This is it.

Those three words kept repeating in her mind.

Valerie was nothing but quiet throughout the morning. It was hard for her to comprehend that today was her graduation. Already had the months come to an end, and she learned everything she needed to here. She didn't bother telling her fellow soldiers goodbye, or even addressing them as they had time to prepare for the ceremony. She hadn't befriended anyone special and, after learning they were much too young, she found no reason to. Instead, she went through all the procedures in her head. She was silent by the time she marched along out of the barracks, towards the field once more.

The ceremony itself went by like a breeze. She even managed to spot her mother on one of the benches. She looked exceedingly proud with a grin stretched to both sides of her face, and waved to her daughter as she passed by. She was lucky enough to see it before she had to bring her attention back to the situation at hand. She kept her thoughts to a minimal as she focused on getting through reciting what they were taught, loudly and quickly. She did, however, feel a little intimidated when the Commander inevitably made his way onstage, and stood to the side to congratulate his soldiers personally.

They were told beforehand he would be here, but his appearance always felt so unexpected to her.

Her hands started to feel sweaty when she eventually found her way on the stage. She felt frozen in place as she stopped in front of him and offered her hand. Despite how nervous she was, she managed to smile politely. He didn't return it - she didn't see him smiling at any of the cadets, anyway - but he did say something...different to her.

While the other soldiers received a typical 'congratulations', Kane eyed her for a moment, shook her hand firmly, and told her:

"Mettersi insieme è un inizio; restare insieme è un progresso; lavorare insieme è un successo."

'Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success..?'

She blinked a few times attempting to understand, but realized she was spending too long here and thanked him anyway. She moved on and her cheeks heated in embarrassment. She thought nothing of it for the time being. She finished the rest of the ceremony and followed her fellow soldiers to begin out-processing. As she left, the blur of her mother's face went by, and she frowned. That might've been the last time she'd see her for awhile...who knows when she'd have the chance to see her again, and talk with her properly once more...

While the rest of her unit was informed on where their AIT schools were, she wasn't fortunate to get the same information. General Rooke was the most helpful by telling her to wait by the barracks after she retrieved her belongings. She did as she was told and stood uncertainly by the building, looking around in search for her Commander and some direction. In this time, she caught a figure running towards her and stood back as they approached her. She relaxed once she realized it was only Emilia, but tensed as she realized the situation and started to look around frantically.

"Mom? You're not supposed to-"

"Be here - I know, I know. But, before you leave, I just wanted to give you something." She reached into her purse and pulled out something small enough to clutch in her hands. "Consider it a present for your graduation."

Uncertainly, Valerie allowed her to drop whatever it was into her hand and marveled at the gift. She found it was a pearl necklace tied on a white string. She admired the different colors of them and noted that they were real. It was...beautiful. She hadn't seen anything like it before, especially in a time where wearing jewelry was prohibited. She couldn't help but admire its beauty. How she missed wearing necklaces like she did back at home...

Emilia fidgeted with her hands as she watched her daughter observe it. "Your father sent it to me while he was overseas. Put it together himself. He wanted me to hold onto it until he returned so we could give it to you. I wanted you to have it before you leave."

She held it close to her. She thought of her dad as her thumb trailed over the pearls. Her smile was quickly wiped off as the realization came. "It's lovely. But I don't know if I can wear it..."

"You don't have to. I just want you to keep it. This was the last thing I ever got from him. And I think you deserve the memory while you're away." Her brown eyes grew moist. "I love you, Valerie."

She glanced around quickly before giving her a quick hug, then wasted no time fleeing from the scene. She felt her own eyes tear up as she watched her leave. She continued to hold the necklace close to her chest, and slipped it securely into her bag. That was the greatest gift she had gotten...one last keepsake of her father. Something to remember him by rather than his words. Despite how long ago his death seemed, the pearls were still well taken care of...the least she could do was to continue keeping them in good condition.

"Toscani."

She jumped in surprise as Kane's voice sounded to her right. She turned and found him peering at her. His hands were clasped behind his back and he stood tall as usual. She attempted to catch her breath, smiling apologetically at him. How long had he been standing there? It's only been a couple of minutes since she left...

"I see you have your things. Don't worry about checking out - I took care of all that." He began urging her forward. "We have to leave right away. The ship is waiting on us."

She looked at him in surprise. "Ship?"

"The docks are only a couple miles from here. I don't like to keep them waiting for long."

She found him already walking through the exit and had to pick up her pace to stay beside him. She took once last glance at the gates of the army post before bringing her gaze back to the ground. There was still so much for her to take in - she graduated only several minutes ago, and just now had she received a sentimental gift from her deceased father. It was hard for her to suddenly adjust with moving forward - wherever she was going, and apparently, over water...she shuddered at the thought. She didn't travel to this part of Valencia by boat for a reason. She wasn't going to throw a fit over this with the Commander. Just the fact that he was there with her made her slightly feel better.

