Chapter Forty Five
"You're a dumbass, ya know that right?" Daryl muttered, breaking the comfortable silence between us as we made our way back to the prison.
The hunter was taking the lead as expected, his crossbow at the ready and his eyes ever vigilant. I remained a few paces behind with Daryl's gun in my hand - the man had scolded me for disregarding my own gun back at the prison and had ruefully given me his own for extra protection. I eyed the back of the man's head with a raised eyebrow at his abrupt comment before the man sent a smirk over his shoulder at my lack of response.
"And why's that?" I pressed.
We were making good pace and would reach the prison soon enough, Daryl had told me. Getting back inside the grounds though, would be an issue. Given that the grounds were completely overrun with walkers. Though Daryl had assured me earlier that we would cross that bridge when we came to it. I still had an uneasy feeling in me about the prospect.
"It was a dumbass idea to come out here to hand yourself over." He grumbled, glancing over his shoulder at me again with a harsher expression. "Did ya really think things would be that easy? 'Cos I always thought ya were supposed to be the smart one, girl." I sighed deeply.
"I lost my head in it all, Daryl." I admitted, now realising how foolish my ideas had been. "And with everything going on, I hardly see that as a surprise." There was a thoughtful pause from the man.
"Yeah, I guess ya right." He muttered, before turning fully to eye me with a teasing glare. "Just don't do it again."
I grinned at his half-hearted scowl and noticed how the hunter's ears reddened and how quickly he resumed his previous position, facing away from me. He was still embarrassed by our earlier encounter no doubt. We lulled back into silence again and I couldn't help but smile at Daryl's figure when reminiscing the memories of our recent kiss. Suddenly though, a random thought occurred to me.
"Milton told me they have women and children in Woodbury." I announced. There was a pause before Daryl's pace slowed to meet mine and the man glanced down at me with a confused expression.
"There a reason ya suddenly bringin' up Glasses?" He asked, slowly. I gave him a small smile.
"I just had a thought, that's all." Daryl scoffed.
"Reckon we should be worried 'bout ya just 'havin' a thought' now. Look where 'just having a thought' ended ya up today." He muttered and I shoved his arm lightly, earning a snigger from the man. "What ya gettin' at any way, girl?"
"It's just," I paused to bite my lip thoughtfully. "There's a lot of people that are being lied to and brainwashed by the Governor in that town, and they're not all soldiers. There are innocent people in Woodbury too." I glanced up at Daryl to see a curious frown on the man's face. "I just wonder whether we should try and reach out to them, maybe try through Milton? When I spoke to him that day of the meeting, he seemed to have doubts about the Governor and maybe we could work with that? Work to try and help those who are innocent, get out." There was a brief pause as Daryl considered my words thoughtfully.
"Why are ya all concerned all of a sudden 'bout the welfare of Woodbury residents?" He muttered, shaking his head once. I shrugged, half-heartedly.
"Guess I just have this incessant need to save people all of a sudden." I replied with a sigh, earning myself an amused smirk from the man beside me.
"We got enough problems of our own to worry 'bout, girl. Let's just stick to our own people before we start with anyone else, huh?" Daryl suggested in a light tone, though the expression he sent me spoke a thousand words. It's either them or us at the end of the day. I nodded mutely and argued no more. I understood where Daryl was getting at though I still pondered over my suggestion in silence.
We carried on at a quick pace, Daryl taking to jogging and urging me to follow. I did so, ruefully, feeling too exhausted to keep up with his strides and lingered behind. When the view of the prison came into sight, Daryl slowed and allowed me to catch up. After announcing that I wasn't 'fit enough for this', Daryl allowed me to catch my breath, amused at my panting. I only just briefly caught the way Daryl's eyes racked up and down my body at my comment, before the man quickly averted his gaze. His stare made me blush and I coughed awkwardly, trying to clear my head, and turned to the prison before us. From our distance away, we observed the grounds and noted that now we had come to the next bridge in our line of problems.
