Lori smiled at just seeing Ellie so happy. “I know you do. Well, go ahead and pick out the clothes you want to wear and we’ll take them to Charlie.” she said as her gaze traveled up and down Ellie's figure, admiring how the dress fit her.
Ellie clapped excitedly and lifted three more dresses from her bag before whirling around, her skirt flaring, to face Lori. She caught her partner’s look and smirked. “See something you like?” she teased, skipping across the cabin.
Lorelei just smirked back, not ashamed that she had been caught staring. “When I look at you, always.” she said honestly as she picked up the clothes Ellie had borrowed yesterday before following.
Ellie blushed and grinned in equal measure. “You flatter me, my darling,” she cooed brightly. Her sunny dress seemed to put her in a cheerful mood.
“Always.” Lori smiled and quickly pressed a kiss to Ellie’s cheek. “Are you ready?”
Ellie nodded eagerly, her clothes piled up in her arms and her excitement making her quiver.
Lori chuckled and opened the cabin door. “Come on, then. Charlie probably has something we can grab for a light meal too.” she admitted as she headed onto the deck.
Ellie followed quickly, her dress swirling around her steps. She was greeted by the sea breeze and gentle rocking of the waves. This was it. This was what she wanted. Freedom. Adventure. And most importantly, Lorelei.
Lori took a deep breath of the fresh salty air and smiled. She may not have planned to live on the seas but doing so awoke something in her that made her feel like she belonged out here. Of course, she could never truly belong anywhere without Ellie at her side.
Ellie wobbled a bit, still getting used to the lulling sway of the boat beneath her, but she was keeping up well with the captain.
“Lori, when will we stop on land again?” she asked shyly.
Lori looked back at Ellie and held out a hand to her. “Depends on the destination, the winds, and the tides, love. Usually, it takes a few weeks. But by the time we do reach a port, you'll be used to the sway of the ship and be a little wobbly on land.” she answered, chuckling as she remembered the number of times she felt like she was going to fall over.
Ellie smiled and rolled her eyes. “Of course,” she complained, but only for a moment. “How long does it take to adjust? I’m quite tired of stumbling around like a drunken woman.”
Lori paused her steps for a moment and wrapped her arm around Ellie's waist to help steady her. “It shouldn't take long. For me, I just woke up one morning and didn't even realize that I had stopped swaying against the ship.” she admitted with a shrug.
Ellie was thankful and leaned on Lorelei steadily for support. “Stars, can that happen for me?” the princess teased.
“I’d say it's possible.” she nodded, answering truthfully. “Jax might have some tips on how to balance better.” Lori suggested since the older man had been on the seas for much longer than most on the ship.
Ellie perked up at that. “Really? I’d like to ask him,” she said quickly, almost stumbling again despite leaning on Lorelei. She swore quietly, blushing immediately after.
“Of course.” Lori nodded, keeping her balance and holding Ellie close. “But first let's get your clothes taken care of and get some breakfast.” she suggested as they neared the stairs.
“Right,” Ellie agreed, preparing for the stairs. “Priorities…” She held tightly to Lori, almost waiting to trip and fall down into the galley, but it didn’t happen. Thank the stars.
Lori gave a soft hum in agreement as they walked into the galley. “Morning, Charlie.”
“Captain. Ellie.” Charlie nodded. “I just made some warm porridge this morning but I still have some fresh bread and fruit if you’d like.”
Ellie’s eyes lit up. “Yes, that would be lovely,” she agreed. She looked over at Lori, then back at Charlie. “I’m told you can hem lovely dresses.”
Charlie chuckled and served up two bowls of the porridge as Lori pulled out a seat for Ellie. “Aye. I can hem, stitch and adjust most clothing.” she nodded, glancing at the bundle of clothes the couple brought in.
Ellie bit her lip and rocked up upon her tiptoes before going back down. “Where can I put these that they won’t be in the way?” she asked, looking around.
“Here. I can take them.” Charlie assured, quickly wiping off her hands on a fresh cloth. “Help yourself to a piece of fruit and the Captain can get you a slice of bread.”
Lori chuckled but didn't dispute Charlie giving orders in her galley. “I’m guessing that Tommy is already busy helping out on deck then.” she teased as she drew a blade.
Ellie grinned and passed on the load to Charlie’s hands. “Thank you!” she chirped politely, turning to Lori as she was about to cut the bread. “If he is, can we go see him later? He’s so dear. I adore him!” Her newly shortened hair was clearly visible, and she debated pulling it back into a tail for the day.
“Of course, we can. It's very hard to avoid someone on a ship like this.” Lori pointed out as she cut two slices from the fresh loaf and handed one to Ellie.
Charlie smiled proudly at the mention of her unofficial son and set the clothes in an empty basket, usually used to sort clean laundry. “He’s quite fond of you too.” she stated. “He kept talking about how nice and how pretty you are.” she added with a light chuckle.
“Makes sense,” Ellie replied, taking the bread from Lori and taking a small bite.
She flushed brilliantly at Charlie’s remarks. “Oh, he is so sweet!” she enthused.
“I almost think he has a little crush on you.” Charlie teased.
“Just as long as he remembers that we’re already in a relationship.” Lori quipped with a smile as she sat down.
Charlie chuckled softly and turned back to Ellie. “Now, about your clothes, how much of an adjustment do you want?”
Ellie’s blush deepened, and with her pale skin, it stood out viciously. “Yes,” she murmured, agreeing with Lori and playfully sitting on her lap. “I think just above the ankles would be appropriate, don’t you think, darling?” she asked, looking down at Lori.
Lori's eyes widened in brief surprise at Ellie's actions before wrapping her arms around the princess’s waist. “I think you could even go higher than your ankles, if you wanted.” she purred teasingly. “Charlie wears her skirts up to her knees sometimes.”
Ellie’s eyes widened at the news. “Oh stars!” she exclaimed. “Maybe one of them can be hemmed that high… but not all of them, my darling!”