It was after a mission, and the squad was back in their barracks. The fellows all had their own ways of spending their "down-time". Some played cards, while others chose to doze off on their beds. But, one particular lady found herself sneaking out to the war cemetery. It was typical behaviour for Marina: the barracks was always too crowded for her.
On her visits, she would take some time to learn about the soldiers who laid in eternal peace around her. However, when Welkins arrived, things would change. She had seen her commander talk at length to an old gentleman. What they were discussing, she did not know. However, she noticed that after every such visit, Welkins somehow managed to issue new orders in the battlefield. This gentleman must be someone very special, she thought.
This visit to the cemetery was a little different from usual. After visiting Isara and Hans, Welkins had left by the time she went there. There he was, she thought. Apart from the orders, she also noticed that the gentleman stopped at one particular tombstone for a long time. Being alone in a graveyard can make people do strange things, she thought. Then again, she is a hunter, and stalking is one of those things which she does very well.
"I know that you've been watching me, child." The tone of his voice made it very clear that her cover had been blown. Well, so much for being a stalker. Marina came out of her hiding place, even as the gentleman turned to face her.
"How did you..." She had to find out what went wrong.
"If you had to press me, I would put it down to experience. But, rest assured that I only noticed you after your third or fourth visit here." He sounded gentle, but firm at the same time, complete with a commanding presence. Marina could not help but stand to attention while he was speaking.
"Thank you, Sir." The gentleman then returned his gaze to the tombstone before him.
"May I know your name, child?"
"Marina Wulfstan," came the reply, complete with a salute. The gentleman turned his head again.
"Wulfstan? Then, are you in any way related to Bernard Wulfstan?"
"He's my father's oldest brother." A smile came to his lips.
"I see. So, it does run in the family." Seeing the confused look on her, he spoke again.
"Back in the first war, the best sniper among the men who fought for Gallia was your uncle. I trust that he is well?"
"He is, Sir, although he had never mentioned his exploits in the war to the family." The gentleman sighed.
"Many veterans didn't talk about their experiences to their families. It was... too painful for them."
"Sir, may I ask who was buried here?" Marina hated to change the subject, but her curiousity got the better of her.
"Remember how I described your uncle as the best sniper among the men who fought for Gallia? Here lies the best sniper among the women." Marina took a closer look at the photo on the tombstone. The lady bore a very strong resemblence to her. If the gentleman could see her whole face, Marina was sure that she would shock him.
"She is..."
"My wife, Marina Bronte."
"I'm sorry, Sir." She must have touched a raw nerve, thought Marina.
"Don't be. If I had to blame someone for her death, it would be myself for not getting her out of the war, even if it meant getting past her volcanic temper."
"...Sometimes, people would rather die than to stray from their beliefs."
"You are correct, child. But, if only she had someone to watch out for her that day..." At this, he closed his eyes, and shook his head.
"Well, it is time for me to go. But, allow me to leave this advice for you: Don't walk alone, even if that was what you've believed all your life." With that, he left Marina to her thoughts.
Looking at the tombstone, Marina gave a salute. Unknown to the gentleman, she had already taken his lesson to heart, for she was now no longer alone..