“Interesting choice.” Marcus smirked, crossing his arms and leaning against the rail as he listened to the music.
Drake rolled his eyes at his crewmate’s comment but just shrugged as he continued to play the slow song.
Eleanor sighed and closed her eyes to focus on the chords of the song. The gentle sea breeze that swept across the deck blew her blonde hair back and caused her dress to flutter around her ankles.
Lorelei smiled softly as she watched Eleanor enjoy the music, almost wanting to dance with her but this melody wasn't exactly meant for dancing.
Drake let out a soft sigh as he finished the chorus and sat up a little more, deciding that two short verses were enough for now.
(If you need more sea shanty inspiration, lmk. I have a playlist of "fantasy" songs lmao)
Eleanor's eyes opened, and she clapped appreciatively. "That was wonderful," she praised him with a genuine, glowing smile. "You're incredibly talented, Drake."
(Thanks! That's really cool. Actually, I just found a sea shanty playlist on Spotify but I’ll still ask you too.)
Drake chuckled again and bowed at the praise with a soft blush.
“If you think that was good you should hear him play “Drunken Sailor” or “Flying Dutchman”.” Marcus smirked. “Those are really something.”
“Oh, don't worry.” Lorelei smiled confidently. “She going to have plenty of chances to hear Drake play.”
(Hey! Sorry I've been mia for a few days)
Eleanor inclined her head towards the men with a grin. "Indeed, I will. And I'm looking forward to every time his beautiful chords charm my ears."
(It's ok. I figured something came up.)
Drake blushed a little at the high compliment but smiled.
“Careful, dragon boy.” Marcus teased, referring to the musician’s two tattoos. “You look like your about to start breathing fire.”
(Yeah, life's been chaotic. Sorry, though, I didn't mean to just poof away)
Eleanor chuckled and nuzzled her nose gently into the soft skin of Lorelei's cheek. "Shall we leave them to their work, my darling?" she murmured quietly.
(It’s ok. I’m glad you're ok and that you're back)
Lorelei smiled lovingly at the touch and nodded. “Yes. I believe that we've taken up enough of their time for now.” she agreed softly. “As you were, boys. Oh, and Drake…don't make Marc do all of your work.” she chuckled, guiding Eleanor back towards the stern. “Do you want to go into my cabin or would you like to take a hand at the helm?” she offered softly.
(Glad to be back! <3)
Eleanor giggled and let her partner lead her, giving a parting wave to the men as she'd been instructed to do. A first and last impression were both taught to be important. "I will go wherever you go," she purred with a knowing smile.
(<3)
Lorelei chuckled and nodded. “My cabin it is, love.” she said softly. “I have been looking forward to spending time alone with you again.”
"As have I," Eleanor agreed, still following Lorelei readily. "For more reasons than one," she added teasingly. "I've missed our little talks."
“So have I.” she admitted, sincerely. The thought of kissing Eleanor senseless was very tempting to Lorelei… but after hearing about what those men attempted to do to her, Lori had decided to let her lover take the lead for their first time together again. “What would you like to talk about, my darling?” she asked as she opened her cabin door.
"I'd like to hear about your adventures!" Eleanor immediately answered like she'd been waiting for the question to come. "Tell me all about your travels and the other kingdoms of the world! The other monarchs – what are they really like? – and what of their people?" She stepped into Lorelei's cabin and grinned at the woman eagerly.
Lorelei laughed a little at Eleanor's answer but nodded as she took off her hat. “Alright. Honestly, I can't say much about the Monarchs beyond what their people told us since we tried to avoid meeting them.” she pointed out, gesturing towards her desk. “But the people, once they realized we were friendly, were… Most of them were pretty nice. Others wanted nothing to do with us, and some actively tried to chase us out.” she laughed at the memory of besting the people in the last group.
Eleanor's eyes widened. "Were you ever harmed?" she asked worriedly, observing Lorelei's face and smoothing her hair gently. She followed Lori's gesture to her map and paced over to it. Her fingers graced over the worn-looking material. "And you made this all yourself?"
