I've promptly placed this on my list of favorite stories, because I absolutely adore your story. Your characterizations of Beleg, Mablung and Thingol are perfect. The entire story is wonderful, and I will re-read this over and over. Thank you for sharing!

This is a wonderful story! It answers a question that I have pondered? What must it have been like to have approached Thingol for permission to go to the  Nírnaeth Arnoediad. The examination of the state of things in his court by that point in history rings very true for me. I also can accept the deterioration of the relationship between him and Melian by that time. Her behavior in your story can be traced to hints in canon of her mistrust of his involvement with the Silmaril.

Best of all I very much like the idea that Beleg and Mablung had the courage and initiative to participate in what was the last best hope at moment to overcoming the enemy. For one not to have wanted to be part of the effort seemed to me that one must have been in denial, delusional, or a little crazy.

It's terrific how much detail and amount of examination of the question you have managed to squeeze into so few words. I was thrilled when you told me that you also read my Beleg character bio which gave you some insight into how they might have felt about approaching Thingol and expressing a desire to join in that struggle. Sure way to win the heart of a recipient in a fic swap! Thank you again so very much for the lovely story.

I think you've done remarkably well describing that decision process--the way you move back and forth between Beleg and his thoughts and his interactions with Thingol and Mablung. It is very well paced. Also, the background is very well done; it gives me a real feel for Doriath as a place to live and as a society. (Sorry for the style of this comment--I seem to have run out of adverbs at the moment!)