Adventures in Magic
Story Summary: Cedric and Sofia travel around to different kingdoms as Magical Ambassadors of Enchancia one summer to gain more magical experience and abilities, facing down new dangers while forming an even stronger bond with each other.
Premise: With King Roland's blessing and with Cordelia stepping in to substitute for her brother as Royal Sorceress, Cedric is given the summer to travel around the Ever Realm so that he can act as a magical ambassador as well as become even stronger with his own magical abilities. Sofia, who is currently pursuing her own magical education, decides to travel with him so she can get more experience and training. Together, they navigate the excitement and dangers of magic while forming an even stronger bond with each other. (Takes place a little over two years after the end of the original show)
Disclaimer: I do not own Sofia the First or any of the characters/locations affiliated with it. The original characters introduced in various chapters belong to me.
A/N: Hi, everyone! Wow! First of all, let me just say that this story has been in the works for about nine months now. I began with a general idea: What would happen if Cedric went on some sort of magic-related trip and Sofia tagged along? I sat down and plotted things out, including the premise, the overall summary, the OCs, the chapter titles and summaries, and everything within the course of about a week. I've made edits here and there, but for the most part, the idea of the story and the goal I have in mind remained the same. For those of you who enjoy reading long stories, you'll be pleased to know that this will be a 25-chapter story: the longest story I have ever written on this site. But just wait. Its follow-up, Beyond Enchancia, is even longer. I'm not entirely sure if these two series will be my final Sofia the First stories or not… Since the show has ended, I'm not certain what my writing future holds. Honestly, the show was such a huge part of my life the last four and a half years, so it will take some time to adjust to its finalization. However, I do want to pay tribute to one of the best shows ever, so what better way than to do what I do best? Cedric and Sofia on a mission? Check. Funny/cute/sweet/emotional moments? Check. Villains? Check. Adventure? Check. A beautiful wrap-up? Check. No matter what happens after the completion of this story and the Beyond Enchancia series, I do want to thank every single person who's ever read my stories, reviewed them, favorited/followed them, sent feedback or suggestions for stories, messaged me for anything, and so on. You all are the reason I write, as I've said before. Without you, I'd be buried in nothing but work with no second thoughts, so thank you for appreciating my artistic outlet. You should know that I'll be making a PDF "book" of this story once it's fully complete (minus the A/N sections), and I'll be posting it on my Wix site for anyone who'd like to see the completed version all in one go, along with photos edited specifically for this story. Keep an eye out. With that being said, enjoy! 😊
Chapter 1
Opportunity of a Lifetime
Summary: King Roland approaches Cedric about traveling to different kingdoms as a magical ambassador for the summer. In addition, he grants Sofia permission to travel with him so that she can gain more magical experience and continue her role as Cedric's apprentice.
Enchancia had not changed much in the last two years. Ever the steadfast kingdom, everything operated smoothly: from village business to trade exports and imports, and of course everything in between. And while the kingdom itself had hardly changed, the same could not be said for some of its inhabitants.
James now attended Chivalry Hall and was pursuing his desired career as a knight. Now fifteen years old, he stood a little taller and had a leaner frame. He'd lost much of his "baby fat," as Amber teasingly called it, making the prince appear more like the teen he was rather than the boy he used to be. His blonde hair remained the same though, as it was a style he didn't deem necessary to abandon. When he wasn't donning knight armor in practice, he could be seen in dark olive outfits reminiscent to what he once preferred when he was younger. Perhaps the most changed thing for James was his steadily altering voice, which was slowly becoming warmer and richer as the years passed. At first, he'd hated the change, but over time he got more and more used to it.
James's twin, Amber, now dubbed the heir to the throne, attended Ever Realm Academy as she'd always dreamed of doing. It was in that particular school that she learned all about the role of a leader, which was appropriate for the future queen. Amber was currently just as tall as James, though she had a feeling he would surpass her in height soon enough. She styled her longer hair in a similar fashion to her birth mother: half up and half down and with waves cascading down her back. Her new tiara, gold with emeralds and diamonds fastened throughout, matched her intricate gown perfectly. The fabric caught the light, causing it to shimmer and dazzle any who saw it. Of course, the older twin had always had a flair for fashion, so it wasn't too surprising. With each new lesson and passing day, the once callous princess became more approachable and knowledgeable of her role in Enchancia, which caught the attention of plenty of her former classmates, especially her dear friend Desmond, with whom she'd formed a much stronger and deeper bond the last couple of years. In fact, there were whispers in the kingdom that perhaps the prince and princess may form something stronger than a friendship in the next few years, though she ignored the gossip for now. What she had with Desmond was sacred and pure, and she wanted to enjoy it while she could. If, however, something more came of their friendship, then so be it.
Last, but certainly not least, was Sofia, who was now fourteen. Unlike her older sister, Sofia did not wish to be a queen at all. However, she did ultimately decide to attend Ever Realm Academy with Amber in order to conduct her advanced studies, which delighted the older girl to no end. Even still, Sofia desired a life of adventure like her Aunt Tilly. Luckily for the youngest royal, being a Protector, and a rather good one at that, meant that she was able to travel more, which she thoroughly enjoyed. And, because of her role, she could continue securing her beloved Ever Realm in the process. Daily, she grew stronger and more confident in her skills, leading her to be the pride of the Protectors, especially Chrysta.
Of the three siblings, Sofia was still the shortest by a few inches, though she had admittedly grown some in the last few years. Her much longer hair was now often in a ponytail due to her adventurous nature, which suited her just fine. She'd long since given up the typical princess gowns (save for special occasions, of course) and opted instead for variations of the Protector outfits more often than not, which frustrated the blonde princess to no end. Still, Sofia dressed as she saw fit, which echoed her Protector spirit.