Daryl let out a sigh as we stared at the overrun grass compound that was between us and the yard. The walkers staggered aimlessly, seemingly without meaning, though some lingered by the yard gates and clawed at the mesh of fencing. The vast number of them was terrifying and I swallowed down the dread when I realised we'd have to go through it.
"How did you get out?" I muttered, keeping my eyes on the compound.
"Jumped the fence." Daryl replied, evenly. "Didn't fancy dealin' with any geeks, would have taken too long." He paused and glanced down at me before pointing to the perimeter fence. "Wouldn't recommend it though." I noticed what he was bringing to my attention; the barbed wire that laced the top. The hunter then held out his arms to me, which I hadn't realised until now was scratched and torn. Wordlessly, he pulled up the bottom of what I realised was his torn trouser legs to show me that his legs were in a similar condition. I raised an exasperated eyebrow at the hunter in concern, though he merely shrugged with a wide smirk on his face. "I'm fine." He assured me at my silent question. "How'd ya get out?"
"Gap in the fence." I sighed. "I patched it up." I assured quickly, noting Daryl's narrowed gaze. "But that was around the other side, near the second guard tower." I pointed in the vague direction. "There's too many walkers grouped around that area now though, would be more hassle than it's worth." Daryl nodded and we lapsed back into a mused silence.
"We can't go 'round it." Daryl muttered with a smirk. "We can't go over it. So I guess we gotta go through it." I met the man's gaze with a hesitant smile. Suddenly though, something caught Daryl's eye. "Hold up." I followed his gaze towards the third guard tower and noticed movement on the top ledge. Instantly, Daryl began to wave his arms, holding his crossbow above his head. I copied the man's actions when I realised that it was a figure in the tower, who was apparantly looking in our direction. I realised after a moment that it was Andrea - her blonde hair a give away - and she returned our efforts with one brief wave back before disappearing from sight. "C'mon, we gotta be quick."
Without much of an elaboration, Daryl grabbed my arm and tugged me forward. After a few steps, he dropped his hand and proceeded to load up his crossbow. I quickly followed by example and took the safety off his gun, gathering my knife in hand at the ready.
We raced towards the main gates that had long been unhinged and Daryl was the first to take down a walker that got too close. We attempted to weave through the herd and dodge the clawing hands, as to not use too much of our well needed ammo and bolts. With Daryl's guidance, we made it across the compound and I only found the need to use my gun once in a moment of rash panic. I had taken down another three with my knife though I didn't keep count on how many Daryl had killed - too many to keep track of.
I felt an over-whelming surge of relief when I saw Andrea and Michonne working frantically at the gate to let us in, Rick and Merle were running across the yard towards us. Daryl and I kept our backs to the yard, our eyes focused on the approaching walkers. When Andrea hissed at us to get in, I felt Daryl grip my arm hard and drag me inside quickly. The two women quickly got to work securing it as walkers clawed at the mesh in vain.
Exhausted, I quickly scanned myself for any scars or bites - just in case. Feeling mildly more relaxed when my scan proved negative, I turned to Daryl who was eyeing me cautiously. He nodded once at my silent question and I finally let out a sigh of relief, glad that we had both pulled through the brief panic in one piece.
"'Nd where the hell 'ave you two been?" Merle demanded, eyeing us both with a mild glare, folding his arms across his chest.
The other three stared on, enforcing his question. Hesitantly, I met Daryl's gaze. The idea of telling them where we'd been, what I meant to do, suddenly terrified me and I felt overwhelmingly ashamed of myself and my actions. A sickness oozed in the pit of my stomach and I couldn't bring myself to meet their gazes, let alone answer Merle's question. Just the day before I had said goodbye to this place, this group. I was willing to die for them, to never see them again and yet here I was again standing in the grounds of the prison with the same people I was going to give myself up for. Telling them my plans made a horrible feeling dwell inside me and I stuttered over the words that attempted to form in my head. Apparently seeing my terror, Daryl spoke up suddenly.
"Scoutin'" He muttered, shrugging and throwing his crossbow over his shoulders.
