<div style="text-align: justify;">Over the course of the next few months, as Hans learned fencing, shooting and all a crewman needed to know, Elizabeth developed rapidly on her learning of feminine jobs. She had managed to get her hands on books, and learn how to use herbs and treating wounds and minor ailments. She had learned other things as well. Cooking, sewing, and she was now studying math to help with the accounting for the ship. It was not a very feminine work, judging by what the men said, but Elizabeth had the time to do it, as she was kept away from the battling.<br/><br/>As one year completed, both children seemed to be more mature. Their friendship was also growing steady. They talked, they listened to each other, and they thought each other what they learned that wasn't taught to the other one. As the day of Hans' proving arrived,  Elizabeth felt her heart  race. Hans was her best friend, and she would die if something bad happened to him.<br/><br/>Inside Elizabeth, feelings had been clashing for a while now. She felt comfortable around Hans, but away from him, it seemed like she didn't really have a place. Unless whatever kept her away from him meant she was helping him indirectly. But now she could not do anything. She didn't really know well enough how to fight. And even if she did, Elizabeth didn't have a weapon.<br/><br/>Staying below decks,  Elizabeth could hear the men screaming at each other. Orders were given, things were dragged, and she burned to know what was going on. As the men boarded the enemy ship, Elizabeth couldn't resist. Her curiosity getting the best of her, the girl peeked on the main deck, trying to catch a glimpse of her friend.</div>