By the time all the troops had left the newly pacified Ithilien under the gaze of the Evil Eye and returned to the White City through Cair Andros, news of their victory had spread throughout Gondor.
From magnificent Minas Tirith to bustling Pelargir, it was everywhere.
In every town with a tavern, bards were composing songs to celebrate this great victory.
Without exception, their songs praised the commanders who had planned the campaign and the warriors who had fought so fearlessly.
They told stories of battles against wicked, vicious enemies fought to preserve the kingdom's peace.
As time passed and people continued to sing those songs, the outstanding figures featured in them would surely become famous throughout Middle-earth.
Longing for home, Lindir led the elves of Lindon back to Eriador along the Great Road after resting in the White City for just one day.
Before leaving, however, he invited Allen to visit Rivendell whenever the King of Rhovanion could spare the time.
The elves there would offer their honored guest a warm welcome.
Legolas, who had been defending Morgul Valley, had indeed fought a force sent to reinforce Mordor.
Those dark-skinned people had even brought several enormous elephants with them.
But the elves' superb archery soon brought down the beasts they commanded.
The southern barbarians who had come to support Mordor were swiftly routed by the allied army of dwarves and humans.
At the banquet held in Gondor, Legolas told Allen that he intended to visit Lindon and hoped Allen could take his people back to his father on the way home.
In fact, the prince, who was still considered young among elves, intended to travel through Eriador for a while and had no plans to return to Mirkwood.
Both Círdan of the Grey Havens and Lindir of Rivendell had