'I've heard that, Thurin Dwarf-Master!' Ofnir said. 'One would think a dwarf would be more enthusiastic about dark places under the earth! On now! For you might be the first to find gems yet unseen by Durin's folk.'

As they went on the elvish lanterns began to glow before them further and further until at least they passed through an archway into a wider, cavernous hall. A gentle stream ran from the direction of the passage they had come from, and seven pillars held the roof carved from stone and many runes were set upon them. The ceiling was decorated with scenes from history, showing the awakening elves under the stars.

Ofnir held his staff up and light from it illuminated the hall, silent save for the murmur of the water.

'Well, Thurin... I assume you would prefer a smithy over elvish sentiments,' he said and looked about him. Suddenly the arch they passed through was shut by a sliding stone door, and no hand, or spell Ofnir knew, could move it.
'There's only one way out of this, it seems.'

Walking around with light he found that three more passages led from the hall. Above one was carved the 'V' rune; above one the 'N' rune; and above the third the 'T' rune.

'Elves indeed!' Ofnir said. 'These are the initial names of the three tribes of the elves, or so I think: Vanyar, Noldor, and Teleri. It seems that we have a choice to make as to which path to tread, for I am afraid that as soon as we pass into one of these passages the door behind us will fall and no return will be possible.'

He sat down and lit his pipe. That always made his thinking easier. 'Take a rest, and think of what is to be done with our choice! The first path should be that of a journey and fairness, as as the way of the Vanyar; the second that of war and craft, as was the way of the Noldor; and the last the way of the lingering, but fair-voiced Teleri.' Smoke went up towards the ceiling and formed into swan-ships before disappearing in the gloom. 'And don't you dare do anything loud!'

[@Vas Khaleen][@Gate Keeper][@Azazaa][@Tombprince][@POOHEAD189]