Chapter 24: Another Kind of Goodbye

Aramir found Caspian sitting with his legs crossed under the elm tree. He is staring blankly at the bridge leading back to the Valley.
"He's been like that since he came out from the hall. What's wrong with him? I didn't ask him. I knew that he likes to be alone."
Cleo shouts at Aramir as a precaution.
Cleo, just like Caspian, is tremendously skilled in camouflage and also similarly a keen observer. She has been watching him from atop the elm tree since his arrival there. She allows Caspian the solitude he seeks.
Aramir, as stubborn and impulsive as he can ever be, ignores Cleo's warning. He sits beside Caspian under the elm and waits for a few moments for Caspian to acknowledge him. When Caspian does not react, Aramir taps his shoulder in a brotherly fashion.
"Caspian, I am aware that you prefer to be left alone but the Princess has requested to have a word with you before we go to the Orange Haven for our mission."
Aramir says as casually as possible.
"Princess Aria is waiting for you at the inner gardens. I suggest you go there now. We shall leave as soon as the envoys from the Blue Haven have confirmed safe passage through their realm." Aramir fills in Caspian with the plan.
Caspian remains quiet as if Aramir has not spoken a single word to him.
"You know what Caspian, I am aware of what is bothering you. But right now I advise that you set aside your emotions first because as a ranger, your utmost duty is as a protector of our realm. That is what your father will say to you too." Aramir reminds him.
Having heard Aramir's mention of his father, Caspian snaps out from his silence. 
"Maybe you are right Aramir. But the problem is he is not here anymore! We will never really know what he thinks now right?"
Caspian retorts filled with bitterness in his voice.
"That is where you are wrong! He has always wanted you to be a good ranger like him. If only Aldar and Melandra could tell you that right now."
Aramir pauses, knowing what Caspian would reply to that. Aldar and Melandra are still in the grotto, both unconscious.
"I know how you feel. Marion has treated me like a younger brother. He taught me well on how to be a ranger. No other ranger had ever put his duty as the first priority more than him." Aramir explains.
"Yes and that's what got him killed!" Caspian shouts in anger.
Aramir senses that Caspian is about to say more but cuts him off. This is tremendously testing his impulse to get angry as well but he is trying his best to understand this ranger's outburst.
"Marion is the best and bravest among us. He gave up his life to protect our King! He fulfilled his duty up to the very end."
"He never meant to leave you. You are most precious to him but if he did not do his duty, he knew that his being a ranger would be meaningless!"
Aramir is already emotional now but breathes hard so he would not continue on with his tirade.
"Marion protected King Merlion from the Dark Fairy. He also endured a lot of sorrow for losing his beloved Cara, your mother. But he set it aside because of his duty."
"Aldar and Melandra did their part too in protecting Queen Alina and the Princess. They hid her so well. None of us ever found her, with you as an exemption."
Aramir points this out to remind Caspian of his pivotal role in finding their Princess.
"Maybe there is a reason why it was you who discovered the Princess' true identity. Your blood as a ranger, the son of the bravest one in our realm, might mean that you are destined to be Princess Aria's protector. Just like what your Father was to the King and Queen."
"This is your moment to prove that you are worthy of being a ranger. You are Marion's legacy." Aramir concludes.
Caspian remains silent once more. He slowly stands, but Aramir caught his arm before he was able to stand.
"Caspian, I believe in you too, my brother. You have to say goodbye to all the regrets and anger you feel. We are all your family. Do not forget that."
Aramir whispers with gentleness in his tone now. He lets go of Caspian's arm and turns to watch the bridge.
Caspian leaves, without saying a word, towards the direction of the inner gardens where his Princess waits.
"Nice speech Aramir. I wonder what Caspian decides to say to the Princess?" Cleo shouts at Aramir from above, half in humor.
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Princess Aria sits on a hammock of vines with tiny purple flowers growing all over it. She fidgets a lot in her emerald dress, which falls up to her feet. She hates dresses. But here she is now attired on one. If only Marmee Rose can see her now. She suddenly misses her and Popsie Reed too.
Princess Aria stares around her surroundings. The place seems really peaceful. Her Queen Mother must have spent most of her time here while she thought of her lost daughter. She recalls her own sadness for the feeling of longing for someone who is an essential part of you.
"Princess Aria, Aramir informed me that you requested to have a word with me?" Caspian says politely, from behind where the Princess sits.
The arrival of Caspian startles the Princess and interrupts her thoughts. She stands from the hammock and faces him.
Caspian gives a reverent bow and stares at the Princess, waiting for her response.
"Caspian, why do you talk so formally to me? What is going on with you? You have been behaving that way since we left my house. Please help me understand if I said or have done something for you to be this way." Princess Aria demands.
Caspian lowers his head to avoid Princess Aria's eyes. He remains impassive.
"Please say something Caspian. Have you forgotten what transpired between us under the willow tree? Doesn't that mean anything to you?"
Princess Aria questions him again, almost pleading.
"I'm sorry my Princess. I don't know what to say. Finding out who you truly are has me confused. You are not Anna anymore. You are now my Princess, our Princess Arianna. And I am a ranger..." Caspian is lost for words.
Caspian could not explain any further. Just a few days back, he was pondering the dissimilarity of their world, the fairy and human world. But now that they belong in the same one, their statuses become another difference to hurdle.
Princess Aria might not be aware of her duties as a Princess for now. Soon she would. He thinks Princess Aria should set aside her feelings for him too.
Now, Caspian has made up his mind. He has to decide for both of them. He should know his place better. He should be by her side. He should fulfill his duty to her Princess as a ranger, as her protector.
Princess Aria glares at Caspian. She realizes that whatever she has said to him does not matter at all.
Caspian's silence gave the Princess all the answers she needed. It was all a mistake! Some infatuation...
Princess Aria walks away from Caspian without looking back. She could have glanced back, If only he had called her name.
Princess Aria walks hurriedly now. Caspian must not see her shed any tear for him. From now on, she has to act like a Princess. She has to be a responsible one.
Caspian stays unmoving like a statue. He lets Princess Aria walk away. He shakes his head as he turns around, and walks slowly from where he came, feeling defeated.
It is better this way. He convinces himself of this, while wiping the drops of tears from his eyes.
Finally, he is a ranger. He is a brave and strong ranger, just like his father.
"Goodbye Anna..." he whispers sadly to himself.