Chapter 45: The Four Realms

Queen Aine sits on her ivory throne while the other Kings and Queens are situated in a semicircular position in front of her.
"I would like to thank all of you for joining me here despite of the short notice. So far, our common concern on the Dark fairy has brought us a stronger drive to work as one united fairy realm."
Queen Aine states this with a tone of formality but this is as much as you can get as a reaction from her indicating her agreement to join the other realms in order to fully protect the fairy kind.
Queen Aine's pride as the eldest among the Kings and Queens in attendance gave her the authority to speak her thoughts without reservations.
The others show her the due respect she deserves for her strong guidance in the affairs of fairy kind that goes back from the great battle in the long history of the fairy kingdom.
She is the sole living fairy who was part of the elder fairies who raged a war against the other supernatural entities who refused to live under a common rule of peaceful coexistence under the guidance of the Four Realms.
Queen Aine and the other elder fairies took part in the shaping of the four realms after the malevolent ones were driven far away beyond the Dark Mountains. Well, those who were left alive after the great battle.
The Four Realms that live in harmony has long been complacent of this peace since not a single one of these malevolent creatures ever dared to return and challenge the ruling four kingdoms.
"I believe the time has come for us to be proactive in maintaining the peace in our realms for the future generations of our kind."
Queen Aine continues.
"Alirion has gone too far in his attempt to dominate. We must not let him gain his footing and come back for another try."
The Queen's voice rises a bit on this last statement.
"My rangers made their first attempt to pursue Alirion after retrieving my son's remains but failed to gain any information unless they venture further beyond the Dark Mountains. Surely that bastard fairy would be there hiding in cowardice!"
The Fire Lord responds angrily to the point of standing from his seat with both palms glowing with orange flames.
"I think we should send a mission with a greater number of fairies from each realm."
King Merlion quickly suggests this plan. He agrees with the Fire Lord's notion but he would like to secure the safety of the other fairies in venturing beyond the Dark Mountains.
"I agree with my son."
Queen Meridian interjects.
"The fairies we will send on this mission needs to be absolutely in good numbers. We are not sure of the dangers they will encounter there as well as what kind of other creatures they will face besides the Dark fairy."
She adds.
"Haco and my other rangers dealt with a few number of ogres quite easily."
The Fire Lord exclaims full of pride.
"Yes King Hakan, we are aware of that but the ogres are a few among a variety of species who are easily handled compared to...who knows what is out there."
Queen Alina gently reminds the Fire Lord.
"Queen Alina is correct. We should not forget to take into account the other creatures beyond those wrenched mountains."
It is King Oberon who seconds the point raised by the Earth Queen.
"King Oberon is right. We must also be wary that Alirion might have rallied these creatures to his cause too. Who knows what kind of promises this Dark fairy gave to these unruly creatures similar to him."
King Merlion adds.
King Oberon stares at his son. His acknowledgement is more than enough for him. His son has been a bit sparing in his anger towards him since their last conversation in the Blue Haven. Although he was never given the opportunity to talk to his son, he continues to be proud of the kind of King he had turned out to be.
"Well then, we should prepare our rangers for an undertaking as big as this. Training is essential. We cannot send our fairies with mediocre skills!"
Queen Aine says as a caution.
The rest of the Kings and Queens nod silently in agreement. No other fairy has a greater experience when it comes to war than Queen Aine.
"As we prepare for this mission, let us fortify our protections surrounding the four realms."
The Queen finishes.
"Well, let us join the young generation of fairies in the Gray Pavilion. I am pretty sure you are all exhausted with this topic on this one particular fairy. I know I am."
Queen Aine stands after she says this.
The others stand too, taking Queen Aine's action as the end of their long and tiring discourse.
***********
The Queen of the White Haven interacts casually with the other fairies in the Gray Pavilion. With her present actions, she looks even younger than her true fairy age.
She particularly finds Bran very amusing. In consequence, Bran seems to appreciate his royal audience.
King Oberon and Queen Meridian are engaged in a light conversation with Princess Aria. It seems that they are getting to know their granddaughter better and finding her to be a fine Princess.
Queen Alina sits quietly with King Merlion in one corner of the pavilion, enjoying each other's company as they observe the other fairies around them.
"So, do you think there is no chance for redemption for Alirion anymore?"
Queen Alina whispers to her King.
King Merlion looks at his Queen with sadness.
"There are several opportunities that he could have taken that choice especially in his captivity in our realm. He plunged deeper into the darkness when he killed the only one left who is willing to give him another chance."
King Merlion seems pained in the reminder of Prince Hagan's death.
"I thought it was revenge that made him behave that way and even got Marion killed. But if you analyze the details of his every action, it is his own greed for power that has driven him to kill again and again without any remorse."
"I am sorry my love. Alirion is beyond redemption."
King Merlion caresses his Queen's face gently.
Queen Alina nods as she looks at Caspian across the room with Aramir and Princess Ava.
"But what do you foresee about Caspian? Do you think he would decide revenge rather than forgiveness?"
Queen Alina asks this with worry in her tone.
"Caspian has grown into a very honorable fairy like his father. He also possesses the same compassion we have taught him. I think whatever he decides to do in the end, we need not worry."
King Merlion ends their conversation in that manner.
***********
Caspian excuses himself and left the pavilion. He wanders around a bit and found the Pearl Pavilion. This is the healing quarters of the White Haven.
He enters silently and immediately felt calm inside this particular place.
His attention is caught by the white frames hanging on one side of the room.
He walks towards them and he is captivated by the image of a young fairy resembling his own features with the exemption of her silvery eyes.
Caspian is definitely sure that this is her mother's image from when she was still younger. He touches the image in the frame carefully as if to memorize it to commit to his memory.
A tear drops from his eye without a warning. He wipes it immediately.
"It is alright to shed a few tears once in a while."
It is Princess Aria who utters this.
She followed Caspian when she noticed his absence in the Gray Pavilion.
"Oh, I thought you were busy back there. I didn't intend to interrupt your happy conversation with your grandparents."
Caspian seems to attempt to change the topic away from his momentary show of vulnerability.
"Caspian I told you before that I am here for you. You need not hide your feelings about anything. It will not change how I see you. It is not assign of weakness. In fact your display of emotions will make you stronger."
Princess Aria reminds Caspian of her own sadness for not having spent time with her true parents when she was young. She knows that for Caspian it is different because he cannot ever see his parents again but she empathizes with the feeling of longing.
Princess Aria gives Caspian a tight embrace.
They stayed this way for a while.
"Your mother is very pretty."
Princess Aria breaks their silence.
"My grandparents invited us to visit the Blue Haven. We can go with them and my aunt from here."
Princess Aria intends to see her other realm of ancestry.
Caspian nods and touches the image in the frame one last time before pulling Princess Aria towards the exit.
He is reminded of Aldar and Melandra upon the Princess' mention of the Water realm. It has been a while since his last visit after all.
"Come on. I think it is time you meet your protectors when you were just a baby."
Caspian informs Princess Aria with excitement.
The two walks out from the healing quarters totally revitalized emotionally.