Estel listened enraptured while his foster father spoke. Only when the story was concluded did he speak.
“Why did the One allow Melkor to spoil the music the other Ainur created?”
Elrond was silent for a few moments lost in thought.“Maybe this is how it was meant to be. Would we recognise light if there were no darkness, good if there were no evil, joy if there were no sorrow?”
“But how much happier everyone would be if Melkor's discords had not spoiled the harmonies of the Music of Creation!”
“Remember though, Estel, he only spoiled the music twice. The One would not let him spoil the final theme and it was from this that the One brought Elves and Men into being.”
“Then the music is not spoiled ?”
“Only if we allow the Evil One to prevail, Estel.” Elrond fell silent again thinking of his wife whom he could not heal. “One day, Arda will be renewed and her hurts healed forever.”
“But what about everyone who is hurting before then?” Estel persisted.
Elrond could only shake his head sadly. To some questions, even the wise lord of Imladris had no answers.