I glanced at the hunter, thankfully, though he was staring evenly between his brother and Rick to notice. Andrea seemed convinced by this lie and her glare softened. Merle seemed a little more hesitant, though after eyeing at his brother for a while - apparently the pair were having a silent conversation with their eyes - he nodded once in acceptance. Michonne didn't rise to Daryl's lie and when I met her gaze, her eyes devoured mine as she seemed to attempt to delve the truth from me. I tried to stare back with equal carelessness that Daryl portrayed, though Michonne didn't question Daryl's reply any further. Rick glanced between the pair of us, his expression similar to Michonne's.
"Why didn't you tell anyone you were going scouting?" He asked, carefully. "We didn't know where you'd gone." Rick's question made Daryl pause for just a moment, but the hunter shrugged with indifference. Apparently Daryl didn't find an answer for that one and the terror began to build as Rick's face fell, unconvinced.
"They mentioned it to me." Michonne suddenly supplied. Daryl turned to woman in shock, but didn't argue against her. I noticed the subtle nod that Michonne sent him before she turned fully to Rick. "Daryl mentioned it to me yesterday, it must have just slipped my mind." Rick studied the woman for a while and looked only slightly convinced by this extension of Daryl's lie. The look in Michonne's eyes as she stared back at him though seemed to render Rick incapable of arguing further and the leader nodded slowly.
"Well that's enough excitement for one day." The blonde muttered, breaking the brief silence. "I'll head back up the tower then, continue my watch." Andrea offered. Rick nodded vaguely.
"I'll join you up there. Seems silly that you're doing it alone." Michonne added, surprising the blonde for a moment. After a shocked pause, Andrea nodded and the pair left, heading back to the guard tower. Merle made to lead the way back inside though Rick quickly stopped me from following.
"Can I speak to you alone for a moment, Ruby?"
His question made me pause and I noticed Daryl studying his leader with suspicion, the hunter apparently uncomfortable with the leader's request. At first, I felt the terror overwhelm me again but remembered that this was Rick and I nodded wordlessly. The hunter beside me hesitated and I tried to assure him with a warm smile, one that I knew didn't convince Daryl in the slightest. He nodded once in return them before ruefully following after his brother, back inside the prison. I watched their retreating figures leave, Daryl glancing back a few times, before turning to Rick, almost terrified to meet his gaze all of a sudden. However, when I did, I saw only regret and guilt in his eyes as he stared on. Instantly I softened to Rick again and swallowed hard, waiting for his next words and wondering why he had asked me to wait.
"I'm sorry." He breathed when the Dixon brothers had shut the door leading into the prison, leaving Rick and I truly alone in the yard. "Ruby, you've gotta understand that I would never consider handing you over-"
"I know." I nodded, smiling weakly at the leader. He sent me a small smile before sighing deeply.
"I only kept it from you because I didn't want to cause any arguments or complications." Rick offered. I suppressed a snort. If only he knew.
"Rick, I understand that you're sorry and it's fine. Really. I was never mad at you and I understand why you kept it from the group." I shook my head once "I'd just like to forget about all that now though, if that's alright?" Rick nodded instantly.
"Of course." He grinned. I smiled back, gathering my strength again and trying to push the memories away again.
"So, what's the next move?" I asked, raising my head and folding my arms across my chest. "As you haven't handed me over, I'm guessing that means that we really do have a war on our hands now." Rick nodded slowly, though didn't look phased.
"We've been at war for a long time now, I guess." He replied before sighing and lowering his voice, as if afraid anyone would hear. "I think some want to leave." I raised an eyebrow and Rick continued. "Andrea has always said she wants to and Herschel-" Our leader trailed off.
"Has he said something?" I asked, frowning.
"Not exactly." Rick said. "But whenever I go to him for advise, the only thing he seems to give me now is 'consider other options'." I nodded slowly, eyeing the leader's conflicted expression.
"And what do you think we should do now, Rick?" I tried, quietly. Rick raised his gaze and frowned slightly.
