Thankfully for Sofia the rest of the holiday was blissfully without any more awkward encounters or embarrassments. She just had a good time with everyone, ate lots of food, and played charades. Sofia carefully took out the dress and hung it up somewhere safe, brushed over it- feeling the lace, and admired it. She went to bed smelling the scent of dry leaves and spices, lulled away by the sounds of the season. It wasn't so bad this time coming back to school, after all she'd be seeing them in the winter and that wasn't far off, also she'd be able to be there two days. She supposed they felt bad for making her miss last year and so she could be there on the eve to open the customary one present and bake cookies. It was just one month away, so given that information it was not a bad time at all.
She was now learning to make objects not just float but fly in the air, flicking her wand precisely as her teacher had taught her over the small objects provided. With each time the objects got bigger and heavier until it was that she found herself making whole desks fly around. She was also good at potions, she could now make one to turn objects any color you chose just by changing the word in the spell. She liked to fix broken objects with just magic, making a magnifying glass appear and using her wand on tiny gears, finding their exact place. There were also wizard duels though from what she had heard nothing like the ones at Hexley Hall.
At one point she had to go up against April, which made it feel like the fates just had to have them meet at all points. Sofia gave it her all and was able to disarm the girl causing her to receive a surprised and angered look. After disarming her she knocked her down, but when it came time for it, she also helped her up, asking if she was alright. Sofia got pushed to the side and April stormed off, having been shown up by a student younger than her and in front of her posse. Sofia would not be treated such a way and found her easily enough, stopping as she saw the position April was in. She was trying her best to hide away and she was crying to herself. Sofia couldn't listen to it, it made her feel nothing but sympathy for her, despite the bullying. She laid one comforting hand on April's shoulder, who turned and faced her with wild wet eyes. She hurriedly wiped off her tears.
"What do you want?"
"I just wanted to check up on you. What's wrong? I didn't hurt you, did I?"
"Nothing is wrong and of course you didn't hurt me. Now go away."
"April...I don't understand. I've been nothing but kind to you, respectful, I've even given you things. What is it about me that you hate so much that you feel it's okay to upset me every day? Because from where I stand it feels unfair."
April glowered at her for a while, lips pursed, arms crossed. "You...you're so perfect at everything! It's infuriating! You always pass with flying colors, you make so many friends so easily, all the boys want you, all the girls want to be you. You're smart, pretty, funny, clever... even people in my own group are leaving me for you... You're Sofia, the savior of the land and whatever. How can I possibly hope to compete?"
"Life isn't a competition about who is the best or most beautiful. In the end your beauty or what you were best at is not what people remember, they remember the deeds you did and how you acted. You haven't been the nicest person so that's maybe why people don't want to be around you. My mother always says, you can attract more flies with honey than with vinegar. It just means be nicer and more people will come to you. Think about how hard it was for me to just get here and have one of the first people I bump into treat me so wrong. How do you think that made you look to everyone else?"
April seemed to be thinking this over, the information finally hitting her. She recalled her own first time here and how nobody cared about her. She had to push and shove and boss her way to this point in her life. She never earned any of her friends or even her boyfriend, she forced them to come along with her. She only did this because she felt small otherwise and she felt like being popular was the key to success. She let out a long sigh, relaxing her shoulders a bit more.
"I'm sure I didn't look exactly... good in everyone's eyes, picking on you of all people, the sweetheart of Enchancia and all that."
"To be honest I really don't like people elevating me to such a high status. I'm just Sofia, a girl from a village who got a lucky break in life and became a princess. I only did what I could to help others, it's what I like to do. I'm not that special, often...I feel plain and ordinary."
"How can you say that? You've done so many things that others only dream of...you're a hero..."
"Even if that was the case that doesn't make me better than you at all. People like me because of how I treat them because I've known some heroes who were nasty and mean or arrogant. Being a hero doesn't mean being a good person and if you are a bad person, that doesn't mean you don't deserve a second chance. I'm willing to be your friend but only if you don't make me or anyone else feel lower than you."
"Sofia... I..." April started, twiddling her fingers. "I don't know what to say..."
"For starters how about, I'm sorry?"
