Disclaimer: I do not own Sofia the First
A/N: Here's my wassailia gift exchange story for the cedfia discord. For my secret giftee Aquaturquoise! I hope enjoy :)
"You and your Wassailia snow!" Cedric shouted against the wind. Shielding his eyes with one hand, whilst keeping a firm hold upon Skye with the other. The light from the unicorn's horn attempting to break through the blinding storm.
Just up ahead Sofia kept her focus as she lead the way on Minimus. Using the glow from her enchantlet as she searched the ground below them.
What had started off as a delightful and gentle snow, had quickly transformed into a raging blizzard. One that would leave them stranded and frozen if they didn't find shelter soon.
Luckily the princess knew of a place, and as her eyes managed to catch sight of two buildings. Her heart lifted with relief.
"Down there!" she instructed. Guiding them to land right in front of one of the buildings.
The humans dismounted from their steeds, as Sofia felt for the wall. Pulling out her neccessi-key she drew a large portal in it. Allowing them all access inside.
Cedric followed her in, alongside the horses. Grimacing when he saw their amenities.
"Oh, are we really to take shelter in a barn?" he grimaced.
Sofia gave him a look, her arms already filled with hay. "Skye and Minimus are." before continuing about her work.
The sorcerer gave a shrug, and proceeded to help her gather up more. In order assure their friends were comfortable.
"Brrr! I'm freezing!" Minimus whinnied, nestling down into the bed of hay that had been prepared, in an attempt to find warmth. Sighing in relief as Sofia placed a blanket over him. "Ah, that's much better," His long time friend smiling as she stroked his mane.
"Thank you, my good sorcerer," Skye said, as Cedric provided him with a blanket as well.
"It's no problem," he answered simply.
A fierce howl from the wind outside, stole everyone's attention, and Sofia grimaced.
"Looks like we're not making it back to the Enchancia or the Mystic Isles tonight, " she sighed. "Sorry, you guys..."
"Oh, it's alright," Minimus assured. Feeling better now that they were at least out of the cold.
"Indeed," Skye agreed. "We understand such situations may come with the duty of being a Protector steed, and while I am a bit sad to miss out on the ice sculptures of my home isle..." sounding just a bit forlorn, but brushing it off. "I'm happy to spend the holidays in the company of my good friend, Minimus."
The purple horse smiled, "Heh, couldn't have said it better myself."
Sofia observed the pair fondly. Appreciative of their understanding. Still, she knew they deserved a better wassailia than this. A sentiment she communicated with a nudge to Cedric.
"Huh?..." a bewildered look on his face, as she gestured towards the horses. "Oh! right, ahem!" Pointing his wand between them he conjured up enough piles of apples, candied carrots, and oats to assure that their winged friends would have a very Merry Wassailia. Before raising his arms up to cast another spell that adorned the place in soft magical lights and greenery; as well as one that would keep the stable warm throughout the night.
"How was that?" he whispered.
"Perfect," she nodded. Minimus and Skye looking on in awe, and expressing their thanks.
With their friends secure, the humans excited the warm safety of the barn. Cedric regretting his earlier complaints about lodging there as the icy air struck his face.
"And where precisely will we be staying?"
"Come on," grabbing his hand and leading him along.
They soon came to the second building. Sofia once again utilizing her neccessi-key to let them in.
Cedric immediately set his sights on the fire place. Casting the room in warmth and light with a spell.
He looked around, as Sofia set about looking in the cupboards. His brow furrowing. "Is this... Aurora's old cottage?" Recognizing from illustrations in books, the place where the famous princess had spent her early years. Back when she still went by the alias Briar Rose.
"Uh huh," she confirmed, still searching.
"It's awfully well intact..." noting only a thin layer of dust on the furniture. Not what he'd expect from an abode that had been abandoned for who knows how long now. Especially considering it's former occupants had forbidden themselves to utilize magic in it's upkeep.
"The fairies still come by for the summer some times," she explained. "The barn was a new addition." Crouching down to open up another cupboard, and letting out an "Ah ha!" when she finally found what she was looking for.
He watched as she reached inside and stood up. Now holding a small candle which she set upon the table.
Cedric raised a brow, then smirked. "Still set on that tradition, are you?"
She shrugged and smiled, "Might as well,"
"Yes, " he noted, prepping his wand. "Well if you insist on celebrating this holiday despite our circumstances, we might as well go all out." Transfiguring it into a proper Wassailia candle. Before utilizing his trusty 'Appetizio' spell to conjure up a delicious feast. Nothing quite so lavish as what was likely being served at the castle. But still a proper holiday meal, that included all of Sofia's favorites.
With another flourish he fixed up the room. Clearing it of the aforementioned dust; and adorning it in greenery and lights much as he had done for the barn.
Sofia's eyes lit up, "Amazing!"
"Yes, it is," puffing his chest proudly. "Er..." confidence waning slightly. "I apologize, you'll have to wait till we get back home for your present from me. Along with all your others he thought guiltily.
"That's okay," she said. "You won't mind waiting for yours too, right?" He shook his head. "Good,"
Stepping over to the fireplace she stuck the tip of a long stick inside, setting it aflame, and returned to the table. Surprising Cedric as she pulled him closer and guided his hand to rest on hers, so that they could light the candle together.
