Hi all, sorry I haven't been around, have some updates. I was trying to figure out a way to keep the story going, I hope you all aren't too bored with it. Please read and review.

I do not own The Walking Dead

Chapter 6: Comfort

It would have had to been one of the new Seven Wonders of the World was my first thought when I saw Woodbury. The wall of metal and tyres looked strong enough to even keep us out if those on the inside wanted to and as I glanced around the outside area, there were hardly any walkers roaming about.

The convoy of cars came to a stop after a few days travel, a good time I was told compared to how it could have been, a few people manning the wall looking down at us and Vincent stepped out of his seat. For a second my heart stopped as I looked back to the well-armed men watching him but I was put to ease when they smiled.
"O'Kane! Thought maybe you'd died."
"Not this time Martinez. Got a heap of people to welcome, the Governor around?"
The man, Martinez nodded before giving a sharp whistle, obviously instructing someone to get this Governor and looking back at the convoy of cars.
"Alright, you know what to do." He called down and Vincent nodded, getting back into the car and waiting for the gates to be opened.
"When were you meant to be back?" I asked and Vincent gave a snort, edging forward as the gates opened slowly.
"About a month ago."
I thought to myself that it was a good thing he had been stuck by ice and walkers, otherwise I would be dead right now.

The people behind me leant forward, staring out the windscreen at the new area, eyes wide with amazement and I wondered if they had seen this much space clear of walkers, because I knew I sure hadn't. We drove along the clean street and I stared around in my own awe; the buildings were old but extremely neat, the pavement being used by people taking a leisurely stroll and kids were even riding on bikes. Grass was neat and there were even solar panels in the middle of the main street, friendly faces were looking over at the new load of people, people stepping out of the buildings and a small crowd began to grow around us as we came to a stop. I turned to Vincent and he was already looking at me with a smile.
"Stick close to me."
He stepped out, letting the people in the back out as well and I stretched my legs as Trix leapt from the car. It felt amazing to not have to worry about walkers, but something was tingling at the ends of my fingers.

"Alright everyone, just keep close and follow Trisha and Armstrong, they'll take you over to where the Governor will address you."
People began to file past, giving Vincent thanks before they were lead away towards a very neat building, the green grass and white arches the most regal thing I had seen for a while. A tall man stood on the small deck, his hands on his hips and a heavy black jacket over his shoulders. My first feeling was intimidation, his face may have been smiling and friendly I could see how hard it was for him to keep it that way. He stood there, the Governor of Woodbury as the twenty or so people stood around, waiting to hear what he had to say eagerly. I did as Vincent asked and remained close at his side towards the back, Trix moving away from me to inspect the surrounding bushes.

"Welcome, welcome all of you to Woodbury!"
A few of the people cheered, the other half shouting out questions.
"Now, I am sure you have a lot of questions, and please believe me, they will all be answered to the best of our ability. You will be safe here, we can provide food, shelter, even hot water. You can have a life here, all we ask is that you cooperate and lend a helping hand when and where you can. Any skills you have can be used, this is a haven; you can have a normal happy life here."
People became quiet but I could see the smile on their faces as they looked up to him, like some sort of priest or saviour, which I guess in a way he was.
"Rowan here will give you a tour of our lovely little town and by the end of today you will have rooms appointed and food in your belly. If you have any troubles ask for me directly. Again, welcome to Woodbury."
A young woman stepped forward from beside the Governor, a clipboard and pen in her hand and people lined up with their friends or family as she asked for their names. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Trisha walk towards the Governor before he went back inside, saying something to him that caught his interest as he stared at Trisha like he couldn't believe her.

"Come on," Vincent said, whistling for Trix who came happily, his hand grabbing my arm and pulling me along quickly.
"Why? I want to have a look around," I said, still amazed by so much open safe space but when Vincent tucked his arm in mine, making sure I didn't stop, I had a feeling of fear twist in my gut.
"Where you off to in a rush?" A deep voice spoke behind us and I didn't miss the curse Vincent hissed quietly before he turned around, a respectable smile on his face. I did the same, looking at the Governor more closely as he stopped a few feet in front of us. He was tall, his faced lined with years of hard work or maybe it was just the stress of today's lifestyle. I quickly glanced around at the people in the town, none of them seemed unhealthily thin and I felt my stomach tighten at the thought of food.
"Thought I'd show Jasmine around myself, she is my sister."
"Sister, the one you thought was dead?" he chuckled slightly and I felt my frown grow; I was standing right here. "Where are my manners, I'm the Governor," he said, extending his hand and I took it, shaking it firmly, "Everyone is welcomed to Woodbury, especially any family members of this gentleman here."
"Well unless you welcome walkers, there won't be anymore."

