This is it.
Those three words kept repeating in her mind.
Valerie was nothing but quiet throughout the morning. It was hard to comprehend that today was her graduation. The months came to an end; she learned everything she needed to here. She didn't bother telling her fellow soldiers goodbye, not even addressing them as they prepared for the ceremony. She didn't befriend anyone special and, after learning they were too young, found no reason to. She went through all the procedures in her head instead. She was silent by the time she marched out of the barracks and to the field once more.
The ceremony itself went by like a breeze. She managed to spot her mother on one of the benches. She looked exceedingly proud with a grin stretched to both sides of her face, waving to her daughter as she passed by. 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. She felt a little intimidated when the Commander made his way onstage and stood to the side to congratulate his soldiers personally.
They were told he would be here, but his appearance always felt unexpected to her.
Her hands felt sweaty when she eventually found her way onstage. She was frozen in place when 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. Who knows when she'll have the chance to see her again, and talk properly once more...
The rest of her unit were informed where their AIT schools were, but 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 for some direction. She caught a figure approaching her and relaxed when it was only Emilia. Then she tensed and looked around frantically.
"Mom? You're not supposed to-"
"Be here - I know. Before you leave, I wanted to give you this." She reached into her purse and pulled out something small enough to clutch in her hands. "Consider it a present for your graduation."
Valerie allowed her to drop whatever it was into her hand and marveled at the gift. It was a pearl necklace tied on a white string. She admired the different colors of them and noted they were real. It was...beautiful. She hadn't seen anything like it before, especially in a time where wearing jewelry was prohibited. She admired its beauty. She missed wearing necklaces like she did back at home...
Emilia fidgeted with her hands while her daughter observed it. "Your father sent it to me while he was overseas. Put it together himself. He wanted me to hold onto it so we could give it to you. I wanted you to have it before you leave."
She held it close. She thought of her dad as her thumb trailed over the pearls. Her smile fell 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. I think you deserve the memory while you're away." Her brown eyes grew moist. "I love you, Valerie."
She glanced around before giving her a hug, then wasted no time fleeing from the scene. She felt her own eyes tear up as she watched her leave. She held the necklace close to her chest before slipping it securely into her bag. One last keepsake of her father to remember him by. The pearls were still well taken care of...the least she could do was continue keeping them in good condition.
"Toscani."
She jumped in surprise at Kane's voice. She turned and found him behind her. His hands were clasped behind his back as he stood tall as usual. She attempted to catch her breath, smiling apologetically at him. How long had he been standing there?
"I see you have your things. Don't worry - I took care of everything." He began urging her forward. "We have to leave. The ship is waiting on us."
She looked at him in surprise. "Ship?"
"The docks are a couple miles from here. I don't like to keep them waiting for long."
He was already walking through the exit and she had to pick up her pace to stay beside him. She took one last glance at the army post before bringing her gaze back to the ground. There was still so much for her to take in - she graduated and received a sentimental gift from her deceased father. It was hard to adjust moving forward - wherever she was going, and 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 made her slightly feel better.
They were silent and walked formally, exchanging little. She grew restless after awhile and decided to talk to Kane. This couldn't be hard to do, right? This was an opportune time, seeing as they were alone and anyone they did pass by didn't bother speaking to them. She felt thankful for the Commander's intimidating presence.
"Sir, about where we are going...where is it, exactly?"
"The ship will take us to Florenza, where your instructor is. It takes much less time to get there this way."
She recalled the things she'd 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 know the finest swimming instructor in Valencia. The most talented of teachers tend to live there."
She felt disappointed with 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 nodded. "That includes somewhere to live. I remind you, this is taking no burden on me."
She wanted to insist she was not worth such charity, but was promptly stopped when they approached the docks. Kane continued on forward and she followed by him closely. She was fascinated with the boats they passed by. They were huge in size and had complex structures. She was interested with the gear logos imprinted on the sails, the way they gently moved with the wind. The style of them - black sails, golden colors - even 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. Kane apparently expected 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 thin board that separated them. Her breath became short as she 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.
