Chapter 43: Coming Home

Princess Aria is very excited today. Finally, she would be able to see her Popsie and Marmee once more. It feels ages ago when she found out about her fairy descent. So many things happened already.
From being a simple girl of Bellmont to a teenager feeling lost for thinking that she is abandoned by her true parents, and now a Fairy Princess?
Truly, this seems like a fairy tale story that you just read about or live in your dreams.
Coming home is the best thing for Princess Aria to reconcile her past, present and future. This would ground her that she is both a part of the human and fairy world.
Her entourage is led by her aunt, Princess Ava, who is currently walking in front of her alongside Aramir. The two rangers seem to be a bit more demonstrative of their affection towards each other after Aramir recovered fully from his injuries a few days back.
Caspian is right by Princess Aria's side but a bit silent. He has been that way since they left the Green Haven early this morning.
She glances sideways at him. The Princess can see unease in his expression.
Caspian, sensing that the Princess is staring at him, stares back and smiles. He combs his hair nervously with his free hand because the other one is holding the blue roses he promised to Marmee Rose way back.
Princess Aria gives a sigh of relief. For a moment there, she thought Caspian would start ignoring her again like before. She grins as she imagines Caspian's nervousness is due to his anxiety in facing her human parents once more.
Maybe Caspian is also thinking about what transpired between them that led to his recognition of Princess Aria's fairy identity.
Suddenly, Princess Aria blushes uncontrollably upon remembering their unexpected kiss. Her locket starts glowing too. Good thing she placed it underneath her green round-necked dress. Otherwise it would be too embarrassing if it gives away her emotions every single time it glows.
"So, Princess... does your Popsie Reed and Marmee Rose know that we are visiting today?"
Bran inquires politely, breaking the silence of the travellers.
"Um, no but, if I am correct, they might have just been done with their early morning jog. Either they are having breakfast outdoors or maybe inside."
The Princess responds thoughtfully.
"Wait, should we glamour ourselves?"
Jeera asks, since her silver hair would totally be out of place.
"My Popsie and Marmee know the truth about my identity and they have experienced as much weirdness as they could when I was growing up under their care so you don't have to worry about them."
"Even my Popsie shares my magical stories so they would not be surprised if all of those are real after all. My Popsie is the coolest Dad!"
Princess Aria enthusiastically explains. She realizes how much she has missed being with her foster parents.
"Your human father seems very understanding. I cannot wait to meet him and your mother too. We should thank them properly for taking good care of my niece."
Princess Ava joins in the conversation.
Princess Aria gives a nod as she sees the top view of the very familiar willow tree a few meters away now. They have almost reached their destination. She is finally coming home.
The familiar trail is almost coming to an end.
Princess Ava and Aramir stop abruptly.
The Water Princess turns around to gauge their company. She is trying to decide if her King Brother has exaggerated the security he ordered to join them here.
Most of the rangers who are with them are the same ones Aramir has trusted for security duties in the valley.
There is Caspian and Cleo, two rangers skilled in camouflage. Then, Jeera and Alcon, the more experienced ones are present too. Lastly is Bran. Well, he volunteered as soon as he heard of the expedition.
So, this group should be subtle enough. At least King Merlion and Queen Alina allowed them to leave as promised to her niece. The King and Queen of the Green Haven were supposed to join them too.
Both King and Queen were summoned unexpectedly by the Queen of Air fairies for a summit in her abode. The heads of the Four Realms need to plan their action on the mysterious silence of the Dark fairy.
They have reached the Willow tree and Princess Aria instructs them to stay hidden first behind the enormous tree.
"Would the protective spell still work?"
Caspian reminds Princess Aria of that issue.
Princess Aria gazes at Caspian with a teasing expression.
"You were able to go inside the last time remember?"
She starts to blush once more upon realizing what made it possible for Caspian to enter her house.
Caspian smiles sheepishly. He is remembering the exact reason too.
"Okay, so let's try it first."
Caspian suggests as he glances across the street at the familiar blue door.
"It seems Popsie and Marmee ate indoors.
Princess Aria replies as an observation.
She pulls Caspian with her to cross the street. She tags him along without letting go of his free hand.
It is Caspian's turn to blush from embarrassment since their company are all staring at them especially Princess Ava and Aramir.
In contrast, Princess Aria is oblivious about the whole situation when she held on to Caspian's hand without any care at all.
"You do the knocking."
The Princess commands him as they reach the blue door.
Caspian takes a deep breath. He rearranges the blue roses first then carefully knocks at the door.
Princess Aria cannot contain her amusement from Caspian's actions.
The rest of the fairies waiting behind the willow tree poke their heads to observe what is taking place.
After a few minutes, the blue door opens and the look of surprise on Popsie Reed's face is priceless.
"Honey, look what we have here!"
Popsie Reed hollers inside with a thrilled expression.
"Our Princess has come back!"
Popsie Reed adds as the door opens wide and Marmee Rose rushes out to embrace Princess Aria.
"Anna, we miss you so much!"
Marmee Rose exclaims as she continues to hug her Anna tightly.
Popsie Reed joins Marmee Rose and Anna in their embrace.
As usual, Anna's locket begins to glow incessantly again.
Caspian merely stands there immobile with the blue roses still in his hand. He wears a big smile. He truly is very happy for his Princess to be with her human family again.
This went on for a few minutes while the forgotten companions are still hidden behind the willow.
Finally, Anna gently frees herself from her parents' embrace.
"So Caspian... is the barrier there?"
Anna asks.
Caspian shakes his head in response.
"Good, I am just checking on you. You might have changed your mind."
Anna teases her ranger.
"Popsie, Marmee, we have company."
Anna waves her hand to signal the other fairies to come closer.
Both Popsie Reed and Marmee Rose look towards the direction of the willow tree across the street.
The fairy guests come out from their hiding behind the tree and walks carefully towards the house.
Princess Ava leads the group and looks curiously at Popsie Reed and Marmee Rose.
She is half expecting for the two human to get anxious upon seeing their strange visitors but their facial expressions does not show any hint of worry or fear.
As Princess Ava stares at her niece's human parents, she senses a feeling of family and familiarity. This might be what Princess Aria was meaning when she lived with these humans. No wonder she grew up with compassion and love because of the caring aura of her human family.
"Good morning, your highness."
Popsie Reed says with a smile.
"Oh no, no, just call me Ava."
Princess Ava feels comfortable already with Popsie Reed.
"Welcome to our humble home."
Marmee Rose greets them with the same warmth.
"Come inside."
Marmee Rose adds gesturing towards the door.
"By the way Marmee, these are for you. Just as I promised... sorry it took a while."
Caspian gives the blue roses to Marmee.
"Thank you my dear."
Marmee Rose replies appreciatively.
Princess Ava looks meaningfully to the rest of the fairies.
The others understand what the Water Princess means by her unspoken question.
"We apologize if we would decline your offer."
Princess Ava states while looking at her niece's direction.
"Popsie, Marmee, I think the rest of the fairies cannot enter our house. The magical protection designed to keep fairies away still remains."
Anna explains for her aunt.
"Well then, no worries. We shall set up a feast outdoors."
Popsie Reed responds matter of factly.
"Now that's more like it."
Everyone turns their head towards the person who spoke.
"Popsie remember me from the valley? I am Bran by the way."
Bran approaches Popsie Reed hurriedly to shake his hand.
Everyone laugh at Bran's ever so casual gesture.
Amidst all these encounters, Anna glances at everyone.
She truly feels grateful for coming home.