Glorfindel returned much earlier than expected.
Segimli claimed that Glorfindel would have to experience hunger, cold and a rotten environment for at least 10 days before he could catch up, but he forgot that all Elves were clean freaks. There was just no way Glorfindel could rest in that kind of environment.
Glorfindel forced himself to stay awake for 4 days straight until he walked out of the territory of Lake Salgar. He then slept for a whole day before rushing back.
He was in such a hurry, not because he could predict that Melody would seduce away a large number of Elves from Rivendell, but because he was afraid that Legolas and Galadriel would seize the opportunity of Elrond's death to persuade the stronger Elders in Rivendell to leave.
