Adventures in Magic

Disclaimer: I do not own Sofia the First or any of the characters/locations affiliated with it. The original characters introduced in various chapters belong to me.

A/N: Okay, similarly to the last chapter, this one will be filled with some sweet moments. Trust me, I'm building and reestablishing their relationship now because of what's going to happen toward the end of this story. It will all make sense in the long run. Naturally, these two are best friends and already care a great deal for each other, so there's plenty more bonding time coming. 😊 This chapter, though, was written for one main reason: even if you love adventure and you love being away from home, there will be a time—even a fleeting moment—when you're going to miss either your friends, your family, your dog, your cat, your bed, your norm… And that's what Sofia is going through here. Luckily, Cedric seems to have a solution! 😉 Oh, and for Sir Chaos Omega, who asked about Sofia's fairy wand: she still has it. I only mentioned the wands that Sofia used exclusively for sorcery purposes. :D

Note: References to "Never Enough" and "Spectrum."


Chapter 7
Homesick

Summary: Sofia misses her family and friends, so Cedric tries to cheer her up with a surprise visit to a familiar location.


The last few weeks had been something of a blur for the two Enchancian travelers. They had already voyaged to a number of unfamiliar kingdoms and established connections with their royal leaders. Cedric had even managed to talk the king in one of the kingdoms to hire a royal sorcerer to aid him, an affirmative and positive networking move on his part…especially since that particular king had never even given magic much consideration prior to their visit.

However, all the traveling was having a problematic effect on Sofia. Daily, she grew more and more homesick. She missed her family, her friends, Clover, Mia, Robin, Whatnaught… She missed Baileywick waking her up every morning. She missed Amber yelling at James for stealing yet another one of her items. She missed the aroma of freshly-baked pie, courtesy of Chef Andre, of course. She just missed home.

Naturally, she was glad to have Cedric with her. He was a part of her home, thankfully. But even though she had him there, he alone couldn't replace everyone else. Of course, she realized that she'd be on this journey for another few months, which did little to diminish her homesickness…

"Sofia, you've been rather quiet the last hour," Cedric mentioned as they were flying yet again in the AutoCoach. "What's wrong?"

Rather than dismiss the question like she normally would, she sighed. "I miss home."

Cedric blinked. "Oh…"

"It's not that I'm not having a great time being with you and traveling, Mr. Cedric. It's just that…" She shrugged. "I guess I didn't realize that I'd miss seeing everyone and having a routine."

He nodded. "Well, that's natural. I'll be honest… Though, if you tell her I said this, I'll deny it, but…" He smiled as she turned to him. "I actually miss Cordelia. Of course I miss Calista, but I'm surprised by how much I've missed interacting with my sister."

The princess giggled. "I think that's normal. No matter how much you guys argue or disagree, she's still your sister. I really miss James and Amber." She sighed before glancing out the window.

"Sounds to me like you could use a bit of a familiar scene, and perhaps some familiar faces as well." The mysterious smile on his face intrigued the teen as she turned to give him an inquisitive expression.

"What are you talking about?"

He chuckled as he waved his wand, murmuring a spell. "You'll see."


About another hour later, Sofia noticed that the scenery had changed. Rather than the lovely colorful mountains and valleys they were now used to seeing, below them now lay an expanse of black-and-white-toned landscapes. There was also a neighboring piece of land, though it looked far more colorful… And then it clicked.

Sofia beamed at Cedric. "This is where Princess Ivy and Miss Nettle live!" She frowned curiously as she noted his small, pleased smile. "But…how did you know that?"

"I'm full of surprises," he chuckled, causing his friend to blink. "Also, I remembered that you'd mentioned meeting up with them here a few years ago, during the deep sleeps fiasco. I saw this area in my travels to the new arena for the Conjuror's Conference last year, and they happened to be outside during that time. Luckily, all I needed was a navigation spell, and here we are."

"Now, that's a spell that could come in handy." She laughed. "We're going to visit them, then?"

"Of course." He grinned. "I'm sure they both love unexpected company."

"Heh, well…" She giggled with a shrug. "At least it's just you and me. Although, I hope you and Miss Nettle get along better this time."

"You may find this hard to believe, but I've actually collaborated with her a bit in the last year." He gestured vaguely as Sofia stared at him in surprise. "She gave me a discount on some of her magical plants after I gave her a few potions I wasn't using."

"Mr. Cedric and Miss Nettle actually working together?" She grinned. "I never thought I'd see that happen."

"People change, Sofia," he reminded her with a smile. "You know that."