April nodded her head and apologized, shaking her hand but Sofia was not a hand shaker she was a hugger. So a hug was what April got, warming up in the princess's arms. From that day forward April was no longer the wicked witch of the white mages and best of all she was now Sofia's friend. She was welcomed into the group by everyone, her sister being shocked to see her being kind to people instead of pushing them around. She was a lot more understanding and nicer, especially to her sister. It took a while for Rain to realize she wasn't dreaming and to accept this new reality. April supported Rain now in all venues of life including her art which made Rain more confident and come out of her shell, less shy and reclusive around other people.
Sofia was happy for all the parties involved, now she could go about her schooling without worrying about anything but exams. She studied hard, worked hard, and played hard because not everything could be just school. She had to take a break or else her eyes would get sore. She wanted to make absolutely sure she got home BEFORE she turned fifteen or at least a day before. At the most, on the day but not a day after. She met with the headmaster to ask how she was progressing and judging by that, how long it would take her to graduate. She told him if she needed to be bumped up to harder classes or take spring break off, she'd do it if she had to, though she'd hate it. Her headmaster went through all the paper work, shuffling it about, coughing sometimes and mumbling other times.
"Well Sofia you are progressing brilliantly, ahead of plan as expected. Actually you might have to only miss one week of spring break and that's all. You should be home in time for your fifteenth."
"You mean it? Really?! Yes! That's great to hear! Thank you!"
"Thank me? Thank yourself, you're the one putting in overtime and so much hard work and it's showing. I'd also thank the one who taught you magic, too. This Mr. Cedric, as you say, is clearly powerful to make a gifted apprentice such as yourself."
Sofia beamed brightly, her cheeks and eyes glowing. "Yes he is. The greatest sorcerer Enchancia has to offer!"
"Well if you say so, Sofia, it must be the truth. I'll send him a request to have his portrait put in this school. Do you think he'd be inclined to do so?"
Sofia smirked a little. "Oh yes... he'd be very inclined."
She was absolutely right. In fact he was over the moon with joy at having his face put anywhere, for all to see. It had been, for the longest time, one of his dream ambitions. He expressed his gratitude for her, for if not for her he doubted he'd be good enough to be there or recommended by anyone else. She flushed appreciably as she read his letter, explaining the good news to Minerva. She said it was about time, seeing as his father's portrait was there. Sofia agreed. It didn't take long until she was roaming the hallways and found his picture, surrounded by a dark silver frame. He looked so proud and he had that gleam in his eye that she adored. She could now very often be found in that hallway, sitting on the small plush seat under that portrait, doing her reading.
Lakshmi and Jun found her there one day, stretched out and leaning against it while reading and shared the same look. They thought it was about time they talk to Sofia about this "thing" she had with the royal magician. Both sat down with her, one on each side, and she looked between the two. They were able to pull a confession from her but she made them swear on everything that was benevolent not tell a soul. They both crossed their hearts with one hand up. She trusted these two, they were both soft spoken and honest, but could keep a secret locked away. Jun had her own secret, that she had a crush on one of the dark mages at the academy calling him very cute and precocious. Sofia knew of which one she spoke of, he was a royal too from another oriental palace far away. Sofia was able to help her gather enough courage to talk to him and from there the two became very close.
It seemed romance bloomed everywhere Sofia looked and she was perhaps a bit envious because no one else would have the problems she faced. Everyone liked someone of their own status or higher. She wouldn't give up on it, though, that's not the Sofia way. She did not quit so easily. She had to at least make sure he didn't like her the same way at all. She thought about their carriage ride in the fall and how she had boldly dared to hold his hand, testing to see what he would do but also because she really wanted to. The texture of his gloves felt a little rough, like burlap but it bothered her very little, besides the heat from his fingertips alone send pleasant chills into her stomach. He had held her hand back, knitted their fingers together, but he didn't squeeze hard with fear or nervousness. He just held it. She touched the hand he held to her cheek, trying to recall the way it felt.
She couldn't believe it, honestly. He had held her hand without saying anything about it. They were certainly close, even physically close as they hugged and touched with familiarity that was unheard of for two people like them, but for him to do that...it had to mean something. She wished she had someone who knew about such matters. Now that she thought about it, she did. April knew about these things, she dated off and on with other people, and she was far older than Sofia. Surely she must understand much more about the affairs of the heart than the others. Indeed she did. She talked with Sofia about how a man shows he likes you, ways he expresses affection, and little subtle hints that he's, as she put it, into you. It took skill to recognize these things because even the bravest men were too shy to show off exactly how they felt, if it was true anyways. For example she asked if he gives her gifts of high quality. She showed her the charm bracelet and April inspected it with a gentle hand.
