As the tall trees of the forest receded into the distance, the city gates of Ravenmere loomed into view. And there, bright in the final tints of twilight, stood the town-a haven of safety after the grueling battle. She couldn't help taking aside that silence with her characteristic sarcasm as she walked beside Zephyr.
"So, my dear dragon slayer," she began to say in mock reverence, the voice dripping from her, "how does it feel to save an entire town single-handedly?"
Zephyr blinked at her, taken aback by her teasing tone. A small smile pulled at the corner of his lips. "I'm feeling a little—" he stopped there, realizing far too late she was drawing him in. Elira exploded into laughter, her hilarity echoing through the quiet evening.
"Fine, fine, that's it," Zephyr chuckled, throwing up one hand in mock surrender. "You're insufferable, you realize that?"
Her smile widened. "And yet, you want to tag along with me. What does that say about you?"
He hadn't even opened his mouth to say a word before the town gates came fully into view. The watch was just outside, bellowing orders to his men as they prepared the night watch patrols. The sky was painted with shades of red and purple; an otherworldly glow had been thrown across the scene. It was as if the world itself let out a sigh, expelling the chaos of the day.
The stern demeanor of the guards softened immediately as he laid eyes on them. His face stretched wide into a beaming smile as he hurried toward them, stopping just short of a deep bow. "Sir Zephyr, Miss Elira," he began, his voice full of gratitude. "You have done more for us than we could ever repay. Thank you for protecting Ravenmere."
Stepping forward, his firm hand clasped firmly on the shoulder of a guard, serious-faced, he said: "No thanks are necessary. By protecting this town, we've done what we must. This is our home now, too."
The man stood upright and the regard for the two men in his eyes. "Still, we owe you a great debt," he said firmly. And then, almost shyly, he added, "Would you both do us the honor of attending the victory celebration tonight? It would be the world to the townsfolk."
Zephyr glanced at Elira, who was already nodding, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "We'd be happy to," he replied with a small smile.
Lightning made the face of the guard beam. "Splendid! It is in town square-do not be late!" Turning to his men, he hurried off, leaving Zephyr and Elira alone in the failing light.
"Miss Elira," Zephyr said in a stiff tone, offering her his arm, "Shall we make our grand entrance?"
Elira rolled her eyes, but took his arm and smirked up at him. "Come on, Sir Zephyr. We wouldn't want to miss the food or the ale."
They went out the gates, laughing and smiling, to be welcomed warmly by good-natured words by the guards. Many signs of cheer rang through the streets of Ravenmere-music, laughter, clinking mugs. Lanterns could be seen hanging overhead to pour a golden light on this town, emphasizing the warmth and jovial atmosphere.
As they walked toward the square, Elira playfully elbowed Zephyr. "So, about that little bet," she started, her voice deceptively casual.
Zephyr sighed, already dreading where this was going. "What about it?"
"I obviously won," she declared, with a mischievous glint in her eye.
She stopped abruptly in her tracks, turned, and swiveled back to him. Her face was that of absolute incredulity. "And how do you precisely figure that?"
Elira crossed her arms, grinning. "It was who killed the most monsters, remember? You ran off to fight that black dragon, but I held the gates. Forty orcs and twelve wyverns. Beat that."
Zephyr grinned and folded his arms. "I slew twenty-five orcs, twenty-four wyverns, and the black dragon. With my holy sword, no less."
She narrowed her eyes. "Ah, but the holy sword was against the rules. So technically, you cheated."
Zephyr's jaw drops. "What? That's crazy! I still more than killed you!"
Elira shook her head, her face a mask of mock pity. "Sorry, dragon slayer. Rules are rules. I win."
With a resigned sigh, Zephyr threw up his hands. "Fine. What's your wish?"
Elira slowly tapped her chin. A playful smile crept onto her face. "All right. Mmm. Of course. My legs are killing me from all that fighting. Carry me to the celebration."
Zephyr stared at her, incredulous. "You're joking, right?"
Her smile became saccharine sweet. "Not in the least.".
There was no exit; Zephyr sighed and took a step forward and lifted Elira easily up in his arms. Elira's eyes flickered with shock, and then she closed them to regain her composure, leaning in closer.
"Zephyr," she teased, her voice low and amused, "why is your heart beating so fast? Don't tell me you're nervous."
His cheeks reddened and turned almost as bright as the fading sun. "I'm not nervous," he murmured, dropping his gaze. "You just. weigh more than I expected."
"Hey?" Elira exclaimed, punching him lightly on the shoulder. "Take it back, you schmuck!"
They laughed together; the noise carried through the congested streets of town as they moved toward the town square. The feasting and merriment reached its height, for townsfolk danced and sang and feasted by the light of lanterns. Roasted meat and spiced ale filled the air, and Zephyr's stomach growled.
The watchman saw them and, raising his mug straight into the air, exclaimed, "Ladies and gentlemen!", his voice carrying over the sea of staring by-standers. "Let me introduce you to the heroes of Ravenmere!
A cheer erupted, and Zephyr laid Elira down gently as the villagers came forward to greet them. Mugs of ale were thrust into their hands, and hearty pats on the back nearly sent Zephyr off balance.
The social butterfly that was Elira turned the revelry upside down in a jiffy as she laughed and joked with the townspeople, lifting the spirits of everyone around her. Meanwhile, Zephyr is surrounded by children all of whom are hanging on his lips to hear the story of how he killed the black dragon.
"And then," he exclaimed dramatically, "raising my hallowed sword up to strike the final blow-I defeated the dragon with one sweep! The children gasped, mouths agape in wonder, eyes bulging wide with fascination. She can't help but grin over their eagerness. And thus, night wore on, and the revelry did not let up at all. Red-cheeked from ale, Elira stumbled over to where Zephyr was sitting, plopping her head down upon his shoulder, resting against him. "Hey," she whispered softly. "Thanks for everything today, you were good out there." Zephyr looked at her and was surprised to hear sincerity in her voice. "You weren't so terrible yourself," he replied, his lips curling in a slight smile. They sat motionless for some time, looking on at the gaiety of the townsfolk, as the heaviness of day wore off, and left behind only serenity in the air. And then, with a drooping of her eyelids, Elira knew she had no other choice but to pass out. Zephyr let out a fond sigh, picked her up yet once more, and walked her through the silent streets to the inn. As he laid her on the bed, she mumbled some indefinite words. Her face displayed a faint smile, but that was all. Zephyr couldn't resist but chuckle. "Goodnight, Elira," he whispered softly, lifting a strand of hair off her face. It was only as he lay on the bed beside her that exhaustion finally caught up with him. He closed his eyes, the first time in what felt like an eternity, to sleep soundly without dreams.