Chapter 26: Blue Haven

The envoys from the three fairy realms have travelled safely and stealthily. This is a good indicator that their mission remains a secret.

Though the rangers are not easily wearied, they are obliged to pass the abode of the Water fairies. It is customary to pay homage to the King and Queen of the realm. Besides, they also need to gather some extra weaponry, for additional precaution in their uncertain mission.

The Blue Haven is situated in the underground grottos of the Azure River. The Azure is a vast body of water filled with a variety of creatures.

This river separates the Earth Haven from the Orange Haven. It serves as a magical barrier that segregates the four realms, with the White Haven above the clouds.

The realms have their individual domains but co-exist peacefully for many, many centuries. It has always been the way the fairies of each realm kept their kind hidden from the human world.

However, with the exemption of the crisis at hand with the Fire fairies, the harmony amongst the fairies hangs in a balance. This is how pivotal this mission is.

Ailsa, the leader of the rangers of the Water fairies, leads the group in another underground cave where the travellers can rest for a while. The Water Haven comprises of various grottos located deep under the river.

Since fairies are not susceptible to temperature changes, the group does not give any attention to the change in coldness for being deeply under the Azure.

"My friends, welcome to the Turquoise grotto. Please rest here a while. I will need to inform the King of our arrival first." Ailsa says.

"He might be in the training grotto overseeing Princess Ava's training."

"I will summon for all of you at the main hall, when the King and Queen are ready to receive you. Please make yourselves comfortable."

She finishes with a polite bow.

"We would like to ask your permission if we can go to the Aquamarine grotto while the rest of other rangers rest here." Aramir inquires.

"I will bring two rangers along."

He adds, nodding towards Caspian and Jeera's direction.

"If you wish..."

Ailsa agrees, giving another bow and then turning to leave.

"I will join you," volunteers Dylan, another ranger among the Water fairies.

Dylan leads Aramir, Jeera and Caspian along a narrow cove. The temperature seems to turn a lot even colder as the path begins to darken in these areas, as they near the Aquamarine grotto.

The group walks in silence as if uttering a single word will disturb the peace and quiet of this particular place.

"Here we are..." Dylan announce, stepping aside, to allow the three Earth rangers go ahead. Aramir takes the lead. Then, Jeera and Caspian follow, and finally, Dylan at the rear.

As they enter the cavern, it is surely the darkest part here. It is dimly lit by a torch hanging at the wall crevice.
The fairy rangers are not bothered by the lack of light. Their eyes are focused on the two stone beds adjacent to each other.

They remain silent, utterly mesmerized by the two figures occupying the stone beds.

The bodies of two rangers remain untouched on the stone beds.

Aldar and Melandra lay motionless on them, like in a deep sleep.

Aramir and his company stand with transfixed stare, as if waiting for something to happen. But all of them know that there is nothing they can do for these two. A Dark fairy's spell cannot be undone that easily.

Caspian stares intently at the two rangers. His face is impassive but a lot of memories running in his head.

"You promised to train me with your bow and arrow." Caspian whispers unexpectedly.

Aramir taps him gently on the shoulder and turns to leave. Jeera and Dylan follow after. Caspian takes one last glance at Aldar and Melandra and leaves too.

The King of the Water fairies agreed to keep Aldar and Melandra after their sad disposition. This is their most secluded grotto which will keep them safe from the Dark Fairy.

This is a favor that the Water Fairy King cannot refuse from King Merlion.

The group returns to the Turquoise grotto shortly, without speaking. Nobody is in the mood to say anything anyway. Seeing the two legendary Earth rangers has given them a bit of reminder on how uncertain a life of a ranger can be.

The rest of the envoys who were left in the grotto sit on shell like seats and already having some food and drinks. Some are chatting lively about strategies for their mission at the Orange Haven.

"You're back so soon." Cleo exclaims.

"So how are Aldar and Melandra?"

She attempts to lighten the mood, seeing that her friends all look so gloomy.

Bran and Orin notice that Caspian and the other new arrivals did not say a word. They just sit with the others.

Soon enough, Ailsa returns, announcing,

"My fellow rangers, King Oberon and Queen Meridian are ready to meet with us now at the Prussian blue grotto."

All the fairies scramble noiselessly to ready themselves. When everyone is assembled, Ailsa and the rest of the Water fairy rangers lead the way.

The Prussian blue grotto is the most spacious area in the Water Haven. It is positioned at the center of the realm. It is their throne room.

King Oberon and Queen Meridian are seated on their Pearl thrones. Their daughter, Princess Ava stands beside her Queen Mother in her Cobalt blue dress.

The Princess wears an expectant smile on her face. She scans carefully each and every face of their guests. Upon finding the familiar face she is searching for, she says,

"Welcome to the Water Haven."

Her eyes fixed on the ranger leading the Earth fairies.

"We are truly grateful for all of you, gracing our humble realm with your presence. However, the circumstances of this gathering are truly unfortunate."

King Oberon addresses the guests. Queen Meridian merely smiles in welcome.

"We are most thankful for your hospitality, my king."

Aramir replies with reverence and gratitude. He smiles to Princess Ava.

"Queen Meridian..." Aramir bows in front of the Queen.

"Princess Ava, it is with great pleasure to see you well and radiant."

Cleo smirks in amusement, as Bran catches on, seeing how overly gracious Aramir sounds.

"So tell me, how is my Earth King Brother?"

Princess Ava carries on the conversation with Aramir.

"King Merlion is well and contented. They have finally found our long lost Princess Arianna. Queen Alina is so much jubilant."

Aramir is quick to reply, as he sneaks a glance over Caspian meaningfully.

"So, my brother has found more reasons not to visit." Princess Ava adds.

"My darling Princess, your brother will join us when he is ready."

It is Queen Meridian who cuts short the dialogue.

Everyone silenced. Not a single fairy dared to speak.

"My fellow fairies, we extend to you whatever help you might need before you're set to leave. Take any rations, whether food, covering and weaponry, that our realm can provide. Safe travels and may your mission be truly fruitful for the sake of all of us."

King Oberon's statement adjourns the meeting.

The rangers bow and take their leave to prepare for their journey to the Orange Haven.

Aramir takes a last look at Princess Ava waving subtly in his direction.

The mission will now commence.