"Mhm...that's not just any old gift you give. Even though you are a princess this is personal. He thought about you deeply when making it. I mean he remembered what kind of things you like and do. He pays close attention to you, he wants to make you happy. Is this...all he gave you?"
"No he made a tiara for me on the day of my graduation but it wasn't an ordinary tiara," Sofia elucidated, taking off her apprentice hat and letting her see her precious crown, "he made it with the rubies I made for him during my exam. Of course I was still very young then, a child. He couldn't have liked me like that."
"No, not yet, but it was still something personal. You see he's given you nothing but gifts tailor made to something important and special to you or were something important to him that he was willing to give up. I mean from what you've told me the man changed his entire self for your sake. I would think you at least mean a great deal to him. Has he said you were pretty?"
"Never... but then again I've never asked."
"Does he display desire towards you?"
"What do you mean?" Innocently asked Sofia, looking at April with the eyes of someone who had never even seen a male without his clothes off. April breathed in deeply and explained everything. That day was the day Sofia was enlightened in ways she didn't know she would be in this school. April told her all she needed to know about those kinds of desires without any pause or shame or even a little blush. She explained it with the straight forwardness of a teacher but calm yet blasé in her tone. Sofia, on the other hand, was ruby red hearing all of this. She was never told anything outside of she bled monthly but not told why exactly just that it happens. She sort of wished her mother told her all of this but she understood there wasn't much time with all the queenly duties. Still it was not exactly comfortable to have such an intimate discussion with a new friend. However Sofia did not feel like she was being belittled for not knowing all this, in fact knowing it at last made her feel more mature, more powerful in mind.
April wasn't concerned because she had done this already and that's why she was able to give her firsthand experience. Armed with her new knowledge Sofia could now not go through the halls without wondering who among her peers was a virgin and who was not. She also wondered if Amber was one or even James. She was not in their personal lives and they didn't go around telling her everything, after all she had to catch Amber with Axel and who knows how long that was going on for? Who also knew how much other than kissing they had done? She dared not ask. It was too private a matter. However she would always let Amber and James know they could come to her for anything, she was an adviser even if not given a diploma for it.
Her face burned as alive as the coals that were now being burned in the fire pits when thinking about all of that and her coveted beloved. She knew how clumsy he could be, how unsociable, how introverted but did that mean he was as inexperienced as she was or was he knowledgeable? She felt he was, he must be, something about him came off that way, he seemed wise in ways Sofia was not yet. She knew of none of her friends having done that yet and if they had she would not expect to be the first to know. She suspected Hildegard maybe had but wasn't sure of the rest. Lakshmi had an arranged marriage with someone but she had met him as a small child and liked him well enough to be wed to him, and she thought Rain had no crushes what so ever. Turned out she was wrong, she just instead had a secret affection for someone different, like Sofia did.
"You see Sofia...and please don't tell April, she might not understand but I know you always will... I like a girl, not a boy."
It did not shock or surprise or throw off Sofia, she took it normally and understandingly. To her it was no different than anything else, all should love or like whoever they wanted to. It was a shame that Rain had to be judged for such a thing but now Sofia and she became closer, two people who had impossible confessions towards people that no one seemed to want them to be with. She could give Rain advice but it would be the advice she herself just couldn't take. Sofia couldn't up and blurt it out to him, it was not the thing to do. No she would wait to see these so called signs, wait until she was certain, and then ask. If it was no then she hoped her friendship with him would not be strained. What then if it was a no? Was she supposed to just drop that feeling for him? It would take a long time before she would be able to let that go but she supposed there was always Francois. Though he was a sweet guy with good manners, humor, and considerate towards her requests there was still something strangely...not right with the way he looked at her or smiled. His words seemed genuine but his smile looked fake, like he was trying too hard to seem happy.
Perhaps he was, he did want to make a good impression and he wanted her to like him. She did like him but not that way and if that's what he was truly striving for she could not blame him. She was sure Amber had something to do with that, perhaps telling him things that were untrue. He came off as a decent, upstanding, moral, generally good person, perhaps lavished her a bit much but he was a prince, she thought maybe that was just in their nature, especially given he might like her. She felt bad for him, he probably did really like her that way and she was just keeping him at a distance using Cedric like a barrier between them. It must be a little upsetting for him to try so hard and get nowhere but he never seemed angry at her or rushed her, always telling her it was on her terms. She wished she could like him more, the way he seemed to want, but her heart was set. Still...she also wished she knew what it was about him that was setting he stomach to churn and skin to prickle and a small alarm bell, sounding more like the way a pixie talked, to go off.
