Ellie looked down, trying not to move too much as she observed Charlie's work. "Yes, that should be perfect." The princess straightened and held still rather easily since it was something she'd been doing her entire life. "Thank you for doing this," she added softly. "It means the world to Lorelei and I that we can get married here."
“It means a lot to us too.” Charlie smiled, glancing up at Ellie for a moment before quickly going back to pinning the dress in place. “Lori’s told us all so much about you. Most of us were tempted to start a wager on how soon she would ask you.” she added with a smirk.
Ellie turned pink instantly. "Really?" she asked with a quiet laugh. "Did you manage to start it before she asked?"
“I believe the twins started it the day we arrived at your kingdom.” Charlie admitted. “And, if I am correct, Nic said that Lori would propose to get you to run away in the first place while Niki said that she would wait until after you were more settled in.”
Ellie blushed deeper, going from rosy pink to a deep crimson. "Oh, I see," she said, giggling quietly. "I didn't need much convincing to run away with her if that's what you all thought. I've been prepared for this since the day she was sent away."
“I didn't think you would. Especially after you told me that story about how you helped your friend.” Charlie smiled. “Though I am just a little surprised that she waited as long as she did. I half expected her to propose yesterday.” she chuckled.
Ellie wrinkled her nose slightly in confusion. “Who?” Her face instantly lit with recognition, however, when she remember their previous conversation about Charlie’s position on the ship. “Oh, yes, Theresa.”
She giggled. “And I would’ve said yes then too if she had asked.”
“Aye. Theresa.” Charlie nodded as she made sure the seam was straight and even. “I think I would like to meet her if our paths ever cross.” she admitted before smiling at Ellie’s reply. “I'm sure you would have. The wager wasn't if you said yes. It was on when.”
Ellie nodded eagerly. “Oh, that would be lovely! I’d love to introduce you.” The princess grinned, her eyes shining with love for her future wife. “Yes… I would’ve said yes whenever she asked.”
“Thank you.” Charlie smiled gratefully before chuckling again. “I know you would. I never really gave much thought to true love or soulmates until Lori started talking about you.”
Ellie’s features softened. “I have a question, but I’m not sure how to ask it lightly,” she admitted. “You’re… attracted to women, yes?”
Charlie smiled, not ashamed at all. “Yes. And men.” she answered. “You don't have to ask things lightly or be embarrassed. I’m not. And you are on a ship full of pirates.” she reminded Ellie. “We… most of us don't do a lot of things lightly.”
Ellie nodded with acceptance. “I’m not going to lie. My general experiences with men have… done nothing for me. Frankly, I’m not sure I was ever attracted to them. But I’m still not used to talking about it in such an easy manner. It was quite frowned upon by my parents to find love with or be attracted to the opposite sex. And then all of their courtiers agreed with them because of course they did, so I never had anyone to talk openly with it about.”
“That's understandable.” Charlie nodded, smiling up at her. “You can talk to anyone here about just about anything. We won't judge you. And you are a part of this crew. This family.” she assured. “We are not royalty. The Captian has the final say in a lot of things but Lori always listens to us and we all trust each other.”
The former princess’ expression softened. “Thank you,” she said quietly. “I don’t think you truly know how much that means to me. You’re all already more of a family to me than the one I left behind.”
Charlie stood up and smiled. “That means a lot to us too.” she said sincerely. “I hope you don't mind but the celebration tonight will not be just celebrating your wedding. That will be the main thing but the crew will also be celebrating you joining us.” she smiled warmly, holding her arms out for a hug.
Ellie began to tear up with emotion. "Oh…" she said softly, stepping into Charlie's embrace and hugging her tightly. "You're too kind."
Charlie just smiled warmly and returned the hug as a mother would. “I don't believe that there is such a thing as too kind.” she whispered, lightly kissing Ellie’s forehead. “Are you ready?”
Ellie closed her eyes as Charlie kissed her forehead, and after a moment, she opened them again and smiled. "Yes," she whispered. "I am."
“Then let's go.” Charlie smiled excitedly, helping Ellie step down from the stool before taking out a ribbon from her sewing kit and wrapping it around some dried herbs. She smirked a little before muttering something under her breath and transformed the plants into a beautiful but simple bouquet of flowers. “This should do nicely.” she stated as she handed them to the bride.
Ellie's eyes widened in surprise and took the flowers. Her mouth dropped open and formed an 'O' looking at the blossoms. "Oh, Charlie… that was magnificent!" she exclaimed. "I've never seen anything like it!"
Charlie couldn't help but smirk in pride at Ellie’s amazement. “It's just a simple spell. I can't make something out of thin air but I can briefly change the way something looks, feels, and even smells.” she explained. “But now you know why I was in so much trouble in my homeland before Lori found me.”
Ellie nodded, understanding completely. "So you… can do spells and things? That's amazing." She bit her lip shyly. "Could you teach me how? Maybe. If it isn't too difficult with everything else you have to do," she quickly added the last part.
“I can.” Charlie nodded. In the time she had been a part of the crew on the Song, she had stopped being secretive of her power, and, while she didn't flaunt it, she had embraced it and was quite proud of what she could do. “We’ll see. Not everyone has the gift for it but I can teach you some things and find out.” she assured before smiling. “But for now, we should get you on deck. Everyone is probably all ready for you.” she reminded.
Ellie looked eager at the idea. "Yes, that sounds wonderful!"
She turned her head and looked up the stairs that led to the deck. The sky was a clear blue, and the sun was shining happily. It was perfect weather. "I suppose they are," she whispered, suddenly beginning to feel nervous.
She looked back at Charlie and reached for the woman's hand. "Can you… Could you…" She pressed her lips together and sighed quietly as she asked her question. "Would you be willing to give me away?"