thinking to buy a replica of the sword used by the Roman soldiers, the gladius. To make it more personal, I was thinking to add some message on the blade in Latin, that could reflect the big bond created during these years.

I believe that the idea/meaning behind is clear, but if you have any doubt, please let me know.

Thanks again for your help,
Kind regards

 

[Agrippa]

As short as possible (lapidary shortness):

Alieni antea, nunc fratres

 

[syntaxianus]

Or this:

Congressi peregrini, digressi fratres.

Meeting [lit. = having met] as strangers, departing [lit. = having departed] as brothers.

 

[Acsacal]

Alter homo venisti, alter ego abiisti.
(if the phrase "alter ego" does exist in Latin, I only know it being used) in French