Matilda Fairchild

Background: Born in 1786 in the rugged hills of Shropshire, Matilda Fairchild grew up with a rifle in her hands before she could even read. Her father was a gamekeeper on a sprawling estate, and she learned early how to stalk silently through bracken and bramble, eyes sharp for poachers and prey alike. When the Napoleonic Wars erupted, her elder brother enlisted with the 95th Rifles, the famed green-jacketed sharpshooters whose Baker rifles struck fear into the hearts of the French.When word came that her brother had fallen at Corunna, Matilda cut her hair, donned his spare uniform, and marched south, passing herself off as “Christopher Fairchild," wiry, sharp-eyed lad with an uncanny shot. She slipped through the ranks easily; the 95th cared more for marksmanship and grit than pedigree. Over years of fighting from the rugged hills of Portugal to the Pyrenees, she earned her stripes and a hard-won respect. By the time Waterloo loomed, she had been unmasked, but instead of drumming her out, her mates and commanding officer quietly kept her secret. After all, a crack shot is a crack shot, and few could outmatch Fairchild’s eye over iron sights. A seasoned veteran at 29 years old. Personality: Fiercely stubborn, once her mind's made up good luck changing it. Quick to shap, with a sharp tongue that can sting as well as her rifle, bratty, loves teasing and pushing other people's buttons. Restless and impatient, always itching for a challenge or fight, and her will is unyielding, and she's usually aggressive. Dry wit hides a softer heart, loyal to a fault, but won't suffer fools or weakness lightly. Characteristics: Long scar along her forearm a gift from a sabre slash at Badajoz, whistles softly when she's nervous, old hunting tunes. Has a noticeably small smile despite being rude and all. Soft spot: Matilda has a deep fondness for young love and silently yearns for her own lover.