Master Malik,

I am but a novice, and I was wondering how it feel's to take one's life how did you feel? And my other question is were you ever able to find love after you became Dai or returning to Masyaf?

Peace and safety,

NightStorm

Safety and peace, NightStorm.

I cannot exactly explain what it is like to take a life, but I do know that there is no experience like it.

The different weapons provide different experiences as well. Hidden blades have always made the murder of your target more personal. You are very close to your target, more often than not you are holding them, and you can easily feel your target's pulse become irregular and slowly fade as the life ebbs out of them.

Throwing knives are almost the opposite. With throwing knives you don't have to feel the life you are taking slip a way. These are much better if you are, for example, on a rooftop near your target, and you don't want to give away your position, or if your target is surrounded is surrounded by guards. It's also good for when you can't get close to your target, but you have a clear shot.

Swords are usually last resort. You usually use your sword if you are actively engaged in combat with someone, as swords aren't the stealthiest weapons assassins have access to. However, you will find that, if it comes down to it, they kill at least as well as your hidden blade and your throwing knives.

As for love, it has never been a real priority for me. In my youth, I tried both men and women, but I fail to see the appeal. Those who appear attractive to me are more from an artist's stand point, rather than a sexual or romantic one.

I also do not tend to think of myself as exceptionally desirable, either. I am, as Altaïr puts it, "bad tempered" when he is feeling particularly kind, which is a claim that I do not deny. Also, even if a second party would be at least curious, my missing arm is a silent taboo that kills all interest immediately.

Altaïr has told me that I should try to find love, and have a family, but my verbal disinterest fails to penetrate his thick skull whenever he broaches the subject.

I do not mind being alone; I have not had a real family in many years, so I am used to it.

Though I will admit that Darim and Sef, Altaïr's children, call me "Uncle Malik" with some regularity, despite the fact that we are of no blood relation. I suspect that their father puts them up to it, though on the few occasions I confronted him about this, he denied it on all accounts. Darim and Sef continue, despite my reminding them that we are not related. I find it sweet, yet sad at the same time.

I suppose that this could count as love, even if it is not the kind that you were thinking of.

Yours,

Malik Al-Sayf