"We're not strong enough." He replied after a short moment of hesitation. There was something new in Rick's eyes, one I had never seen before. Defeat. This strickened me. Was he was giving up? "When the Governor comes back, he'll bring more than last time. We barely made it out before, another outright bullet battle like last time will just finish us off." A pause and a sigh. "But Lori isn't strong enough to move alone yet. Moving her will be dangerous, especially if we're out on the road again. And Judith." He ran a shaking hand over his wary face. "I'm not an idiot. Having a baby out on the road will just kill all of us. I-" He trailed off and frowned, staring off onto a spot above my shoulder. "I just don't know what to do anymore, Ruby."
The last part of his confession sent a wave of grief through me. The defeated figure of the man before me - the man who was supposed to be our leader - confused me. This was the man who had kept us alive for nearly a year now, this was the man who had done everything in his power to make this prison safe for us to live in. This was the man who had came back for me in Woodbury, this was the man who wouldn't hand me over the Governor, even with the chance that it would stop this hostility between both groups. This was Rick Grimes and he was giving up.
"I've made so many bad calls in the past," Rick continued, swallowing hard in his pause. "Calls that have gotten people killed. I'm not sure if I can make this one, Ruby. People are expecting me to keep them alive-"
"No, they're not, Rick." I urged softly, cutting the man off. His eyes met mine instantly. I shook my head slowly. "We don't expect that from you. Being the leader isn't easy, Rick, and we all know that. You've always done what you thought was right for the group and we've followed you through it all. The calls you've made in the past are in the past now. People die, Rick, that's always been a part of life."
"Dale, Beth, Carol, T-Dog-"
"They didn't die because of you." Or me, I urged myself. I paused and sighed. "This decision isn't an easy one. And we're not expecting you to do this alone, we'll support you. And I know that, personally, I'd follow whatever decision you ultimately make. Or any decision for that matter. Because I believe in you Rick. I trust you."
Rick's face lit up with a warming smile and the man reached forward to pull me into a tight embrace. Stunned for a moment, my response was delayed, though I returned the hug and noted that the leader's demeanour was relaxing more by the second. When Rick pulled away, he nodded once and quirked his lips up in another smile; thank you. I shrugged in reply and grinned as the defeated expression faded.
"Alright then." He nodded slowly. "What do you think we should do then? What is your opinion?" I took a moment before replying.
"I think we should stay and fight." I responded with a sigh. When Rick raised an eyebrow, I elaborated. "I've said all along that no matter where we run, the Governor will always follow. We need to make a stand, once and for all. Why risk the road when we have this place - which we've fought for, for so long. We can't just give up and run now, Rick." He thought my reply over before nodding.
"We lost Axel and Toby last time." He pointed out, evenly.
"He took us by surprise though." I quickly added. At this, Rick raised an eyebrow in question. "Sure, we had attempted to prepare for an attack, but we didn't really know what we were up against. Now we do and we can use that to our advantage." There was an odd twinkle in Rick's eyes and the man tilted his head with interest.
"Go on." He muttered.
"We can't forget the tactics that Merle helped us with - our positions, our strategies. We've got the armoury, not to mention all that riot gear that we've never really taken a look at. And we have the advantage of knowing this place better than he does." Rick's expression lit up dramatically and all of a sudden, a large grin appeared on his face. I was startled back by this sudden elated happiness, though couldn't ask Rick on it as the man turned quickly towards the prison.
"C'mon, I need to talk to the others." He urged, already jogging across the yard. I paused, confused by these mood swings of Rick's, before quickly following after him.
I hesitantly approached my cell, terrified as to what I might find in there. Just that day before I had said my goodbyes to this place and all but prepared to hand myself over willingly. A foolish idea. My 'last' conversation with Sophia had been one that I was most cautious of facing again and when Rick had informed me that the little girl had not left our cell all morning, my heart had dropped. I had done that to her.
