Evan looked at Avlara who was deep in thought. Her eyes had a faraway expression. "Howanjan and his followers brought about so much destruction and chaos throughout Yenway. But, your heroic battle against Howanjan led to the fall of the dragon and his followers. You restored an everlasting peace throughout Yenway!"
Evan was speechless as he looked at Avlara who was smiling at him. Her green eyes were dazzling from awe. He cleared his throat. "The followers are all gone," Evan said this as if it was a fact but it was actually a question.
"Yes. Once the dragon fell, all of his followers surrendered. They were either sent into exile or they chose to live a life atoning for their past evil deeds."
"So, Yenway is at peace. No new dragons or any kind of evil foes?" Evan asked with a nervous grin. He was hoping that the question came out as sarcastic.
Avlara giggled. "Yes, you have brought about eternal peace to Yenway!"
Evan let out a sigh of relief. He had been worried that there may have been another dragon or some dark mage that had taken Howanjan's place. It seemed like the beast that was causing havoc in this village was his greater worry. "That is great to hear!"
"It is all due to you, dragonslayer! You are Yenway's greatest hero!" Avlara exclaimed. A big happy smile came to her face as she looked at him. Evan felt so warm inside as he looked at her beautiful face. He did not know what to say but it felt great to hear.
"I believe that it is truly fortunate that you have arrived here, dragonslayer! I spoke to my grandfather while you were in your room and I have a question that I want to ask you." Avlara asked him in an excited voice.
"Yes, please tell me."
A big excited smile came to Avlara's face and once again Evan was stunned by her beauty. "I want to come along with you on your travels! I want to see the world and there is no one greater or better than to do it with the great dragonslayer! May I please join you?! I promise that I will not be a burden or get in your way!"
"Yes! You may join me and I don't think you could ever be a burden or get in my way" Evan said as he did not hesitate at all from Avlara's question. He wanted her by his side even in this strange world.
Avlara's eyes grew so wide in surprise. "Really?!"
Evan smiled at her and nodded. "Yes. I would love to have you by my side, Avlara. Together we will explore all of Yenway and help all of those in need!" Evan felt like that last statement was what a great dragonslayer should say. He even felt it himself!
"Yes!" Avlara suddenly ran toward Evan and gave him a big hug. Evan laughed in surprise. Her body pressed against his and he could feel the lovely warmth of it. Her perfume filled his nostrils and made him heady with desire for her. Evan hugged her back and smiled.
Avlara suddenly broke the hug. Her entire face was flushed with embarrassment and her head was bent a little as her eyes did not meet his. "Oh, I am so sorry, dragonslayer! I was overcome with emotion!"
Evan felt a sudden urge to lift her head and have those beautiful green eyes gaze upon him. His hand reached out and he gently tilted her head up with his fingers. Avlara's eyes met his. Evan smiled at her. "It is okay, Avlara. I am just as happy to have you come along with me."
Avlara's face flushed even more and she smiled at Evan. There were sudden giggles and Evan saw several young women looking at them. Avlara's face turned even redder. "Please head inside, ladies," Avlara said in her best leader voice.
"Sure thing, Avlara. We'll give you and the dragonslayer some privacy," One woman said with a grin.
"Yeah. It looks like the dragonslayer will be doing more than slaying the beast tonight!" Another woman said and this caused all of the women to laugh and giggle.
"You are all ridiculous!" Avlara said in a voice that betrayed her. All Evan could do was smile.
The women eventually walked to the wooden house and were still giggling. The door closed behind them once they all entered. Avlara glanced at the dragonslayer as if to say that the women were all silly but her face was still so red.
The sun was just beginning to go down with red streaks all across the sky. Evan saw several houses start to light up from the candlelights and lanterns that were inside. He started to feel anxious about having to find this beast and slay it. Was he really going to do this? The greater question was could he do this? A thought popped into his head suddenly. He could just quickly hurry away without doing anything at all! But, Evan felt a strong aversion to that. These people needed his help. They all looked at him with such hope and he could not run away like a coward! He had to try even if it meant making an absolute fool of himself or even possibly dying!
Would I be transported to another world if I die? Evan thought with a sudden sad feeling. He was just starting to find a little footing in this world and he had to admit that the thought of having Avlara along with him in discovering more of this world and himself was very exciting.
Another thought pooped into Evan's head. What if he perished from fighting the beast and was sent back to Sedona Ridge?! The thought was even worse! Evan felt such a strong abhorrence to that happening. He was going to do everything in his power to not be transported anywhere if he could. His hand went to his scabbard and he gripped it.
Evan turned and looked at Avlara as it was starting to get quite dark. "Do you think you should go inside too?" He hated having to ask this question as he was enjoying her company.
"Yeah," Avlara said with disappointment too. Her green eyes looked at him. "But…"
Evan perked up. "Yes?"
"If you like I could come along with you, dragonslayer. I could help you hunt for the beast and provide any assistance that you may need. Not that you would need any at all! But, I can help!" Avlara said in a quick excited voice. Her words tumbled out of her mouth and was like a run-on sentence.
Evan smiled with relief, gratitude, and happiness. "Yes, I would love for you to help me hunt this beast."
Avlara's eyes grew large again with surprise. "Thank you, dragonslayer! I will run and grab my bow and arrows!"
She ran off so fast that Evan chuckled as he was sure that a part of it was that she was afraid that he would change his mind. He had no intention of doing that at all.