One to rule them all. | Legolas.

Chapter 3- The journey

Many had risen early, preparing their horses for the journey ahead, when the wolf appeared around the corner, its presence as silent and emotionless as the day before. The Fellowship paused in their work, casting wary glances toward the large black wolf, yet they resumed their tasks without hesitation, their unease growing as the creature approached.

Lord Elrond, having already seen the wolf's silent strength, stepped forward and bowed deeply, acknowledging the creature's importance. The others watched as Aragorn finished saddling his horse, then turned to see Elrond engaged in quiet conversation with the wolf, the great beast responding with subtle nods of its head. There was a strange understanding between them, one that spoke of ancient ties.

With a final nod to the wolf, Elrond straightened, his expression softening into a rare smile. He then turned to address the company. "This is Morwen," he said, his voice firm but warm. "She shall be traveling with you on your journey."

The group murmured their greetings, though most remained cautious, their eyes lingering on the powerful wolf. Frodo, ever curious, approached Morwen without fear. He reached up and gently patted her head. To his surprise, the wolf did not flinch or pull away. She simply stood still, allowing him this gesture of peace. Frodo smiled and then stepped back, rejoining the others.

Legolas, always respectful, approached next. He bowed to the wolf, his movements fluid and graceful. "How are you, Morwen?" he asked, his voice soft and respectful, though the wolf's expression remained unchanged. Morwen turned her head slightly, as though considering the question, before fixing her intense red eyes upon him.

She then nodded her head toward the hobbits, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Legolas, sensing the communication, straightened. "I see," he murmured quietly before returning to his horse.

Aragorn, watching the exchange, raised an eyebrow. "And how shall the hobbits travel?" he asked.

As Morwen moved forward, Legolas answered. "They have permission to ride upon her back. All four of them."

The surprise on Aragorn's face was clear. He looked down at the wolf, who simply nodded her head in acknowledgment, as though to say, I am ready.

Without hesitation, Frodo ran up to the wolf, his eyes filled with both wonder and resolve. The others followed more slowly, their gaze flicking back and forth between the wolf and their horses. Morwen, with an elegance only she possessed, lowered her large body to the ground, allowing the hobbits to climb onto her back. One by one, they carefully settled on her, the wolf's form strong and steady beneath them. Once she was certain they were all in place, she rose, moving with silent grace as she took her place at the front of the group. The horses, as if sensing her purpose, moved aside without need for their riders' commands.

Gandalf, now ready, took his place beside Morwen. "Lead the way, my friend," he murmured softly to the wolf. Morwen nodded once and, with the Fellowship behind her, began to move forward. The others fell in line, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir on horseback, their faces resolute, knowing that their journey into darkness was just beginning.

As they neared the first crossroads, the company paused. Frodo, unsure of the direction they should take, looked to Gandalf for guidance. "Which is the way to Mordor?" he asked, his voice small yet determined.

But before Gandalf could answer, Morwen had already moved down the correct path, leading them without hesitation. The Fellowship, now certain of their course, followed her silently, knowing that the path ahead would be fraught with danger and darkness, but that they would walk it together.

And so, with the wolf leading them, they began their journey into the heart of Mordor, the fate of Middle-earth hanging in the balance.