Harry awoke slowly. Everything felt weightless, like he was floating in a pool of water. He slowly cracked one eye open to see a room painted in soft, muted colors. The windows had been left open, and a lazy breeze stirred the curtains. He cracked open the other eye, but then groaned as pain lanced through his forehead.

He clapped both hands over his scar, as a worried voice said, "Eclipse! Are you alright?"

He felt a cool hand move over his own, and Harry squinted up at Legolas. He took a few deep breaths, and the pain became more manageable.

"It's been a while since my scar acted up; I'd forgotten what it felt like."

"What scar?"

Harry felt back over his forehead but there was no tell-tale bump of raised skin. He had forgotten; the scar had disappeared with his Burning Day. He had never thought he would miss his scar, but the absence made him feel off-kilter.

"I used to have headaches - it's been awhile since my head hurt like this. Since everything hurt like this," he replied, trying to sit up in the bed. His limbs protested and pain lanced through his head once more. Legolas gently pushed Harry back down onto the bed."Not so fast. You exhausted yourself at Minas Morgul."

"Minas - where am I?" Harry looked down in alarm at his hands, which were pink and fleshy instead of clawed. His memories were coming back to him. The initial fight, Legolas getting hurt… "Are you okay? You were stabbed."

There was a pause, and Harry remembered with a start that Legolas wasn't on speaking terms with him. He opened his mouth to offer an apology when Legolas spoke.

"I am fine, thanks to you," the elf offered Harry a small smile. It quickly turned to a worried frown as he continued to speak. "Many of the orcs also owe you their thanks. Those that received your tears transformed into something not-quite-human, but much closer than before. While some continued to fight, a great many dropped their arms and bade peace with us. Many are in nearby rooms, healing."

"What of the others? Surely I did not heal them all?"

"No, but not for lack of trying. We almost lost you, Eclipse. You've been asleep for the last four days."

Harry couldn't remember the last time he had exhausted himself that badly. There had been one time, during the war, when he was out for three days. Four was a new record.

"And everyone else is okay? Gimli? Gandalf?"

"We are both fine," Gandalf said, and Harry looked up to see the wizard and Gimli standing in the doorway. Gandalf's robes had been cleaned since the battle, but his face remained lined with weariness.

"We are more than fine!" Gimli said cheerfully. "Though you cut the battle short, we can still claim a great victory. We drained the vats and broke the machinery that operated them, while the orcs that had not been transformed fled in terror. Prince Faramir remained with a few soldiers to root out the remaining enemy, while the rest of us marched back to Minas Tirith."

"A victory indeed," Gandalf agreed, but his eyes remained shadowed. "Yet also our biggest tragedy. Now that we know the orc's origins are reversible… Harry, I must ask you: how did you come by such magic? Even the smallest insight may prove immensely valuable."

Harry shook his head.

"I'm sorry, Gandalf. There is still much about magic I don't know. All phoenix possess healing tears. I could cry tears into a bottle and perhaps you could replicate it."

"A wise suggestion. I will return once you have a chance to heal."

Gandalf inclined his head and then disappeared back into the corridor. As the Wizard left, muttering to himself, Legolas murmured "He has taken the recent revelations particularly hard. I believe he feels guilty for not realizing the blight of the orcs sooner. Legend says that the first orcs were cursed by a wizard turned evil; yet no one thought the curse still lingered, generations later."

"I hope he can figure something out," Harry said, as he sank back into the bed. He was having a hard time keeping his eyes open; his eyelids felt like lead. "I don't fancy crying for the rest of my life…"

Harry was out by the time his head hit the pillow.

The next time Harry awoke, his head felt clear. Soft light streamed into the room, and all was quiet but for the morning birdsong that drifted into the window. He sat up, testing his strength and was reassured when there was no lingering dizziness.

Harry slowly walked towards the window, gaining surety with every step. The world below was lit in pastel pinks and purples that drifted into deep blue beyond the city. Somewhere out there was Minas Morgul, which had sheltered the shadow creatures but hopefully would no longer.

He took a deep breath, savoring the crisp morning air. It was too lovely a day to be spent indoors again, especially when Harry hadn't slept inside for over a year. He transformed into Eclipse into a single movement and launched himself out the window.

He beat powerful wings up and up and up, until he was high above the tallest tower of the castle. Below, the Minas Tirith lay spread out before him, sparkling in the early morning sun. Here and there were dark patches, areas which had not recovered from the recent war. The people had suffered from the previous war, but were now free of a new evil.

