When We Were Younger

The Big Bad Wolf

Sadie was in the meeting tent outside Darach ar an gCnoc, looking over more recruits on a list when Charles walked in with coffee for her. She took it graciously and began drinking it. "Any good news?" she asked.

"Not really. Still looks like Arthur and Lilly aren't coming home any time soon," Charles said.

"Dammit. We can't keep holding off these god damn werewolves on our own."

"Sure we can. You already took down three of 'em."

"But it's difficult and exhaustin'."

"True, but even Lilly and Arthur can't do it all on their own."

Sadie huffed with submission. "You're right. I'm sorry. I'm just frustrated, is all. We got more reports comin' in about these damn things."

"Should we get Gerald on it again?"

"Maybe." Sadie swirled a fingertip around the rim of the coffee cup. "You think he'd come back out with us again?"

Charles chuckled. "Yes, as long as you're goin'. He's sweet on you."

"What? No he's not," Sadie said with a laugh.

"Sure he is. Don't act like you haven't seen the way he looks at you."

Sadie cleared her throat uncomfortably. "I have no idea what you mean, Charles."

"Oh come on, Sadie."

Sadie glared at him. "Even if I knew what you meant, which I don't, I'm not looking to replace my husband!"

Charles frowned at her. "That's not what I meant and you know it. Nobody wants you to replace Jake."

Sadie sighed. "I know. I'm just cranky." Sadie took another sip of coffee. "Cranky about everythin' goin' on."

"I know. Maybe you should take a break."

"I should." Sadie got up with her coffee. "I'm gonna go for a ride, I think."

"Sounds good. I'll keep an eye on things here."

Sadie finished her coffee and walked out of the tent. It was unusually bright and warm for April in Ireland, but the blonde woman was not complaining. She walked towards the stables but took a quick glance over to Gerald's unit. He wasn't there at the moment so she assumed he was taking a break. She eventually got to the stables to see Gerald saddling up his own mount, a strawberry roan Ardeness named Jupiter. "You goin' out somewhere?" Sadie asked.

"Not in particular, Mrs. Adler," Gerald said with a smile. "Just lookin' to get out fer a bit."

"Huh. So am I."

Gerald finished up as Sadie walked over to her horse Bob to saddle him up. "Ya wanna come with me, lass?"

Sadie shrugged. "Sure, why not?" Once Sadie was done saddling Bob, she mounted up and the two trotted out of the stables together towards the main road out of the estate. "So, where to?"

"There's a trail in the woods we could travel on. I'll lead the way."

"Sure." Sadie followed Gerald along the road and they eventually got to the tree line of the local woods. Gerald found the trail and they went on it. They traveled in silence at first until Sadie decided to break it. "So, Gerald, where are you from?"