Chapter 20: The Homecoming

Aria stares around her in amazement. She cannot imagine that she was able to achieve what Caspian told her to do. It's not that she does not believe she can do it. She is used to doing odd things all her life, but being able to transport herself to where she needs to be, on the first try, is something she cannot wrap her mind around with.
The valley seems deserted or the fairy farmers might have already retired to the house settlements for the night. Aria has never been to the valley at night. She marvels at how beautiful the night sky is, with the moon shining so brightly, along with the multitude of stars in the vast horizon.
"Nice job Princess!" Caspian says with an amused tone. He walks towards the veil of mist in the direction of the bridge towards the Green Haven. He glances back just to check if Aria is following him.
Aria snaps out of her reverie and starts to walk behind Caspian. She senses that something has changed between her and Caspian. From their closeness a few hours ago, and that unexpected kiss... Did she just imagine that? How come he becomes rather casual to her again and seems to be making fun of her?
Aria tries to keep pace with Caspian's strides. When she finally catches up, she reaches out for his hand to make him stop from walking to face her.
"Caspian, are you okay?" Aria asks with so much concern on her confused expression.
"I am fine." Caspian responds politely but quickly. He attempts to resume walking to end their discourse.
"But what about us? Are we okay?" Aria asks some more, still holding Caspian's right hand.
"We are fine." is Caspian's quip response with a bit of annoyance in his voice.
"Now let's get going Princess. Your realm awaits you." He masks his true emotion with sarcasm.
Caspian gently pulls away his hand from Aria's grasp. He continues walking towards the bridge. They are already passing through the enchanted mist, which conceals the fairy realm.
Aria follows Caspian silently. The confusion on her face turns to hurt. Why is Caspian suddenly like this? Did she say something or acted in any way to upset him? She continues to ponder about his attitude change towards her... 
Aria gazes at the mysterious mist around them as they cross the bridge. She gives a short sigh. She allows herself to get distracted by the sight unfolding all around her. It seems like she will not get any other response from Caspian anyway.
At the moment, her attention focuses on the fascinating scenery she is viewing for the first time. She has seen the forest but not beyond any other place.
The bridge they are crossing is covered with a myriad of flowers that sparkle as the moonlight shines on them. Flowers in a variety of colours and shades grow in clusters. There are various plants creeping like vines along with the glittering flowers. These plants comprise of leaves in differing shapes and sizes. Truly, the bridge is like a passage into a magical world beyond human imagination.
Aria slows down in her attempt to stare at the arches that hold the bridge from underneath but since it is dark, she has to strain her eyes to see anything.
After a while, she is astonished that she can see very well the bottom of the bridge so suddenly without any difficulty. How can she do that? That is another shock for her.
"Are you coming Princess?" Caspian shouts at her. He is already way ahead of her, almost at the end of the bridge now.
Caspian's hollering cuts Aria's fascination in this wonderland she is encountering.
She sprints towards him in a hurry, but not apologetic about it. By now, she is attempting to behave indifferent to Caspian's attitude.
However, her pretence gets the better of her. She frowns instead as she crosses her arms in front of her.
Caspian in turn just gives a heavy sigh, and turns his back on her again to continue walking. It seems he is better in being indifferent.
Finally, at the end of the bridge, Aria is stunned by the beauty of the different trees, in various colours and sizes.
"Welcome home, Princess Aria." Caspian utters reverently, bowing slightly.
Aria stares at Caspian again, recalling her earlier confusion. Now, he is very polite but he seems unhappy too at the same time. What is going on? She thought to herself, still unable to fathom what is really going on between them. But there is no chance to ask him because a group of fairies dressed in brown, like Caspian, starts to approach them.
Caspian walks quickly towards the other fairies, leaving Princess Aria a bit hidden beside one of the elm trees. He greets the other rangers with a slight bow and says, "I apologize for my absence and for not asking for permission for leaving."
"What were you thinking Caspian? I told all of you to get some rest, not go out there!"
Aramir replies with a hard tone, even gesturing his hand pointing towards the bridge. He is obviously upset.
For an impulsive fairy like him, this is a difficult thing for him to do, to stay calm. So far, he is failing horribly.
"But I told Bran that I am leaving." Caspian insists on his explanation.
"That is enough now, Caspian! Bran is in no position to grant you permission to leave! Times are dangerous right now and you know that as much! How can you behave so recklessly like that?"
Aramir cuts off Caspian with a stern tone. He scolds him like a child caught running away.
The rest of the other rangers watch silently. But then they don't seem perturbed by the exchange of the two rangers.
However, some of them, including Bran, is now smiling like things are really amusing.
"Quit that father and son kind of bickering Aramir. Caspian has a visitor." Jeera intervenes with her glance already in the direction of the elm tree.
Aramir and the rest of the rangers turn their gaze at the same time towards where Jeera is focused on.
"She is one of us!" Cleo shouts from atop of the elm tree, as she jumps down exactly right beside Princess Aria.
Princess Aria is caught by surprise by the sudden appearance of Cleo beside her and the amount attention given by all the fairies at that moment.
"My name is Aria. I have just recently found out that I am like you." Princess Aria says nervously as an introduction.
Caspian runs to Princess Aria's side. However, he seems to be hesitating on touching Princess Aria, so he just whispers to her. "Princess, show them your locket."
Princess Aria nods slowly in comprehension. She pulls the necklace from underneath her cotton shirt. As Caspian expects, the locket glows a bright green.
There is no mistaking the glowing emerald locket. It is the emerald locket of their Queen Alina. All the rangers stare in awe and starts bowing synchronously to Princess Aria. The same thoughts are in their heads.
Cleo is the first to speak.
"Like the story we have memorized from growing up. The hidden princess that was lost and forgotten. Welcome home, Princess Arianna."
Princess Aria starts to walk towards the rest of the rangers who remained bowing to her. She is debating with herself if she should start pulling each fairy to stand straight instead of letting them bow to her.
"Please don't bow to me. It's okay. Everyone stand. Oh please stand." Princess Arianna says with a mix of embarrassment and anxiety to be the centre of attention.
She also finds it ridiculous for them to automatically accept her just like that. She had a hard time believing it when she found out.
"Our long lost Princess. Everyone let us tell the good news to our Queen and King. Our Princess Aria, please come and join us." Aramir says in his very polite manner.
Princess Aria stares at all the fairies around her, as if she is caught in a dream. Is she really here? She searches for Caspian's face for some comfort. He smiles at her and gives her an encouraging nod. His reaction somehow gives her courage.
Princess Aria is led by Jeera and Aramir towards the Elm abode. All the rest of the fairies follow after in silence. Caspian falls behind a bit.
The procession is somewhat taking a long time. Anna starts to get agitated. Her head feels fuzzy.
Wait, is this really happening?  Am I ready to see my real parents after all this time? These questions swirl in her already bewildered mind.
Princess Aria slowly panics to herself. This is going too fast for her.
What shall she do? Should she continue on or just turn around from where she came from?
She absentmindedly touches the green shawl that her Marmee places over her shoulders. Her yearning for her Popsie and Marmee comes to her like a security blanket shielding her from doubts.
She crosses her arms in an attempt to hug herself. 
I can't do this! She seems to shout in her head.