Every time she shook it off because he was pleasant, thoughtful, not to bad looking at all, and often very good to her. It had to be that wide Cheshire smile that unnerved her that and something about his eyes...not the color or shape, just how they glimmered. She swore she saw that glimmer somewhere before. As she hopped into her carriage, preparing to go home for the eve of Wassalia had come at last, she tried to shake it off and say it was because he was trying to have something more with her while she was not interested. It couldn't be that he was something wrong. It must be something wrong with her. She was covered in warm clothing, wishing she could be a polar bear or a seal and have some type of outer layer to keep her warm. It was a particularly icy winter, the coldest yet, in fact the coldest since the rule of King Roland the first. There was talk of a blizzard this afternoon, she dearly hoped all her animal friends would be safe.
Clover had to stay inside and she was fine with letting any others indoors as well. Poor Robin, though, she had her little ones to watch over. Sofia would conjure them up a warm spacious bird house and place straw inside. That would keep them warm. Her coach landed as she was thinking of more ideas to keep the woodland animals safe when one of them leapt forward to greet her. It was Crackle, the only creature she knew besides Rex to tackle people. The dragon was getting awfully big, too big for Sofia to really carry anymore. At this point her snout could touch Sofia's stomach and her tail was longer than Sofia's arm. Thankfully Crackle's spikes never did hurt anyone, the tips were always rounded off.
"Hi Crackle! Shouldn't you be with Vivian?"
"She sent me over here to keep everyone warm! Dragon fire is hotter and lasts longer than normal fire and that blizzard is going to hit Enchancia, not Sumeria."
"That's very sweet of her to think of us, I'll write her a thank you card."
Sofia found the rest of her family who were all overjoyed to see her, giving her hugs that made her feel toasty. The interior of the castle was warmed up enough for Baileywick to take her coat revealing her ice blue dress that matched her eyes. The decorations were already mostly put up but the staff was in overhaul preparing the rest. Baileywick deposited one of the decorations in Sofia's hair, a little ice lily tucked behind her ear. Ever since their run in with the Queen of the Northern Ice there were more ice lilies growing closer and even now Sofia could hear Winter's melodious flute playing in the woods, though she rarely ever saw her. Fawns are regularly elusive creatures.
James was teaching Rex to do Wassalia carols which Amber kept pressing her hands to her ears at, trying to block out the musical howling. On the eve it was just her immediate family, everyone else would be coming tomorrow even if they promised to come today. No one would dare be out in that storm, so by tomorrow it should be cleared up and that's when they'd come. The windows were all frosted over and the snowy winds could be heard rattling about outside. Sofia wanted to make sure soon that the animals would be okay, it would only take a minute of her time. Before that she wanted to make gingerbread men with everyone and in thirty minutes that's what they were all doing. Amber liked to make gingerbread princes and princesses, James made knights and guards, Miranda made plain little smiling faced characters, her father liked to make the house itself, and Sofia made the residents of the castle.
"Oh Sofia make sure you add those cute little edible sparkles to my dress," Amber added, watching Sofia pipe green frosting onto the Amber cookie. Sofia made absolutely sure the cookie was as sparkly as could be and included a frosting tiara for good measure.
When she made herself, she put herself in the classic dress she used to wear, adding the pearls made of white chocolate onto it. Then she made sure to get her mother's favorite shade of pink-red mixed up to make her dress. She made Baileywicks have a tiny pocket watch, and she always had to not mix the colors when doing Cedric's hair. After decorating the lawn of the gingerbread house with animals and adding a few peppermints there and few gumdrops here and some powdered sugar on top, it was all done. So the full castle with some of the kingdom was built and on display for all to see, but no one would eat it, which disappointed James, though he was allowed to lick the batter. He still was when Sofia left the kitchen to gather anything she might need from her room. Also she had a certain bunny to say hello to. He was curled up on his plush pillow, snuggled under warm covers until she walked in and he saw her. He hopped over to meet her, jumping into her arms. She snuggled him against her face then scratched behind his ear causing his hind leg to thump up and down.
