Chapter 47: A Ranger's Life

The news on the magical awakening of two esteemed rangers spreads like wild fire all over the four fairy realms. The entire fairy world rejoices for such an inspiring story in such troubled times. The spirits of the fairies are way too low since the Dark fairy is like a ghost hovering in their realms. The lack of news or inaction from Alirion gives a terrible feeling of a certain evil lurking just around the corner if you slacken your defenses.
The awakened rangers create hope for all of their kind. Having the knowledge that a ranger's life maybe full of perils but if you fought with honor and true loyalty for your people, nothing is impossible. They need this inspiration now. This way, there is sort of a victory for them against the evil fairy amidst the deaths that came their way ever since this fairy decided that gaining power to dominate is more important than any fairy life.
Though most of the other rangers of the realms were younger by far and has never personally met the two legendary rangers, they have grown up learning about the gallantry of Aldar and Melandra so many years ago. Who would not admire these two fairies who stood up against Alirion to protect their King and Queen?
Aldar and Melandra return quickly to the Green Haven but did not fail to express their deepest gratitude to King Oberon and Queen Meridian for keeping their indefinite slumber truly safe and secure.
Aramir, Caspian and Princess Aria update the two rangers on the events from the past sixteen years that both were in their slumbered status.
The mixture of anger and sadness can be seen from both Aldar's and Melandra's faces upon recalling the death of their leader Marion, plus the escape of Alirion and the long search for their Earth Princess.
"My Princess, we apologize for keeping you in the dark. I think by now you have an idea of how ruthless this Dark fairy is. We could not afford to let anything befall you when you were just a defenseless infant then."
Melandra's voice is full of admonishment for herself.
"Please don't apologize. You have done your duty and my King Father and Queen Mother decided on my secrecy for my own safety. To be honest, I am grateful that you brought me to such wonderful human parents."
Princess Aria talks in a light tone to appease the regrets of Melandra.
"The locket decided for us. The protective spell worked as the locket sensed the house and whoever dwells within could offer the kind of security you require."
Melandra explains.
Princess Aria frowns in deep thought. She is trying to decipher the mystery of her emerald locket. It seems to have a mind of its own.
"Princess Aria, our awakening aided by you and the locket remains a mystery to us also."
Aldar confesses.
"We could only theorize that since it was in Melandra's possession before she left it with you when you were a baby, the locket became a key connected to you so you were able to revive us when no other fairy could break Alirion's spell."
When Aldar mentions the Dark fairy, he could not help glance in Caspian's direction.
As if Caspian senses the staring ranger, he stares back with a forced smile.
"No need for the pity look, Aldar. I have come to terms with that. My mother and father are the only ones that matter to me."
"Aldar, I think our young ranger here has grown so much in your absence."
Aramir praises.
Caspian somehow seems calm about it so Aldar does not pursue the topic at all.
"You still owe me a lesson with your bow and arrow."
Caspian reminds Aldar as he grins at him.
Aldar smiles back remembering the little ranger that Caspian used to be.
"You should train him. He needs the practice badly."
Princess Aria teases to lighten up the mood. She is reminded that Aldar's weapon is a bow and arrows.
Upon their arrival at the Green Haven, even just by the edge of the forest from the Azure River, all the Earth fairies who catch a glimpse of Aldar and Melandra, approach them with so much astonishment. Their expressions come close to disbelief. After so many years, not a single fairy ever thought that Aldar and Melandra would ever awake from their slumber ever again.
The rangers and the Princess as if carry a certain talisman that the rest of their kin follows on their way to the Elder tree.
By the time they arrive at the entrance of the Elder tree, a good number of fairies are already on their trail.
"Our fairy folks, we are truly grateful for your warm welcome. We shall pay our respects to King Merlion and Queen Alina first but rest assured, we shall have the whole evening for merrymaking."
Aldar says loudly for everyone to hear.
Melandra bows with both palms together as a sign of gratitude for their kin's welcome.
The fairies' response seems like a chime in unison.
"Welcome home Aldar and Melandra!"
With that, Princess Aria enters the abode followed by the four rangers.
King Merlion and Queen Alina were overjoyed to see their ranger protectors, as well as their friends. They gave them a strong feeling of hope for the unpredictable future when they have to face the Dark fairy once more.
"Welcome home my friend."
Queen Alina exclaims as she embraces her ranger friend tightly. She never thought she would be able to feel this happy to see her fearless protector since their childhood.
"My Queen, I have missed your beautiful face. I can see that you have grown even more elegant as a Queen while I was in deep slumber."
Melandra says with so much sincerity.
"King Merlion, I hope Aramir has kept you well-guarded in my hiatus."
Aldar bows to both King and Queen after his slightly jolly wink at Aramir.
"My brave Aldar, I can see you have not changed a bit. You are still as humorous as before."
"Too bad Bran has kept us entertained in your absence."
Aramir interjects.
"Even the Queen of the Air fairies found Bran amusing."
King Merlion adds.
"Hmm, it would seem we have missed a lot of things."
Aldar finally concludes.
Then the three fairies laugh out loud.
Caspian and Princess Aria observe the small reunion in progress. Both young fairies could see the contentment of the King and Queen in recovering their lost kin.
"Caspian, thank you for finding me."
Princess Aria says unexpectedly.
"But Princess, remember you saw me first."
Caspian replies with a tender smile for his Princess.
This is such a momentous opportunity for the fairies. Truly, the return of Aldar and Melandra would work as a catalyst to rally their fairies. This would serve as a perfect reminder that a ranger's life is viewed as an ongoing journey which does not end in slumber or death. Rather, a ranger's greatness is measured by how much inspiration radiates towards the lives touched along the way.
The return of the two formidable rangers would help a lot in preparing the other rangers for the impending search and battle with the Dark fairy and whatever else he has gathered to his evil plot for fairy domination.