Boromir shivered, but the night chill could not penetrate his soul, for deep inside where none could see, a blaze had been alight for as long as he could remember. "Legolas," he whispered to the elf who shared his watch.

"Yes?"

"I do not want the ring for myself, nor for Gondor."

Legolas looked deep into his eyes and saw truth and longing where others saw greed. "You want it for one you love."

Boromir sighed. "I seek only to protect my brother. To give him strength."

The elf looked sad. "No other will believe you."

"Do you?"

"Yes, Boromir."

End