Solatiri looked around as everyone clapped. Blushing, she smiled and bowed before taking a seat next to Boromir.

"Where did you learn that?" he asked. "That is no folk song of Gondor."

"It is an Elvish poem", Solatiri answered. "I read it in a book from Lord Elrond's library."

"It was beautiful. Your voice was, is beautiful."

"Boromir…"

Solatiri and Boromir leaned in as if to kiss, but was interrupted as the food was served. They ate in silence, only speaking to ask or answer a question.

"Boromir", Solatiri started. "Will I be permitted to attend the Council tomorrow?"

"Out of the question", he answered.

"Is there any reason why I can't come? I traveled all this way!"

"You traveled to accompany me to a Council that I had been summoned to while you have not. Ergo, you are not permitted to attend the Council."

Solatiri looked down at her plate and ate in silence. She felt hurt that she was being left out. Whatever the Council was for must be very important if every race of Middle-Earth was attending. She should be involved too.

"If I may, Boromir", Solatiri said standing. "I will take my leave and retire to my chambers for the night."

"Would you like me to come with you?" he asked.

"No, that will not be necessary", she said. "Enjoy your meal."

Solatiri turned and walked out of the hall with her head down. She wanted to attend the Council, but how could she? There would be nothing but males, no females would be present. The Elves would easily spot her.

"Lady Solatiri…"

She looked up to see Arwen standing before her.

"My Lady", Solatiri bowed.

"You wish to attend the Council, do you not?" Arwen asked.

"How did you know that?"

"Come with me."

Arwen turned and walked down the empty hallway. Solatiri followed feeling greatly confused. The two stopped on a balcony overlooking the woods, as well as a row of chairs that stood in a circle. In the middle of that circle was a pedestal.

"What is this place?" Solatiri asked.

"The Council will be held here tomorrow morning", Arwen said. "If you wish to come, this is the place. This place where you and I stand will be a haven for you."

"Will I be able to hear them?"

"Yes."

Solatiri smiled as she bowed her head.

"Lady Arwen, how can I express my gratitude?" she asked.

"The one you hold dear will need you before the end of this", Arwen said. "Do not abandon him."

"I will never leave him."

Solatiri stood in the balcony overlooking the Council. The races from the banquet the night before had been seated as Elrond stood greeting everyone, calling the meeting to order.

"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old", he started. "You've been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor."

Solatiri gasped as she listened. This was a serious matter.

"Middle-Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite, or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom."

Elrond looked at the young Hobbit who sat next to the Wizard.

"Bring forth the Ring, Frodo."

Frodo? That was his name? Such an odd name for a small being. The Hobbit known as Frodo stood as he placed the One Ring on the pedestal.

"So it is true", Boromir murmured being the first to speak.

Solatiri watched him feeling a sense of worry creep into her heart. Boromir did not sound like himself for a moment.

"Boromir, what are you doing?" Solatiri whispered as she watched him stand.

"In a dream", he started. "I saw the eastern sky grow dark…but in the West a pale light lingered. A voice was crying "Your doom is near at hand. Isildur's Bane is found."

Boromir stepped closer to the pedestal reaching his hand out for the Ring.

"Isildur's Bane…"

"Boromir…"

"Boromir!" Elrond yelled standing.