Ellie stumbled to her feet, leaning on the table since she was absolutely dizzy with excitement. "Alright," she called out, far too excited to sit back down. She finished her bread quickly, appreciating the fresh warmth, and nibbled at a bit of fruit. She was trembling with delight at the thought of what Lorelei was going to get.
Lori raced up the stairs and straight to her cabin. It only took a few moments to find the special item in question. Its crushed velvet bag was distinctive enough. After a quick check that it was still inside, she ran back onto the deck avoiding running into her crew.
“I’m back.” she called as she swerved into the doorway.
Ellie jumped with surprise and excitement. "That didn't take you long at all," she remarked lightly, though her heart was racing. "Wh-What did you have to get?"
Lori grinned, not meaning to scare Ellie but she was too excited and happy to do anything else. “It's for you.” she answered as she carefully opened the bag and pulled out a simple silver ring with a small Sapphire nestled between two smaller emerald chips.
Ellie's mouth dropped open, and she covered it with her hands. Tears instantly sprang to her eyes. "Oh, stars… Lorelei, it's beautiful! I love it!" But her hands lowered, and a sad look overtook her joyous one. "But I have nothing to give you."
Lorelei chuckled softly at the amazed expression on Ellie’s face and took a step towards her. “You don't have to give me anything.” she assured, gently taking her hand. “You saying “yes”… You've made me happier than I ever thought I could be.” she smiled as she started getting teary-eyed.
Ellie smiled as her eyes shone with happy tears. "Oh darling," she whispered. She held Lori's hand in return and reached up to cup the pirate's cheek with her other hand. "You've given me all I've ever wanted. I love you."
“I love you too, Ellie. More than anything.” she whispered back as she leaned into her fiancee’s hand. “May I?” she asked, holding up the ring.
Ellie brushed her thumb lightly over her fiancée's cheekbone. "Oh, stars, yes!" she said quickly. "It would be really awkward if you didn't." The princess giggled knowingly.
Lori’s smile grew at the response and brought Ellie’s hand up, sliding the ring onto her finger. “Does it fit well?” she asked.
Ellie's face softened. "Like it was meant to be," she replied, looking from the beautiful ring to the beautiful woman who had slipped it on her finger.
Lori gave a watery laugh and kissed Ellie. “That’s wonderful. I was actually nervous when I was buying it.” she admitted softly.
Ellie kissed her back eagerly, but she couldn't help her shock. "Why on earth were you nervous?" she asked, taking Lori's hand in her own and running her thumb gently over her lover's knuckles.
Lori chuckled softly. “Why wouldn't I be nervous? I was worried it wouldn't fit, that you wouldn't… No, I hoped you would like it and that you would say yes.” she explained. “But I… I had more doubts than I ever thought I would when I was with that merchant.”
Ellie reached up and cupped Lori’s face gently in her hands. “My darling, there is no room for doubts anymore. I’m here, and I love you, and we’re going to get married! Thank goodness I packed a white dress.” She winked.
“I know that now.” Lori laughed, placing her hands on top of Ellie’s. “I love you too.” she smiled, laughing again at the fact that her beloved Ellie had brought a white dress.
Ellie grinned and pecked eager kisses all around Lorelei's face. "What's so funny, my love?" she asked.
“Just the fact that you even brought a white dress.” Lori admitted, giggling at all the kisses. “But I do have a suit I can wear. It's just my captain’s suit but it's the nicest outfit that I have.”
"Of course I did! I told you I planned on marrying you, even if I had to ask myself." Ellie grinned excitedly. "Oh stars, I want to marry you this instant, Lori!"
Lori laughed again. “You did.” she nodded, kissing Ellie. “You don't want to wait until tonight?” she asked even though she was willing to go through with Ellie’s suggestion.
“No! Wait, yes! Wait…” The princess moaned in despair. “A sunset wedding would be so romantic, but by the gods, I want you now… I’ve waited for ten years. I don’t want to have to wait any longer.”
“Then you can have me.” Lori smiled, running her fingers through Ellie’s short hair. “We can celebrate tonight and get married as soon as we get changed.” she said in growing excitement.
Ellie beamed and closed her eyes. Her short hair was something she would need to get used to. She felt lighter, and Lori's fingers just felt so damn good in it. "I would love that," she whispered.
“Then let’s go on deck and tell everyone.” Lori grinned, matching Ellie’s soft tone. She was so excited for this to be happening and she knew her crew would be too.
Ellie quickly laced her fingers through Lori's, and she kissed her cheek excitedly. "Yes, let's!" she exclaimed, grinning wildly.