So this will just be a collection of random Uncharted Territory drabbles/ shorts that don't fit within another story, out of order and updated as I find the time and inspiration! I will attempt to always put on a general timestamp so you can place them, though.

This one is pure silliness, but I felt like getting it down now that Ellie's personality was a bit more established in "Nothing Half So Much." The only thing you need to know is that Tilly is Ellie (and Teddy's) governess, more formally known as Jocasta Tillett...I suspect her introduction will be another chapter here at some point! Thanks to gaslightgallows for giving it a quick glance before posting.

And now, enjoy some cuteness for your Sunday. Hugs to all!


Entirely Practical: 1937-1938

Dot's exclamation had Phryne running for the kitchen, Tilly on her heels, but when she got there what she saw only made her want to laugh. One of Ellie's long, curly pigtails lay on the kitchen table, next to Mr. Butler's kitchen shears, while the other had already been stuffed into the bin. While Dot looked on, with a hand to her mouth and eyes full of dismay, Ellie shook her newly lightened head with satisfaction. When she noticed her mother and Tilly in the doorway, she merely glared at them defiantly through the curls that fell unevenly about her face.

"Care to explain, Ellie Bea?" Phryne asked, biting back a grin.

"It was too heavy for swimming. It kept getting in the way." Ellie declared.

"Oh, Ellie, that's what your bathing cap is for," Dot said reproachfully.

"But it kept falling out, Auntie Dot, and that cap's too tight under my chin. I don't like it," Ellie returned impatiently. "So I fixed it. Swimming will be much better now." She looked back at Phryne, clearly hoping her mother would approve.

"Entirely practical, darling," Phryne agreed. "Only next time, why don't you ask Tilly or Auntie Dot for some help first. It'll make things much easier. And I doubt Mr. Butler will appreciate you making a mess in his kitchen."

As Ellie pouted, Dot heaved a sigh. "Come on, madam, let's go see if we can fix this up a bit, hmmm?"

As Dot marched her out of the room and up the stairs, Ellie could be heard protesting, "But I only made a little mess, Auntie Dot, and I already cleaned up most of it!"

Phryne and Tilly shared an amused glance, finally giving in to the laughter they'd been holding back. "It's probably just as well," Tilly said with a final chuckle. "She doesn't like having it brushed, but she refuses to do more than a cursory job herself."

"Yes, I know. But, oh dear, the look on poor Dot's face!" Phryne shook her head, grinning at the memory.

"Speaking of, I'd best go see if she needs a hand. Seems as though Ellie might be in one of her recalcitrant moods."

"Probably wise." Phryne smiled at the older woman as she left the room, then set about cleaning up the rest of the mess, sweeping the table and placing the other pigtail in the bin with a sigh. Jack would laugh, especially given his occasional frustration with his own unruly waves. Perhaps she ought to ring him at the station to warn him. No, on second thought, much more fun to let him be surprised by Ellie's latest mischief. And it could have been worse, Phryne reflected…she could have decided to drive the Daimler around the block!


Definitely Phryne's daughter, right? :-P