And yet, Harry wondered if it was truly so simple. The battle had gone easily... perhaps too easily? He shook his head, trying to clear the lingering doubts. He had become jaded through the many fights. They had won; there was no need to overthink things.

Below, a ray of sunlight glinted off of the northern tower and illuminated a riot of colors below. Harry flew closer and saw a small garden filled with rows of flowers and herbs that sat in quiet, orderly rows.

Harry landed ungracefully on the soft grass, next to a huge bushel of flowers. Their large red petals looked similar to roses. He took some awkward, shuffling steps across to a nearby bush, grateful that no one was there to witness his ungainly movements.

"Hello, Eclipse." The lilting voice sounded like wind chimes on a cheery day.

Harry turned in surprise, and came face to face with a woman seated cross-legged in the midst of the garden. Her skin was radiant in the morning light and her cascading hair as dark as Eclipse's own feathers. This, he knew, was no mere mortal: this was Lady Arwen, Queen of Gondor.

He hesitated before approaching closer; while Arwen had been present at a few of the council meetings, he had never really met her. However, the decision was taken out of his hands when she said, "Please stay. I would like the company - in whichever form you prefer."

There went that question. Harry supposed it was a good thing that the King and Queen had heard his secret; at least he would not need to explain himself to them. He transformed back so he could chat without craning his neck.

"Hi." Harry said. He wondered if he should bow.

Arwen smiled, showing twin dimples. Harry could see why Aragorn had fallen in love with her; regardless of her outward beauty, she exuded a sense of peace and tranquility.

"Thank you for your actions in Minas Morgul."

Harry shifted. He wasn't sure what to say; he certainly hadn't intended on taking so active a role in the battle.

"To think we have been fighting our own for so long… It will be a difficult road to recovery, but the hardest routes are the most rewarding. I have already written to my father to send his healers." She announced with finality. These orcs-turned-men would be getting help, it seemed – whether they wanted it or not.

"If I can help in any way, let me know," Harry said.

"You have done more than we could hope, yet I expect we will ask for your talents sooner than later. You are lucky to have a devoted friend who will make sure we do not ask too much of you. I am surprised Legolas let you out of the healer's wing." She said with a knowing smile. Arwen seemed to guess that Harry had not had this particular outing approved by Legolas.

"I hope we are still friends," Harry said with a sigh. "I should have told him sooner. I'm afraid he wasn't pleased with me before we rode on Minas Morgul."

Arwen nodded with understanding.

"He confided in me before he left. I don't believe his feelings were the type to fester. Especially in the face of seeing a loved one in danger. It tends to put smaller arguments into perspective."

"Oh? I mean, we care for each other, of course…" Harry trailed off and turned to look at a nearby flower intently.

Arwen reached over to pluck the flower and add it to a small pile at her feet.

"I must be off. I bring flowers to the healing halls every morning to brighten up the rooms. Typically, Legolas is already awake and fussing over you by then - you may consider sneaking back in before he notices your disappearance."

She shot him a mischievous grin, she gracefully rose and exited the garden.

Harry remained lost in thought for a few minutes after Arwen left, mulling over what she said. Then a sunbeam landed directly on his face and squinted, looking up at the sky. It was almost mid-morning. Harry quickly transformed back into Eclipse; Arwen may have had a point about the healing wing. Harry quickly shut his eyes and disappeared with a small 'pop'.

Arwen was right; Legolas arrived with breakfast not longer after Harry had stealthily retreated back under the covers. Either Harry had underestimated the elf, or the Queen had slipped him a word, for after breakfast Legolas suggested they go enjoy the gardens for a bit.

It was the height of summer, and the flowers were in full bloom. Their perfume clung to Harry's nose as they strolled amongst the garden. Finally, Legolas spoke.

"It's a nice change from the room, isn't it?"

"It is." Harry agreed. It was nice, Harry reflected to spend time with the elf like this. Yet his words to Arwen lingered in the back of his mind, until Harry could no longer hold them in. He had to know.

"Are you still mad at me?"

Legoals looked over at Harry, startled. He shook his head slowly.

"I was angry," the elf said pensively, "But more at myself than you. I felt foolish to have missed all of the signs for so long, and hurt that you did not trust me with your secret sooner. Yet when I saw you fall from the sky, right after you had healed me no less, I was ashamed for having kept you away. You are my friend, Harry. No matter what arguments we may have."

Harry smiled, feeling an invisible weight rise from his chest.

