"What do you think?"
Aeglirion pondered for a moment. "I think the Union is a good idea. It's time for us to fight back again."
Partheron nodded. The news was good to both soldiers; an assault on Angband. "Almost twenty years have we sat on our hills!" cried the Elf. "Goblins roam unchecked in the North, and we have but watched. Our lord Maedhros is good to devise such an alliance."
"I hope that old quarrels do not come between good folk and the destruction of the Enemy."
"Hmph. I doubt it. Despite of what happened with lords Celegorm and Curufin I doubt Thingol and Orodreth stay aside. They are fools if they think they can hold against Morgoth without the help of our lords and Fingon, and if we do not take the offence now, the hosts of Angband grow too strong to resist."
"And the Hidden King?"
"He might hide, but I doubt he does, for he will see our triumph and will not be left out of the glorious deeds that will be done."
The two friends were silent for a while. Aeglirion felt that even his friend had his doubts, whether willing or not to show them. But he was content for now; Partheron spoke good words and true.
Aeglirion stood up. "Well, we shouldn't get too far into the times times to come. Much work shall be done ere we march on Anfauglith."
"True words, my friend," replied Partheron. "As I said, we'll march on Dorthonion first and cleanse that land. A fitting act."
Aeglirion left for the smithy as Partheron started working on his orders - he'd been named captain. As he walked up the hill to the citadel gates, Aeglirion adressed the burning question in his mind; how would the Enemy react?
He entered the the gates and strode for the smithy. His new shield was due today, something he had waited for quite some time. Aeglirion greeted the blacksmith - one of the many within the walls - and exchanged a few words with him about his work and the news. Then the smith proceeded to present the shield. It was a beautiful piece of work, with a silvery many-rayed star boss and damascened edges. Aeglirion thanked the steel-shaper many times and left happily with his new shield and wagered that the smith was pleased also, with the jewelry Aeglirion had used as payment.
A few days passed. The companies began their march west, up the hills. Battles ensued, nothing grand but battles nonetheless. And on one Midsummer's day, a great beacon was lit.
