Who can finish my sentence with style?

[JJLogan]

[I]
Okay, this should come naturally to one of you accomplished writers out there! I have my own ideas, but I would love to see what you can do with this sentence. It's for a non-fiction piece about the American Civil War.

"Four years later, as the clouds of war darkened, (or: ___________________________________) he married ..."

My thoughts:

a) the winds of war were strengthening/intensifying/gathering
b) war clouds were gathering/massing/growing darker
c) the crescendo for war was building/mounting/rising
d) the march toward war was by now almost inevitable/unavoidable/relentless
e) the march toward war was becoming daunting/relentless
f) war fever was spreading/broadening/becoming rampant
g) war lust was expanding/mounting/swelling/heating up
h) war lust had become sultry/fiery
i) war cries had grown shrill/vulgar/sharper


Which one or combination do you feel is best. Or feel free to ignore my suggestions. Thank you!

[Emil Miller]

Okay, this should come naturally to one of you accomplished writers out there! I have my own ideas, but I would love to see what you can do with this sentence. It's for a non-fiction piece about the Civil War.

"Four years later, as the winds of war darkened (or fill in your better phrase indicating that the Civil War was four years away)), he married ..."

Please jump on this with your creative writing talents. Thank you!

Winds do not darken. Therefore I would suggest 'strengthened' as an alternative.

[Calidore]

What's wrong with your own ideas? List 'em, and we'll be happy to offer opinions on the best one or suggestions for improvement.

I also agree with Emil.

[JJLogan]

It was supposed to be clouds, but I was distracted at the time. Thanks.

[Calidore]

I still think a) and "strengthening" fits best. Most of the others would read like you're trying too hard, and it looks like the focus of the sentence is the married couple anyway.