Disclaimer: I do not own Sofia The First or Story of Evil

A/N: So Cedric and Sofia both appear in this chapter. I know, you're all like "Finally!"

Anyway, please enjoy.

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It started when she saved me while I was unconscious on the ground...

Cedric trudged his way slowly through the forest. In all honesty he probably should have stopped for a rest. But for whatever reason, the sorcerer decided to push stubbornly on. Besides, with him being back in Enchancia, where he was technically forbidden; it probably wasn't the best idea for him to stay in one place for too long.

After his displacement and banishment from Enchancia, the sorcerer had taken to traveling around the world. Or, at least anywhere he could manage to get to on foot. Searching for a job as sorcerer of another kingdom.

Of course, he first tried seeking employment in the countries where there was currently no Royal Sorcerer present. Determined to fulfill his parting words to Queen Amber.

Unfortunately, it seemed as though his reputation as a useless bungling sorcerer had preceded him. And the Royals of the other kingdoms promptly turned him down a every turn. Unlike Roland II, they had more of a choice in the matter, and they weren't about to employ a second rate sorcerer to serve them. Especially one who had reportedly sassed their former sovereign, and been banished from their home kingdom...

So, with those options exhausted he tried to see if he could work somewhere else. He was well aware that some of the nobles employed sorcerer's as well. In fact, his sister Cordelia was currently working for a Duchess of Zumaria. However, Cedric made a concentrated effort to avoid that particular kingdom. Having absolutely no desire to come into contact with his elder sibling. Whom he was positive, had regaled to all she knew how she always knew that her bumbling brother would lose his job. As well as lamenting the fact that because of him, she couldn't be Enchancia's Royal Sorceress either.

No! he didn't want to hear any of that...

Speaking of his family. The sorcerer hadn't heard from any of them since the night he was dishonorably discharged and banished. A rather horrible memory...One which he preferred not to dwell upon...That night his father had emerged from the enchanted portrait gifted to him. Scolding Cedric severely for what he'd gotten himself and their family into.

Harsh words were exchanged between the two men, and when the elder had returned back through the portal. Cedric in a rage promptly threw the portrait on the ground. Destroying it.

He was a little surprised at first by how easily it broke. Being well aware the the painting was protected by enchantments. But it seemed as though those safeguards only extended to magical, and not physical assaults.

With that his only form of communication between him and his parents had been cut off. He huffed, brushing it off though. It wasn't as though he ever wanted to speak with his father again! And since he was now forced to leave the Kingdom he no longer had to worry about coming into contact with his old man again.

Though...if he were being perfectly honest...he did actually miss his mother, and niece just a little. But he buried those sentiments under a strong anger towards his father and sister. Stubbornly refusing to even attempt to contact his family...

Thus the former Royal Sorcerer continued to search for work, accompanied only by his familiar Wormwood. Unfortunately he found no luck finding employment with the nobles either. Well, that wasn't entirely true...A few of the more unscrupulous Dukes and Duchesses would sometimes hire him temporarily for entertainment at their banquets. And although Cedric would perform his duties well, they always fell back on the excuse of his reputation to pay the man far little than what he deserved.

Perhaps if he humbled himself and sought employment with the commoners. He would have been able to find more steady employment. Or at least a honest wage. But his pride, disallowed him from seeking work from anyone less than a noble. And as a result, he continued to suffer abuse at their hands.

So he had spent his days for the past five years, wandering through the kingdoms. Having no place to stay, and living on whatever meager funds he had obtained. As well as whatever he and Wormwood could scavenge from the forest. Thankful that at least with the aid of his magic, he could keep his appearance up.

In regards to his familiar though, the raven had quite unexpectedly disappeared on him a few months ago.

At first when Cedric had awoken to find his long time companion no longer at his side, he was frantically worried. Desperately he searched for his old friend, fearing that perhaps the bird had, been attacked by another animal.

He tried to assure himself though that the raven was far too intelligent for something like that to have happened to him. However if Wormwood hadn't been hurt. Then the only other explanation for the birds sudden absence was that he had simply left. But...that couldn't be the case...Wormy wouldn't just abandon him...would he?

Whatever the reason, Cedric never found his familiar again, and had been left alone to travel the land aimlessly. After some time, in his wanderings he had somehow made his way back to Enchancia. And although he knew the risks, for whatever reason he took no great effort to exit the kingdom.