"How's the best bunny in the world?"
"I'm okay, Sof! You know, munching on lettuce, sleeping, the usual."
"So I see. How's everyone else doing out there? It's getting pretty bad."
"Well Whatnaught is fine, he's got his burrow and some of the birds have flown already but Robin's chicks are too young to fly. She stayed behind and Mia stayed too, to help. I'm worried about them most of all."
"Me too. I'm going to check up on them right now. Minerva you have to stay inside too, even for an owl it's way too cold. I'm sure Mr. Cedric has his tower all heated up and a nice place for you by the fire."
Minerva agreed and flew out of the room, saying her parting goodbyes to the rabbit whom she had become a good friend with since living here. Cedric heard the flapping of wings and opened his door for his trusted companion, letting her inside. She shook off her wings on the perch which was, as Sofia had said, by the fire. Minerva appreciated it, she also appreciated the meat Cedric had warmed up for her. She couldn't hunt in this weather and he knew that well enough. It wasn't fresh and live but it would do. He stroked over her head and back with affection, smelling the lightest whiff of Sofia's perfume lingering on the bird's feathers.
"You've been a first rate friend to me, you know, and I really should find a better way to thank you for watching over her... I've heard only people with magic in their blood can have a proper familiar. Perhaps Sofia's ancestors were magic users, it would explain why she's so good at it."
Minerva seemed to nod a little as she ate which undeterred Cedric, even as he was so close to her. "After I'm finished with this I'll go and have a little chat with her. I do hope she enjoys her gift, but then again, I don't know why every time I ask myself that. She likes everything I give her."
His avian ally was talking though she knew only Sofia could truly understand her. Still she replied that Sofia liked him too, very much so. As the two spent their time in quiet companionship, Minerva only hearing slight mumbles and light curses of the usual Cedric variety at things going awry, the purple loving princess was outside doing as she had planned. She magicked up a sizable bird house with an adjoining house for Mia, lined it with hay and sticks and straw, then even made small easily opened but sturdy doors in case the storm should get worse. It was already pretty bad and going to progress that way so Sofia would be heading inside before she was caught in the middle of it. However as she turned to go inside, she heard a lamenting cry of pain, a long anguished howling that didn't sound dog like, it sounded like a wolf.
Wolves were very territorial and far more aggressive than most animals Sofia dealt with but she was not one to become fearful, she had furry friends scarier than that and tamed a giant mountain cat and faced everything under the sun with fangs and claws. A wolf would be a walk in the park for her. She flipped up the hood of her coat to block out the offending wind though it didn't help all too much. Still she had a mission, she had to find where the crying came from. It sounded like the creature was in terrible pain and each time it cried Sofia's heart cried too. She had never heard of a true lone wolf so there might be more around but she'd just have to face it, she could explain why she was there. Deeper and deeper into the woods she went, the wind howling louder than the thing she was looking for almost blocking out the sound.
It grew colder, her hands looked red from numbness but she would not give in, her compassion would not allow her to be dissuade. Then she found it, a medium sized silvery grey majestic wolf, limping around in the cold. Something was wrong with its paw. As she expected there were others around it, some much bigger, some slim and female looking. The female was licking the wounded paw and whimpering sadly. As Sofia's feet crunched in the thick snow, cracking buried branches, she drew the attention of the little pack. They all turned their heads sharply towards her, eyes shining and a deep rumble in their throats. She was not welcome there by any account but she would not let their insistent growling stop her. She opened her mouth to speak, fog coming out from between chapping lips but the female wolf narrowed her eyes, stalking in front and coming close to Sofia, sniffing her dress and hand. Her tail wagged a little.
"This girl is no stranger to these woods. We are not on the best of terms with the foxes but one has told us about your heroism and that you can communicate with animals."
"It's true," Sofia answered, her teeth chattering. She wrapped her coat around herself tighter but it didn't stop her from feeling the sheer coldness of the wind. It was like a whip made of pure ice. Yet as cold as it was, to the point where her nose and cheeks were red as holly berries, she would not leave. "I've come to help."
"How can we trust this human?" One of the bigger male wolves asked in a deep voice, arching his shoulders in a predatory way. "Most of them hate wolves, always chasing us away, fearing us."
