Oh my gracious, I'm sooooo happy that y'all liked Daryl's chapter! Hopefully I can do more like that now! Thank you all for your spectacular reviews and my wonderful and faithful followers and favs:D
***This chapter is back to Rose's POV***
The crossbow's weight in my hand reminds me that I'm not dreaming. I'm really inside the springs, I actually saved Daryl, he's safe now. The relief is a beautiful feeling as it floods over me, I even find myself smiling for a small moment as I count 2 minutes in my head.
When the time is up, I lower myself into the chilly water, crossbow still firmly held in my hand. I take a last look around the cavern, still finding it hard to believe where I was, but realizing Jake hadn't lied to me afterall. I feel the sting of his memories burning as I take a deep breath, diving back into the inlet.
Rick's arms around me are the next thing I feel, pulling me out into the now frigid wind.
"Are you alright?" He asks worriedly, putting my jacket around my shoulders and handing my boots to me.
"Never been better." I answer through chattering teeth, giving him a shaky laugh as his eyes meet mine. True concern and caring written in those blue irises that no one could resist. I'm able to look away only to find Daryl, who was currently sitting in the crook where my bow had been, shielding himself from the wind. I hold out his crossbow, giving him a small but sincere smile, once again feeling the swirling in my head as he takes his weapon back, his eyes never leaving mine.
The feeling wanes as soon as I notice how dark it has gotten as the sun continues to sink, fading into the western horizon. "Damn, we need to get back to the horses." I say, fear creeping into my voice, "Right now." I direct towards Rick, giving him a nod towards Daryl. He never misses a beat, and much to Daryl's despise, we help him limp quickly back to where Raven and Chenoa were still standing.
"Come on, get up there." Rick says to Daryl, holding his clasped hands as a step up to Chenoa's back. Daryl completely ignores Rick's hand, instead giving him a passing nod and choosing to painfully step into the saddle using his severed ankle. I can't help a snicker at his attempt to keep a little dignity as I climb onto the big mares back along with him. I hear him scoff gruffly behind me, only causing me to laugh out loud.
"Ahhh don't flatter yourself." I say sarcastically, as I nudge Chenoa into a slow trot, reining her through the trees.
As we make it back into the clearing of the gate, Rick jumps off Raven's back to open it, as we ride through he gives me a nod, "Get him to the house, get some proper bandages on it." He commands, leading Raven through the big gate and securing it behind him.
It's thoroughly dark now as I look up at the stars from the big wrap around porch. Thinking back on how many twists and turns one day could handle.
-This group. How did they even make it this far? They get into more trouble than I thought was possible, even in these times. My mind mused listlessly.
I yawn, hearing the screen door open and shut but not bothering to look back, just too tired to care.
"You did good." I recognize Rick's easy southern accent behind me, "How did you know he was in there?" He adds the question as he takes a place beside me.
"I didn't. I saw some blood and well, kinda hoped for the best.." I replied, laughing quietly, looking up to give him a tired smile. My life had been so turned upside down and flipped every which way since this group had turned up in my house. Yet, I feel like a brand new person every second more I spend with them, my purpose in this world renewed.
Placing a comforting hand over his, I pause for a moment before adding, "I'm gonna go check on him, make sure he hasn't chewed his way out of a decent bed." I say, getting a big laugh and nod from Rick as I turn to enter the house.
I see Glenn sitting with Maggie on the small sofa watching with smiling faces as Carol comforts Judith with a lullaby, rocking her in my grand mother's ancient rocking chair. I give them all a warm smile when they hear me come in, each of their faces finding mine with a new light.
"Thank you." Carol says quietly, sincerity in her light voice. I pause, wondering what she was thanking me for now. My face must've given my questioning thoughts away as she adds, "for helping him. He'll deny it 'til the day he dies, but you saved him."
-I hope this doesn't mean everyone starts thanking me again. I just can't handle that, not tonight. I think, feeling the exhaustion set into my mind.
Instead I answer with a general argument, "Anyone of you would've done it. It's my farm, I couldn't just let him stay out there, even though I did enjoy the silence while he was away." I say sarcastically with a weary laugh.
-Quit trying to fool yourself, you wanted to find him, needed it. I quickly shut my brain off from speaking anymore as I excuse myself from their company to a shower and bed.
Before I get to the bathroom, I stop by the makeshift recovery room made from Glenn and Maggie's bedroom. I knock quietly,
"Daryl?" I ask, my voice shaky.
I walk in, seeing him laying there, his leg, balanced on pillows, bandaged up, clean and crisp.
His eyes open slowly, finding mine,
"They think you saved me." He says simply enough.
I let out a small laugh, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "You won't be hearin' me say that." I reply, biting on my thumb nail. "You okay?" I hear myself ask before I can stop.
He just looks at me for a moment before answering, "Yeah, about as okay it gets." He fumbles over his words for second longer, "..I..uhh, thank you."
Once again, his gratitude is like a slap in the face as the shock runs through me. To tired to think of a witty come back, I simply look at him, taking in his deep blue eyes, his perpetually messy brown hair. He looks straight back at me, not giving in and looking away like he usually would.
"You're welcome Daryl." I finally say, standing. I stop, placing a small hand on his shoulder, feeling the muscle tense under my touch.
With that, I walk out, shutting the door lightly behind me. I stop though, to prop myself against the wall beside the door, my body sagging with exhaustion but my mind reeling,
"You've lost your mind." I whisper to myself, hardly managing to pick myself up to make the short journey to my bed.