Which was how he found himself now. Stumbling haphazardly through the woods. His stomach complained loudly at him, and he clutched it in discomfort. How long had it been since he'd last eaten? He couldn't remember. It was true as a sorcerer he could conjure up food. But magically created victuals were meant to be eaten only for pleasure. Possessing little, to no nutritional properties. In fact one would use more energy creating it than they would actually gain from eating it. And at this point, the sorcerer had no energy to waste using his magic. Which was the also reason for his now disheveled appearance.

With his hand, the sorcerer supported himself against a tree for a moment. Attempting in vain to steady himself. His head, light from weakness, was spinning desperately... Even so, he attempted to press forward. But as he took one more step he promptly fainted, falling forward on his face. His mind plunging into darkness...

He awoke sometime later to the smell of clean sheets, and a soft cloud cradling his body and head. It didn't take him long to deduce that he must be laying in a bed. He smiled in contentment, sinking into the softness. Unable to recall the last time he had slept in an actual bed.

Suddenly a feeling of panic came over him. Where was he?! Had he been captured?! He calmed himself though in the knowledge that it was highly unlikely he would be treated this well, if that was the case.

Sitting up he looked briefly around the room. It seemed that he was in some sort of cottage. He knew he hadn't been too far from Dunwiddie. Did a villager find him and bring him here?

Still trying to figure out his bearings, he was startled by the creaking sound of a door opening. Looking over he saw a young woman of about sixteen, with auburn hair and big blue eyes, enter the room.

She smiled kindly at him. "I'm glad you're awake" she said. "I brought you some tea". She set a small tray with the warm beverage as well as some scones onto the small drawer next to his bed.

Ravenous, he immediately reached for one of the scones. Promptly shoving it into his mouth.

The girl simply watched on patiently. Well aware that the poor man had likely been starving. And that now was not the time to chide him in regards manners.

"Thank you.." he finally remembered to say, albeit with his mouth full.

"You're welcome." She said, "Supper will be ready soon as well, Mr. Ceedric."

"It's Cedric!" he corrected rather harshly, his head still spinning. He regretted it though when he saw the frown on the girl's face.

"Oh..I'm sorry..." she apologized.

"No...no..." he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose "I'm sorry. That was rude of me...I shouldn't have...I just...wait..." he lifted his head up. Realization coming over him...

Mr. Ceedric?...Someone had called him that once before...

As his eyes took greater scrutiny of the girl an old memory, nearly forgotten, of a small child gushing enthusiastically about his magic returned to his mind...

"You!" he pointed at her, causing her to flinch a little in surprise. "You're that little girl from the village that was at the royal twins birthday party!" He snapped his fingers trying to recall. "Um...So...Sof...Sophie!"

"Actually it's Sofia." she corrected, with a playful smirk.

"Oh..." he sighed, crestfallen "...sorry..."

She giggled, "It's okay. Just think of it as us being even now for me thinking your name was Ceedric all this time."

He chuckled weakly at that, before taking a sip from his tea cup. Glancing back up over at Sofia he took small a moment to examine her. Still feeling a bit peculiar in regards to the difference that time could make on somebody. The person in front of him was a stark contrast to the little girl that had been in his memory for a little over six years. She had grown much taller, and her figure had matured as well. Certainly, she wasn't a child anymore. And although he wouldn't necessarily call her an adult yet, she was getting there rather quickly. A youth...perhaps? Would probably be the appropriate term for her now...

He shrugged, coming out of his musings. Well that was to be expected. Though he was a little surprised that she seemed to remember him after all this time. Continuing to eat, though not quite as ravenously as before, his eyes traveled around the room once more.

"How did I get here?" he finally asked.

"I found you on the edge of the forest. And Mr. Hanshaw helped me carry you back here." She explained.

"Hmph..." he huffed, taking another bite of scone, "Do you often go around rescuing people lost in the woods?..." he drawled.

She blinked, before grimacing a bit. "Actually, yes. I do. I'm part of Carol of The Arrows merry band. So if I see someone in need, I help them." she said seriously.

"I see..." he sighed, feeling a bit of reproof for his rudeness earlier. "Well...thank you for saving me...Sofia.

"You're welcome, Mr. Cedric." the girl smiled, in a way he found strangely endearing. Though he didn't dwell on it...

"Anyways..." she continued. "As I was saying earlier...supper will be ready to eat soon. So come down stairs when you're ready. Okay?"

He nodded in acknowledgment, watching as she left the room once more. Alone with his thoughts, he slowly sipped his tea. Wondering what other changes may have happened in Enchancia since his absence...

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A/N: short I know. But I assure there will be more moments between the two in the following chapters. Thank you for reading.