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~ The Council ~
Elraen was invited to join the council, for she like many of the others had come from afar for guidance. She sat not far from the wizard, her own sword across her lap, wearing her riding clothes again.
After introducing the Lord Boromir, Elrond introduced her briefly as "Elraen, another traveler out of the south. She carries the short sword of Meneldil which she inherited from her father, Prince Tuor. Though the line of kings was broken in the south, she is nevertheless the last known heir of the Royal House of Gondor. I have invited her here because she also has journeyed far searching for answers." The man of Gondor looked at her in wonder, pondering what to make of her.
She rather liked the newcomer from the land of her mother and father, as she too had felt some offense at Elrond's remarks about the waning of Gondor and the mingling with 'lesser men'.
She grew a bit unnerved when Gandalf got to announcing what was written on the ring. She held her breath, and for a moment the clouds gathered overhead.
Elraen did also grow concerned that the Gondoran warrior did not seem to be listening to all the grave warnings. "Begging your pardon, good Sir," she said when he pleaded with the Council to use the thing. "You did hear what happened to Isildur? A Numenorean himself of great worth and valor. This thing is made with evil magic; it seems to have a mind of its own, if you will. How could any of us expect to fare better than he?"
The southern nobleman only stopped and stared at her for a moment with no reply. It seemed as if, by using the story of the famous warrior from the early days of the Kingdoms, her point was good enough to at least give him a moment's pause. He furrowed his brow, seemingly working out another protest with which to respond, when Elrond then stepped in with his own rejection.
Later that evening, the Master of the Last Homely House posed the question again. "So, child, have you found the answers you seek? Do you know now what you desire to do?"
She looked at him for a moment in thought. She straightened up and lifted her chin. "Yes, Master Elrond," said Elraen, now more assured and resolute. "I desire to go to Gondor. For there it seems all roads lead, including mine. I think it would be best not to get there before Gandalf and his Fellowship do, but I would not tarry here long."
Elraen had tried to join the scouting trips, knowing she could be useful against the Nine, but Aragorn wouldn't hear of it, and worried that she had too little fear. She had thought to protest but remembered Lord Cirdan's warning, and let the matter go.