The time is two hours past noon, roughly two hours since the children resumed their game. A pair of footsoldiers are scanning the woods - the same woods the children were treading, looking for something or someone, a tracker dog leading their way - most likely a fetch mission.
The life of an infantryman is one of monotony and routine, a simple fetch mission is a godsend to them even though the soldiers at present refuse to show it on their faces. Still, while it may not appear so, they are more than thankful to be doing this. Rather a scenic stroll at the woods than clean-up at the lavatories.
"Think that thing could sniff any faster?" A foot soldier asks, staring intently at the dog, a tad irked by how slow it's pacing. He appears young, most likely in his late teens.
The soldiers are sporting a lighter version of the standard infantry uniform - padded cloth armor with crude metal hinges attached to the shoulder and elbow area. Usually the armor would be accompanied by a metal breastplate but there is no need for it in this particular assignment.
"Doubt it. It's always like this" his partner answers.
The second foot soldier is older than his subordinate, he appears to be middle-aged, he emits an aura of temperament and experience - something that his partner lacks.
"Always.." the younger soldier says, a bit puzzled by what he had just heard "You've been doing this how long?" He asks further
"A while." His partner replies. "Someone has to pick those kids up" he adds, putting on a sarcastic smile.
It's been made clear that they are searching for the children but the reason is yet unknown.
The younger soldier is a tad bewildered, but he seems to be amused at what his partner had just said - that or how he said it.
"Right.." The younger one replies, still confounded. The older soldier realizes how odd he must have come off, he starts laughing.
Both soldiers let out a light chuckle. They seem to be enjoying their time together despite the circumstances. Their conversation halts for a while as they enjoy the light breeze and the fleeting scenery - the slew of falling leaves during this season have a particular way of brightening the ambience. There is a smile stamped firmly on their faces.
"You? This your first time?" The older foot soldier asks
"Yes. Though I've always been meaning to help out with fetching"
"Really? Why is that? Wouldn't younguns like you rather be living it up in the base?"
"Living it up? Are you kidding me? That place is a shithole"
"Hear" the senior laughs in agreement, patting his partner in the back.
"Also.." The younger one adds "I have personal reasons"
"Really now? Do tell" the senior asks, intrigued
"The lady, she-"
"Wait" his senior interjects, his face appearing perplexed, "How old are you?"
"Ninet-" the younger soldier tries to respond but stops mid-way, as if he's come to an awkward realization.
"Wait - it's not what you think" the younger soldier replies, trying to clear up the conversation. The senior lets out a hearty laugh.
"I kid, I kid" the senior tells his subordinate laughing, smiling from end to end, "go on"
"The lady.. I owe her a favor"
"How so?"
"She kind of taught me how to read"
"I see." The senior replies. "The crest explains a lot" the senior diverts his attention to the river symbol etched on his partner's shoulder padding. He doesn't seem intent on inquiring further, he lets the go of the subject. He smiles at his partner - this time only lightly, patting him in the back yet again - a show of respect.
Their conversation pauses for a few minutes, then a few more, both soldiers trailing behind their tracker dog in silence, both of them marveling at the scenery with reserved smiles on their faces still.
A few more moments pass and the senior notices a fallen tree trunk, he heads toward it and whistles at the dog, ordering it to come to where they are, the dog follows.
"Let's rest here for a while" the senior tells his partner, offering him a seat.
"I.." The younger soldier answers, a tinge of doubt in his inflection "are you quite sure?"
"Loosen up" the senior tells his partner almost like he's giving a lecture "We've been at it for hours. We're allowed to sit"
"Come on" the senior asserts further. A few rounds more of convincing later, the other soldier finally decides to take a seat.
They both stare into the distance
"Gods, I hope they don't grow up too soon" the senior tells his young partner
"I wouldn't mind doing this a few more times" he adds, the younger soldier nods in agreement.
"I hear you"