The final separation of men and elves comes to pass. The elves, weary in the world now that their protected realms have faded, pass away to Valinor, an immortal land where they can find rest and respite. Their departure is a loss both for the elves themselves (who must leave the land where they first awoke) and Middle-earth, which loses their wisdom and beauty. With the end of the Third Age and the departure of the elves comes the Dominion of Men that Ilúvatar foretold, when time passes beyond what the Music of the Ainur conceived of and men are free to create their own fates. Still, the loss of the elves is another step in the decline of Arda towards an eventual end. And, though it will end, it will also be remade in the second Music of the Ainur, when men and elves will be reunited at last.