In addition to her studies at Ever Realm Academy, the fourteen-year-old still continued her more advanced training with Chrysta and her magic lessons with her mentor Cedric the Sensational/Great. (She liked to call him by both her title for him and her father's title, because, in her opinion, they both suited him very well.) In fact, she'd hinted on more than one occasion that she'd be thrilled to become a full-fledged sorceress someday, though she had to wonder if it was even possible. The Amulet of Avalor and Protector role aside, it's not like she had a magical lineage. Apparently, it was rare for a non-magical person to pursue such a career, but then again, when had Sofia ever done anything typical? Even Cedric seemed delighted about the prospect of his apprentice following in his footsteps. What exactly would that make her anyway? A Princess/Protector/Avaloran Amulet Holder/Story Keeper/Sorceress/Adventurer? She could just imagine her résumé by the next time she graduated… Half the students her age hadn't a clue the extent of what Sofia had achieved since she'd first stepped into that castle, even though everyone now knew all of her once-secret abilities, roles, and powers.
Currently, the auburn-haired princess was just starting her summer break, which meant more time to spend with her family and friends. Of course, that also meant ample time for training and magic lessons if necessary. At the moment, she was walking into the throne room, having been summoned by her father a few minutes ago. "Dad?" she asked, seeing Roland sitting on his throne and smiling mysteriously at her. "What's going on? Baileywick said you needed to talk to me."
"I do," he confirmed. "But let's wait just a minute. There's someone else I need to speak with too."
Sofia was about to ask what he meant when she saw Cedric entering the room, stopping next to her. Her friend hadn't changed at all in the last two years, which was something of a comfort to her. Cedric was a constant in her life, and with the changes the teenaged years implied and implemented, she was grateful to have someone who didn't change. "Mr. Cedric? Were you summoned too?"
"You say 'summoned,'" he remarked playfully before bowing respectfully to the king, who nodded. "I say 'sassily informed by a cranky steward.'"
She giggled and nudged him before turning toward her father, who cleared his throat.
"I'm glad both of you are here," the king stated sincerely. "Cedric… Your sister is still staying with us for the foreseeable future, correct?"
In fact, Cordelia and Calista had moved back into the castle a few months ago, having left from their previous extended stay over a year ago. However, for whatever reason, the castle where Cedric's sister and niece had been staying had become absolutely desolate and unsafe to inhabit, so they now permanently resided in the castle…or at least for the time being, anyway. Then again, it didn't seem as though anyone was in any hurry to rush the two sorceresses away.
"I apologize for anything she said or did, Your Majesty," Cedric professed with a shake of his head. "Cordy can be a bit of a handful sometimes…"
"It's not that, Cedric. I have plans for you this summer." He stood and walked down the steps, stopping before the two friends, who appeared both curious and baffled at the same time. "There's something other kingdoms have been practicing for a long time, and I think it's time we began the same here in Enchancia. I'd like you to act as our Magical Ambassador and travel around to neighboring kingdoms this summer. It would be great for royal networking and for you as well."
Sofia frowned as Cedric practically gaped at the king.
"Y-You want me to represent Enchancia, King Roland?" Cedric asked in shock.
"Well, sure. Cordelia could step in as Royal Sorceress while you're gone, and it would give you a chance to get away from here for a while. You could travel and see the world while also performing the job you enjoy." Roland smiled as he noticed Sofia lowering her head in apparent dismay. "And of course, it couldn't hurt to take your apprentice with you, seeing as she's home for the summer."
Sofia lit up at the mentioning. She slowly began to smile. "Really, Dad?"
"Absolutely. If Cedric agrees, of course."
Cedric was at a loss for words. Him? An ambassador? Representative for Enchancia? It was almost impossible to believe, but… "I… I would be honored, Your Majesty." He then smiled down toward the teen, who had grasped onto his robe sleeve to get his attention. "And I'd be even more honored if my apprentice would accompany me. We always work rather well together, so I have no qualms about the dear princess coming along."
She beamed at her friend's words. "Really, Mr. Cedric?"
He nodded. "I can't think of a better traveling companion than you, Sofia." He chuckled as she briskly hugged him, something she still did on occasion but decidedly less often than when she was younger. He had to admit, he'd missed those hugs she'd once commonly offered. Pleased with her reaction, he gently returned the hug before glancing up toward the king. "I believe you now have a representative team, King Roland."
Roland smiled and folded his arms. "I figured as much," he remarked, chuckling. "I'll arrange your schedule and a flying coach to take you where you need to go, and you can leave at the end of this week."
"Actually, Dad," Sofia began as she turned toward the king, "since we're going to be gone the next few months, maybe we could take Mr. Cedric's new invention he's been working on."
Cedric gave the girl a reproachful look.
"A new invention?" Roland tilted his head.
"Yes," the sorcerer admitted reluctantly with a sigh. "I call it the AutoCoach. It does all the work of a flying coach, sans driver, of course. It can be magically programmed to guide us where we need to go."
"Oh!" The king smiled happily. "Well, then, by all means—take it. As long as it's safe, of course."
Cedric nodded quickly. "Oh, yes, Your Majesty. It's quite safe. This will be its maiden voyage, so to speak."
"All right. I'll just get your schedule written up and have it delivered to your workshop later tonight, Cedric. Sofia." He smiled down toward his daughter. "See you at supper?"
"Absolutely." She grinned and hugged him. "This is going to be the best summer ever!"
Roland chuckled and returned her hug. "It's definitely an opportunity of a lifetime. Not many get to go on this type of adventure, and certainly not for so long." He glanced toward his childhood friend. "I trust you'll take care of her, Cedric."
Cedric nodded seriously and smiled as the girl turned to look at him. "With my life, sire."
To be continued…