The Governor turned his smile to Vincent, his eyes becoming hard despite that smile and I cleared my throat.
"This place is, amazing."
"It isn't much," he replied, looking proudly around at what he called home, "but with a lot of blood sweat, tears and duct tape it is home." He chuckled and I stood there anxiously, this felt awkward.
"Well we best get going, I know how busy it'll be with everyone here now,"
"Wait a minute," the Governor said, freezing Vincent mid turn, "I have a question for your sister here."
I felt my muscles tighten but I tried to keep my face neutral as I looked back at the man. His brown hair as streaked with grey and his dark eyes focused on me, searching for something.
"Is it true you were bitten? As in, a proper bite from a biter?"
My throat decided it didn't want to open so I just nodded my head, hoping that I wouldn't be kicked out. The Governors face tightened before it became the most natural smile I had seen him do in the short time I had known him.
"Isn't that something? Comforting to know that there is a chance."
I wanted to tell him that it hurt more than anything, that I had died and sometimes at night when I slept I wish that I did die but I bit my tongue, simply nodding my head.

"When you get the time, you should pop over and see Milton. He's our local scientist."
"I don't think my sister wants to be his lab rat, Gov."
The Governor chuckled again, adjusting his shoulders under his jacket.
"I wouldn't dream of it, he studies the biters, I just think it might be a good idea to see him."
Vincent opened his mouth and I knew it would be to protest so I grabbed his wrist, keeping him quiet as I gave the Governor my best smile.
"I'd be happy to, I'll see him as soon as I can."
This seemed to please the Governor and he shifted his weight ready to leave, giving Vincent a hard look.
"Excellent. Well Vincent here knows where to find him, and lunch shouldn't be far away."

Then without a second glance or another word he left, strolling back towards the building he had come from, chatting with some people along the way and I looked up at Vincent, wanting to ask what that was about but he just frowned at the Governors back and turned around.
"Come on, I'll organise a room for you. The one next to mine should still be empty."
We walked, power walked more like it towards a dark brick building, and it took me a few attempts to get the word hello out correctly to the people that said it to me. This was going to be an adjustment.
After I waited in the hall way for a second, Vincent came out of the apartment room with a smile and ushered me inside. It was small, a new makeshift wall had been put down the middle, obviously to make more rooms for more people but on the other side I had a clear view of the main street below.
"It isn't much, but you can make it your own." Vincent walked into the room, pulling back the dark red curtains more and pointed towards a door.
"That's a bathroom, I'll share it with you, my room on the other side of this. It has hot water but be careful with it," he practically danced across the room, pointing to the double bed already made with sheets and a doona and then to a cupboard and some draws, all of which I could see easily in the open space but I let him amuse himself, following him around a wall to see a small kitchen.
"Again it isn't much, but at least you can plug a kettle in and have coffee."

I put my bow on the bed as I walked back out, looking at the florally decorated walls and the soft carpet under my boots; this may not be much but Jesus, it was more than I ever thought I'd have again. Turning, I made sure Vincent saw my genuine smile, I could be comfortable here.
"This is great." I couldn't help but laugh slightly, taking a seat on the bed which bounced beneath me. Oh I'd be getting a good night's sleep in this thing. Vincent just nodded, crossing his arms and leant against the dressing table, looking at the room.
"Vince, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, I just," he chewed his thumb nail, something that reminded me of Daryl doing when he was holding something back and I knew Vincent was doing the same. "I'm thinking I don't want to go out anymore. Not now that you're here."
I stood up, giving him a tight hug.
"I'm sure we can find something to do, but I don't want you living in my back pocket."
He chuckled and I stood back, turning back to the bed and seeing Trix already curled up on it, his nose nuzzled into the blankets and snoring.

I had lunch with Vincent in his room, some soup heated up over a camping grill and it managed to hit the spot. I felt full as I spoke with Vincent, the whole time conscious of the fact that I felt at ease; there were no walkers going to jump out of a cupboard or round a corner suddenly because of our laughing and chatting, we could just do it. Then he gave me a tour of the little town, pointing out where food would be dispersed among the town people on certain days, a library with books in it, an office building turned into a small school for the numerous children, even a medical clinic and laundry room. It was amazing, it was just like a town, untouched by the vicious hand of death that was just outside the walls, but there was a constant reminder every time I saw men walk past with guns. They were fierce looking, they had experienced the world outside before here and I knew that most of the civilians here had not; they probably huddled up in an apartment somewhere until they were found.