"Come on, Alpha Blue, does she look like she's afraid? If she was, she wouldn't be here. This girl is Sofia, I've heard nothing but greatness about her and she likes animals anyhow."
Sofia nodded, trying to smile but it hurt. The female wolf, who must have had some power to talk to the Alpha that way, lead her over to the much smaller wolf. Upon closer inspection he was very young, not a pup, but little more than what would be a young teenager. She nosed his paw explaining to Sofia what had happened and how it got this way.
"Do you think you can help?"
She looked around herself and knew that she would find no way to make a splint with no wood so she'd have to rely on her magic. Pulling out her wand, Sofia began her incantation. Sofia did not know how to heal just yet, that would come soon, but she could make slings, bandages, and casts. That's exactly what she did, the stroking cautiously over the wolf called Fang, telling him he would be alright as long as he rested often, stayed indoors, and didn't walk on his paw for about three weeks. He could easily remove the wrappings with his canines. The female wolf, who had told Sofia her name was Alpha Luna and that this was her son, bowed her head to Sofia. The rest did though Alpha Blue seemed to do it a bit guiltily, ears lying flat in an apologetic way.
"We owe you a debt of gratitude, Lady Sofia, and we shall not forget your name or you. If you ever need us just call for us," Alpha Luna appreciatively told her, helping her son up and joining with the rest of the pack. Sofia was glad to help but really needed to be heading home. She waved as best as she could then hurried back as fast as her feet could carry her.
Sofia had great navigational skills but all around her was white snow blurring her vision and all she could feel was cold, hungry, and now lost. She turned one way, thinking that was home, and headed that way, not knowing she was going further away. She ran and ran, getting more and more turned around and lost, she tried calling for help but her throat was so dry she could barely go past a loud whisper. Sofia hoped her amulet would provide some way of escaping this or that some miracle would befall her and she'd find home at last. She strove onward and onward until she tripped and fell, landing hard into a large stiff bank of snow. It had been some time in the castle and everyone was looking for Sofia, James holding her gift in his hand.
She seemed to be nowhere, not in her room, not in the library, not in the kitchen, not in the music room, not hiding for some strange reason. They had looked everywhere but they felt silly for not looking where Sofia liked to be most of her time. Roland climbed the stairs in a bit of a frenzy, it had been an hour since he last saw her or more and he was starting to worry. Sofia would not have left for such a long time, not today of all days. He knocked once but then let himself in, startling the sorcerer, making him drop something to the floor. He muttered one of his phrases but barely cared about it. If the king was here then something was up. He noticed the whole royal family was there, including the steward. His heart began to stammer a bit. There was one member missing.
"Cedric have you seen Sofia at all today?"
"No your majesty, not once. Is... something wrong?" He did not want the answer to be yes, he wanted her to be safe and sound but that was not the answer he got.
"I hope not...but we can't find her anywhere. She's nowhere in the castle... you don't think...?" Roland supposed, looking outside at the blizzard starting up. "No she wouldn't have...Sofia's smarter than that..."
"But what if she only stepped out for a moment and got lost? It's barely visible out there!" Miranda worried, now fearing for her daughter's life.
"We have to look for her! She could be out there all alone!" James exclaimed, putting down her gift quickly and rushing out the door, a true knight through and through.
The rest of his family followed after, not wanting to spare a single moment. Cedric came quicker than anyone had ever seen him go before, panic and fear causing adrenalin to shoot through him. He didn't even bother with his over coat or anything, he just went outside, shielding his face with just his arms. Baileywick stood in front of the group consisting of Sofia's family, holding a carefully enclosed lantern. Cedric cast a spell around them to block out the snow from their faces, a sort of invisible shield, then they were off. All going in different directions, calling out her name as loudly as possible, praying for an answer. She did not hear their voices but someone did, more than one someone, who had found Sofia earlier where she still laid and had stayed there keeping her warm. Cedric could scarcely care about himself being cold right now. He cursed all things though it did nothing for him.
He should have kept better watch on her, he was supposed to protect her, and he was too busy prattling around in his workshop to even go and see her. She would have told him where she was going and he would have gone with her to keep her safe. Now she was Merlin knows where and in this weather she could freeze to death though Cedric pushed that thought out of his head. He would find her, he'd stay out all night and all day until he did, he would not sleep or eat until she was found. He was taken out of his thoughts and his searching by an unusual sight, a wolf was hurdling his way and fast. Wolves don't usually come up to humans like that at least not alone, if they meant to scare away a human or hunt them down, it was rare if they did, but if they did it would be as a group. This was one wolf alone, a slender silver one, and for some reason something told him not to attack her or defend himself.