"I feel the same."

"Though… I do have a few questions, in retrospect," Legolas said, looking at Harry in askance. At Harry's nod, the elf continued. "So you are a wizard, correct? Of what color?"

For a moment, Harry was thrown by the question, then he remembered a few other off-hand remarks by Gimli and Gandalf about Brown and Grey and White Wizards. He shook his head.

"I'm not. Or, at least, I don't think I am one. I'm… something else."

He always seemed to be an oddity, no matter what world he was in. Harry sighed, looking out over the garden. Everyone in Gondor had a place, a purpose. What was his? He didn't know. He wasn't sure if he had ever known, outside of fighting Voldemort.

"I'd believe that," Legolas said. "Most ithron are not quite as direct as you. You are refreshing." He gave a slight smile to show he meant no implied insult in the words.

"So - what now? Do you hope to fly off to Fangorn Forest again, to spend your days eating berries and singing to the Ents?"

"I'm… not sure. I hadn't realized how vast Middle Earth is. I would like to see more of it." Harry paused here, as he abruptly became aware of a new hope unfurling within his chest. "I… I would like to see more of it with you and the others."

"We may need to part ways soon. I must return to my people soon, but I would be honored if you would accompany me for the journey."

"To the elves?" Harry asked, wrinkling his nose. Lothlorien was quite enough for his experience; he had hoped Legolas and Gimli had planned to travel the world, or at least visit more hospitable places. Surely the dwarves would have more welcoming cities, at the very least.

" I am an elf."

"Yes, but you're different."

"I know you did not have the best reception with most elves, but Mirkwood would be different." Harry remained unconvinced. Legolas must have sensed his reticence, as the elf continued in a more subdued tone. "You don't have to if you are so opposed to the idea, but I would like to show you my home."

Harry plucked absently at the grass as he considered the Legolas's offer. Lothlorien hadn't been all bad. Perhaps Legolas made a fair point. "I guess I could stop by." He cautiously amended.

A brilliant smile met his words.

"Thank you, Harry. I know you're cautious around strangers, but I've come to care deeply for you over the course of our journey. I've also noticed…" the elf hesitated. "I've noticed that you seem very alone at times. You should know that Gandalf, Gimli and I are always here for you; but you might also do well with more friends. Not that I'm saying you need friends! What I mean to say: I want you to be happy, Harry."

While Harry had become defensive at the first criticism of his lifestyle, his angry retort died away with Legolas' last admission. Given the elf's honesty, Harry thought he could give him the same.

"I'm sorry. The war – my war," he amended, "has made it hard for me to open up. I keep expecting to wake up alone again. But since being with you all, I'm beginning to see that maybe isolation is not the answer. I can't promise I'll get happier overnight, but I'll try. Starting with these other elves."

"All I ask is that you give them a chance," said the elf. Their conversation slowly turned to lighter topics, as Harry felt a strange emotion bubbling up in his chest. Hope.

A voice calling out to the both of them quickly broke the mood.

"Harry, Legolas - there you are."

The king stepped into the garden, trailed by a few of his ever-present advisors. The small courtyard quickly felt claustrophobic. "Sorry to disturb you, but we heard you are in better health."

"He's still recovering," Legolas rejoined. "What is it that could not wait?"

"One of our men just arrived from Minas Morgul. We had left a company to finish cleaning out the old catacombs below that cursed city; they were expected to return two days ago. Instead, only one appeared today. He… well, you should hear directly from him."

A dark man stepped out from behind the king. He looked weary, but straightened as all eyes turned to look at him.

"My lords. Commander Faramir found several exits from the main underground cavern. We pursued each of these in groups and killed several orcs that sought to oppose us. My group was the only one to make it back to the main cavern. We followed one of the other trails and hardly crept down it before we saw Falroy - one of our comrades. He was frozen in place. We dared not go forward; the shadows seemed to come alive under the torchlight and we heard an ominous rumbling noise. We turned and fled back to the cavern, but...but I was the only one who made it out of the tower alive."

The grim faced man fell silent, as Aragorn looked directly at Harry.

"You have done so much, yet I have more to ask of you. You are the only one with the ability to sneak into Minas Morgul undetected. Please see if any of my men survive. We will send a large force, but it will take several days before they will arrive."

"He's not healed," Legolas then interjected. "He only just moved out of bed today."

"I'll do it," Harry said, cutting off Legolas. "Tomorrow, at the first light of morning." He wanted to end this evil - once and for all.