“Not badly. And nothing that Charlie couldn't heal.” she assured, relishing her touch. Lorelei chuckled a little and gave a small shrug as she joined Eleanor by the map. “Some of it. I bought a couple unmarked ones and drew out a few courses as well as put down a few notes and marked a few places that weren't already on the maps.” she explained, pointing to some examples.
Eleanor studied her partner's work with admiring eyes. "Wow… you've been busy," she murmured, tracing the edges of countries with her finger slowly. "This is incredible, my darling. Is there anywhere specific that we're headed to now?" She looked up, and again her eyes darted all around Lorelei's face, taking in every little detail she could find.
“Ten years at sea… You do what you can to make use of the time.” Lori shrugged, still smiling softly at her love. Her skin was darker than it had been from all the time in the sun, and her hair while definitely longer, may have been a shade lighter… But her eyes were still the same rich emerald green and just as loving when she looked at Eleanor. “Far away from your father's kingdom, first of all.” she admitted. “But if you mean which port, I didn't have a specific one in mind. However, there is a lovely exotic place over here that I think you’ll enjoy visiting.” she smiled, pointing to a specific kingdom on the map.
"Very true," Eleanor agreed. "Ten years in a castle is very different, though." She smiled sadly. "I would have much rather been with you. You've changed a bit, but you're still the same girl I fell in love with all those years ago." The princess leaned in and placed a kiss on Lorelei's lips before observing where she'd pointed. "That sounds brilliant! Do you think I'll be recognized at all?"
“I can imagine.” Lorelei smiled, returning the kiss. “It doesn't seem like you've changed much but I get the feeling that you're stronger.” she said softly. “All the way over there? Not likely. Especially after how long it will take us to get there.” she assured her princess. “Have you ever been on a ship and sailed before?”
Eleanor smiled sadly. "Yes, I suppose so. Things were… difficult once you left." She blinked away the unhappy memories to focus on Lorelei in front of her now. "And yes I have. Once. When my father took me with him to see a suitor instead of the suitor coming to us." She rolled her eyes. "It was just as boring as you'd imagine it to be."
“Ah! I was wondering how you had such good sea legs already. It took me a while before I could keep my balance on board.” Lorelei admitted with a nod. “I’m sorry things were hard but we're together now and now nothing will take us apart again.” she promised, pressing a kiss to Ellie’s forehead.
"My dearest, why do you think I've been leaning on you or sitting down as much as possible?" Eleanor asked, tilting her head with amusement. "And it's very lucky the trip was fairly recent. The number of suitors I've been forced to see since you left…" She shook her head. "I'm sorry, let's not talk about it. As you said, we're together now." She grinned at her lover's kiss. "I adore you."
“I thought it was just because you wanted to be close to me.” Lorelei teased, though she didn't mind how much Eleanor had been leaning on her. Her smile shrunk a little at the mention of the suitors but she nodded. “No. We don't have to talk about them right now. But… I would like it if you warned me if or when we might come across any of them. Don't want them to report back to your father where we are.” she chuckled.
"Oh, but of course, my darling," Eleanor cooed with a grin. "I always want to be close to you, you know that." For emphasis, she rested her head on Lorelei's shoulder. "And unfortunately, I had to learn about the kingdoms each prince came from, so don't worry. I'll know where not to go. I wouldn't want to chance running into them anyway. They were all horrid."
Lorelei laughed and wrapped her arms around her love. “And I always want to be close to you too.” she smiled, resting her head on top of Eleanor’s. “And it may have been unfortunate at the time but now your knowledge on those men and their kingdoms will be a great help to us. And if they really were that bad, then perhaps they need a lesson on how to treat a lady.”
Eleanor grinned. "Indeed," she cooed softly. "A few of them may need a lesson or two… specifically Prince Hunter." She frowned at the man's name and shook her head. "He was the worst of them. I'm sorry I keep bringing it up."
“It’s alright, Ellie.” Lorelei comforted. “I know that it's going to be hard to move past that. So if you want or need to talk about it… I’m here for you.” she assured.
"Of course, my darling," Eleanor murmured. "I know you are. But…" She smirked teasingly and lowered her lips beside Lorelei's face so she could whisper directly into her partner's ear. "I thought I told you to call me Eleanor."