Sofia had done her packing, said goodbye to a lot of the people outside of the castle, made sure the protectors knew of her situation, and made sure the vegetable garden was well tended to for the animals and of course for the gnomes. She'd be missing the harvest festival and that made her glum, she'd also miss the summertime beaches and going to see her merfriends at Merroway Cove, she'd miss the fresh watermelon smoothies and picnics, she'd miss walking around with a parasol in the midsummer sun, looking up at the clouds. Most of all she'd miss her family and friends.
Tomorrow was the day the carriage would await and though she was excited she was also sad. How could she not be? At the minimum she'd have some friends there and it truly wouldn't be that bad. She couldn't help sometimes when she got so sad she felt like crying a tiny bit but she bucked up and got over it. This was her time to shine brighter than ever before, time to prove herself, time to make something of all her teachings, and show everyone that she could succeed. Plus she really did want to make Cedric and his family proud. They'd all be there tomorrow to send her off.
She spent as much time as possible with her family and animals, trying to make the most of the hours she was given. She had comprised a list of her pets different foods and management for anyone that would need it. Violet had given her a tearful farewell, even having made her a card all on her own. Violet was Sofia's favorite maid and she had become close to her over the years. Baileywick was restraining his emotion but Sofia knew better, she could see it in his eyes that he was happy for her but would miss her just as much as she would him. She had played old maid with him during his off hours while they talked about whatever came to mind.
The only person she scarcely saw during this whole time was her royal sorcerer. Between squeezing in her duties and her goodbyes she didn't have time but he also seemed to be avoiding her. He had used to stay up in his tower for eons but as their friendship grew, he became more sociable and was seen throughout the castle, even in the gardens from time to time not just for plucking herbs and weeds. Now he was back to lurking in his lair without her seeing a single flash of his dark purple robes. Night time was fast approaching and she now had enough time to visit him and tell him goodbye but her amulet glowed blue. The library was calling her.
Seeing as she was not going to be able to do it any other time, she had to answer the call. The book she was given was called Lilith The Unlucky Leprechaun and in it there was a young pointy eared girl who had the worst luck. Sofia was able to fly with great speed over to Springvale to assist in giving the lass a happy ending. It turned out she didn't need luck at all, all she needed was to understand that not everything goes right nor can everything be perfect. Sofia learned much from that too and as she headed to bed, she thought of it all. She considered this chance to be lucky and that she shouldn't take what good luck she was given for granted. Her eyes were getting heavy as she imagined the green rolling hills and the step dancing they had done to the jaunty tune. She had been out a long time and needed to sleep and sleep she did. When she awoke to the fresh morning, she opened the window, letting in the air. It smelled like it might have rained while she slept and she loved that smell. Sofia breathed it in deeply.
She bathed, dressed herself, and put up her hair with the white bow. She had begun to take to having bows in her hair now but especially this one. Her amulet was polished, her dress dusted, her spirits bright. Today, no matter what, she would remain as upbeat as possible because this was her calling. She was born for magic more so than princessing. She stepped out of her room with a small purse on her and a cape on, she had heard even in the summer it gets cold where she was headed. As she exited her room and began to walk, she didn't notice the lingering person there and bumped right into them. When she looked up, she saw it was Cedric, giving her a sad sort of smile but it also looked apologetic.
"Sofia..."
"Mr. Cedric!"
She held him in her arms and he held her in his, tight as he could, not wanting to let go even if you offered him the crown jewels themselves. He felt awful for ignoring her but he had to set himself straight and he also had work to do anyhow, a sorcerer's work is never done. She took a deep breath of him in, wanting the smell of him to never leave her.
"Merlin's mushrooms..." He lamented. "Oh how I will miss you."
"Please don't cry, Mr. Cedric. It's a good thing! See, I'm not crying." Sofia put on a warming smile that made her cheeks dimple. "We have to put on our brave faces as we go on this new adventure and we have to make the best of it. Of course I'm going to miss you, I'll miss everyone so very much, but this is what drives me, what gives me joy. I want to go, so badly."
"I know you do...and I will support you with every step. I shall also be waiting for your return during the holidays. I've already thought up a wonderful Wassalia gift for you."