They were silent and walked formally, exchanging very little. But she grew restless after awhile, and decided to talk to Kane. This couldn't be hard to do, right? Her mother did it with him so naturally. This was also an opportune time, seeing as they were both alone and anyone they did pass by didn't bother speaking to them. She was suddenly thankful for the Commander's intimidating presence.

"About where we are going...where is it, exactly?"

"The ship will take us to Florenza, where your instructor is located. It takes much less time to get there this way."

She recalled the things she's heard of the location. They were considered the best in the arts and sciences. It was an...affluent area, from what she knew. "-Florenza? Isn't that the Eternal city?"

"I informed you I knew the finest swimming instructor in Valencia. The most talented of teachers typically tend to live there."

She felt greatly disappointed at this information. "I regret to tell you this, Commander, but I cannot afford to live in such a...prosperous area. I could barely get-"

"-You don't have to afford anything. I'm providing you with your own residence for the time being."

"What? I-I cannot accept that! You shouldn't-"

"-Do you remember when I told you I'd provide you with everything necessary?" She hesitantly nodded. "That includes somewhere to live. I remind you, this is taking no burden on me. I'm assisting you because I want to."

She opened her mouth to insist that she was not worth such charity, but she was promptly stopped when they approached the docks. As Kane continued on forward, she followed by him closely. She became fascinated with the boats they passed by. They were all huge in size and had complex structures. She was especially interested with the gear logos imprinted on the sails, and the way they gently moved with the wind. The style of them - black sails, golden colors - reminded her of Kane. She noticed they were approaching a smaller vessel. There were a group of marines onboard tending to the ship. She watched them curiously as they stopped and waited.

A man noticed them and brought down a wooden board for them to walk on. Kane had apparently been expecting this, as he stepped on it right away. She remained on the docks as he went, feeling anxious. Her brown eyes darted to the several feet of water between her and the boat, and the very thin board that separated it. Her breath became short as she attempted to put her foot on it, only to find her whole leg was shaking with fear.

"If you're careful, there's nothing to be afraid about." Kane's voice consoled her from the ship. "But don't stay on it forever."

She squeezed her eyes shut. She could feel everyone's stares on her. She clenched her hands on the handle of her bag. Just get it over with quickly. Don't keep him waiting... Within a few seconds, she took a big gasp of air, held it, then darted onto the board. As quickly as she ran, she ended up losing her footing, causing her to slip off. She was sent tumbling off the side.

"MERDA-"

The sky came into view as she approached the waters below, but that only lasted for a second until something grabbed her hands. She was shocked to find a golden mask above as a pair of gloved hands grabbed at her wrists. She felt herself being pulled upwards. The face of Kane became more clear as soon as she was properly on the board. She was too shocked to move in that second, so he carried the burden of heaving her onto the ship and dropping himself down with her. She had a moment to regain her breath, gasping for air.

His eyes locked with hers. She could see the disappointment in them. "Tell me. What made you think it was a good idea to run across?"

Tears formed at the ends of her eyes. She quickly wiped them away before they could fall. "-I don't know."

He sighed. Something ached in her chest hearing that for the first time. It sounded...exasperated. He looked like he wanted to say more, but a man, whom she presumed to be the Captain, started speaking with the Commander. He was ushered away from her. She sighed. Why did she have to make a fool of herself so soon? And right in front of Kane...? A sinking feeling made its way into her stomach, and she suddenly didn't feel like speaking anymore.

"Madam?" She jumped hearing an unfamiliar voice. She found it was one of the men onboard. "Would you like to rest in the cabin? You don't look so well..."

She took one last look at where Kane once was, then nodded sadly. The man helped her towards the back of the ship and led her through one of the doors. She found herself in a small room, with a bed and a sink. She thanked the man as he left her alone. She wobbled towards the bed and dropped her bag on the floor, much too exhausted to do anything at that moment. She decided to rest a little and laid atop the blankets, shutting her eyes and falling asleep to the rhythm of the waves outside and the gentle movement of the ship.

She felt fairly well-rested as she woke from her nap. She checked to see if her belongings were still with her. Finding her bag where she left it, she started rummaging through her things. She found the pearl necklace tucked safely in her clothes and sighed in relief. She then peeked out of the door. There were still various men out and about, but between the commotion, she found Commander Kane. He was currently watching a man doing something with a piece of rope. She couldn't quite see from where she was.

Gaining enough courage, Valerie brought herself out of the cabin and started walking towards him. She extended her arm out as to help gain his attention. "Commander!"

The ship started swaying back and forth, and she fell face-first onto the deck. She got his attention, judging by the heavy footsteps that approached her. She glanced up to find him standing over her, and quickly attempted to help herself to her feet. But then the ship started moving again, and she stumbled forward. She happened to catch the arm of the Commander in time, who finally helped her to her feet and steadied her by holding her shoulder. She turned hot at the contact.

"Is this your first time on a ship?" He asked. She nodded in humiliation. "You need to stay balanced, otherwise you're going to get sick."

