Sapphire in the Rough
Summary: When Sapphire, Sir Finlay's and Gabriella's infant daughter, gets kidnapped by a wicked warlock named Malnorrix, Sofia and Cedric team up with the Helvetian sorcerers to rescue the little one. Meanwhile, there is more to Sapphire than meets the eye… (References to "Magic of Memories" and "Proof Positive")
Disclaimer: I don't own Sofia the First. I only own Sir Finlay, Gabriella, and Sapphire…and a few other original characters.
A/N: Because "Proof Positive" received such positive feedback, I decided to go ahead and start with the follow-up story to it. Please note that this takes place when Sapphire, Finlay's and Gabriella's baby girl, is seven months old. You'll get to see a bit of her personality and how she interacts with people around her. ;) Just so you know, if you've not read at LEAST "Proof Positive," you will most likely be very confused with this story. Oh, and just so you know, I plan to write this story and my other chapter story, "The Scepter of Darkness," within days of each other. So one day I may post a chapter of this story, and another day I may post for TSOD…or I may post a chapter each on one day. Who knows? Haha. Anyway, hope you enjoy! :)
PS: The first chapter is extra fluffy with rainbow swirls of sugar combined. You are receiving your warning now. :p Especially MarionetteJ2X! Haha
Chapter List:
1: Magical Beginnings
2: Malnorrix
3: Like Candy from a Baby
4: Enchanted Guardians
5: Within Reason
6: Search and Rescue
7: In the Rough
*Story*
Chapter 1: Magical Beginnings
"Come to me, little one," Sir Finlay cooed gently as he sat on the plush white carpet in his and Gabriella's bedroom. His little daughter Sapphire, with hair as silver as his and her eyes the same shade as her name, responded with a delighted squeal as she bounced back and forth on the floor. He chuckled. "Come on, Sapphire. Come to Papa."
The baby made one hesitant move, her small left hand gently brushing the fluffy surface of the carpet. She giggled at the feeling before glancing up, seeing her father smiling fondly at her. She cooed loudly again before attempting to move toward him, her little hands and legs working in tandem to project her forward. Slowly but surely, she had successfully crawled half of the way to her father before she whined and stopped, plopping into a seated position and pouting.
Sir Finlay made a sound of sympathy before sliding forward, scooping the little girl into his arms. "It's all right, ma fille. I'm just thrilled you are trying." He nuzzled their noses together, causing the baby to giggle again.
"Sounds like you two are having fun," an amused voice declared as Gabriella stepped into their bedroom, her shoes immediately discarded as she lowered next to her family.
"Ah!" Sapphire lit up as she saw her mother, who smiled and welcomed her into her arms.
"How did your meeting with the king go?" Sir Finlay inquired curiously as he turned to face both of his girls.
"Better than I thought. Get this: he wants me to teach a magical defense class to some preteens." She laughed at the look on her husband's face. "I know, right? Aside from Sapphire, I'm not exactly a 'kid person.' But I told him I'd see what I can do."
The silver-haired man smirked as he ran one hand through the sorceress's hair. "The day you teach adolescents, mon cher, is the day ogres fly."
"You're speaking to a sorceress, my love." She winked as she grasped his hand and lowered it to the carpet. "Don't forget—I know a flying spell." She grinned as he rolled his eyes. "Anyway, maybe it will be good for me to train kids. Who knows? Maybe I'll like it."
"Yes, but just understand that you cannot simply curse them if you become annoyed with them."
She scoffed. "That was one time, and I apologized to Princess Amber." She snickered. "Speaking of which, have you heard from Cedric and Sofia recently?"
He shook his head. "No… It's been rather peaceful and quiet on both fronts, I suppose. Perhaps we could meet up in the future. I think Princess Sofia would be delighted to meet our little nugget."
Gabriella couldn't help the gentle smile that graced her features. Sir Finlay was a far better father than many she'd encountered in all her experiences. She even considered him the best father figure anyone could have. Then again, he just had that natural paternal personality. Plus she just loved the nickname he'd given to their daughter. "Well, your little nugget needs to go to bed, Finny."
As soon as she heard the word 'bed,' Sapphire's startling blue eyes widened as she gazed at her mother in dismay. "Bah?" she asked, as if inquiring the unthinkable reality that she would actually have to go to sleep. There was just so much to do! She had games to play and books to be read to her…and magic to witness at the hand of her beloved Papa.
"Yes, darling," Gabriella confirmed with a firm nod. "It's bedtime."
"Aw, Gabby," Sir Finlay countered with a pout of his own, matching the one on his infant daughter's face. "Just another half hour at least. She's just gotten the hang of crawling a bigger distance. She's getting quite good." He winked, causing the baby to giggle at his overly enthusiastic explanation.
"Well…" She sighed, realizing both pouting faces were now staring at her, silently pleading with her to succumb to their cuteness. "Oh, fine. Thirty minutes, and little Miss Nugget here goes to bed."
"Yay!" Sir Finlay cheered happily as he gathered the little girl from his wife and stood, twirling her about the room. "Say thank you to Mama," he encouraged, grinning from Sapphire to Gabriella.
Instead of actual words, a loud and excited squeal rang through their room as Sapphire offered a wide, toothless grin to her mother.
"You're welcome," Gabriella said simply with a surprised laugh as Sir Finlay swooped her into an embrace.
"Family hug time!" he announced happily.
"Finlay, stop being so corny. It's disgusting." She snickered before kissing his cheek. "Well, look, you two enjoy yourselves. I'm going to bed." With that said, she walked behind a privacy screen and changed into her nightgown before getting into bed. "Don't stay up too late, Finlay. We have much to do tomorrow."
"Yes, Gabby," he responded playfully before winking at his daughter, who gurgled and smiled back at him. "Watch this, little one." He sat on the floor with her, placing her in front of him, and held out one hand as a stream of magic erupted from his fingers.
"Ooh," the baby cooed in awe as she watched the magic swirl in the air and around her father's nimble fingers.
"Someday, Sapphire, you too will be able to create magic of your own." He gently tapped her nose, making her grin.
Sapphire mimicked her father, waving her hands clumsily in the air. She then paused, a focused look appearing on her face, a serene smile gracing her lips.
Sir Finlay blinked and stared in awe as the little girl placed both of her hands together, a steady stream of magic flowing from the center of her palms and spreading outward. However, before he could say or do anything, she separated her hands and the magic disappeared. "What the…?"
Sapphire smiled innocently and tilted her head slightly. "Ah?"
The sorcerer shook his head. "Perhaps I'm just tired… Maybe your mother is right, Nugget." He picked her up and cradled her gently as he pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Time for bed." He smiled as she yawned and placed her head on his shoulder before drifting off to sleep. "Sleep well, ma fille."
To be continued…