On Top of the World
Summary: After an eventful and very stressful last few months, Cedric takes Sofia on a much-needed getaway to Morea Mountain, which is said to be the highest and most beautiful accessible mountain top in the realm. While there, they make a few new discoveries that will change everything.
Disclaimer: I only own Morea Mountain.
A/N: It's finally here… The moment many of you have been waiting for… 😊 After this, many things will change, but most of them are good changes. I say 'most' because of a few challenges and struggles that these two will face down the road. You'll find out what they are eventually. But for now… I present to you the final story of my own season 2. See you in season 3!
Most of June had already passed by. In reality, it was hard to believe the year was nearly halfway over. So much had happened in such a short amount of time… It could make anyone's mind spin just thinking of all the changes (good and bad) and events (for lack of a better word).
However, despite that, Cedric and Sofia were currently on their annual Magical Ambassador trip. It was a sense of "normalcy" that they both craved, in a way. Roland had even insisted they go, not only as a way to either establish or maintain connections with other kingdoms, but also as a break—a much-needed break—for both of them. He'd been so mischievous about saying such a thing, and Sofia had noticed this. And why had Cedric blushed when her father mentioned 'being alone at last' exactly?
Still, it was nice to be traveling again. It was one of the partners' favorite pastimes, especially if it meant seeing some of their favorite places and people again. Of course, this trip was going to start a bit differently, considering the first destination: Morea Mountain.
"I remember you talking about this place a bit," Sofia told him sleepily as she rested her head in his lap while they travelled in the AutoCoach. Normally, she'd be sitting across from him, but he'd insisted that she lie down with him since he knew how tired she was. She smiled as she felt his fingers trailing through her loose hair. "It must be really neat."
"I wouldn't know," he admitted with a short laugh. "I've never actually been there before."
She frowned curiously before humming thoughtfully. "Really? Then…how did you find out about it? And why did you want to go?"
Cedric blushed a bit as he recalled something that he'd read about the mountain a while back.
The legend has it that Morea Mountain is a place of mystical, magical miracles, especially romantically inclined ones. Every couple who has professed their true love on the mountain has been rewarded with a lasting and successful relationship, and all couples so far have been fated to pass into the next realm together.
Granted, he wasn't so sure about the validity of that document. It had contained a few spelling and grammatical errors, and the concept of a couple dying together didn't necessarily scream 'romantic' in his opinion, but that was neither here nor there. Especially when he'd taken a look at some paintings on Morea Mountain… It was absolutely breathtaking: literally a solitary large rock-based mountain amidst a valley, several smaller rolling hills, and waterfalls that cascaded to the earth far below the mountain peak. It was like…the top of the world, so to speak.
"Y-You'll find out when we get there, my dear," he chuckled nervously, brushing his fingers against her cheek to pull some of her hair aside. As he did, he noted how warm her skin was, and he had to wonder… "I promise you that it will be a wonderful start to our Magical Ambassador trip."
She giggled. "Any adventure with you is wonderful, Cedric…"
He smiled fondly at her, placing a kiss to her temple.
About an hour later, the duo landed on a wide expanse of a large mountain: yes, indeed, Morea Mountain. Happily, it was even more beautiful and even grander than the paintings had suggested. The mountain itself sloped easily downward on the south side, though the north face of it was a straight plunge to the ground several hundred feet below. Part of the mountain face was hollowed out (likely naturally) with a large waterfall plummeting to the winding river that was etched into the valley. Each visible hill had both fresh green grass and numerous wildflowers blooming and swaying in the breeze. More large landforms had other waterfalls (some large and some quaint), melding into the river beneath them.
As it was only mid-afternoon, the sun still played along the earth, peaking through the clouds that floated by in their wispy manner. It warmed the mountain nicely, so the rocky form wasn't too chilly, even with the higher altitude.
"Wow," Sofia breathed as she stepped out of the AutoCoach, Cedric following behind her. She didn't see him turn and use his wand to conjure them a small but durable shelter, complete with two mats, two pillows, and a few heavy blankets, as well as a setup for a campfire and seating. "This is…ah-mazing…"
"Some things never change," he chuckled as he sheathed his wand, stepping up to her and wrapping an arm around her. He smiled as she leaned into him. "Yes… This is what I wanted you to see." He watched her curiously as she rubbed her arms. "Are you cold?"
"A little bit. I know it's summer, but the wind up here…"
"Say no more." He produced his wand again, tapping her shoulder, and watching as a thick, long-sleeved lavender coat appeared around her. He pocketed the wand before walking behind her, gathering her hair and releasing it from the confines of the coat, smoothing it out a bit.
Sofia smiled. He was being extra attentive to her today, and that was saying something. He always took care of her and saw to her needs, but there was something…different…this time. She turned to face him, and then a small laugh escaped her as she saw what he'd created. "You already made us a little house, huh?"
