forum The Princess' Scandal (o/o Closed)

Started March 04, 2022 by @emilyevewrites group

tune

Ellie waved her hand to dismiss the topic quickly. "There has to be something else we can talk about," she insisted, following Tommy's lead and lifting her own cup to her lips.

Lori chuckled a little, taking the hint for now at least.

“Aye.” Jax spoke up at the opening. “What do ye think of our fine ship?”

Eleanor swallowed her drink quickly to be able to speak again. “Oh, it’s magnificent! I’ve only ever been on one other ship, so I’m not sure how much my opinion carries here, but it’s a beautiful vessel. And I simply adore the name you’ve chosen for it,” she said enthusiastically, directing the last sentence to Lori.

The crew laughed good-heartedly and nodded, sharing the princess’s opinion of their ship while Lori was glowing with pride at the compliment.

“I’d say considering everything, your opinion carries more than anyone’s.” Marc pointed out.

“I’m glad you feel that way and like the name so much.” Lori smiled, brushing her fingers against the necklace Ellie was wearing.

Ellie blushed and blushed deeper at their comments. “I’m honored,” she murmured.

Her fingers reached up to catch Lorelei’s and hold them against the necklace a moment longer. “Of course,” she said softly, humming a piece of the shanty and smiling.

Lorelei’s breath hitched at the touch before she took Ellie’s hand in her own and kissed her lips. Sweetly, lovingly, and not caring who saw how much she loved Ellie.

Ellie continued smiling into the kiss, though she was surprised that Lorelei felt comfortable expressing her affections so openly in front of the group. The ex-princess was used to hiding for so long, being so openly in love with her partner felt new, but not unwelcome.

Lorelei had known her crewmates for a long time and felt very comfortable around them so there was no need for secrecy among them. But, of course, she wouldn't go too far. Especially not in front of Tommy. And no further than Ellie was comfortable with. She smiled softly as she pulled back from the kiss. “I love you, Ellie.”

An excited chill shot through Ellie’s body at Lori’s words. “And I love you,” she cooed in return, leaning forward to press a quick kiss to the tip of the pirate captain’s nose. “I’m forever yours.”

The pirate captain chuckled at the sweet, adorable gesture as she held Ellie's hand. “And I am yours. Forever.” she responded happily.

Even if she wanted to, Ellie could do nothing to stop the wide smile that spread on her face. But then again, she didn’t want to stop it. Her eyes finally pulled away from her lover’s and panned across the group again. A rosy blush grew on her cheeks.

The crew, the adults at least, were all wearing knowing smiles as they watched the loving couple. But there was no judgment from any of them. If their captain was happy with Ellie, then they were happy for both of them.

(Yesss let's go.)

Ellie smiled appreciatively at their acceptance. She parted her lips to say something, but suddenly, there was a loud noise from outside. An explosion. The princess jumped, startled, and clutched her partner's hands tightly. "Lori?" she breathed.

“Blast it!” Captain Lorelei growled as the explosion interrupted the moment. “It's alright, Ellie.” she assured before standing. “We know how to handle this. If you want, you can stay here with Charlie and Tommy.” she offered. “The rest of you! Get moving!” she commanded, giving Ellie's hand a strong comforting squeeze.

Ellie panicked, her grip tightening on Lorelei’s hand. “What is it?” she asked worriedly. “Will you be alright?” Around her, everything was erupting in motion as the crewmates followed their captain’s orders, and the whirring of people all around her made Ellie feel anxious. “Lorelei?”

Lori knelt back down beside Ellie and kissed her knuckles. “It's an enemy ship, my love.” she admitted honestly. “I'll be fine. My crew will protect me and I’ll protect them.” she assured her. “Just stay here, in the galley with Charlie and Tommy. You'll be safe down here. But I have to join my crew on desk.”

Ellie nodded, but before her captain could leave her, she pulled Lori down into a kiss. “Be careful,” she whispered. “For me.” Her eyes pleaded the same message.

Lori returned the kiss, knowing how much Ellie needed the assurance. “I will.” she promised as she kissed her again before heading up the stairs to the deck.

“Don't worry, my dear.” Charlie comforted. “They’ll be fine.”

Ellie clutched her chest as she watched Lorelei go. Her hands were tight around her necklace with the shanty on it. Please, my darling… please come home to me again, she thought as the lyrics ran through her mind.

She was pulled from her thoughts by Charlie, and she offered a small smile in return for the comforting words. “Thank you. I pray you’re right.”

Lorelei stood near the helm looking through a spyglass at the attacking ship. “Well, I'm surprised it took him this long.” she sighed, both disappointed and annoyed. “Nic, Niki. Go have some fun. Jax, we need more speed.” she instructed as she took hold of the wheel.

“Aye, Captain.” Jax nodded before shouting orders to the crew while the twins shared mischievous grins as they ran to the cannons.

Ellie heard the orders being shouted, and she winced, needing something to distract her. She turned to Charlie with a solemn expression. “Would it be too inconvenient a time to ask for my first healing lesson?”

Charlie smiled softly, assuringly, back and shook her head. “No. It wouldn't be. In fact, now is as good a time as any.” she said, gesturing for Ellie to follow her. “I think we should start you will some herbal salves. You’d be surprised how often everyone gets a scratch and don't remember how it happened.” she chuckled, seemingly completely unfazed by the chaos on the upper decks.

Ellie quickly kept up pace with Charlie and listened to her words with a soft smile on her own features. She gave a laugh and tried to tune out the action above them as best she could.

Charlie was a good teacher, most likely because she was so experienced with making all kinds of remedies that telling or showing others how came easily to her. And it was better for Ellie to focus on this rather than worry about the enemy ship.

Captain Lorelei kept a firm hand on the helm, relying on her crew to keep her informed. She knew that the twins were sticking with their favorite strategy of firing several shots close enough to the other ship to scare them off without hitting them… yet. If it went on too long then they wouldn't hesitate. Jax, Marc, and Drake were doing everything they could to balance gaining speed without impeding the twins line of fire.

Ellie did her best to ignore the shouting of orders and blasts of cannon fire from the main deck, but she couldn’t help but feel concerned for her lover and the other crewmates. It was like there was a tether between her and Lorelei that was currently pulled taunt with worry.

She shook her head and tried again to focus on Charlie’s teaching. She was able to understand quickly, thanks to the woman’s impeccable descriptions and fluid preparation of the salves before directing Ellie through as she did it herself. “Like this?” the princess asked, gripping a bowl and grinder to mash down the green herbs Charlie had handed her.

“Yes, very good.” Charlie encouraged. “You're doing well.” she smiled as she continued teaching, adding herbs at the right times and explaining what they did in the salve. She wasn't oblivious to the fight or the other woman's concerns. But now wasn't the time to talk about it.