As faint as it is, that smile is a relief, "I'll see if I can find a curling iron to bring back with us, too," They can turn Ellie into a princess, it'll be an adventure.

The shift in Ellie's expression, in her breathing, make Steph move closer, kneeling now, one hand curled around the back of Ellie's neck and the other on her knee, "We can go look for her," Together, if Ellie wants, or Steph will leave her to do it alone, whichever she prefers. As for still being herself, her smile twists, "So am I. Don't think anyone would want my body."

The bitterness is dredged up with the reminder of her scars, of the way Vanadi said her name after finding out about them. She might not have a messed up knee, but her body still feels - ruined.