About an hour before sunset that evening, they returned to the farm house with their hunting treasures which included two rabbits, three squirrels, and a snake. They had them cleaned and in the fire pretty quickly, so Daryl gathered everyone to come talk during dinner. It would be a good time for them to lay all of their cards out on the table.
They sat side by side on the large, wooden swing that sat fireside. For once, Carol was the one who couldn't sit still. She picked at her cuticles and the skin around them until her fingers were bleeding, unaware she was even doing it until Daryl put his hand over hers, stopping her fidgeting.
Other than their issue with Rick, the others were truly their family. Michonne was Daryl's partner in crime, so to say. While on their hunt for the madman who had taken so much from them, from their family, they had forged an easy friendship, actually comfortable enough to joke with each other. Tyreese and Sasha had long since proven their loyalty to the family, and with Tyreese's forgiveness, Carol needed his presence. Glenn was their comic relief, and a person they could count on no matter what. Together, they had watched Carl grow from the young boy at the quarry, into the man he was now, smart, strong, and capable. It went unsaid, but they both knew it would be the hardest to leave Judith behind.
It would be preferable to stick by their sides, but wouldn't hesitate to leave if anyone had any problems with what Carol had done. As the others came to sit around the fire, Daryl laced his fingers through hers, smiling at how he did so by instinct now. This time, it was as much to show her love as it was a display of their togetherness for the others.
One by one, bodies came to rest by the warm fire, most unaware of the reason for the discussion. Carol had asked for everyone to eat first, hoping that would keep people thinking clearly. Once they were finished, Daryl took a deep breath, and began to explain the situation.
"As some of you know, Carol wasn't at the prison when the Governor attacked. Rick took her with him on a run, but never brought her back. She had been left to fend for herself, abandoned by our all mighty leader." Daryl explained, watching as Rick pushed off of the tree he was leaning against and walked over to stand within the circle.
"Now, Daryl, something had to be done. She had killed two of our own," Rick said. "She had supplies, and I knew she could survive on her own. I made sure she would be alright."
"Yeah, finding the car door locked as her fucking walking papers was really an honorable move. Don't just leave her to die alone, make her feel about this big while you do it," Daryl spat in disgust. "She had enough of that from Ed."
Michonne turned to look at their leader, her objection to his banishment of a member of their own was written across her face. "You did what?" she questioned, unsure if she had heard right. "You took Carol out with you, just so you could leave her all alone?"
Rick looked at the faces he saw around the fire, all looking to him as they waited for an explanation. Other than Maggie and Tyreese, he was the only one who knew that Carol wasn't at the prison that day. He took a deep breath, slowly exhaled, and began to explain. Daryl didn't miss the cold glare Michonne leveled at Rick when he got to the part about the abandonment, clearly disapproving of his decision.
One at a time, Carol received hugs, apologies, and thanks from the people she considered her family. She couldn't help the tears that flowed, overcome with emotion that he family was accepting her back even after what had happened. Maggie tearfully apologized and begged for Carol's forgiveness, which she received immediately.
"Carol, I'm truly sorry. I'm not sure why I was so quick to accept Rick's decision let alone how he went about it. Please, I hope you can forgive me," Maggie pleaded. With her head down, she turned away from Carol, too ashamed to look at the woman she had hurt.
"Maggie, wait." Carol could see the woman was beating herself up inside. "I'm not mad at you. I don't blame you either. You were just trusting the decision of someone we've all looked to for guidance since the beginning." Carol stood up and gathered the younger woman into her arms as she whispered her forgiveness into Maggie's ear.
As she returned to her seat next to Daryl, she giggled as she took in the sight at her feet. Maggie and Glenn were making their own little nest at her feet.
"We're not worthy!" Glenn said from his seat in the dirt, making her laugh out loud. When Sophia was younger, before she could understand the more adult humor, they would watch reruns of Saturday Night Live. Sophia's favorites were always Wayne and Garth, and Glenn's humorous imitation of the duo made her smile.
Once the Rhee's took their leave to their tent, Daryl looked around and realized everyone had left them alone. He spotted Rick, sitting on the roof of the farm house. It was supposed to be Abraham on watch, but after everyone had given him the cold shoulder, Daryl figured he must have asked for the shift to get some time alone.
"So, are we good?" Daryl asked, only wanting to stay if she was really comfortable with how everything went during their meeting. Everyone had welcomed her with open arms, except for Rick, and that wasn't something that went unnoticed. Not wanting to be away from her for the night, he decided their talk could wait until morning.
"I'm good. As long as I'm with you, I'm always good," Carol replied, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Won't be without me, Mrs. Dixon. Ever again," Daryl said. His devotion to her, and her to him, was overwhelming. Neither one had ever had someone, save for Sophia, who made them feel important, cherished, worthwhile, or loved.
It was decided they would stay with the group as long as everyone was at least civil. Daryl took Carol's hand, and together, they walked away from Rick's watchful eyes, and went back into the house. He kept his hopes up that she would get some rest tonight. Tomorrow they would be leaving the safety and comfort provided by the house, and traveling the open road.