Crescent Moon

The Birds and the Bane: Ellis Ander

With graceful swiftness, Commander Ellis Ander Crow soared gracefully over the world below. The black feathers of the Avian shimmered in the Firestar's light as he gripped confidently to the spear within his grasp. It felt tremendous to be out upon the open skies and his wings shared in his joy. Behind him, the group under his command flew in tight formation, awaiting orders to the contrary.

Seeing a nice spot upon the ground ahead, Ellis Ander motioned for his troops to follow as he descended. Slowing his own descent, the Avian came to a nimble landing. Ellis Ander surveyed his surroundings as his troops landed and assembled behind him. Ellis enjoyed the feel of the ground under his feet as he relaxed his guard.

A moment later, a white-feathered avian came to stand next to Ellis Ander. The beauty of those feathers was only dampened by the sternness of his features. The avian did not look as comfortable upon the ground as Ellis Ander, a fact that humored his commander. Ellis Ander watched with amusement from the corner of his eye as his comrade still held his spear at the ready.

Chuckling, Ellis Ander motioned to his comrade. "You can let your guard down now, Fel. We are not in any danger here," he said.

The avian known as Fel Willen lowered his spear reluctantly as he looked at his commander. "Ellis Ander, are you sure this is wise? The men are troubled to be this far from Varion and ground-side," said Fel.

Ellis Ander nodded, resting the end of his spear on the ground. "I am very sure, my friend, and I would ask you to trust me. It's important that we stretch our wings and get out of our comfort zones. The world is filled with dangers yes, but also it is covered in those of the light. Too often we forget that from on high in Varion, that there is a world well beyond our clouds," said the commander.

Fel coughed laughter at this. "If you say so, commander. Just remember that too long upon the soil makes your men fearful," he replied.

Ellis Ander was unmoved as he looked upon Fel with amusement. "Which is why we shall stay a while, to at last be rid of silly fears," countered the commander.

As Fel turned to further calm the other troops, Ellis focused on the distance. Something was leaving a bad taste in his beak. Smelling the air, Ellis Ander picked up a familiar and unwelcome smell, one that he had not endured in some time. He held up a hand to silence his men. Fel immediately came back over to him.

Fel looked about as Ellis Ander brought his spear back up in both hands. "What is it?" he asked.

Ellis Ander looked at Fel darkly. "Something that should not be upon these lands; the scent of orcs is in the air," he said.

Fel shook his head. "If that is so, then we should return to Varion at once and leave this problem to the land dwellers. The elves or dwarves will surely handle this," said Fel.

Ellis Ander shook his head at his longtime friend. "Land or sky, it matters not, Fel. If there is evil then we shall face it," said the commander. Ellis Ander then signaled to the rest of the troops in his command. "Follow me!"

Spreading his wings, Ellis Ander took to the sky quickly, heading fearlessly into the direction of danger. Moved by their commander's courage and speed, his troops quickly followed. Keeping his spear at the ready, Ellis Ander soared like a cannon shot as he kept low to the ground. The scent of orcs soon grew stronger. In moments he could hear voices coupled with the growing scent.

Ellis Ander quickly caught sight of the orcs. He counted eight of the green skinned creatures, garbed in leather and carrying clubs and swords. The group was hovering around a small cave, angrily shouting at something to come out and surrender. Ellis Ander realized something or someone was in danger and that was enough cause to act.