What an Irony!

(Evening, In front of the huge Gate of Nala)

"Her Royal Highness, you are a Goddess. You saved our Nala. We will never forget it. Thank you so much."

Bowing down deeply to Aylin, the old Mayor of Nala claimed in a grateful tone. His tanned and wrinkled face was suddenly looking five years younger than before with that broad and gummy smile on his dark and fuller lips.

His eyes were sparkling with glee as the whole Nala was in the mood for celebration. The village was stained with the colours of sunset when Aylin finally escaped a long, exhausting day. As twilight approached, the sky was filled with glorious golds and crimson as if it, too, was celebrating with the people of Nala.

The mere laughter and chanting of the people were causing a cacophony but it wasn't annoying for Aylin and her small group; rather joy was bubbling in them too, shining in their eyes and cheerful smiles.