Wolves cannot bark, not like dogs, so she howled over and over and then came in front of him, not stopping but circling around his legs quickly, then ran to stand in front of him, pointing her nose in a direction. She had seen dogs do this. Cedric's eyes widened at the sight. Sofia was known to help and love many animals, big or small, gentle or hostile so when this one acted so strange and seemed to want his attention, he questioned nothing. He knew the wolf must know something so without even thinking he followed it, hoping his instincts were true. They had to be, wolves don't act like that. A dog maybe but a wolf certainly not. It ran fast but not too fast, looking behind itself to see if he was still there. He kept up with the animal surprisingly enough, usually never so fast or having this much stamina in his life. His lungs were burning but he didn't care.
Then the wolf came to this clearing, far from the castle, and surrounded by other wolves, all encircled around something. Cedric might have been frightened being surrounded by a pack of very large wolves but none of them growled, none of them made a sound, they wagged their tails a little as if welcoming him. In their eyes he saw nothing but good nature, they would not bite him even if they wanted to. Actually one of them licked his hand, just to show how friendly it was. It was hard to see but if he looked closer, he'd notice that one had a sling. He saw what they were covering, dusted lightly with snow and paler than he had ever seen her, was Sofia, her eyes halfway closed and she was talking incoherently. It was thanks to them unburying her and their body heat that she was alive right now. So many times had Sofia saved animals, that kindness was finally paid back- they had saved her. His frown deepened seeing her so helpless and anemic in appearance.
"Oh Sofia..."
He untied his robe and shrugged it off then leaned beside her, dispersing the wolves from her body. He wrapped her up tightly, lifting her into his arms and against his chest. In some way she looked so fragile, like a porcelain doll, due in part to her skin being white as snow with dashes of deep redness. He cradled her close, standing up straight and started walking fast towards where he had last seen the king and queen. As he did his movement seemed to rouse the princess a little, her eyes weakly opening. Her voice shakily asked,
"M-m-Mr. Ce-Cedric?"
He looked down upon her and nuzzled his nose against her forehead then gave it the lightest kiss. "Shhh shh don't waste your energy talking. I'm right here. I'll make it all okay, I swear it."
She closed her eyes with a tiny smile, pacified by that answer. He found the rest fast, not explaining how he found her just that he found her and she needed to be taken care of immediately. They didn't need to be told twice. The panic and distraught was all over everyone's faces with Miranda stroking over Sofia's hair and kept repeating something barely audible but it must have been reassurance. She was placed inside her bed hurriedly and bundled with a thousand blankets, a fire being lit by a concerned Crackle. Her loving rabbit came hopping into the bed and laid next to her on the pillow, looking up at Cedric with big helpless eyes, asking silently for him to fix whatever was wrong.
Cedric did not possess any power to talk to animals, save for slightly understanding birds, but he didn't need to hear to know that. Enchancia had physicians, medicine men, doctors and the like but on such short notice they would use their sorcerer. Besides he was just as good as any doctor, his potions more powerful than any medication. Of course he volunteered for it anyways, right away. No one would tell him no. They looked at Sofia, wheezing and moaning lightly in the bed, with forlorn expressions. Miranda kissed her daughter's ice cold cheeks, tucked her in, and took Cedric aside. She was very tearful, trying to remain in order in front of Sofia's siblings, telling him if he needed anything to call and they'd be there quickly. He assured them she'd be okay, he'd take care of her.
King Roland put his trust in Cedric but he was not the only one. Amber seemed solemn as she apologized for any ill will she had ever placed upon him because he had yet again risked his own life for her sister. Now he had her full trust too. After everyone left Cedric to his work and give Sofia some room, he looked over at her, still breathing irrhythmically in her deep slumber. He sighed deeply and touched her face. Her cheeks were cold but her forehead was hot so he placed a cool rag upon it. He kept one hand on the bed, peering at her for changes in her breathing while still concentrating on his potions.
"My poor girl..." He sighed deeply.
