Chapter 44: Realm above the Clouds

The happy and satisfied group of Princess Aria heads straight to the realm of the Air fairies after their memorable excursion in the human world. The Princess is very proud of her Popsie and Marmee for the scrumptious feast her fairy kin partake as well as the hospitality they have shown.
It was too unbearable to leave them. Even Bran enjoyed the food so much that he cannot stop complaining of his awakened palette. According to him, he would really miss human cooking so much. He even hinted that he might occasionally drop by Popsie Reed's house just to experience Marmee Rose's delicious cuisine. This earned him a disapproving look from Aramir.
Marmee Rose prepared a pack of cucumber sandwiches for her Anna, which is now in Bran's possession.
Princess Ava has high praises for Popsie Reed too. They had a very engaging conversation on various mythical creatures.
Popsie Reed was very curious about the fairy world while Princess Ava willingly offers her knowledge on it. Likewise, the ranger side of the Princess led her to her inquiry on the human world. She might probably be trying to gain information on where to start searching for her half human sibling.
Princess Aria smiles from recalling how her aunt was truly appreciative of her human parents. Too bad her King Father and Queen Mother were not able to join them. Perhaps in her next visit, they might finally be able to meet her Popsie and Marmee.
Caspian seems more relaxed as well after his relief when he felt that Popsie Reed and Marmee Rose treated him the same as they casually did even before knowing his identity. He was a bit guilty for his made up story when Popsie Reed arrived in the valley with his human companions to bring help.
Presently, Caspian is very grateful for the opportunity to show them that he can still be trusted, especially when it comes to their daughter's protection. He has brought their Anna back, safe.
Their arrival at the realm above the clouds is not unforeseen. Cleon, the head of the rangers among the Air fairies is waiting at the castle entrance with a warm smile for them.
This is another first for Princess Aria and predictably, she marvels at the grandeur of the White Haven. Truly the glorious atmosphere of this realm befits the elegant aura of their Queen.
Almost everything is visually in the shade of white. The entirety of the external façade shows a very calm and spotless setting. It gives Princess Aria the feeling of bliss like she is entering heaven itself. The pureness of the realm above the clouds can be felt all around.
Princess Aria suddenly recalls Caspian's kinship. She glances at him to observe his reaction.
Caspian's expression is indecipherable. He appears tranquil though.
"Welcome my fairy kin."
Cleon greets them politely. This brought Princess Aria back to the present.
"Cleon it is nice to see you once more."
It is Princess Ava who responds in behalf of their group.
"Welcome to our realm Princess Ava and our young Princess Aria. We are honored with both your lovely presence."
Cleon praises the Princesses.
"Your realm is such a wonder."
Princess Aria replies cordially.
"Aramir, I can see that you are in the best of health."
Cleon turns to the head of the Earth rangers.
"I had the best nurse in all the realms."
Aramir replies half seriously and half-jokingly. He means Nurse Zella, who is known throughout the fairy realm for her tremendous healing skills. On the other hand, he feels indebted to Princess Ava for staying at their realm indefinitely to make sure he is fully recovered.
Cleon's glance falls on Caspian. He regards the earth ranger with a certain fondness.
"Welcome young ranger. I am delighted that you find your way back to our realm. It is your home as well."
Cleon says this with complete candor.
Just like his Air fairy Queen, Cleon might look young but he has served as ranger longer than any fairy can imagine. He knew Caspian's mother very well more than any other Air fairies could claim. After all, Cara was supposed to be the heir to Queen Aine.

Caspian stares at Cleon for a while contemplating on how to respond.
"Good to see you Cleon."
That is the most casual of words he was able to utter.
He might have grown in the Earth realm but setting foot in his Mother's true realm gives him a certain sense of connection to her, that he never had growing up. Since her death in birthing, Marion, his Father, avoids talking about her.
Caspian always felt he was to blame for his Mother's untimely passing. Though his Father never gave him any reason to feel that way, Caspian imagines that his Father's happiness revolves around his mother.
Recalling his mother being in this place gives Caspian a peaceful feeling more than he cares to reveal. It is as if his Air magical ability has awaken inside him.
"The Kings and Queens are assembled in the White Pavilion. Queen Aine is aware of your arrival in our realm. I took the liberty to personally welcome all of you."
"They have been discussing the Dark fairy's disappearance at the Dark Mountains. It seems his exact whereabouts is relatively hard to pin point even for my Queen."
"Alirion apparently has a keen skill for hiding, as well as deception. He is such a cowardly fairy."
Cleon relays all these with disgust. His animosity for this fairy goes far back when both Cara and Alirion were still young. He can never understand how Cara tried so hard to give her half-brother the benefit of the doubt when it was really obvious for everyone in their realm that his brother's ambition to prove himself as the best fairy would lead him to dark magic.
"You can rest and wait for their summit to adjourn. Queen Aine will send for you afterwards."
"Come and join me at the Gray Pavilion. We will have some refreshments send there."
Cleon turns around to lead the way so the group can follow him.
From behind the group, Cleo suddenly exclaims.
"I think Bran does not need any more refreshments. He has eaten all the sandwiches on our way here."
The group laughs as Bran discreetly attempts to hide in his pocket the bag that is already empty.
Bran merely grins at everyone for laughing at him. He glances at Princess Aria with an apologetic expression having been caught red handed for eating all of the sandwiches which were clearly not for him at all.
Princess Aria smiles back at Bran to assure him that it was just fine. Her attention returns to admiring this place which every fairy refers to as the Realm above the Clouds. She cannot wait to see the whole interior of this magnificent white castle.
The Princess walks with their group with her eyes looking around in bewilderment. The interior is even more fascinating than the impressive exterior. Each part of the castle gives a visual illusion of being around different cloud formations in varying shades of white and gray.
This realm lives up to its reference as the White Haven.
After a while, Cleon stops in an opening and ushers them inside.
"Welcome to the Gray Pavilion. Please make yourselves comfortable. I will just check on the food."
Cleon bows to them and takes his leave.
Princess Aria stares at the cloud-like walls of the hall. As if bewitched by magic, the cloud walls appear transparent and she can see the outside, which is a view of a thousand or more fluffy cloud forms.
Caspian walks up to her and stares at the clouds as well.
"Princess, I would like to tell you that I am glad you are here with me."
Caspian's words strike Princess Aria with surprise but with so much happiness too. This world is more meaningful having a special someone to share it with.
She is not sure what to reply to that so she just holds on to Caspian's hand. She guesses that should be a better answer.
So the young Earth fairies stay that way, in their own kind of peaceful bliss.