Her smile dazzled him. He ached thinking he'd not see it till the winter and fall. He plucked up his own happiness and made it surge throughout him. His petite princess stood there with dry eyes and so shall he. He put his hand on her back and she turned with him, both of them walking with pep in their steps towards a great big beautiful tomorrow that was starting today. Everyone was already up and waiting for her and all of them gave hugs and good wishes. His parents were there too, Winifred kissed her forehead as if she was her own daughter and Goodwin shook her hand firmly.
"I know you'll blow those other spell casters right out of the water, Sofia," Goodwin claimed, "You've got the right stuff in you, so do your best and you'll succeed!"
"Thank you, Mr. Goodwin."
"And remember, even if you can't see us, we will always be by your side, in spirit," Winifred attested, looking towards her son with a sly wink that made him look at her curiously.
Sofia's head perked up. She heard the hooves of horses and the beating of strong wings. The carriage was awaiting her. All of her bags were being loaded up by the staff and a footman from the school was there holding the door open for her. She took a deep breath, looking behind herself at the group, all smiling at her and waving while saying see you soon and have a nice time. She waved back the same way she had waved when she first got here, wearing a toothy grin, her eyes lighting up with merriment. She was ready to take this chance. She had faced dragons, wombeasts, giant snow leopards, sea serpents, and the owner of the wicked nine. This would be a piece of cake. She sat down and the door closed but she knew another door would open and this door would lead her to her future.
As the horse's wings flapped, she looked out the window, still waving at everyone, holding her smile. She moved from each face addressing them all as she carried out her final goodbyes, softly laughing at James asking her to come back with some brilliant tricks to show them. Baileywick was dabbing his eyes but did not seem sad, he seemed to be happy crying. The carriage flew off and the people became blurs then like little ants to her then out of sight entirely, yet she still waved. She said goodbye to the castle, to her room, to the secret garden, to the swan lake, to the library, to the stables, and to the tower standing tall and covered with vines. Then she relaxed back in the chair, closed the carriage windows, and then her eyes. It was going to be a long trip and she had woken up extra early after coming home extra late. A good nap was in order.
Her eyelids opened and the air felt different, a lot cooler than before. As she looked out the window, she saw an unfamiliar land with an unfamiliar building. Her new school was right below her and it looked imposing. It mostly royal blue and the fog around it made it look ominous. Yet it was entirely different than Hexley Hall. The only other thing was she could see some tiny candle lights flickering in the wind. As they got closer, she noticed it was people holding candles, three of the to be exact. She wondered if one of them was the head master. Her door was opened by the footman and she stepped out, wrapping herself up tightly in her coat. It was quite cool, she could almost see her breath.
"Welcome to the Magical Academy, Princess Sofia Winslow of Enchancia!" The stocky man in the front of the group announced. He was wearing a dark blue wizards' hat and matching cloak coated with gold stars and his shoes were pointed. He had a small dark brown beard and hair to match.
"I am the headmaster, Professor Marmicus. This is my assistant Headmistress, professor of the benevolent arts such as healing and conjuring pleasant things. Her name is Professor Sylvian and this one over here, is the professor of the darker arts, offensive spells and basic hexing, her name is Professor Nocturne."
Sofia went from one to the other and instantly was remind of Lucinda's two friends. These two were opposites in almost every way. Professor Sylvian was round and had short yellow hair with a sweet older face while Professor Nocturne was skinny and had long straight black hair with a gloomy expression upon a much younger face.
"You'll be split into one of the two houses, the White Mages or the Dark Mages then we can pick your studies. There will be a short test that will decide all of this based on your skills and what actions you take. I hope you brought your wand."
Sofia produced it from her sleeve, the wand tip glowing lavender. So far everything was unusual but nothing bad was happening. She most certainly did not want to be a dark mage, of that she was sure. There was nothing more she loved doing than healing and being pleasant so that seemed right up her alley. She hoped the test she took decided that as well or else she'd be in quite the pickle. Her stuff would be brought up to her room once they decided what room she would have, as the buildings were split by houses. Until then it would be placed in holding along with any other new students. She hoped one of those new students would be her friend Jun or at least some other person she knew.