For hours and hours he watched over her, not once sleeping, not once moving unless to get something specifically for her. Every now and then one or two of her family members would check in to see how she was, it was always the same. Then at last some movement. She squirmed a little under all the thick layers, only her head was clearly visible and looked small amongst the many covers. Her eyes opened fully and she looked around at her surroundings landing her eyes on her faithful sorcerer, steadfast and at her side. He smiled, looking a bit worn down himself, but no less happy to see her up. She coughed just a tad bit.
"Wha...what happened? Oh my head..." Sofia moaned, reaching up to touch her temple. "I feel awful."
"That's to be expected. You have a nasty cold, love. Here I made you a broth, drink it all up alright, it's got a lot of powerful ingredients in it to help you get better."
Sofia would have graciously taken the bowl but he sat close to her, stirred with the spoon, and blew on it before introducing it to her mouth. Her blush made her feel much warmer than before but she sipped it all the same. She didn't have a huge appetite but she could stomach it. The soup tasted bitter yet rich.
"You're rather reckless, Sofia. Didn't you know that the weather was unsafe to be in?"
"I know... I'm sorry but I had to help the wolf...," Sofia admitted, sipping the soup.
"Only you would brave a blizzard to help a wounded wolf. I don't know if I should admire you or think you're insane."
"Wait if I have a cold then you could catch it!"
"I don't care at all about myself, only you. Sofia you... never do that again, alright? You nearly gave me a heart attack. I... don't know what we would...what I would...do without you in my life. Please, you have to be careful."
Sofia stared at Cedric who had stopped feeding her but even if he still was, she'd stare. She could hear the melancholy in his voice and then realized he was not wearing his robe. She now realized she was snuggled into it. She thought of what must have happened and her heart panged for him, both with sadness and with love. Her courageous sorcerer had removed his only source of warmth just for her and now here he was by her side, taking care of her. She saw Clover curled up beside her sleeping and Crackle by the fireplace. Everyone was so worried about her. She sneezed hard being given a tissue by him. She thanked him and used it.
"Ugh...I can't believe I'm going to be sick on Wassalia."
"I'll do my best to make sure you feel your best but I don't guarantee anything. Now let's finish this up and you go back to sleep. You need your rest."
"Will you... read me to sleep?"
"Of course I will but you have to drink this all up."
She took the bowl from him and gulped it down quickly then handed it back. He chuckled at her enthusiasm then wiped off her mouth for her. She pointed out which book she'd like him to read and he began. Some time later someone else who dared to brave the storm came knocking at their front door, which Baileywick let them in with a confused face. Almost knocking him over with the stuff she gave him was Sofia's Aunt Tilly followed by Sir Bartelby. Roland greeted his sister but asked her why she was here when the weather was so terrible.
"A little snow never stopped me from seeing my family! Now let's dig into the hot cocoa and the presents!" She excitedly enthused, raising her hands but then noticed everyone was decidedly less cheery and more worrisome. She also noticed the absence of her little adventurous niece.
"Where is Sofia?"
"She's very ill but Cedric's helping her with magic," James told her, petting Rex who seemed to be down too, giving his master affection.
"Cedric...? Whizzbang! He's a thumping good magician, should have her all good in no time. Cheer up everyone, we have to remain high in spirits for Sofia."
"You're right, Tilly," Roland agreed, putting an arm around her shoulder and squeezing it, "We have to put on a happy face and still make this the best holiday for her that we can."
"Good then! Now can I go and see her or is it really bad?"
"You can visit for a while, I think seeing you will do her some good," Miranda assumed, standing up to walk with her to where Sofia was. Sir Bartelby stayed behind with the rest and got James feeling much less depressed with talks of knighthood.
The queen opened the door slowly, afraid she might wake her up, but Sofia was sound asleep. Aunt Tilly peered in and saw her niece wrapped up tighter than the gifts that remained untouched under the tree. She also saw the valiant wizard by her side in the chair, an opened book on his lap and snoring quite loudly but not loudly enough to rouse the sleeping beauty. It appeared exhaustion finally hit him and he too went to dream land. Miranda was content to let them be, Cedric had worked very hard and she could tell color was coming back to Sofia's cheeks. Aunt Tilly noticed something else, just out of the view of Miranda's eye line. Cedric's hand was just barely cupping Sofia's cheek and she was holding onto his hand as if it was giving her life. She nuzzled into it with a sweet smile. Aunt Tilly smiled too, a smile that knew of the secrets kept locked inside Sofia's heart.
