“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."
Lorelei chuckled at the soft teasing. “I thought that was just in public, my dear.” she purred. “Besides, I haven't used that nickname for you in ten years. Would you really deprive me of using it when we're alone?”
Eleanor sighed softly. "Alright, fine. I was only joking anyway. I just wanted to see what you would say. You can call me anything you like, you know that."
Lorelei chuckled and held her closer. “I had a feeling you were. I just couldn't resist.” she smiled. “And you know I don't really care what you call me.”
Eleanor laughed. "Oh yes, I remember." She enjoyed the closeness Lorelei provided. Despite her many suitors, the young woman was incredibly touch starved, and she melted against the pirate captian.
“Good.” Lorelei smiled, kissing her cheek. Because of the comradery among her crew, she got plenty of affection but there was always something special when Eleanor was next to her. “I’m so glad we’re together again.”
"As am I," Eleanor murmured, and she relaxed against Lorelei completely. "It's nice to be held by you again, my love… I don't think it's possible to explain how much I've missed you."
“You don't have to explain.” she assured softly, fairly sure that the feeling was mutual. Yes, Lorelei’s life had been full of adventure and a fair amount of chaos but it had always been missing something because Eleanor wasn't by her side.
Eleanor nodded. "I wanted so badly to wish that you could've stayed in the castle with me, but I wouldn't want you to have been confined to such strict rules. All I want, really, is to be by your side, no matter the cost." She smiled and cupped Lorelei's cheek with her hand.
“Looking back now, I'm not sure how I would have handled living in the castle. But being with you… I think I could have survived it.” Lorelei agreed, placing her hand on top of Eleanor’s. “I wish we didn't have to wait those ten years to be happy.”
Eleanor smiled softly and looked at Lorelei's hand covering hers. The difference was striking. Her hands were paled and delicate while her lover's were tanned and weathered. "I'm not sure how I'll handle it out here," she remarked quietly. "But I know that I'll be alright because I'm with you." She brought Lorelei's hand up to her lips and kissed her knuckles.
Lorelei leaned in a pressed a kiss to Eleanor's forehead. “You’ll be fine, my love.” she assured her. “Unlike me, you won't be alone on this ship. The whole crew will help you learn what you need to know. And Charlie has already offered to be your mentor. You’ll be more than alright, darling.”
"Nonsense," Eleanor said quickly. "You're not alone. Not anymore, at least. You have your crewmates and now you have me. What else more would we need?"
“I was alone when I first got this ship. But, you're right. I'm not anymore.” Lorelei smiled. “And I don't think we need anything else.”
"I agree," Eleanor murmured, holding Lorelei close and pressing a meaningful kiss to her lover's lips. She intended to make up for all the kisses they had missed over the yers from being seperated.
Lorelei smiled, melting into the kiss eagerly. She was thankful that her crew understood how important Eleanor was to her and would respect their time alone. As well as knock first, if it was urgent.