The trio stepped into the next level, and found themselves in a grand hall filled with wise-looking beings from all corners of the realm. The air was thick with the scent of old wisdom, and the sound of whispers filled the air.
The Oracle's voice boomed once more, "Welcome, heroes. You have reached the Council of Elders. Here, you will face your greatest challenge yet."
The Council's members began to gather around them, their eyes gleaming with ancient knowledge. Lirien, Arin, and Eira felt a mix of excitement and trepidation as they prepared to face this new test.
The Council's leader, an ancient being named Zorvath, spoke in a voice that echoed through the ages. "You have proven your worth by reaching this far. But to proceed further, you must prove your wisdom."
Zorvath presented them with three ancient artifacts, each representing a different aspect of wisdom: compassion, knowledge, and courage. "Choose one artifact to take with you on your journey," he said. "But be warned: the choice you make will shape the path ahead."
Lirien's eyes sparkled as she gazed at the artifacts. Arin's analytical mind began to whir as he studied each one. Eira's empathetic nature drew her to the artifact that represented compassion.
he trio's hesitation was palpable as they stood before the Council of Elders. Zorvath's eyes seemed to bore into their souls, as if searching for a hint of their true intentions. Suddenly, the Oracle's voice echoed in their minds once more.
"Ah, but I see you are still undecided. Very well, I shall give you a riddle to ponder. The answer will reveal your true path."
The Oracle presented them with a riddle:
"A being that is blind, yet sees all. A creature that is silent, yet speaks with a thousand voices. What am I?"
Lirien's eyes sparkled with insight, Arin's analytical mind whirred with possibilities, and Eira's empathetic nature sensed the depth of the riddle.
The trio pondered the riddle, their minds racing with possibilities. Lirien's analytical mind tried to break it down, Arin's empathetic nature searched for hidden meanings, and Eira's creative spark imagined scenarios.
Suddenly, Lirien's eyes lit up. "I think I have it!" she exclaimed. "The answer is... a river!"
The Oracle nodded, a hint of a smile on her face. "Ah, yes. The river is indeed the answer. It is blind, yet sees all through its flow. And it is silent, yet speaks with a thousand voices through its gentle babbling."
Arin's eyes widened in understanding. "Ah, I see! The river is a symbol of wisdom, flowing effortlessly through the land."
Eira's creative mind began to dance with ideas. "And the river's many voices are the whispers of the land itself, sharing its secrets with those who listen."
Zorvath nodded in approval. "Well done, heroes. Your wisdom has guided you to the correct answer. You may now choose an artifact from the Council's treasury."
The trio approached the treasure chest, their hearts racing with excitement. Three artifacts lay within: a scroll of ancient knowledge, a crystal of courage, and a vial of healing elixir.