She giggled and nodded. "Yeah, I know. In this case, it's actually a good thing."

The AutoCoach landed near one of the dual chromed trees, and the two friends exited, walking over toward the front door of the rather small castle and knocking.

None other than Miss Nettle answered the door, her blue eyes widening in surprise at the sight of the Enchancians before them. "Princess Sofia! Cedric!" She laughed. "What on earth are you two doing here?"

"We just thought we'd stop by for a visit," Cedric responded simply.

Sofia smiled at the woman. "Mr. Cedric and I are working as Magical Ambassadors for my dad. We go around to different kingdoms and other places and set up networks and things like that."

"Well, that's adorable," she chuckled. "And how long have you been doing that?"

"A few weeks now," the sorcerer answered, surprising the fairy even more. "We began in Helvetica, then traveled to the Mystic Isles, and then to a variety of other kingdoms." He placed his hands on his apprentice's shoulders, causing her to glance up at him. "But… Sofia began feeling a bit homesick, so when I realized we were close to here, I decided to stop and let her reunite with some familiar faces."

A fond smile graced Miss Nettle's face as she gently guided Sofia from Cedric's hold and wrapped one arm around her shoulders, leading her through the door to the castle. "I'm glad you decided to visit. While unexpected, it's good to see a little color around here…besides me, of course." She laughed.

"Princess Ivy still won't change the color scheme, huh?" Sofia guessed as Miss Nettle dropped her arm to her side.

"Not that much. I mean, my own room and a few guest rooms have been painted, but her side of the island…nope." She shrugged. "I can't complain, I guess. She's allowing me to stay here without paying for it, and she even helps me with my enchanted plants, so I don't have any qualms about it."

The princess frowned as she realized something. "Where is Ivy, anyway?"

The fair-haired woman smirked. "Probably out galivanting around with that goofball sorcerer friend of yours, Cedric."

"Greylock?!" Cedric gasped, his mouth dropping.

The fairy chortled. "It actually makes sense! The Grayscale Princess likes Greylock, eh?" She grinned before snickering at Cedric's reaction. "You can't tell me you didn't see their little flirt fest going on a few years ago at that bazaar."

"And they've been talking to each other ever since?" Sofia concluded with a blink.

"Talking, walking, hand-holding, mushy stuff…" She rolled her eyes. "It's disgusting how cute they are."

"I thought Mr. Greylock was trying to lie low after he left Rudistan," the princess added, exchanging glances with her friend.

"I'm sorry," the sorcerer finally responded, shaking his head. "I'm still trying to fathom this."

"Join the club!" Miss Nettle rolled her eyes. "They've been talking to each other for over a year now, and as standoffish as she is, Ivy actually likes that bad-joke-telling sorcerer for some reason."

Sofia giggled. "I can honestly say that I did not see that coming."

"Well, never mind all that. She'll be back in a while." The woman grinned at the friends. "Are you two hungry?"

"Famished," Cedric responded, realizing how long it had been since they'd actually eaten—several hours ago.

"Come on then. I've got just what you need: Miss Nettle's Famous Dumplings!"

Sofia smiled excitedly. "Sounds great, Miss Nettle! Thanks!"


After the three of them had eaten, Princess Ivy finally arrived, and to say she was surprised to see the Enchancian duo would be an understatement.

"Princess Sofia!" she gasped when she entered the dining room, shock written all over her face. Her eyes trailed to the sorcerer beside her. "And…you!"

"The name is 'Cedric,' Your Highness," he drawled sarcastically, dabbing at his mouth with his napkin. He was starting to see a pattern with princesses and their lack of getting his name correct. He gave his apprentice a sardonic look when he heard her snickering.

"Right, right… Cedric…" She shook her head, trying to focus. "What on earth are you two doing here? I don't remember making plans for a visit any time soon."

"It was sort of last minute," Sofia admitted, smiling apologetically toward the flustered princess. "If we're going to be a bother, we can go."

"No, no!" She finally smiled and laughed a bit. "It's fine. We're just not used to visitors, is all."

"I'm quite sure that's not true," Cedric quipped, smirking at her. "From what I've heard, you've become well-acquainted with a different sorcerer?"

Princess Ivy gaped at him before glaring at Miss Nettle. "Did you tell them?!"

"Of course I did!" she laughed. "Keeping that secret was getting to me. And of course, when we live alone on this island, there's no one to tell secrets to."

"Ugh…" She plopped down in a chair at the head of the table, avoiding the curious looks the visitors were giving her. Finally, she sighed. "Okay, yes, Greylock and I are seeing each other."