Following the trio Sofia took a look around her at the surroundings. It was lit well enough indoors with lots of paintings of famous magical people, some were graduates of this school, and some were just witches and warlocks who were well respected. She was sad to see no portrait of her Mr. Cedric and wanted to make an inquiry at some point when she felt it was appropriate. She was led into a strange sort of room that was white all over with a few chairs and a desk. Sofia stepped in curiously, looking around for something, but perhaps the test was written and she would sit at the desk. When the door closed the two professors sat down and the head master stood close to her, brandishing his wand which looked like it was made out of an oak tree and with a star at the end. He waved it in a showy way producing a person sized doll with a sad frown on its face.
"Alright the test will begin. First off, what is your favorite color, flower, and season?"
"Oh. Lavender, roses, and I really like the fall but then again I love them all."
She noted that the two women behind her were writing stuff down, whispering and nodding to each other. Sofia asked nothing and just stood there, preparing herself for anything while also being stared down by the glass eyes of the doll.
"Sofia, imagine that this boy was your very best friend. If they wanted something special of yours, if they really needed it badly, what would you do?"
"Something special..." Sofia mused, holding onto her amulet tightly. She would never just give that up. "It depends on what it is they wanted and for why. I've had a lot of people try to steal things from me using lies and false promises, even one of my own family members. I'd have to think it over."
"Excellent answer. Now then imagine again that this is your best friend. They want to cheat off your test, what do you do?"
"I wouldn't let them but I would gladly have helped them study and try to cheer them up if they fail the exam."
"And if you had a name to attach to yourself what would it be? For example mine would be Marmicus the Majestic. Yourself?"
"Ooohh um...I guess... Sofia the Spectacular would be nice...but it's too big for me. I'm happy just being called my name."
Professor Sylvian seemed to smile more and nod, while scribbling down some things. More questions were asked, some in quick succession and some were lengthy and personal. One that had just came up asked her to choose between saving a friend or a family member or a perfect stranger. She had to choose one and Sofia nearly had a meltdown because she was imagining a scenario where one of them would die. She told him simply she just couldn't. She'd rather give up her own life than watch others get hurt but she'd still try to save them all. He seemed just fine with that answer, if anything he looked like he approved of it. They asked her things that didn't seem to matter like did she prefer night or day, cats or dogs, what her hobbies were, and things like that. When at last it was over both the women stood up behind her and cleared their throats.
"We have decided," They both stated at the exact same time.
Sofia wrung her dress a little nervously, hoping that she would be put into the white mage house, not that she had anything against the other houses people she was sure they were nice in their own way, after all often Cedric did dark magic and he was still a wonderful person to be with. She just knew in her soul it was not something for her.
"You would be perfect as a white mage. Welcome to my house, Sofia. It's an honor to have you."
Sofia could have leapt or danced but she curtsied as proper as she could but still felt like she wanted to hug the lady as if she had done something worthy of affection. She also curtsied to the other lady telling her as graciously as she knew that it was a pleasure meeting her and that she hoped she'd see her again soon.
"Oh yes she will do well in your house, Syll. Sugar is always been your specialty but mine is spice, and the girl is almost all sweet. Don't be offended, you do have a fighter spirit and courage, but you aren't dark mage material."
Sofia was not at all offended, she was mostly sweet and with a good enough dash of spice to be balanced. Besides what she had said only confirmed more that everyone could clearly see where she belonged. Sofia was told that her stuff would be moved into the southern wing where the white mages stayed and that she had been assigned a dorm mate. Her fingers were crossed that it would be Jun or at least someone pleasant to be around. She could certainly handle any type of person but would rather not be stuck with someone she didn't really want to be around. Sofia also put a four leaf clover that she had gotten from Lilith in her pocket, just in case. She had heard rabbit's feet were also lucky so she pet Clover's before she left. Perhaps all that would grant her what she wished. It seemed so for her dorm mate was indeed Jun, who stood there with her bright blue wizard hat moving over her head of silky black hair, a little too big for the small head it was on.
