Lori laughed a little and walked over. “Aye. Silk is something we trade with on the seas. But it's not really practical.” she agreed thoughtfully. “You can wear your riding clothes. Personally, I found pants easier to move in on a ship.”
Ellie pursed her lips. “Alright,” she finally said, tucking her dress back into her bag after a moment of hesitation. There was something behind her eyes as she slipped her riding gear out to get changed into it.
“Is everything alright, Ellie?” Lori asked gently as she noticed the look in her lover's eyes. “You can tell me. And we can get you some more suitable clothes at the next port.” she offered.
Ellie sighed quietly. “I quite like my dresses,” she admitted. “I… don’t like wearing pants. But I don’t want to draw unnecessary attention to myself.”
“I know you do. And you look beautiful in them.” Lori assured, kissing Ellie’s cheek. “I just don't want you to worry about tearing them or having something happen.” she explained. “I promise, we'll get you some clothes you won't have to worry about when we go ashore.”
Ellie smiled again at the kiss. “Thank you, my darling. Do you think… I could wear a dress today? Or would it get in the way?” She rose to her feet, eyeing her buttercup dress she’d just put away.
Lori hummed softly and nodded. “It shouldn't get in the way, if you would prefer to wear it.” she agreed thoughtfully. “I know how careful you are.”
“We could trim the hem a bit shorter so it won’t catch on the ground,” Ellie suggested, holding the dress up to her form. Discreet silver filigree decorated the sleeves and skirt, working nicely with the pale yellow silk the dress was made of. “Since you’re so well skilled with a dagger,” she added teasingly.
“I could… Or Charlie is also skilled with a needle.” Lori offered with a knowing smile. “She could easily hem any of your clothes. Or adjust some of mine to fit you.”
Ellie beamed. “Oh yes! That would be perfect!” She easily slipped into the dress. The silk fabric hugged her curves in all the right places, and the skirt brushed the planks beneath her feet as she turned. “I brought a few more dresses with me, and I’d love to wear your clothes too!”
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.