Chapter 46: Awakening

Princess Aria feels like she is stepping into dreamland once more. Starting from their descent of the Azure River, she has been immediately awestruck by the various creatures of the deep that she never set eyes in the human world. She could not imagine these precious sea creatures would be found in this fascinating body of water.
She does not mind the amused expression of Caspian every time she marvels at each wondrous sight she observes as far as her eyes could see.
The companions who join them in their journey to the Blue Haven include her grandparents, King Oberon and Queen Meridian. Her aunt Princess Ava is present too with Aramir beside her. These two seems inseparable in the past weeks.
Her King Father and Queen Mother headed back to the Green Haven along with the rest of the rangers who accompanied them in the human world earlier.
In King Merlion's opinion, Princess Aria has proven that she can handle herself. In addition to this, nothing could harm her, considering they are within the Four Realms' secured boundaries.
When they arrived at the entrance of the Blue Haven, Ailsa is already waiting for them.
Ailsa bows reverently towards their group.
King Oberon and Queen Meridian retire to their chambers upon arrival.
Princess Aria and her aunt share a secret smile and a knowing look. They are overjoyed by the growing closeness of King Oberon and Queen Meridian which might signify that they are trying to move forward from the unhappy events in their family's past.
The sadness and regret that all of them witnessed in the Fire Lord during the Azure gathering serve as eye opener for everyone. The idea of spending so much energy on negative thoughts and emotions would lead to a lot of wasted moments to share love and happiness with the ones who are truly important to you.
"Princess Ava, we would like to request your permission to allow us to visit Aldar and Melandra at the Aquamarine grotto."
Caspian informs the Water Princess politely.
"I would like to see the two brave rangers who have brought me to my human family for my protection."
Princess Aria adds.
"I think that is a thoughtful notion. We shall join you there."
Princess Ava replies as she leads the way.
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King Oberon dismisses the young water fairy who left a tray of refreshments in the chambers. The King closes the door himself then faces his Queen already sitting on the edge of their bed.
The King smiles broadly as he approaches Queen Meridian who is busily combing her long dark hair. She is aware of her husband's advances but pretends not to notice.
Both King and Queen seem to test each other's willingness to be intimate once more. It has been a while since they have a feeling of ease towards each other.
"My Queen, I would like to thank you for all your patience for an old selfish King like me."
King Oberon utters almost like a whisper. He knows that the Queen could hear each word. In his agenda, he is hopeful that they could start all over again.
"My King, I have never lost sight of who are dear to me. I may have tried to distance myself from you but it is just to protect my wearied heart. But my feelings never faltered. You have my heart, the whole of it."
Queen Meridian replies in a whisper.
The King sits beside his Queen and gently takes the combing shell from his Queen's hand. He allows it to drop carelessly on the floor. Then, he holds both of her hands and places them on his own chest, right where his heart is.
"Mer, you have my heart. It has always been yours. I am sorry for causing you pain. I love you, my Queen."
King Oberon embraces Queen Meridian after professing his feelings to her.
Queen Meridian returns his embrace. She would like him to feel that her embrace means her acceptance of her King once more.
Both King and Queen remains in that embrace wearing contented smiles on their faces.
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Princess Aria allows Caspian to hold her hand as they walk silently along the dark rocks leading to the cavern. She has learned to adjust her sight like the rest of the fairies as well as her getting accustomed to the temperature changes which grows colder as they reach the entrance of the cavern.
Princess Ava and Aramir were the first to enter. The two appears to observe silence as if the place dictates such conduct. Then Caspian and Princess Aria follow in the same subdued manner.
Since it is Princess Aria's first time to see this tomb-like place, she felt a bit uncertain on what to expect regarding the condition of the two rangers.
The Princess is saddened automatically when her eyes finally focus on the two immobile rangers on their stone beds.
Although she never had the opportunity to know them, she feels that both rangers are special parts of her life. In a way, they have protected not only her but her whole family. Their lives were dedicated to serve hers and everyone else in their realm.
At first, Princess Aria is unsure of what to do. But Caspian makes the first move. He approaches the stone beds while still holding the Princess' hand. So the Princess moves closer to the beds too.
Caspian gives the impression that he is drawing strength from the Princess as well.
Princess Aria touches the stone bed of Melandra with her free hand. She then moves her hand towards the chest of this brave ranger. She can feel the beating of Melandra's heart and is surprised by it.
She could not help but recall her Queen Mother's melancholic expression when she mentioned her ranger friend.
Suddenly, Princess Aria's locket glows frantically. Even the princess herself is startled by it.
Princess Ava and Aramir quickly approach Princess Aria as if alarmed that the young princess might be distressed upon seeing both rangers in such predicament.
"My niece, are you alright?"
Princess Ava asks her niece with a slight panic on her tone.
Princess Aria's expression is of bewilderment as well.
It appears that the locket has its own mind.
Caspian shifts to hold the Princess in a protective stance. He places his hands over her shoulders.
Princess Aria closes her eyes to concentrate. She seems to be communicating with someone.
"Princess?"
Caspian whispers with a worried expression.
The Princess stays that way for a few moments while her companions wait expectantly.
Finally, Princess Aria opens her eyes and with a bright smile she announces...
"I know what to do."
Princess Aria places her other hand on her already positioned one on Melandra's chest. The locket continues to glow until its color turns to emerald.
As if electricity travelled through the Princess' arms from the locket source, the body of Melandra begins to jerk. At first slowly until her whole frame moves in constant convulsions.
Princess Aria retrieves her hands and takes a few steps away from the stone bed.
As if controlled by a puppeteer, Melandra's body sits up then her eyes suddenly opens wide.
"Mother of Earth!"
Aramir exclaims in surprise.
Melandra stares around her like she just woke up from a sleep.
"What happened?"
Melandra asks in a weak voice. She turns her look towards the ranger lying on the adjacent stone bed.
"Aldar!"
She calls out in a whisper.
"Melandra welcome back!"
Princess Ava says with shock.
Princess Aria walks towards the other stone bed. The others are frozen in their spots. They let the young Princess go about her business uninterrupted.
Melandra remains seated on her stone bed. She watches curiously the young princess unknown to her performing her magic. Melandra stares at the Princess' face. She seems familiar though she has not seen her before.
Princess Aria repeats her ritual once more. The effects are the same and the group witnesses Aldar revived just like Melandra.
Aldar has the same confused expression upon awakening.
"I think I have not thanked both you yet. I am Princess Aria by the way."
The young princess smiles at the two rangers.
Both Aldar and Melandra stand from their stone beds and embrace the princess at the same time.
"Thank you Princess!"
Both rangers chime together.
"I suggest we move this happy awakening some place more comfortable."
Princess Ava suggests.
So the whole group makes their way back to the brighter part of the Blue Haven.
This day has proven to be a day of new beginnings and second chances for a more hopeful future.