As a child, Boromir was like a magpie, attracted to anything bright and shining. In the room he shared with his brother was a small carved wooden chest where he kept all his treasures: a bit of smooth colored glass he'd found at his uncle's, a shiny polished stone, and other bits and baubles.

He'd had the Fellowship in tears one night describing how fascinated he'd been with his father's sword, following him around and tugging at it.

Now, watching Boromir watch the Ring, Aragorn hoped that the old magpie instinct was all that motivated him--but he feared not.