Prologue:

Long ago, when the Dark Lord was newly defeated and the fate of the Ring of Power rested in the hands of Isildur…

"Cast it into the fire!" commanded Elrond Half-elven.

Holding the Ring up for inspection, Isildur considered for a moment before closing his fist around it.

"No." he replied, just loud enough to be heard, a strange glint in his eye as he walked away.

"Isildur!" Elrond beseeched but to no avail. The newest king of men would not be swayed from his decision.

The half elf was left standing over the fiery chasm of Mount Doom.

…unease welled up in the Vala queen Vairë's heart. Weaving ahead in the Tapestry of Time, her nimble fingers making quick work of what could be history, she looked into the events of the future. Greatly alarmed by what she saw, she sought out the help of the other Valar, only receiving help from her spouse Mandos and his brother Lorien. Together they began their preparations.