May 31st, 1876 - Johan

My dearest Luna

Life continues to be hard. We are ever worked to the bone, both mentally and physicly, and we continue to exist in the most spartan of surroundings, poor housing and poorer food. But the end is in sight. In naught but five days we finish our training. The path was long and hard. I came in but a boy and now leave a man. In the fires of my difficulties I have been reforged a new person. But the crucible to my forging, the fuel to those flames was you. Were it not for your presence, both in my mind and in your letters, I would have died in a flaming holocaust far worse then you or I could ever imagine. But far better then the completion of my training, far finer then my rebirth into manhood, we are aloud leave to visit our homes before we are shipped off. In little over a week, my love, I will see you. My hand trembles at the very thought and every night our re-uniting is played out in my dreams. I love you my dearest, and I cannot wait till my eyes are graced with your lovely visage.

I would write more but I must be off. The cock is crowing, and we must be off to our daily calisthenics. I have much to tell you, but I will tell it to your breathtaking face in but a weeks time.

Yours

Johan B. Hackworth