Sofia giddily held her hands and not caring who saw she jumped up and down with her friend in excitement at being dorm mates. Plus, it appeared she might be seeing Lakshmi and she was hearing rumors about Princess Lani coming too, despite not attending Royal Prep at all. Even if it wasn't true Sofia wanted to see her friend, it had been some time since she went to her islands and perhaps when there was available time, she'd check in on her friend to see how she was controlling the elements these days. Sofia was given her new schedule and checked to see if she shared any classes with Jun, she did share one with her and of course they would have their meals together in the dining room. She had heard it was an enchanted place where music would play with no players and it smelled of food before there was even food on the table.
"I just can't believe it! I'm really here!" Sofia exhaled, spinning around with her arms open ride in the new dorm room.
She had her own bed with plenty of space around it, a closet, a writing desk and chair, a book case, a trunk for extra things like shoes, there was a hat rack close to the door, and there was a balcony too. Jun's pet cat named Fenpu was languidly stretching on his cat tree near the sunlight. It was a beautiful white cat with little tan areas and a short tail but it also had striking blue eyes. Sofia went over and scratched him under his chin causing a light purr.
"Hello Fenpu," She whispered to the cat who shook its belled collar as it stretched more.
"Meeeoow. How purrfect to see you, Sofia. How is that fiend Rex doing? I still haven't forgiven him for what he did to my tail," The cat explained wiggling its small bobbed appendage. It was once long and silky but sadly Rex chased it and well, things went sour.
"I know but to be fair you still look lovely."
"Of course I do. That's never going to change."
Sofia got what little cat hair was on her off and looked again at her schedule. She would be starting one of her classes soon, thankfully they gave her two hours before shoving her into it just like that so she was able to fully unpack and prepare herself. Cedric and his family had supplied her with various spell books and of course she had her trusty wand. She held it tightly to herself, ready to use it and use it well. Packing her bag with the necessities she donned a robe branded with the schools' crest and alma mater written around it in Latin. It said, we have not magic blood but magic spirits.
At least something like that her Latin was rough. Sofia put on her favorite apprentice hat, tying the white ribbon now to the side, and then when the time came, she used her map and schedule to find her class. Beginners Potions with Professor Reddington. During all her classes she was diligent, prudent, and took a lot of notes while asking questions but she got most of it well enough. At lunch and dinner she met up with Jun and found Lakshmi who wore a feathered turban with a large red gem in the middle. They all chatted together while eating about what they had done during the day. Then it was on to her next classes but on her way to the Illusionium she was stopped by someone with ringlets of chocolate brown and hazel eyes. She was a pretty young lady, a bit older than Sofia, and she was sizing her up.
"Humpf. And they call her a princess. No manners what so ever. Watch where you're going."
Sofia opened her mouth to reply that she had done nothing wrong but figured she would be wasting precious time. If she talked, she might be late so she just let it be. She knew some people here wouldn't be as nice as others. Her classes had started out simple but it was only the beginning, she knew tomorrow it might be harder and that she'd be pushed to her limits at some points. As she slipped into her pajamas in the separate bathroom and her house slippers, she thought about what new spells and tricks she might learn with a big grin on her face. Before she went to bed, she studied her notes, always the prudent student, and then headed to bed but not before wishing all those in Enchancia a good night. The morning came, just as chilly as the day before causing her to put on a scarf. It was a good thing her room was heated or else she might catch a cold. Breakfast came and she enjoyed it with her two prep pals but realized she was being stared down at by someone in the white mage table. It was that girl again, with her deep dark brown hair in curls looking at her as if she was something disgusting or amusing in the worst way. Sofia didn't let it bother her, in fact she waved friendly at the girl then continued to eat, almost smiling to herself at the reaction that gave.
Sofia wondered what her issue even was seeing as they had barely formerly met, she didn't even know her name nor shared any classes with her. Perhaps she just was one of those kinds of girls, the kind long long ago Amber could have been. It didn't really concern her, Sofia was not here to make enemies she was here to learn and make friends. Though she did not take any classes from the dark mages course that did not mean she never saw them, often they'd cross pass in the court yards, the hallways, during eating hours, and generally on the grounds. Sofia was as cordial with them as any other, not put off by their black robes or their broody demeanors or wicked auras. She was very used to that indeed and gave them all her warmest smiles and brightest hellos. Some of them were put off by it but others gave her the same in return. Even Sofia didn't notice she was being watched by one girl from the dark mages, shy and afraid to say hello but wanting to.
