Boromir's POV

I never really understood Gandalf. I had first met him in Gondor when I was a child and unfortunately had to admit that I had drawn the same conclusion as my father – Gandalf was not to be trusted.

But now, having travelled with him for two months and watching him fight the Balrog, I found my opinion of him changing. The wizard, while his ways had been very different from the ways of my people, had never put himself first and was someone I would trust with my life.

I stood beside Aragorn and watched as he fought, preventing the Balrog moving forwards, giving us a chance to run.

My hand was on the hilt of my sword and I was on steeling myself to run back to Gandalf's side, when I felt something brush past me. Looking round I saw Frodo putting my thought into action. I sprang forward and grabbed him around the chest. Me running to Gandalf's side was one thing but there was no way that this halfling was going to return to his side.

Then he fell.

I felt Frodo give way in my arms as he screamed into the darkness. I picked him up and ran out of the Mines, turning only once to call after Aragorn who had not moved.

No sooner had I deposited a still struggling Frodo on the ground than I had my arms around Gimli who was fighting tooth and nail in an attempt to re-enter the Mines. I pulled with all my might and finally I managed to turn him around.

I stared around and saw that Merry and Pippin were crumpled on the ground; the youngest one had tears streaming down his face. He had the innocence and courage that reminded me of my brother. An image stirred in my memory and my stomach reeled, sending bile into my throat.

Faramir!

Oh no! How was my little brother going to take the news that the wizard was dead? All the love he had been denied by our father, Faramir had found in Gandalf. Now he to would deprive him of love.

Stumbling over to the young halflings, I went to my knees. As I landed on the ground, I found Pippin's arms around my neck and he cried heavily into my shoulder. I wrapped one arm around him and looked at Merry. He looked as though he was fighting not to cry. Tears swimming in my eyes and running down my cheeks I opened my other arm to him. The halfling welcomed the embrace and he too cried into my shoulder. My own tears continued to fall and together we stayed and wept over the fallen wizard.

When I heard Aragorn telling everyone that they had to get up and moving, I felt a jolt of anger ram down my spine. Releasing the halflings I stood and turned violently towards the Ranger.

What did he know? He went around Middle-Earth not caring for anyone but himself, living by his sword. What did he know about the loss of a fellow warrior, a company member?

"Let them rest! They've been through and terrible ordeal!" I meant mainly Merry and Pippin who were both so young and shouldn't be mixed up in this. I didn't comprehend Aragorn's reply and stared blankly after him as he moved to Frodo's side. I turned back to Merry and Pip and after giving both another hug I helped them to their feet.

We should have taken the Gap of Rohan and the road to my City; Minas Tirith is the safer road.