"I'm sorry...I- ohh..."

She was sent backwards as the ship rocked again. Kane caught her in time and began leading her forward. It was...strange to walk while everything around her was moving. She hadn't experienced anything like this. She held the side of her head as he suddenly stopped. They were in the middle of the ship now. The rocking was much less severe. Kane moved his hands off her and her shoulder turned cold without it. She brought her head down.

"Commander, I wanted to apologize for earlier. I had not meant to-"

"-Not necessary. It's your first time experiencing sailing. I should've realized this and assisted you better." She hung her head low. "But you're alright, and that's my only concern. "

She smiled, dipping her head so he couldn't see it. "Thank you for catching me in time. I do not know what would have happened if you didn't."

He looked at her from the side. "Let's ensure that's the only time I had to catch you."

"Understood." She waited a few moments before tugging at her fingers. "I wanted to speak more with you, if that is alright? About Florenza?"

He motioned for her to go on. She struggled with her words. "Well, I just wanted to know where you will be staying? Or if you are at all..?"

"I am interested to check in on your progress with your lessons. So I do not intend to be far. I do have to be elsewhere the first week you're there. But I'll be back as soon as possible to check in with you."

"Oh..." Her cheeks heated. "You plan to visit me?"

"More or less. I'll be occupying my base in Florenza while you have your lessons."

This information assured her, knowing he wasn't going to be very far. She wondered if her mother knew something like this would happen. Why else would she suggest these lessons would bring them together again? She felt ridiculous for doubting it. She allowed herself to keep her smile in front of the Commander. To show her...gratefulness. His eyes wandered her face for a few moments before he turned to the side, observing the men around them. She frowned slightly as their gaze was broken.

He turned to look off in the distance and she followed his view. Tall buildings and a few docks slowly came into sight. The closer they got, she could see the civilians walking around, and the guards stationed out front. A few were brought out from their posts to aid with the docking. Her jaw fell open seeing the beauty that was the streets from afar, and how clear the skies were.

Kane announced quietly. "We're here."

Getting off the ship proved to be just as difficult for her as getting on. But this time, she had the Commander supervising her down. He refused to let her use him as a balance and insisted she'd learn how to get down on her own. It was horrifying, but as soon as she was finally on land, she let out the breath she'd been holding. Kane stayed for a few moments to speak with the crew. Valerie attempted to somewhat eavesdrop on the conversation, but found it had entirely been executed in French. By the time he was finished, he met with her and they both began leaving the Florenzian docks.

In this silence, she couldn't help but ask. "You know how to speak French?"

He glanced at her. "I'm fluent in many languages."

"Really?" The word left her lips in astonishment. Well, that makes sense. He must be making negotiations with other countries and the sort, right? "I can only speak two."

"So I've noticed."

Her face heated again and she sunk into her shoulders. She tried to distract herself by looking at all of the buildings they passed. They were certainly grand in their designs, some looking like entire mansions while others completely towered over nearby structures. Not to mention the detail on the exteriors - she could spend hours looking at the silhouettes of unicorns and swirls. She decided to take a quick glance at the people that surrounded them. Many of them were dressed to show their wealth, from the women wearing fancy dresses to the men in sophisticated coats. She didn't feel like she belonged at all and frowned as she glanced at the uniform she was still wearing.

Kane's voice brought her back into reality. "Where you'll be staying is just to the right. It's a building with various suites - an apartment of some sorts."

"That does not sound so bad..."

Her tone caught his attention. She regretted letting it slip. "Is something the matter?"

She hesitated, wondering if she should waste his time with her personal discomfort. His look of concern made her cave in. "I am not familiar with this place or its people. Or what it is like here. I grew up in a very different environment..."

"Don't concern yourself too badly with others here - the people can sometimes be...judgemental with their customs. I made sure you are close to where you need to be, so you will not have to stray for long."

His words somewhat comforted her, but she still felt uncomfortable as they passed by all these nobles. The Commander led her to exactly what he described - a large building that contained various rooms. It looked absolutely beautiful on the outside, with a lovely garden out front accompanied by a fountain and a few trees. He brought her inside and she stood idly in the background as he spoke with a man behind the counter. In this time, she admired the decoration of the lobby. She noticed there were plenty of portraits of unicorns and even small statues of them placed around the room.

Before she could see any more, Kane turned and handed her a pair of keys. "These are for your room. It should be the third one on the second floor to your right."

"Oh. Thank you." She took them and held them carefully. "Will you join me?"

He stared at her before nodding, and a small smile grew on her lips. She skipped over to the grand staircase and climbed it at a good pace. She felt a little heated knowing Kane was following from behind. She hadn't expected him to agree, but she didn't know if he planned to join her, anyway. Either way, she was still relieved to be in his presence and even waited for him as she picked up her pace. Eventually, they made it to the right floor and she went where she was directed. She easily slipped her key into the lock and opened the door slowly.

What she saw made her gasp in surprise.