The ritual complete the princess declared, "Happy Wassailia!" beaming up at him in that way that always coaxed a smile from him in return.
They sat down, enjoying the meal and each other's company. Their coats shed as the house warmed up to a more comfortable temperature.
At one point Sofia contacted Chrysta, informing her of their situation. Her fellow protector promising to relay the information to her family. So that they may be put at ease in regards to their wellbeing.
Bellies sated, they retired to the couch. Sitting in front of the fireplace as Cedric conjured up some cocoa. The princess singing carols, and even convincing him to join her in a few of them.
It was a lovely time. Though Cedric couldn't help but feel a little guilty about it. After all, she should be home right now. Participating in these activities with her family; and indeed she would be, had it not been for him...
Earlier that day Sofia had approached him with the proposition of joining her on a quest in King Stefan's kingdom. To which he had eagerly agreed. Having already finished his task of preparing the castle for the holiday, (being appreciated rather than ridiculed had put a bit more pep in his step), and while he'd initially planned to utilize the free time to pay a quick visit to his parents, when his princess made the offer he couldn't refuse.
Now however, he thought perhaps it would have been better if he had gone through with his original plan. As the small delay caused by him getting ready to depart, and Skye needing to be summoned to chauffeur him had resulted in them being caught in this storm. One he was sure Sofia would have barely missed had he not tagged along.
But, he had just wanted so badly to go along with her... to be with her.
He grimaced, shaking the idea from his mind. Of course, he knew his feelings for the princess were inappropriate. For more reasons than one. Still, he couldn't help the desire to be near her... To enjoy her company just a moment more... Though currently he regretted it, considering he had inadvertently ruined her holiday.
And yet... looking at the princess now, one probably wouldn't think such a thing had taken place. A blissful expression on her face as she happily sang away. One that was both beautiful, and perplexing to behold...
Finishing the last verse of 'Peace and Joy'. Sofia glanced over at him noting his peculiar expression.
"Is something wrong?"
"Nothing," shaking his head as he set aside the cocoa he'd been nursing as he listened. "You just seem so... happy."
"Of course!" her smile dropping a bit. "Why wouldn't I be?"
"Well..." he drawled. "It's Wassailia, and instead of being at home in a nice castle with your family... Your stuck out here in an old cottage in a blizzard with me..."
"Oh Cedric," she sighed somewhat amused. Relieved that that's all it was. "I don't have to be in a castle to have a happy Wassailia. I mean, yes I would rather we were safe at home with my family" she admitted a bit sadly. "But," perking, back up "It's okay, because you're still here with me; and that's the most important thing."
The sorcerer inhaled sharply, as those blue eyes sparkles at him. "The most important thing?..." he whispered.
Sofia's eyes widened. "Oh! um..." blushing like the holly berries that decorated the room as she realized she'd said too much.
"I.. I'm going to go see if I can find us some more blankets!" she announced suddenly, standing up.
"Wait!" rising himself, and reaching for her.
But as he made to move forward, his foot managed to tangle itself in the blankets that had fallen on the floor. Gravity pulling him back down as he tripped, just when he'd managed to grab her hand.
"Whoa!" she cried, as they both fell back onto the couch. Cedric accidentally pulling her onto his lap.
"Sorry!" he blurted. Loosening his grip on her.
"I..It's alright," she assured, though her cheeks burned even more than before.
She moved to get off of him, but stopped when she heard a twinkling sound above them. The two of them looking up to see ball of mistletoe hanging above them. Still shimmering with the light of the sorcerer's familiar green magic.
"Cedric?..." she gasped
"Uh... I... " he stuttered, blushing furiously himself now. "I can explain!... I think..." but try as he may to rack his brain; there was just no excuse for the obvious fact that his magic had somehow manifested his desires sans command. "Oh... Merlin's mushrooms!..." This wassailia couldn't get any wor...
His train of negative thought was abruptly silenced however when he felt soft hands upon his face. Sofia searching his eyes for a brief moment, before leaning forward to meet his lips with hers.
Cedric let out a muffled sound in surprise at the action. But soon followed up with a contented hum. His eyes closing in bliss, as he reciprocated the sweet gesture.
They pulled away, only for want of air. The sorcerer finally finding his words with his next breath.
"Sofia, may I court you?..." Poseidon's pumpkins! Why'd he jump immediately to that?! He hadn't even properly confessed his feelings first!... And besides, he wasn't even...
His thoughts quited again, as she kissed him once more. "Mmm... I'd like that a lot."
"You.. you would?"
She nodded, "Of course! I mean... " looking shy, as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear "I was going to ask you myself... I'd even already talked to my parents about it..."
"You were?" eyes widening in recognition of that last statement. "You did?!" And they agreed?!
"I was just waiting for the right time you know... to tell you how I feel... but now... well I think it's pretty obvious that... I love you Cedric."
His breath caught at those beautiful words. Ones he thought he'd never hear from his princess. At least not in this sense.
Expression softening, he reached up to gently stroke her cheek. "I love you too, Sofia."
She hummed sweetly, leaning into his touch. "You know, I think this just may be the best Wassailia yet!"
He laughed, "And it's certainly shaping up to be a Happy New Year, too." Earning a giggle in response, before kissing her again.