Galadriel Rocks
Went to SoA and found this quote:
"I it was who first summoned the White Council. And if my designs had not gone amiss, it would have been governed by Gandalf the Grey, and then mayhap things would have gone otherwise. But even now there is hope left. I will not give you counsel, saying do this, or do that. For not in doing or contriving, nor in choosing between this course and another, can I avail; but only in knowing what was and is, and in part also what shall be.
I had forgotten about this paragraph at all. On one side I can relate only too well with her words and feelings, mainly those highlighted in green. There is no greater impotence than that of knowing what has to be done, trying to tie up all the threads and then seeing all your work gone to waste because, after all, people are free to commit mistakes, and unless you overpower them and impose your views, which is not an option, you have to give chance and fate its due. Most White Councils I have attended end up like this. As a saying in my line of work goes, the worst lot of a prophet are certainties, rather than foresight. I so hear you, Lady of the Golden Wood!
On the other hand, I now want to write that council. :-)