Summary: Just settling into Alexandria and watching/learning about what was now theirs.
Chapter TextCarol walked over to the group of people. The guy with the beard stepped towards her. She smiled and introduced herself. "I am so happy to see so many new faces! My name is Carol. I will help you out with some food and provisions once you have all met with Deanna." In the meantime, I would be happy to take your baby and have her play in the sandbox with the other little kids. I doubt Deanna will have to question her". Carol was laughing softly, not wanting to come on too strong to strangers who most certainly must be wary of new people.
"I'm Rick" said the leader. This is Judith. She has never had other little kids to play with. I am not sure how she would do. Maybe I will just keep her here with us for now, but I thank you for your kind offer". He smiled at her, and Carol could tell that behind his tension he was most likely a kind man. "This here is the rest of our group. We consider ourselves family, and I hope that is respected around here."
Carol said simply "Most people here are families that were together prior to the turn. However, as we have brought in new people, the definition of family has certainly changed. You should have no problems Rick. Welcome to Alexandria. I will catch up with all of you later".
Aaron and Eric led the group down the street to Deanna's home. While outside they reluctantly allowed their guns to be taken. One by one they were interviewed by Deanna and her video camera. One by one they had to relive what they had done to survive. One by one they all feared that with everything they had done that they may not be allowed into this gated haven. But, they were honest. Rick insisted upon their absolute honesty to avoid anything unexpected coming up later that would put them in a poor light.
When they were all finished, they were gathered on Deanna's large wrap-around porch. She came out and faced them as a group.
"Well, you have all had some interesting and harrowing experiences. I am honestly troubled by things you have had to go through – but do not in any way fault you for them. I want to make that clear. You are all welcome here as long as those experiences do not manifest themselves into actions that would put this community at risk". So, officially now – Welcome to Alexandria. You are home".
"You will be given two homes in which your group will reside. How you divide yourselves is up to you. All homes are furnished, decorated, and will be stocked with food from our commissary. Carol will assist you with that in a bit. For right now, there are towels and toiletries as well as clean clothes that should fit laid out in the house on the left for all of you. Why don't you all shower and change, and brush teeth and we will meet you back here in two hours. At that time Carol will take you "shopping".
They didn't divide up. They all made do with the house on the left for now. They wanted to remain together. They took showers and cleaned up – seeing their skin un-mottled for the first time in ages. It took some prodding, but they even got Daryl to clean up despite his reservations of the place. He wouldn't put on clean clothes though. His winged vest and grimy jeans were good enough until he decided what was going to happen. He didn't want to get comfortable if this place ended up being like Woodbury or Terminus.
While the others finished getting ready, Daryl stood outside on the porch. Deanna had allowed him to keep his crossbow, and now he stood guard to his group. His family inside. He watched the people milling around in the streets. He was disgusted at the fact that they were just carrying on as if life was like it was before the turn. With that kind of nonchalance, his type of skills would be put into use sooner or later. That was certain.