Over sharing

It felt awkward to return to the deck with Cassie, knowing that her adoptive mother was out there, but the chameleon girl reassured you that it was fine. Nevertheless, it was nice to hear something similar from Bella as well. She simply laughed as she saw the two of you emerge from the cabins.

“Well, that took longer than expected!”

Alex giggles, and Melora covers her mouth to hide her smile. Ferra simply moves to your side, wordlessly taking your hand as you walk over to where Bella is standing. The older woman holds up a hand to forestall any of your explanation.

She simply smiles, looking between you and Cassie. “You don’t need to say anything, Nicholas. Cassie is an intelligent, grown woman, and she had you marked from the moment she saw you. I’ve been talking to your other girls, and the more they tell me, the more I approve of her choice.”

Cassie beams. “Thanks, mom!”

Bella laughs. “I will say, however, that I don’t need any more details. I got quite a few from the redheads.”

You blink in surprise. “Ok, so I expected that from Alex, but Ferra?”

Alex giggles. “Bella wanted to know about you as a person!”

You look at Ferra, who looks back at you innocently. “I simply informed her that you are a kind and gentle person, despite your martial prowess. She didn’t seem convinced, so I explained how gentle and generous of a lover you are.”

You stare at the golem girl, and note the small smile curling her lips. “I think Alex is corrupting you, Ferra…”

Bella laughs. “She was quite descriptive. But it was talking with Melora that was the most enlightening.”

Melora nods, her blue eyes sparkling with happiness. “I don’t need lurid tales to show how good you are, Nicholas. But they help!”

All the girls laugh, and you shake your head, chuckling. “Well, at least they won you over.”

Cassie giggles. “And I won you over! I can be very convincing!”

You smile and pull her close, giving the small chameleon girl a kiss. “You certainly can.”

Cassie giggles again, and launches into the story. “So! I knew he was in the bath, so I snuck in the room, and he didn’t even notice!”

You silence her with another kiss, to the laughter of everyone around. Alex pipes up immediately. “Don’t worry, we’ll get the story later! Maybe you can even show us!”

Cassie nods excitedly, and you laugh. The conversation shifts back towards safer ground soon, thankfully. As the sun slides lower in the sky, the ship sails on through the calm sea. You should reach the village by tomorrow, and then you’ll plan your next move.