July 22, 1999
Dearest Jane,
I think I am going to like it here. Zacharie and Booker are very easy to get along with. Most of the time, I do not see Booker unless it is during the daily training session. Otherwise, he, like all of us, has his own projects. I see Zacharie a lot more, but again, it is mostly during the daily training session.
These training sessions are unusual and intriguing. For the first couple of nights, Booker began to teach me the basics of hand-to-hand self defense. Once he realized that I had some minor training, he began to push me much harder. Another night, he taught me to shoot a gun. I much prefer the 9mm over the .38. Another night, he taught both Zacharie and I, tips and tricks on how to work together in a coordinated combat.
There seems to be no pattern to what he is teaching us. Sometimes, I think he does things merely to amuse himself. Other times, I believe he is deadly serious. Tonight, we spent the hour training session sculling around the delta while Booker lectured us on the importance of strategic alliances. 'Your ally does not have to like you. Just depend on you.' It is an interesting concept.
Last night, I finally asked why we were learning all of this combat and tactical training. Booker gave me that thousand yard stare of his and, for a moment, I thought he was not going to answer me. Then, he told me, "It is to ensure your safety and continued survival." It is an answer I can accept. However, I believe there is more to it. Eventually, I will find out what.
In the meantime, I find myself enjoying the physical activity. There is a certain joy in accomplishing a physical feat. I never had that sort of challenge at the Innis Chantry. I find I am missing that Chantry less and less as I settle in here. I can almost call this place "Home."
Love,
Kayley
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