Evening came and Sofia rushed to lunch. The food here was superb and unique, some of the things she had never heard of or tried but was open minded enough to give anything a try. She had found out that she liked this spicy mango salsa on her eggs. She'd have to ask Elena or her sister if that's how they ate their eggs in Avalor because they called it something in Spanish Sofia wasn't exactly sure of. Sofia was starving, her lessons did that to her, but no such luck getting there in time, she met with the girl who seemed not to like her and was always there just lurking in the corners. She huffed as if aggravated by her mere presence, haughtily tossing her hair behind her.
"Oh look, it's her again," She spoke to her posse, one of which seemed to be someone she was intimate with, that is to say her boyfriend of some sort because she was hooked onto his arm in a semi affectionate but possessive way. "Don't think I've forgotten what you did this morning."
"All I did was wave at you. Isn't that the polite thing to do?"
"You act like you have the right to do that to me just because you're a royal. You don't know me at all and thank goodness you never will. Come on Geoffrey, let's go. I grow bored of this."
She drug her boyfriend along with her and the others by her side also stuck up their nose and walked away from her like she was someone beneath them. Sofia pouted a bit, unsure of what to do about this since it seemed she would not be left alone. She'd just have to remedy the situation as soon as possible lest it get out of hand. She felt a tap on her shoulder, a hesitant barely noticeable tap and she turned towards it, hoping the girls didn't come back to tease her. Instead it was a dark mage girl with the most unusual hair color Sofia had ever seen, it was this dark dusty pink color. Sofia hadn't seen anything like it, at least not on a human person, on a mystical type like a fairy or elf sure. It also almost covered her eyes to where Sofia wasn't sure if they were brown, black or a blue so dark it looked black.
"Oh! Hello there! Can I help you?"
"Looks like you could use some help. I see you've met my sister April."
"You're her sister? But you are so different!"
"Sometimes it happens that two people are born at the opposite sides of magic but in the same family. April has never been the nicest person and she hates competition."
"Competition? I was competing for anything, I'm just trying to get by," Sofia mentioned, walking alongside the girl to the banquet hall.
"You're very pretty and that will just keep growing over the years. She can't stand that someone might be prettier than her."
"Isn't that a matter of opinion? I mean I think I look alright."
"It's not about what you think. Ever since you got here boys and girls alike have started talking about the famous Enchancian princess with powers beyond belief, match that with your looks and you have a deadly combination for April."
"I understand, I've known people like her before and I can handle it. I'm glad you told me, though. Oh! What is your name, by the way?"
"Rain," She told her, shaking her hand with a light shy blush. "It's nice to meet you. I've been trying to summon up the courage to say hello but you are such a big star, you know. The heroine of Enchancia."
Sofia's cheeks turned red. Despite her efforts and battles she still was too humble to call herself these things and even if she did, she didn't think she needed to be worshiped for it. She had no clue she was such a legend amongst people of all different kinds but then again, she had almost singlehandedly defeated Vor with just the power of her internal light. No wonder then that some were even intimidated by her, she must seem so important. Well she wasn't, not really, she was just a girl doing what she felt was right with the tools she had been given. She wasn't so special as to be avoided or for people not to come up to. Sofia was a friend and helping hand to all who needed her, no matter what, and she would not lose that sense of honor or purpose nor would she be high and mighty about what she had done.
She wished Rain could sit with them but the tables were separating the dark and white mages so she could only look up every now and then and wave a little. She hoped that might change one day, that people could sit with whomever they chose but until that day she'd just meet up with her in the downtime she had. She introduced Rain, who was not a princess by any means but did come from a prestigious school that was similar to Royal Prep, to her other friends. Though she was so very strange to them Sofia liked her instantly, and though her friends didn't seem to like him, she liked her pet vulture. Of course Sofia could talk to him and found him a very dignified animal, telling her what his kind did actually helped the environment and though it was a nasty business it was how he had to survive. His name was Horace and he was a small enough breed to sit on Rain's shoulder, occasionally bouncing in the way vultures tend to do.