"Yes… Well, it's a bit small, perhaps, but I'm sure it will be cozy enough for one night."
"Hmm." She smirked, shrugging. "If it's not big enough, I guess I'll just have to snuggle with you or something."
He mimicked her shrug, smiling warmly as he took her hand. "If that is what you want…"
She blushed a bit, considering the possibility. "It wouldn't be the first time…"
Cedric tugged her toward him, whispering softly, "And it won't be the last." He chuckled as she gasped quietly before smiling up at him. "Are you hungry?"
"Yeah. Maybe we could eat and then…explore a bit?"
He hummed. "Actually… I have a better idea. According to a legend about the mountain that I read… Something good would happen if we were to…" He nodded toward the north side of the mountain. "…sit along the mountainside."
She frowned. "We won't…fall… Will we?"
"My darling Sofia, we've been through this before." He grasped her hands gently. "I won't ever let you fall."
Sofia smiled once more, relieved at his words.
"And besides…" He released one of her hands to tuck some hair behind her shoulder. "Being such an angel, I'm sure you have wings to keep you safe." He noticed her flushing at his compliment and settled his hand against her cheek. "The same wings that wrapped around me, protecting me from harm…or myself. You are my angel, Sofia…"
"Oh, Cedric…" With hardly anything else she could say to that, she smiled shyly before embracing him. "I love you…"
He also smiled, returning the embrace, whispering, "I love you too, Sofia…" 'And I hope soon…you'll realize just how much…'
"I'm really glad you brought me here, Cedric," Sofia murmured an hour later as the wind rustled their clothing. She smiled as he shivered a bit—either from the slight chill or from the fear of sitting on the edge of the mountain (despite it being his choice, considering the circumstances; and he'd even magically secured them to the mountain with a spell, just in case). She moved a little closer to him, leaning her head on his shoulder.
Cedric smiled at her actions and carefully wrapped an arm around her, his fingers twirling around her hair as he placed a kiss to the crown of her head. "I'm glad you came. After everything we've been through recently, I figured we could both use a break."
"Yeah… But that's not the only reason I agreed to come here with you." She sat up a bit, clasping her hands into her lap as she realized his attention was fully focused on her. After all, they were on the top of Morea Mountain, with no surrounding visitors and no quick way down. They were alone… Finally.
"What do you mean, exactly?" he wondered, eyeing her curiously. He'd noticed that she was acting a bit secretive recently, which wasn't like her. Sofia was an open book most of the time. Granted, a fleeting thought had passed through his mind the last few days. His princess had been watching him more closely, blushing any time he'd caught her looking, or if he smiled at her. She'd brushed her hands against his own on more than a few occasions during their potion making, her long nails gently grazing his skin and sending shivers down not only his spine, but probably hers as well. She sat a little closer, wrapped her arms around his while walking more often, held him a little longer in their embraces, leaned in to his affectionate kisses or caresses… And given his recent discussion with Roland, he had to wonder… "Sofia…"
She sighed, looking away from him for a few moments, thinking about her conversation with her Aunt Tilly.
"Change isn't always a bad thing, Sofia. You should know that better than anyone. Just think of the good changes that happened to you when little Nana and Tanya came into your life."
"I know, but I don't know if I want more things to change, especially with Cedric. He's my best friend, Aunt Tilly…"
"I know… I think the entire Ever Realm knows that by now."
"This wasn't supposed to happen..."
"Maybe not, but that doesn't necessarily make it a bad thing... Even some of the best things are unexpected."
"Are you sure? This isn't wrong?"
"Oh, silly girl… There is nothing wrong with falling in love with your best friend."
"Sofia?"
She turned to her partner, sighing as he reached out and grasped her hand. "I'm sorry, Cedric… This is just…kind of…weird for me."
"What?" He chuckled. "Sitting on the edge of a mountainside on a windy afternoon and hoping a strong gust doesn't come along and send us plummeting to the ground below, despite the spell I cast?" Even if it was a joke, he was secretly afraid that might actually happen, so he held a little tighter to her hand and scooted back onto the firm ground a bit more.
A small smile appeared on the princess's face before she sighed again. "No…" She looked down at their clasped hands and placed her free one over his before looking directly into his warm brown eyes. "Trying to figure out how to tell my best friend that… I've…fallen in love with him…"
Despite the fact that he'd sort of known this information for a while now, especially during the 'Little Mermaid' debacle, actually hearing her admit it? It was so surreal… "M-Me?" She nodded, and his eyes widened in astonishment, especially as she blushed a bit and released his hands, busying herself by playing with some of her loosened hair. He felt his own cheeks warming up, and he knew he was blushing. After all, she'd just told him… And he'd known this was coming... After all, she wasn't the only one with those feelings... "And… H-How… How long have you felt that way, Sofia…?"
