Letter Home (and A Bit Of A Link Drop)
Yo, Froderick,
Apparently, that is a modern day greeting. Cam taught me that.
Things here at Fandom High are ... a bit quieter than what I have become accustomed to living in Sherwood and being involved in the day to day squirmishes that secures Phillip's claim to the land.
After leaving you at the carriage stop, the journey was uneventful and I found myself on an island. The had something called orientation and I had to give up my sword and my bow into their keeping. Father said nothing about them removing my arms when I got here.
Froderick? Are you sitting down... and on something flat and sturdy? No really, you need to be sitting for this next part and I don't want to be responsible for you breaking something on your person again.
According to one of the new friends I met, Walter, I am currently in the year 2006. {{You were sitting on that low wall again and fell backwards, didn't you? I did warn you, Froderick.}} Apparently, the school is some weird place that attracts students and teachers from different ages. I met Z who wasn't at all intimidated by all of this. Where she comes from, the buildings are shaped like hounds. Peter Pevensie, seems to have come from a time like ours with Kings and battle. I think he must be a Prince or something as he carries himself a lot like King Phillip. In fact, he does remind me a bit of him. Peter and I work out and move through routines with practice weapons on an almost daily basis. {{Yes, you can tell Father and Will that I am keeping up with my training --- even here.}} I also met Tim who you will probably get tired of hearing about who might have also felt a little bit out of place at the huge gathering that was their orientation.
After the gathering I fled escaped sought out my room, where I met my roommate, Seras. Seras is a very nice woman and she and I have become good friends. She taught me about the thing called a hanger...these creatures seem to enjoy tangling themselves in your hair. Seras explained telephones to me which are like a herald... but it uses a talking device instead of a herald that runs between places. I think that these would help Phillip greatly. She also helped me set up this thing called voice mail. It's where you leave a message for someone in one of the talking devices.
I met Demyx who can make really beautiful music in the air and from water. The Uncles would be impressed, Froderick. {{Stop pouting.}} There was also Pippi with her horse Old Man who is indeed a beautiful horse and the first one I have seen on this island. {{You are taking care of Windfire for me, correct?}} I also met Cam, who taught me some new ways of greeting and dealing with things... and who explained zombies to me. {{Don't let it break your brain, Froderick.}} I also met and was scandalized by another student here who told me that American greetings and ways often include many shirtless ladies. By the Grace of our King, Tim came to my aid and reassured me that not all of the men at this school were like that and kept me from killing a fellow student for insulting my honour. Somehow, I think that there would be divided feelings at home if I had done something like that.
I might have gotten injured by my own knife a few days after arriving here when fighting to free a couple of friends from faerie and vampie possession I have been doing a lot of training and working with others of varying skills. I have also spent time getting to know my roommate and exchanging stories.
A few nights ago Tim invited me to go along to dinner with him at Cafe Fina. Cafe Fina is the dining establishment run by the talented and practical Alfred.Tim introduced me to root beer and cheeseburgers... and I think that is indeed the best food I have ever had. The conversation was also very stimulating and fun. Shut up, Froderick. I am not gushing. I'm not.
The next day, I worked out at the gym with Peter where there was no discussion of my injuries or how I got them whatsoever. Later that night, I moved into Squirrel Cabin, Alcove A3 where I will be living for at least the next week of camp during the workshops. I like them. They're nice and comfortable... but not quite like any camping that I am used to. Walter is a knight of information. There are pills that you put to sleep... or that help you sleep, I'm not sure. Girls and boys change... and there are formal dances. Now I know why Father sent me here. He knew about the dressing up thing, didn't he? I believe he also volunteered me for the class that focuses on clothes and what you should and shouldn't wear? Seras and I talked about assassins and Cathay and the archery class I'm in. At least I know I will do well in one of my classes this season. I met Nadia and we talked about music. They create music differently here than they do back home. You'd like Nadia, Froderick... although you might not be able to convince her of your humour. I also spent some of the morning talking to Pippi and her pet monkey, Mr. Neilson. He's really sweet and charming. He has good manners.
I wasn't joking about the class of clothing and dressing in them. One of the other students was nice enough to give me a little assistance. {{No, you will not be getting drawings of what I looked like. Nobody I know is an artist. Besides, No. You'd show them to Phillip and then I'd have to come home and kill you. Then, I'd have no more best friend. I'd be lonely and it would be all your fault.}}
After the clothing class, I went into the practice arena to kill things and ended up talking to Pip about how confused I was about the class and clothing that men and women wear here in general. After leaving the gym I started the fire for the Squirrel Cabin, and talked with Seras and Pippi about how confusing this place is to me. At some point, we will be going to the clothing shop for modern clothes that fit the fashions of the year 2006.
I have to end this now, Froderick, as I have my archery class in a few moments and I have been told that the instructor is very cranky if you are late.
I miss you, Froderick. I miss home, too.
Give my love to Phillip... and to Will... and to the Uncles... and yes, alright, give my love to my father, too. I am still upset that he sent me away like he did and it still hurts, Froderick. I guess that will be something I face when I absolutely have to.
Write soon if you are able to get this letter.
Go with the flow,
Gwynn