Disclaimer: I do not own Sofia The First.
A/N: Last story for the week. Thought we'd end with an early Wassailia one :).
"This is the best gift I have ever gotten, ever!"
Hearing him say those words had filled her with such joy. To know that her gift from the heart had given her friend so much happiness. Especially as she recalled how worried she'd been after hearing him lament that he never got anything special for Wassailia.
Ever since, Sofia had strived to be sure to get something truly wonderful for Cedric during the holidays. From rare magical ingredients, to a surprise trip to the Mystic Isles (that one being a combo wassailia/birthday gift.) Why, once she had even handmade him a scarf and mittens. A gift she was a little hesitant about, considering his previous complaints of Ill-fitting sweaters. But he had seemed delighted by them.
Over the years, she had took the challenge even more to heart. Especially as her feelings for the man had begun to shift, from the friendship and childlike admiration she once held, to something completely new...
Of course, this Wassailia would be no different. Sofia having already decided months in advance what she'd be getting him. Though she would have to wait until until the day of the holiday to collect it.
"Well, that does it!" Chrysta remarked, after she and Sofia had finished up their last task for the evening. The pair having volunteered for the holiday again. Turning to her former trainee to inquire, "Going to join us again at my place for another Wassailia on the Isles?"
Sofia smiled, but shook her head. "Not this year. I actually need to get something over at the Isle of Forever Frost."
"Forever Frost?" nose crinkling as she wondered. "Oh! You mean that magical snow."
"Uh huh,"
Once every few centuries on Wassailia, the Isle of Forever Frost was blessed with a magical snow fall. One which produced large, beautiful, snowflakes that would never melt; and in fact contributed to the "forever" part of the frosty isle.
And Sofia, was hoping to get a few for Cedric.
"I saw some of it this morning. Quite a sight..." smiling wistfully. "Well, you better hurry," she advised. "It won't last much longer."
Skye escorted her to her destination. Sofia eagerly dismounting him, carrying a small box in her hand. From the look of things they had made it just in time. The once in a lifetime event, already nearing its end.
"Wow..." she sighed. Gazing upward as she marveled at the amazing sight. Able to see for herself that these truly were no ordinary snowflakes. They were big enough to rival the paper ones she used to make as a child; and gave off a beautiful, mystical sparkle.
She admired it a moment more, then swiftly set to work. Knowing she'd have to be quick to catch them, before they assimilated with the permanent snowy ground of the wintery isle.
Holding up her box carefully, she kept an eye out for the best ones she could find. Catching them on top of the tiny purple cushion she had lined it with.
"There!" she exclaimed, once satisfied. Happily admiring her collection.
"Will your sorcerer have use of those in his spells?" Skye inquired conversationally, as she wrapped it up with a yellow ribbon.
"I don't know..." she admitted. "He might." Though she hoped he'd still appreciate them as a rare magical novelty regardless.
As soon as she'd finished her task, the snow abruptly stopped. Leaving the sky eerily clear and quiet.
"I guess we'd better start heading back now."
"Of course, my princess," he declared. Bowing down slightly so she could climb on his back again. "Allow me to return you to your family." Spreading his wings and starting their journey to the Ever Realm.
The unicorn dropped her off in front of the castle. Sofia waving goodbye, and wishing him happy holidays as he flew off. Before hurrying inside to change out of her Protector gear, and into an appropriate dress.
"Happy Wassailia!" she chimed with the rest of her family that evening. Their hearts merry with the celebration; and ready to accumulate in the lighting of the candle, and exchange of gifts.
Sofia looked around, frowning slightly. "Mom, where's Cedric?"
The queen blinked at her, then seeming to think a moment. "I thought I saw him outside."
"Really?" her brow furrowed. Strange. But heeding her mother's tip, she donned on her winter cloak and went out. Where indeed, from the top of the castle steps, she could see her beloved in the garden. Walking about in the lightly falling snow.
"Cedric!" she called. Hurrying down the stairs to meet him.
But as her dress shifted, the small box containing his gift slipped from her pocket. Falling out of reach.
Sofia's heart sank as it crashed to the ground. Bouncing on the steps ahead of her, until finally bursting open at the bottom. The delicate snowflakes within shattering on the ground.
Oh no! Please no!!
Falling on her knees, she frantically began searching in the hopes that at least one had survived. Only to discover, to her dismay, that all that remained were broken shards.
"Oh no..." she whimpered. Feeling her eyes begin to water.
"Sofia!" she heard Cedric cry in alarm. He having only caught sight of the princess sprawled at the bottom of the steps; and fearing that she had fallen from the stairs and injured herself, was quickly rushing to her aid.
"Are you alright?!" kneeling down to check her over. Becoming even more concerned when he saw the tears in her eyes.
"I'm sorry..." she whimpered softly.
"For what?" he asked confused. His gaze falling down, where he noticed the remains of his present. "What's this?" picking up a piece.
For the briefest moment, hope alighted in her. Perhaps he could repair them with a spell. Only to slip from her grasp again, when the broken pieces suddenly vanished. Now just as transient as their nonmagical counterparts.
"They were... they were special magical snowflakes I got from the Mystic Isles," she admitted, ashamed. "I wanted to give them to you...for your special gift... but I broke them..." her tears flowing more freely now. "I'm so sorry, Cedric!"
The sorcerer didn't quite fully understand. But knowing Sofia as long as he did, he figured whatever these snowflakes were, they must have been something absolutely amazing. Seriously, she always seemed to care so much about making him happy for the holidays.
Such a precious girl...
Hearing her sob again, he was reminded of his previous concern. "Never mind that," gently taking her hand in his, and asking "You're not hurt, are you?"
She shook her head.
"Good," he sighed in relief.
Sofia allowed a few more tears to trickle down, before gasping when she felt him pull her into an embrace.
"Cedric?"
"It's alright Sofia," he assured softly. Pulling back to gently wipe her eyes. "While I greatly appreciate the efforts you go through to get me something special each year. None of them can compare with the joy I get just having you with me for Wassailia. Even if it's only for a short moment... I could never think of a more perfect gift..."
His voiced stilled a bit at that. Surprised by his own admittance. But realizing he meant every word, he simply chose to end the statement with a kind smile.
Sofia could only gaze up at him in return. Her eyes welling up with different tears now. Sighing, she fell into him again. Hugging him tight.
He flinched for a second, nearly knocked off balance. But returned her affection. Gently stroking her hair, as the winter snow fell all around them.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed, and Happy stfshipappreciationweek :).