Solatiri kept her eyes closed as Boromir sat by her side watching over her. She wanted to see what he would do if he still thought she was hurt. Maybe they would stay together longer. Boromir couldn't send her home if she was still hurt.

"Solatiri, let me know you will be alright", Boromir said.

She had to keep herself from smiling as she felt him take her hand. Normally she wouldn't tolerate such action from any other man. Boromir was the only exception.

"Solatiri, open your eyes", he said. "I wish to see if my friend is still alive."

Solatiri turned her head toward him. She couldn't bear to hear the pain she heard in his voice. Hearing him sad was torture to her.

"Boromir…"

"Solatiri?"

Boromir watched as she opened her eyes a crack. She slowly gripped his hand back as she smiled. Boromir smiled back as he stood.

"Solatiri!" he said. "Thank Isildur you're awake! How are you feeling?"

"Sore", she said as she licked her lips. "And a bit thirsty."

Boromir held a goblet of water up to her lips giving her a drink.

"How long have I been asleep?" Solatiri asked.

"Near to three days", he answered.

"Was I hurt that bad?"

"The worst I had seen you hurt."

Solatiri sat up trying to get comfortable. Boromir watched as the blanket covering her slid down her body, exposing her bare breasts. He quickly turned away before she could see his cheeks turn red.

"Please forgive me", he said.

"For what?" Solatiri asked.

She looked down to see her exposed breasts and quickly covered them with the blanket.

"Oh dear", she said. "I am embarrassed."

"Please, don't be", Boromir said.

"No, I should be. That was inappropriate for you to see."

Solatiri covered her face with her hands.

"Oh if my mother were alive, she would be so disappointed in me."

"Your mother?" Boromir asked. "You don't know who your mother is."

"No, but if she is like most mothers, she would disapprove of what happened. What would your mother say?"

Boromir stayed silent. He had no idea what his mother would say. After her passing, Denethor had forbidden him to talk about her. Denethor would have no one open old wounds by mentioning her.

"Boromir", Solatiri said lightly touching his arm. "I apologize if it was too bold of me to say."

"No, it wasn't", he said taking her hand in his.

Solatiri blushed as he brought it up to his lips and pressed a kiss to it. She looked around the room they were in.

"So we're in Edoras now, are we?" she asked.

"Yes", Boromir answered. "We've been here for two days now. I've been waiting for you to wake up this whole time."

"Well, I'm awake now", Solatiri said with a smile.

"Now we have to wait for you to heal. After that, you should go back to Gondor."

She shook her head.

"I'm coming with you", she said.

"No. A journey like this is much too dangerous for a woman."

"Boromir, I'm stronger than most women. I made it this far, hadn't I? What other woman could've come this far alone?"

"Solatiri…"

Boromir reached out behind her and touched her bandaged back.

"You did not make this journey alone. You were attacked and wounded. I helped you come to Edoras. That is like most women."

Solatiri shook her head as she crossed her arms.

"I am not a child, Boromir. I will not take orders from my friend. You may be the Steward's son, but out here, you are just Boromir. I say I'm coming with you to Rivendell."

"We will talk about this once you've recovered", he said standing. "You are in no shape to travel."

"I can assure you that I will not go back to Gondor without you", Solatiri said.

Boromir said nothing as he left the room. He wondered why Solatiri was so stubborn when it came to him. He wanted her back in Gondor where it was safe. He would never let her go in harm's way.

"All I am doing is for her", he said. "I do this because I..."

Love? Did he love her?

"I care about her. She is my friend."