Some people might not like this chapter as the previous one may have made them think that something different might happen. I know how some people don't like these '10th walker' things. But hopefully this will apease them since there's a lot more behind Faolan's decision than just bravery which I see a lot of in LotR fics with OCs. Anyway, another footnote at the bottom, just so you know. Enjoy :)
To her surprise, Faolan found herself on the same rock on the river bank where she had her conversation with Gandalf when she woke. Before she drifted into sleep the previous evening she thought thoroughly about the choice in front of her; she still had the chance to either stick to her first decision to go home, or change her mind and accompany the Fellowship to Mordor. Faolan didn't have that choice for long though. She lifted her head and turned her muzzle to sky, checking the position of the sun for the time of day. The warm, radiant ball of light hovered over the peaks of the Misty Mountains to the east, which meant in December it was around mid-morning. The she-varg nearly fell off the rock in shock that she slept for so long and that the company may have already left. Faolan leapt off her rock and loped to the courtyard by the southern gate where the Fellowship was to depart, barking frantically.
As straightforward and impulsive as a wolf's mind is, the mind of a Vargkyn is somewhat more complicated. What repeatedly went through Faolan's mind that night was a matter of serious decision making, and that was not one of her strengths. One of the reasons that Faolan was fourth ranking female was because she lacked many leadership qualities such as making serious decisions in a split second, so it is no surprise that this was rather stressful and irritating for her. Faolan kept thinking over what Gandalf had said to her, her reasons behind her previous decision and every possible advantage and disadvantage that could come from each of these things.
It was instinct that told her to go home back to the Old Forest, for her own protection, that of her tribe and also of the Fellowship. In going home, she would not be involved in any battles and the chance of being killed was low, and she would be there to hunt for her pack and perform her normal duties. Also, in her absence, the Fellowship, especially Frodo, would be safe from her darker side that became more prominent with the gradual growth in the Ring's power. If and when the Ring possessed her, she could easily kill a hobbit or hatch a cunning plan to relieve him of the Ring's burden.
On the other hand, the Fellowship may struggle without her. It was true that they had a powerful wizard in their company and four great warriors, but Faolan's natural Vargkyn abilities, the wolf senses and the shape shifting, could be useful to them; she'd make an excellent scout or night watch and could hunt for them if the supply of food dwindled. Of course, Legolas the elf had sight and hearing that rivalled that of Faolan, but even elves need to sleep. While curled up cosily in her den at home, the she-varg could be doing something helpful for the Fellowship that they would otherwise fail without. And that is what Faolan wanted to do the moment she got caught up in the Ring-related mess – she wanted to help, and to do the right thing, which was why she led the hobbits safely to Bree. Why should she stop now when there was so much more she could do for the hobbit and the quest?
Her decision was made. As much as she yearned to see her family again, Faolan knew what she wanted to do, and what was the right thing to do. She had said it herself when Lord Elrond invited her to the council; "It is only right to have at least one of every race together," and the same goes with the Fellowship. If she did not, not only will the world see her race as murderers, but as apathetic villains who would let Middle-earth fall into ruin. Faolan would have everyone see the Vargkyn in a different light; she had achieved this with Elrond which gratified her very much. There was no reason that she could not accomplish the same with the majority of others.
Assembled in the courtyard stood the Fellowship with their backs to the gate; the taller members, Legolas, Boromir, Gandalf and Aragorn stood at the back; at the front were the hobbits Merry, Pippin, Sam (with Bill the pony, of course), and Frodo who stood slightly further forward than the rest. Before the Fellowship stood Elrond, his offspring, and a number of other elves who gathered to bid the company farewell. The elf-Lord began to speak when Faolan the Vargkyn came charging through an archway yelling, "Wait!"
Angered at being so rudely interrupted at such an important moment, Elrond scowled at the young female who skidded to a halt and stood confidently in her man-like form between the elves and the Fellowship. "Stand down, *per-draug, and restrain yourself from disturbing such an imperative moment in the history of Middle-earth," Elrond asserted. He did not raise his voice, but his expression said that he was furious with Faolan.
The she-Varg lowered her ears and apologised, "My sincere apologies, my Lord. But I do hope that it is not too late to join in with your merry adventure." Faolan put on a slightly teasing tone, as she turned to the company. She looked Gandalf in the eye, but did not say anything to him as he understood what Faolan was trying to do. "I do not think myself responsible for the wrongs of my ancestors, but now that I see the opportunity, I will gladly take up the responsibility of righting those wrongs, and changing the world's views of the Vargkyn. I know that with this humourous bunch standing side by side we can all get through this together and help little Frodo complete the near impossible task that he has so courageously taken upon himself, as well as helping each other with their own personal burdens. So, if you wouldn't mind, my Lord, allow me to run with and guard the ambitious company, for it seems it is missing a member of a certain race that opposes the darkness also."
Faolan waited patiently as the Fellowship and elves gazed at her wonderingly. Even if Elrond declined her request, she'd still follow them anyway regardless, as what you might call a plus one. After some consideration Lord Elrond agreed with a slight smirk to let her accompany the men, elf, dwarf, hobbits and wizard. He did not express his feelings on the matter, but Faolan sensed that he as well as Gandalf was pleased.
The departure of the Fellowship was delayed because of Faolan's sudden realisation; she had to gather her own essentials before joining with the Fellowship by the southern gate, again. Faolan also asked Elrond if he would be kind enough to send a messenger to her tribe of her whereabouts, the quest and her well-being, since she would be unable to do so herself. The elf-lord agreed and assured Faolan that a fellow canine would relay the message, rather than a proud elf on horseback that may intimidate the Vargkyn tribe. The she-Varg stood by Pippin, her tail swished from side to side, excited. He gave her a gentle nudge, nodded approvingly at her and fascinated by her impeccable, if somewhat off, timing skills. At dusk, the assembly commenced for a second time, and Elrond began the farewells without interruption, "The Ringbearer is setting out on the quest of Mount Doom. On you who travel with him, no oath nor bond is laid to go further than you will. Farewell. Hold to your purpose. May the blessings of elves and men and all free folk go with you."
The elves made their respectful gesture with the right hand to the heart, while Faolan bowed her head, ears flat, tail hanging down straight. Gandalf then spoke up in his old wise voice, "The Fellowship awaits the Ringbearer."
Frodo hesitantly turned to the gate and lead the rest of the group through the stone archway as they walked in single file. Faolan's ear twitched as she heard Frodo whisper to Gandalf something along the lines of, "Mordor - left or right?"
"Left," he replied. Faolan was sure he wasn't asking which hand the wizard wrote with. The travellers turned left down the path that lead eastward to the Misty Mountains and Faolan grimaced and let out a low whine. This was going to be a long trip.
Translation & Pronunciation
I tried a little elvish in this chapter. Allow me to educate;
*"per-draug" from the elvish words 'half' – 'per' (pair), and 'wolf' – 'draug' (drowg). And there you have it. Half-wolf, per-draug.