She glanced back at him, a sheepish expression on her features. "A while… A lot longer than you'd believe, probably…" She glanced down, avoiding his surprised gaze for a bit. "I really started noticing my feelings changing the last few years though… When I was training in Reimagia to become a sorceress, and you were the one who helped me with that and helped me be more than I ever thought I could be, I think that's when my feelings became a lot stronger…" She glanced up at him, a serious look replacing the sheepish one. "But…I'd felt something even before then." A somewhat shy expression crossed her features. "I'm sort of surprised you didn't notice… I wasn't exactly subtle sometimes…"
He raised his eyebrows at this information. "R-Really?"
"Yeah. I mean…" She shrugged. "You've been my best friend for years now. And I've admired you for so long, both as a mentor and as a person… But…" She sighed. "I don't know, Cedric… I didn't give my heart permission to fall in love with anyone… It's so not like me, because… I'm an adventurer. I'm a problem solver. I like to help save people and see the world. I like to spend time with my friends and family… And at one point, I never thought I would ever be able to feel a love deeper than what I feel for a really good friend…" She smiled shyly at him as he watched her carefully. "But I did… I do… Cedric, you've meant everything to me for so long, and my feelings for you only grew after I saw how you helped take care of our two beautiful daughters…"
He laughed nervously as her smile turned more teasing. "James was right… W-We do seem to do everything…backwards…"
"But…maybe that's just us." She giggled softly, reaching out and taking his hand again, her fingers curling around his. "We don't have to be like everyone else, and we're not. We're Cedric and Sofia… The world knows us as partners and best friends, and I love that." She smiled as she felt his thumb gently caressing her hand. "But… I wouldn't mind if…they knew us as…something else soon… Something more…"
"You really do mean that, don't you?" Seeing her nod, he smiled. "Then it's a good thing that…I'm also in love with you…" He noticed her floored expression and laughed lightly. "I actually tried to tell you recently, after your voice was recovered." He gently brushed his fingers along her throat, causing her to blush at his actions, and he sighed before dropping his hand to hers again. But alas, we were interrupted again... It's rather hard for me to admit, mind you. Regardless of my past and own insecurities, I've sort of…constantly chided myself for allowing myself to have any feelings other than friendly or familial love for you."
She frowned at this admission. "Why, Cedric?"
He sighed, tightening his hold on her hand. "I…don't feel worthy of you sometimes…"
Sofia gaped at him in surprise.
"We're several years apart in age, we don't have a comparable status, and you've always been a far better person than I could ever hope to be."
She shook her head. "Cedric… Don't be so hard on yourself. I don't care about status; you know that. I came from nothing as it was. And age… I don't care about that either. Age doesn't play a factor in true love… And besides…" She smiled sweetly as he stared at her calmly. "I'm old enough to know what I want, and you're young enough in heart and spirit to be by my side. Anyway, I've seen you throw a few temper tantrums." She smirked as he sulked momentarily. "Age doesn't always equal maturity."
"Funny, my dear…" He sighed as she giggled and released his hand in favor of holding onto his arm instead.
"And you don't give yourself enough credit. You're an amazing person, Cedric… You always put what's right before what you want. And I can't forget what you've done for me… Most recently and very importantly, you helped me heal and learn to trust again, after everything with…Erine…"
The sorcerer was quiet upon this mentioning. How could he forget the events of the looking back glass several months ago? It had chipped away at part of his partner's happy armor, briefly causing her to spiral into an anger-filled period when she would lash out at others, regardless of whether they were at fault or not. She had even lost her faith in people for a short span of time, which was very unusual for her. But then he had stepped in, separated her from everyone else, and allowed her to vent her rage in private and without judgment. It's what he'd needed in the past (but never really got), and he knew she had needed it then. And it had worked.
"You're not perfect," Sofia continued, smiling as he blinked at her words, "but I don't want the perfect guy. I never have; that's so boring and cliché." She lifted one hand to his chest, drawing small circles on his robe, causing him to blush a bit. "I want the kind, helpful, funny, sarcastic, loving, loyal, and magical sorcerer who once found me annoying but eventually allowed me into his very private world. There's no one else who could be by my side—no one else who could be my partner, my co-guardian, my best friend, and…my love."
Cedric exhaled slowly as he felt the princess embrace him, peering up at him hopefully. "You're quite sure about this?" Seeing her nod, he frowned thoughtfully. "You realize that not everyone will approve of our relationship…for one reason or another…"
"Maybe, but I learned something a long time ago though: you can't please everyone. And I know one thing very well now." She reached up and placed her left hand on his cheek, smiling softly at him. "I don't really care what other people think. They don't get to tell me how to live my life or what to feel for anyone. They don't know my heart, but you do… And it's yours if you want it."
