Both Noldorin kingdoms solidify. Walls go up, crops grow, and the orcs are too easily repelled to seem like much of an existential threat. With survival no longer an immediate emergency, they're free to build up in other ways. 

We need firepower. We know there are powerful elementals on the Ice, since it's all unpopulated and dominated by natural forces. But even if we catch some, snow isn't exactly a weapon. Is there anywhere else like that?

Both Noldorin kingdoms solidify. Walls go up, crops grow, and the orcs are too easily repelled to seem like much of an existential threat. With survival no longer an immediate emergency, they're free to build up in other ways. 

Amber confers with the other Nolofinwean practitioners, We need firepower. We know there are powerful elementals on the Ice, since it's all unpopulated and dominated by natural forces. But even if we catch some, snow isn't exactly a weapon. Is there anywhere else like that?