-=[ #4 - Finwe? and the Silmarils ]=-

You climb up on the foot of the pedestal and lean over the basin.
The water is still. In it, the reflections of stars are motionless.

Suddenly the stars disappear, and the water grows dark.

In the water you see a beautiful white city with many high towers rising to the dark sky.

Far in the distance you hear a few bells gently chime.

The vision moves gently, almost longingly, over the fair houses of the city.

The vision focuses upon the crown of Tuna, and the shape of a tall Elf standing before the gates of the home of a King.

The vision shifts towards a green mound outside the gates of the city upon which two tall trees stand, gleaming in golden splendour and silvery light.

A tall Elf, fair of face, his eyes piercingly bright and his hair raven-dark, stands before two tall trees, watching the light, golden and silver as it shifts through the passing hours.

Briefly the vision darkens, as if a shadow of foreknowledge passes by, telling of a doom that draws near.

The vision shifts, showing hidden smithies and secret forges, tall shapes moving and talking.

The tall Elf can be seen working among the flickering flames.

Shelves and tables laden with glittering gems and dark stones are displayed along the length of the walls.

Suddenly, the vision becomes unfocused and unclear.

The Elf becomes blurred, and his outlines become fierce and fiery, as if a secret fire was kindled within.

The sound of ringing hammers and the hissing of water can be heard.

Suddenly a bright light pierces the vision.

The focus shifts.

Three great jewels lie on a dark pillow. Everything else is dark.

Like diamonds in appearance, they house an inner fire, that is within and yet in all parts of them, and is their life.

Faintly in the background the two trees appear, their leaves of gold and silver shining brightly and gently blending with the light of the luminous gems.

And again, the vision darkens, as if a dark shadow swiftly passed by.

As clarity returns to the vision, a great wailing of despair can be heard, the sound of a thousand voices crying out in grief beyond comprehension.

The image returns to the three jewels, and faintly, in the background, there can be seen the dying remnants of the two great trees, Telperion and Laurelin.

A slight shimmer runs across the surface of the silver basin.

Slowly, the vision begins to fade.

The vision fades, and you find that you are looking at the cool stars twinkling in the silver basin.