Despite that, I stood in the middle of the street, watching as life carried out its day; a pregnant woman walked past me, happy and chatting and kids were still playing and causing mischief to the others here, my thoughts drifting to Lori and the others; how was she? Maybe it was better here for her but I shook the thought, lifting my face up as the sun came peaking from behind the clouds and warming my skin.
"I best take you to Milton." Vincent said and I opened my eyes, brushing my fringe from my eyes and noticing Vincent become quiet as I followed him towards a shed tucked around behind the buildings, out of sight.
"We don't have to go today," I said, sensing Vincent was uncomfortable but he shook his head.
"No, the Governor would have told him about you already, best go and get it over and done with."
"So who is he?"
Vincent scoffed slightly and I knew I would find out as he opened the door.
Inside it was dark, a few lights lighting the large area and I stepped inside, careful I didn't bump any of the tables riddled with scientific looking glass and equipment, things bubbling away in them and my first thought was mad scientist, I really would be a lab rat.

"You in here Milton?"
There was a drop of something and a man appeared in a door way, fingers pushing round glasses back up his nose. His shirt was buttoned all the way to the top and his hair was neat and trimmed back; all over he read geek but that meant nothing nowadays and I smiled as he approached us.
"Uh, yes, you must be Sierra, pleasure." He held his hand out and I shook it, trying not to feel uncomfortable under his gaze, "I'm Milton Mamet. I trust the Governor told you what I do?"
"I am yes, and he did, he just said you were studying walkers? And please, call me Jasmine."
Milton just nodded, his eye twitching and I tried to take my hand back but he held onto it tightly.
"Trying to yes, they are very complicated creatures, you standing here proves that."
I gave Vincent a concerned look but he just shrugged with a dopey smirk, leaning back on a book case and I turned back to Milton who had let go of my hand, fussing over something on a desk.
"They aren't complicated, Mr Mamet, they-"
"Milton, please just call me Milton."
Yep, he would have definitely had to be some sort of IT, nose constantly buried in a book type but I wasn't here to judge.

"Walkers aren't complicated, Milton," I said, frowning as he didn't look up to address me as I spoke, "they were alive once, they are dead now. They're just monsters, corpses that walk and kill. What's to study?"
Milton came back over towards me, a needle in his hands and I tensed, sensing Vincent behind me do the same as he took a step closer to me. Milton looked down at his feet before back up to meet my eyes. He seemed genuinely unaware of my discomfort, too busy thinking as he gestured to a seat for me to take, which I didn't.
"I want to see if there is actually any part of who they once were in them, what makes them come back so differently. I hope you don't mind but I would like to take a sample of your blood, just to compare and make sure."
"Make sure what?" Vincent asked over my shoulder and I gave in when Milton gestured to the seat again, rolling up the sleeve of my cardigan and exposing my arm.
"Make sure I don't turn into one in my sleep?" I asked, a little harshly but Milton seemed to ignore it and positioned the needle over my arm before pressing it in. I hissed slightly as it stung, watching as the small vile filled with my rich red blood. Part of me was actually nervous it would come out a different colour or none at all, but alas I was still human and I lifted my arm to my chest, putting pressure on it as Milton pulled away, carefully putting the vile in a stand.

"You survived a bite, I just want to see if there is anything different when I compare it to that of someone normal and someone who has turned."
"Someone normal?" I frowned at him but again he seemed indifferent, just giving me a quizzical look before he pulled a seat over to sit in front of me.
"So tell me, do you feel different? Where did it bite you?"
I stood up, shaking my head.
"I was bitten on my hip, I feel normal but I am tired so if you don't mind, I am going unless there is anything else?"
Milton looked up at me surprised but shook his head and I gave him a smile.
"Pleasure to meet you Mr Mamet."
As quickly as I could I turned, Vincent following close behind me and I took in a deep breath once we were outside again. Sharing a look with Vincent, I tried not to laugh, was he always like that? He seemed a decent man, but did he even know what was going on in the world outside this town?

The next few days were still a period of adjustment, sleeping in an actual bed was great but I found myself still holding my machete and one eye open just in case and the fact there was food readily at hand made me slightly bored, what did people do for fun around here? Walk and talk and read? It had sufficed me the first day, but I still didn't feel quite ready to volunteer my services to the wall or anything else. Each morning though I was greeted by Milton, who would ask how I was feeling, asking if I was prepared to come back down to his cave for a check over but Vincent normally shoved him off, making me feel bad. He only wanted to find out something, but that was if there was anything to find. I had simply been bitten and lived, like the doctor had said, there was no zombie virus, I was just lucky I didn't die of blood loss or infection. Yet as I sat in my new little room at night, lights out and a single candle burning on the dressing table in front of me, I thought that maybe I would die of a broken heart.