Sofia was upset because everyone had brought their pets along and she had left Clover at home all by his lonesome. She hoped someone was taking good care of him, giving him lots of treats and scratches behind the ears, and making sure to leave nuts for Whatnaught, and seed for the birds, and for Minimus to get lots of time to spread his wings. She missed them all and now she was bitter that she had not brought at least one of them with her. Jun and her cat were good company but Sofia did want her own little animal to talk to and cuddle with. That night she took out her stationary set, dipped her peacock plume that Amber had given her specifically from Praline into the ink pot.
She scrawled out onto the paper to the person she had promised to keep in touch with although she was going to write to her family too but she wanted to get it out first. After she was done with all her letters, she placed them in their own special envelopes, some decorated with glitter and stickers, but all were sealed with love. She tied them together tightly with twine but then wondered, what now? She was never shown any mailing system around here. She should go find someone who knew but just as she was about to, she heard a strange beautiful shriek outside with the flapping of wings. Just now landing on the railing of the balcony was a gorgeous stately looking owl, shaking snow off of her feathers. It was a darker colored owl not at all fit for around here which meant it was far away from home but it was also not a burrowing kind either yet it was small. It was a russet fall type of color that Sofia stood and admired, the sinking sun dying its feathers more orange than before. It had captivating orange-brown eyes. She went outside toward it, hoping she wouldn't scare it away before she could learn where it came from and what its name was.
"Hello...," Sofia welcomed cautiously, from a far enough distance. The owl blinked at her and bowed its head as much as possible.
"Good evening unto you, young princess. You are Sofia, am I right?"
"Yes that's me. How do you know about me?"
"Let's just say word travels fast in my woods. I've been sent to keep you company, though I was told not to tell you by whom."
"Oh how mysterious... hmm... then I guess you are sort of my guardian angel. Do you have a name?"
"My name is Minerva, your highness, and it pleases me greatly to be your companion."
"You aren't a wild owl, are you?"
"Yes and no. I prefer hunting as one and sleeping in trees does have its merits but I've been owned before by magical beings. My last owner set me free and I've been wondering around, trying to find a new home. It seems, for now, that it might be with you. Consider me now your faithful servant and dear friend."
Sofia was delighted and charmed, having never really met any owls before and there was something so mystifying about this one, like she was far older than she let on. It was as if she had seen many decades of change and yet as regal and proper as she came off, she was still incredibly sincere and sweet. It never did take long for Sofia to fall in love with an animal, she had always shared a kinship with them far before she had even thought of the castle. Even at three years old she gave bits of hard cheddar to the farm mice and helped a raccoon with a broken paw. Animals just always flocked to her, she noted that this is what animals do to princesses all the time. Perhaps then she was always meant to be one.
"Minerva, could I ask you a favor? Do you know where Enchancia is?"
"Very much so and it's not far from here at least for someone with my wing span."
"Oh that's wonderful to hear because I've written some letters here and I want them to be delivered there but I don't even know if there's a post around here. Could you manage it?"
"I could manage it a million times if you asked me, I'm still young and strong and the wind is in my favor. Any other wishes?"
"Well they might write me back and while I'm certain my family can figure out postage, I'd like you to stay there for a bit, specifically I'd like you to stay with my sorcerer. His name is Cedric, he's very fond of birds and he's going to be terribly lonely. He could use the company. So when he's done responding to my letters and gives you one back then you can come here with them. Until then please stay there, that would make me so happy to know he is no longer alone in that dark tower."
"I have heard of this Cedric, yes. It will be an honor to be at the service of a wizard yet again. I shall do as you ask without fail."