"I think it's sweet," Sofia told her.

"Albeit rather strange," Cedric admitted. "No offense, Princess, but I never would have pictured the two of you together."

"And you think I did?" she scoffed with a small smile. "Gotta say, I don't think I ever saw myself with anyone until he came along…with his corny jokes, his kind eyes, his wavy hair, his amazing personality…" A dreamy smile crossed her features as she sighed, so unlike the old Ivy…

The Enchancian sorcerer's face changed to one of discomfort. "Ugh, are we talking about the same Greylock?"

Sofia giggled. "I think when the love-bug bit Princess Ivy, it bit hard."

"But enough about me," Princess Ivy insisted, trying to steer the conversation into more neutral territory. She was already uncomfortable after having admitted her infatuation with the former Rudistanian royal sorcerer, but to continue talking about it was just as bad, in her opinion. She wanted more common ground, and fast. "How have you guys been? And what exactly are you doing here?"

Again, the two friends recounted their reasoning for being out and about, and how they came to find the princess and the fairy.

"Well, you're welcome to stay as long as you want," Princess Ivy informed them. "I could even show you some of the new projects we're working on."

"When she's not busy making goo-goo eyes at Mr. Wavy-Hair, that is," the fairy added, grinning at the blushing glare she was receiving from her friend. "Exactly what part of my statement was untrue, Ivy?"

Sofia giggled. "Thanks, Princess Ivy. We appreciate it."


That night, Cedric entered the room Princess Ivy had set aside for him and Sofia. It was surprisingly colorful, unlike what he was expecting from the older princess's monochrome preferences. The room was a pleasant dual shade of dark purple and royal blue, lit with several candles lining the walls and a shared lamp between the two beds. He glanced toward Sofia, who was sitting on her bed, dressed in her light purple pajama set, and sleepily brushing her hair. "Tired?" he inquired with a warm smile before sitting on his own bed.

"You could say that," she responded with a yawn. "It's been fun spending some time with Miss Nettle and Princess Ivy though." She grinned toward him. "It was a great idea, Mr. Cedric."

"Hmm. I'm glad you approve." He removed his fingerless gloves and set them on the side table before looking back at his friend, noticing that she appeared to be slowly drifting off while sitting up. "Need some help?"

Sofia blinked at him before glancing down, noting that her brush was a little too close to getting tangled in her thick hair. "Uh…yeah. I think so…"

Cedric smiled and moved over to the other bed, sitting down behind the princess and taking the brush from her. He gathered her hair and pulled it behind her shoulders so that it tumbled down her back. He then began brushing out the long, wind-tossed waves with slow, gentle strokes. "So, did you talk to Princess Ivy to see what's on the agenda for tomorrow?"

"Hmm… She said she was going to show us the new greenhouses she and Miss Nettle set up and something about a new breed of butterfly? I'm not sure…" She felt her eyes growing rather heavy, the bristles against her back beginning to lull her into sleep.

The sorcerer chuckled as he noticed the girl's breathing becoming slower and her head nodding forward a bit. "You're tired, Sofia. I think it's time you get to bed." He set the brush aside before gathering the girl's hair into three separate sections and braiding it loosely, securing it with the ribbon she'd had tied around her brush.

Sofia blinked at the action before pulling her braided hair over her shoulder, laughing in disbelief as she glanced up at him. "You're surprisingly good at that."

"I used to braid Cordelia's hair sometimes when we were younger, and then Queen Lorelei asked me to braid her hair once when we were younger. Not to mention Calista has recently asked me to do so… So, I've had some experience."

She grinned and turned to face him fully, reaching out and hugging him. "Thanks, Mr. Cedric."

He responded in kind, gently patting her back. "Certainly, Sofia." He smiled as she released him. "Sleep well, my dear." He lifted the covers on her bed until she'd settled in before lowering the heavy blankets over the girl. He waited until she was sleeping soundly before standing up and heading out of the room. He returned a few minutes later dressed in his own pajamas (his usual dark purple button-up shirt and pants), and he crawled into his own bed, collapsing under the covers with a tired sigh.

He was glad to be here now. There was nothing wrong at all with the Mystic Isles; in fact, he quite enjoyed the magical surroundings. He had also enjoyed seeing the other kingdoms. However, this new location seemed to be more relaxing for both himself and the princess. He understood Sofia's homesickness. She was still relatively young, after all, and wasn't used to being gone from her family for such a long period of time. Still, he'd be there for her in any way he could. He'd promised that to both her and her parents. With a new sigh of contentment, he rolled over and went to sleep.

To be continued…