That would take a book to answer! I think it's also buried in the perspective of the character/author/reader. What kind of book would The Silmarillion be if all of the Noldor turned around and returned to the Valar tails between their legs. 

"Sorry, guys. That was rash. We're back now. Is there something we can do to help get the lights turned back on?"

Crying tears unnumbered here!  Thanks for looking!