She was more surprised by the fact that one of them was riding a dirt bike than anything. Well she said dirt bike; she was corrected and told it was an enduro bike. Either way it was a bike. The other two were in a truck and she wasn't so sure she was ready to climb in there with them. It didn't look like Daryl liked the thought of someone he didn't know riding with his kid either. He was protective and she completely understood. If she'd had a kid she would be the same way. Looking at the teen though and how happy he was made her stomach tighten and relax. How could they be bad if this kid was so good?
"Well." Merle snapped. "Woman are you going or not?"
"My name is Carol." She snapped back as she climbed into the backseat of the truck. "Rude ass."
"Carol." He tasted her name like it was a wine. "All Logan has prattled on about was some woman named Georgia who he swears is you."
Logan snorted. "It is her."
"No that's Carol." Merle corrected with a snide smile on his face.
Carol grimaced and already knew the type of man he was going to be. He was going to intentionally try to push her buttons. She'd met him before, not him specifically but his type. They were always rude and brash. Well she could be too. She survived this long hadn't she. Let him try and she'd show him that she had claws too.
"I know her name, Merle." Logan started, "But I'm going to keep calling her Georgia."
"No." Carol smiled. "Just to keep from confusing everyone. Lets keep it simple, just Carol."
The ride there wasn't long. It was surprising for her. She expected it to be further out but they took an older winding road and Logan called it Old Norton Road but she wasn't sure. She wasn't from here anyways.
When they arrived she realized they'd fortified quite a bit. There was walls. Real walls. Not some pinned up stupid shit she'd seen in other places that said they were safe. No, this place had real honest to god walls. Who were these men and how did they manage this. A gate opened for Daryl ahead of them and he gestured back to them. She wasn't sure if he was discussing the supplies in the bed of the truck or her. Probably both.
Another man was at the gate and wearing sunglasses of all things. He slapped Daryl on his winged back and ushered them in. She was surprised at the smile that was wide and happy on the other mans face. Maybe she was finally in a good place. It'd be nice to rest without worrying about the dead crashing through her tent wall. These walls here had to be every bit of fifteen to twenty feet tall. That or she just didn't know shit about measuring height. It was one of those.
"I want sunglasses" Logan stated.
"Why so you can look just as dumb as him?" Merle cackled.
"Nothing wrong with protecting your eyes." Logan muttered.
Carol realized they were just like this. ALways at each other but with no real malice. They were almost charming. Almost.
"Now, the council of wise men will want to meet with you." Merle said. "Don't argue about it."
Carol snorted. She knew there was some type of talk they'd give her but she didn't expect to hear something as stupid as council of wise men.
"Sure."
Merle looked at her in the rearview and she raised her brow. He raised his back and cut a sharp smile at her. She didn't know if she should trust it or not.
"You know Carol." Merle smiled and something about it warned her to pay close attention. "I think I got the perfect pet project for you." He paused and licked his lips, "A favor mind you if you ever find yourself needing my help...remember that."
Carol nodded slowly and looked to Logan. He was staring at his uncle in confusion and she realized he knew nothing of what they were talking about. Neither did she but still. A favor couldn't be to bad or it could be disgusting. She'd wait and see.
Riding through the gates she barely heard them shut behind her. People were in the streets walking around and kids were playing. Literally playing. Some were around Daryl and he was nodding and almost looked ready to flee. It made her smile because he was brash and very short with her. Not that she ever thought it was about her. More that he needed to be socialized.
CLimbing out of the truck had a group of people walking over. She did notice that a woman was with them and Daryl but nothing more she could discern from their faces. They were all looking at her and then to Merle and Logan. These were to be her judges.
"Hey there." The woman greeted, "Names Maggie."
She smiled at the woman and introduced herself but noticed the two men flanking Maggie.
"This is Glenn and this is Rick. We'd like to talk for a few minutes if you don't mind."
Carol's eyes again went to the high solid walls and the sounds of the past. Of people living and not suriving.
"Okay."