FOTR/seek the counsel of others
From Create Your Own Story
Gandalf began arrangements for a meeting of the White Council at the Gray Havens. This had to be done in utter secrecy, so that the enemy would not know that the leaders of the free peoples were convening in one place - even if that place was protected by some of the strongest magic in the world.
Careful communication took a long time, and it was some months before he could arrange for all of the members of the White Council to be with Cirdan at the Gray Havens. Cirdan never left his post, and sent counselors to WHite Council meetings held elsewhere. My arranging this meeting to take place in his city, Gandalf was sending a signal that the topic was urgent.
Before he left Hobitton, he met with Strider - who had strengthened the watch of rangers protecting the Shire.
At the White Council meeting, a number of options were discussed.
Decision
Which option should Gandalf support?
- The Council should ask the eagles to transport Aragorn into Mordor so he can destroy the Ring
- The Ring should be given to one of the Elven Lords, so they can use it in open warfare against Sauron - seeking to destroy his forces and all those who were loyal to him.
- The Ring should be sailed across the sea to Valinor
- The Ring should be hidden in the Gray Havens forever.