Sofia put a small note on Cedric's post so he'd understand who this owl was in order not to shoo it away or something. Just in case she tied her white ribbon around its neck, perhaps that will tell him she's domesticated and whom she belongs to. Off the owl went making Sofia's heart feel like it was soaring off with her, off to visit her family and friends. Each letter was delivered swiftly and silently, right in the front where the post often goes, awaiting the royals to read it but the one that was a special delivery would be handed to the person himself. The high window was open and Minerva could see this Cedric in his chair, looking a bit glum and forlorn but still studiously observing his spell books, occasionally flicking his wand but producing nothing but small sparks. Minerva cocked her head at him but flew in anyways, right next to him on the still standing bird stand that Wormwood had perched on. To her it seemed as if he was expecting her, she really didn't know it had belonged to another once.
Cedric was shocked so hard he nearly bolted upright out of the chair. He had not been expecting any company today but especially none of the avian variety. The owl stood on the perch as if it belonged there, poise exuding off of the fine creature. Truly it was so outstandingly beautiful and marvelous that Cedric stood there just looking at it. Cedric had, being what he was, an inclination towards owls. Sofia reminded him of an owl in some way, especially the ones so small you could cup them in your palm. Sofia was very smart, like owls allegedly were, and in fact that's what her name meant, it was wisdom or even philosophy. Given that was there any doubt she'd accel in all things that took brain power? The owl was wearing a white bow around it and in its beak it carefully held an envelope.
In his own school they used owls for post all the time, or whatever bird was available. Some even used dragons if they could manage to tame one, a rare feat indeed. He was prone to using the black bird that had betrayed him most recently but he was, to say the least, familiar with owls as carriers of mail. He didn't think it came from Hexley Hall, it didn't carry the wax seal, but the flowery writing on the front caught his attention as did that silk white bow. It looked so much like the one Sofia had taken to wearing in her hair. Perhaps, though he wasn't certain, this was her owl. He took the letter delicately and read his name on the front, written in neat cursive with purple ink that had only recently dried, he could tell because there was a small ink blot next to the 'c' at the end. He knew her handwriting well enough. No doubt about who wrote this.
"Sofia..." he sighed happily, quickly going over the small note attached to the front. His eyes went to the owl still standing there with a light smile. The note said; Mr. Cedric, this is Minerva and she is going to stay with you until your response letter is written. She will be a good companion, for both of us. Cedric knew owls were not omnivores and they preferred to catch their prey but he wanted to reward the bird for its valiant flight. Instead he stroked over its fine soft stomach with a curled finger in an affectionate way. He was certain Sofia did the same. He stroked over the wings too then went to reading the letter with enthusiasm.
Her hand writing was impeccable and her stationary was lined with the cutest little purple bows and flowers on the bottom. Just like his princess to pick the most adorable paper in the land. His eyes scanned the letter a million times until his eyes hurt and he felt like he needed to shut them but he didn't. He smiled in spite of himself and began to write the response back, so eager to hear from her again but then he stopped a little. It wasn't right to send the owl back and forth so much in one night. No he'd wait a bit; besides it was best to let the others write her back first and send them all out in one go. Instead he paused his writing and put the pen back where it belonged.
"So Minerva, is it? Are you and the princess getting along thus far?"
The bird seemed to understand and hooted softly in a pleased way. Cedric grinned and stroked the bird again. "I bet she's treating you with the upmost care, that little dear. Always was and will be so very good to all animals. I envy you somewhat, you get to be there with her but I'm happy you are. Someone can watch over her. I know you'll protect her, won't you girl?"
The owl hooted the same agreeing way, blinking slowly. "My mother sent you I'm sure but for once I'm glad she nosed into my business. I think I shall like having you here and I do hope you come to like my domain, as well as me."
He could not understand the owl but she had replied she already did like him very much. It was no wonder the princess was so hopelessly entranced with him, even the bird had to admit for a human he wasn't bad looking nor was he bad at heart. He was a gentleman to the core and from what she could see as he practiced his magic, she agreed with Sofia, he was one of the very best magicians in the land. Of course, it did help that he was related to Winifred the Wise, protector and lover of all owl kind, the very lady who had indeed sent her to watch over the princess. Somehow, in some way, she reminded her of a younger Winifred and in some way, Cedric reminded her of a younger Goodwin. She wondered to herself if they'd end up just the same way.