The sorcerer's own heart was beating a bit faster as he leaned into her touch. He smiled at her, nodding once. "I can't think of…anything…better than that, Sofia…"
She leaned forward, smiling softly as he pressed his forehead to hers. She lowered her hands to grasp his. "So…" She blushed as she concluded, "This is usually the point in the story where the hero kisses the princess."
He chuckled. "I'm no hero."
"You are to me… And to many other people, whether you realize it or not… Cedric the Great."
"No…" Seeing her confused look as she leaned back to blink at him, he smiled. "I made a decision recently, you might recall, and I much rather prefer the title you bestowed upon me: Cedric the Sensational… I think I'll adopt that again. It means far more, after all."
She giggled. "Oh, Cedric… You are sensational… You always have been and always will be…" Her eyes narrowed in a mildly flirtatious manner. "So, are you going to kiss me or not?"
Cedric blushed at her blunt question. "To be perfectly honest, Sofia… I may be…quite bad at it…" He looked away momentarily. "I know a great deal about magic, history, books, research, and the like… But intimate relations of any sort are…h-hardly familiar to me."
Understanding his confession, she sighed, smiling as he looked back at her. "Then I guess we'll just have to learn together. After all…" She placed one hand on his cheek. "We've gotten so good at 'practicing' with things recently… And this is something I wouldn't mind adding to our…lessons." With that said, she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his, kissing him gently and lovingly.
Unlike the few brief times when their lips had accidentally brushed together during their undercover mission, or the somewhat 'accidental' brushing of their lips at the spring ball, this was intentional. It wasn't perfect, given the newness of the situation, but they hadn't expected it to be. It was more of a gentle, earnest, loving connection, and for a starting point, it was wonderful.
Cedric sputtered a bit when the wind picked up, blowing Sofia's hair between them and partially into his mouth as they parted. He shook his head as Sofia giggled, brushing her hair back. "Well, then… That's certainly one way to commemorate the occasion."
Sofia smiled, leaning toward him and barely grazing her lips against his as she whispered, "Maybe we should try that again then?"
He blushed a bit at her suggestion, gulping as he noticed her loving blue eyes softening. "O-Oh, um… C-Certainly, Sofia… If you wish."
"Oh, trust me, Cedric." She placed one hand on his chest and let the other rest on the back of his neck. "I don't need to wish for this… This is one thing I can handle on my own." She kissed him once again, the feeling of his lips against hers so nice yet so foreign at the same time. This is what Amber always gushed about? She could see why. It was a sweet gesture and even felt amazing, but… She also couldn't help but think that maybe there was something she was missing, considering Amber's commentary to her in the past. There was very likely more to this sort of intimate connection that she wasn't aware of, which they would learn together over time. After all, they were both relatively innocent to this sort of thing.
Even with that thought, Sofia gasped the tiniest bit for air, and she could feel her tongue briefly connect with Cedric's bottom lip. She blushed darkly as his eyes flew open in surprise. She moved back a bit, feeling extremely embarrassed and shy all of a sudden. "O-Oh, I… I'm sorry…"
"Why?" he asked before he could stop himself, but his cheeks soon turned redder than hers. "I-I-I m-mean! Erm…." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm so bad at this…"
Seeing how incredibly nervous her partner looked, Sofia steadied her own nerves and reached up, placing her hands firmly yet gently on either side of his head, and slowly leaned forward until their lips connected again. This time, she deliberately brushed her tongue against his lips, tasting the faint traces of sugar that lingered from the tea and sweets he'd eaten earlier. She had a fleeting thought about something Amber had said…about 'deepening' kisses… But she was more than satisfied as he hesitantly responded, humming quietly as her curiosity grew satiated. She soon broke the kiss and smiled warmly at him. "I love you, Cedric."
Cedric, returning from his euphoric state after a third kiss with his princess, returned the smile, pulling her into a hug. "I love you too, Sofia…"
They weren't aware of it yet, but this was just the start to a new adventure… Not only for them, but for everyone close to them. And while there were still some challenges ahead, the best…was still yet to come.
The end
Previews for Season 3…
A new bond will be forged…
An old enemy will return (though not in an expected manner), and a few new ones will rise…
The Conjuror's Board will be back…
Cedric and Sofia will have to face themselves…quite literally…
More changes will be coming…
A short season with a big impact…
"I've seen the miracle of snow on [Wassailia] Day, the magic of love's first kiss that takes your breath away… And underneath the mistletoe, I know dreams come true, 'cause I've never seen anything as beautiful as you…" – Wayne Brady (Angels in the Snow)
"From now on, our bond will be unbroken. I'll shield you from the dangers and the uncertainty of the world. Just give me that chance, Sofia, and I promise I'll protect you and love you until the stars dissolve and the moon no longer shines…" – Cedric (From Now On)