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. Don't keep him waiting...' Within a few seconds, she held a big gasp of air, then darted onto the board. She lost her footing, causing her to slip. She was sent tumbling off the side.
"MERDA-"
The sky came into view as she approached the waters below. That only lasted a second until something grabbed her hands. She was shocked to find a pair of gloved hands grabbing at her wrists. She was being pulled upwards. Kane's face became 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 wiped them away before they could fall. "-I don't know."
He sighed. Something ached in her chest hearing that for the first time. 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 in front of Kane...? A sinking feeling made its way into her stomach and she didn't feel like speaking anymore.
"Madam?" She jumped hearing an unfamiliar voice. 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 where Kane was, then nodded sadly. The man helped her to the back of the ship and led her to a door. She found herself in a small room with a bed and a sink. She thanked him as he left her alone. She wobbled towards the bed and dropped her bag on the floor, 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.
She felt fairly well-rested when 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. The pearl necklace was tucked safely in her clothes and she sighed in relief. She peeked out of the door. There were still men out and about, but between the commotion, she found Commander Kane. He was watching a man doing something with a piece of rope. She couldn't quite see from where she was.
Valerie brought herself out of the cabin and started walking towards him. She extended her arm out to gain his attention. "Commander!"
The ship began 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 attempted to help herself to her feet. But then things started moving again and she stumbled forward. She happened to catch the arm of the Commander in time, who helped her up and steadied her by the shoulder. She turned hot at the contact.
"Is this your first time on a ship?" 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 when it rocked again. Kane caught her in time and led her forward. It was...strange to walk while things around her were moving. She held the side of her head when he stopped. They were in the middle of the ship now. The rocking was less severe. Kane moved his hand and her shoulder turned cold without it.
"I wanted to apologize for earlier. I didn't meant to-"
"-Not necessary. It's your first time sailing. I should've assisted you better. 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. 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."
"Understood." She waited 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. "I just wanted to know where you will be staying? If you are at all..?"
"I want 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."
This information was assuring, knowing he wasn't going to be 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 before he turned to the side, observing the men around them instead. She frowned slightly when their gaze was broken.
He looked off in the distance and she followed his view. Tall buildings and docks came into sight. She could see civilians walking around and guards stationed out front. A few were brought out from their posts to aid with the docking. Her jaw fell open seeing the beauty of the streets and how clear the skies were.
"We're here." Kane announced.
Getting off the ship proved to be as difficult for her as getting on. But this time, she had the Commander supervising her down. He insisted she'd learn how to get down on her own. It was horrifying, but she was soon on land again. Kane stayed to speak with the crew. Valerie attempted to eavesdrop on the conversation, but found it was entirely executed in French. By the time he was finished, they began leaving the Florenzian docks.
In this silence, she pried. "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?' "That's impressive..."
Her face heated again and she tried to distract herself by looking at all of the buildings they passed. They were 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 took a look at the people that surrounded them. Many were dressed to show their wealth, from the women wearing fancy dresses to the men in sophisticated coats. She felt like she didn't belong 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 doesn't sound so bad..."
Her tone caught his attention. She regretted letting it slip. "Is something wrong?""
She hesitated, wondering if she should waste his time with her personal discomfort. "I am not familiar with this place or its people. I grew up in a different environment..."
"Don't concern yourself 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 comforted her, but she still felt timid as they passed by nobles. The Commander led her to exactly what he described - a large building that contained various rooms. It looked 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 when he spoke with a man behind the counter. She admired the decoration of the lobby. She noticed there were portraits of unicorns and even small statues of them placed around the room.
Before she could see any more, Kane handed her a pair of keys. "These are for your room. It is the third one on the second floor to your right."
"Oh. Thank you, sir." She held them carefully. "Will you join me?"
He thought about it and nodded in response. A small smile grew on her lips. She skipped over to the grand staircase and climbed at a good pace. She felt a little heated knowing Kane was following behind. They made it to the right floor and she went where she was directed. She slipped her key into the lock and opened the door slowly.
