[Himaran]

Upon reaching the Council Hall, Bali was instantly impressed. It was a huge cavern, with roughly hewn seats around its sides and several well-crafted ones in its center; much like an auditorium that he had seen in Gondor as child. But what caught his eye was a small pillar, sitting very close to the entrance. Not five paces fro the entrance sat a beautiful crystal, one unlike anything he had ever seen. Its outer ring was translucent, and a small ball of light filled its center. Although the Rhunians seemed to like darkness, the rays from the ball lit up the entire room. Who can tell what it is worth... far more than mithril, at any rate.

Just then, the dwarf turned his attention to the figures in the middle of the Hall. They were large, and sat hunched in their seats; but were shrouded in black hoods such that no skin showed. Bali shuddered inwardly; were they wraiths, or just old men hidden in their cloth tombs of night. Maybe some of each...

The one called Nephil stepped forward, and bowed before them. "Oh Great and Wise ones, Elders of this great world, what do you know of the Quendi? Are they indeed invincible?" He remained in his prone position, waiting for them to speak.

The Elders were silent for a moment. Then one spoke, in a low and raspy voice. "The Quendi is immune to some things.... disease and age perhaps... but not to blades. His flesh can be cut like other beings. A great warrior, yes, but invincible... no."

Nephil turned on Bali him a flash. Screaming angrily, the Rhunians dragged Bali forward. He fought violently, kicking and butting at everything he came into contact with. Suddenly, he felt the knife that the Rhunian had held at his neck lower, and the dwarf shoved himself backwards. His bonds were sliced instantly, and the dwarf leaped off to the side, barrelling through the Rhunians. Stuck in the middle of him, he ducked and dodged their blows and occasionally dove into them; rolling over the ground at a quick speed. In short, the orderly interrogation turned to mayhem. Bali could only hope that their custom was to sacrifice him, and not merely slay him with an arrow. For that would be his doom.