[greyhavener]

The ring would have betrayed Boromir just as it betrayed Isildur. Boromir would have died anyway. The ring would have taken a different journey, this time perhaps into Sauron's hands. Perhaps not. After all, "There are other forces at work." Perhaps some other Hobbit or another creature would have found it and fulfilled the quest instead of Frodo. Gandalf, Aragorn, and Elrond would have remained vigilant and perhaps found another opportunity.

If their time passed, others would have taken up the torch. The story might be altered, Middle Earth might have experienced another Dark Age, but while good remained, I do not believe the Valar would abandon Middle Earth. Where there are true and faithful hearts, hope remains.

[ November 26, 2002: Message edited by: greyhavener ]