Elrond saw the Balrog-slayers together - Gandalf, Grey-no-longer, and Glorfindel, twice-born who had seen the light of the Trees - showing the same dazzling sheen as sun-sparked snow when even elvish eyes squint lest they be blinded. But when he approached them, standing high on the walls of the White City facing the unshadowed Eastern skies, Glorfindel seemed drawn and faded.

“I came to Middle-earth again, yet I played no part in this victory.”

Elrond laid Vilya-adorned hand on his friend’s shoulder. “You have more strength than strength of arms and many have relied on you through all this Age.”