When Rick and I had entered the cell block before, the group greeted me with no concern - they hadn't know that Daryl and I had truly been missing, apparently. Rick seemingly not wanting to scare anyone had only confided in Merle, Michonne and Andrea - an odd choice of trio. I attempted careless responses in return, though I struggled to keep my smile going at first. Almost immediately though, Daryl had bounded towards us and when Rick had left to 'round everyone up', Daryl had assured me that everything would be fine. Like I always did, I believed him.
"Ya want me to come with ya?" Daryl had asked when I told him I was going to go see Sophia. I shook my head with a grateful smile.
"I'll be fine." I told him, making to go. Before I did, I paused and quickly swept the cell block with my gaze before reaching up on my tip-toes and planting a lingering kiss on the hunter's stubbled cheek. His face instantly reddened upon contact and I smiled warmly when his head turned to me in confusion. "Thank you for coming to get me." Immediately Daryl shrugged, an attempt of indifference though his expression gave him away. Over his shoulder, I saw that the older Dixon brother had witnessed the whole thing - figures - and rolled my eyes when the man suddenly began to make his way over to us. "I'll leave you to deal with Merle." I muttered before escaping quickly without allowing Daryl to argue. I heard Merle's echoing sniggers as I made my way up onto the higher platform and had kept a lingering smile on my face until I neared my cell.
I paused before going inside and approached the doorway with equal caution. Inside, I found a tiny frame curled up on the bottom bunk, a heart-wrenching sight, and tiny hands ringing Eliza the rag doll furiously. I smiled faintly and gently knocked against the wall beside the door. At the sound, Sophia looked up.
"Knock knock." I murmured, meeting her gaze with a smile, her eyes were wide with shock. Almost immediately, I was barrelled into a bear hug around the middle and I couldn't help but laugh heartedly, battling the tears down.
"Where did you go?" Sophia cried into my shirt. "I thought you had left me. You promised you wouldn't leave me." I stroked her hair softly, placing a kiss on top of her head.
"I just went out for a little while, sweetheart." I murmured gently. "I will never leave you, Sophia." Never again. Sophia spoke no more words and I led the girl back to the bottom bunk and sat down, allowing her to curl up against me, Eliza discarded on the bed beside her. We remained silent and only Sophia's gentle shudders of breath as she sobbed into my shirt was heard.
Those sounds only confirmed my promise more. I would never leave her again. Not if I could help it.
Rick gathered everyone in the man communal area - with the exception of Michonne and Andrea, though the pair were connected through radio. Even Lori had left the confinements of the security room and was perched on the platform above with Herschel and the children supporting her. She had smiled encouragingly when her husband met her gaze and this seemed to fuel our leader's sudden inspiration even more so.
Briefly, he ran through the usual basics and informed the group that another meeting had been set up today - one that we had missed. Daryl met my gaze at this and I grimaced at my earlier actions, glad that the group was no wiser. After a long, hesitant pause, Rick took a deep breath and continued.
"This isn't the time to run." He announced, eyeing everyone carefully. "We've fought long and hard for this place, too much blood has been split. We can't forget that." Rick paused to eye me carefully, I nodded once as my own attempt of encouragement. "And we also can't forget the fact that running will not get rid of the threat. He will come back again. And again and again. Though who knows how long we'll last out on the road. It's not the same as last time." The soft murmur from Judith, who was curled in Maggie's arms, seemed to enforce this idea. Rick ran a loving gaze over his daughter before sighing. "That is my opinion, but the ultimate decision needs to be made as a group. I won't dictate this choice to you all. Not with so much to lose." His eyes scanned the listening faces, who took in his words thoughtfully. The silence drew on in the cell block for a long moment, everyone seemingly afraid of following on from Rick's words.
"If we fight him," Glenn began slowly. "What chance do we have of winning?" It was a genuine question that he posed on Rick and, judging by his darting gaze between the two, Merle. The older Dixon merely raised an eyebrow.
"We didn't fair so well last time." Maggie added, softly. Rick glanced at me briefly again before answering.
"They were at the advantage last time." He replied. "They took us by surprise." Maggie raised a careful eyebrow and Rick continued, eyeing the group again. "Last time, it was an all out battle. In that environment, Woodbury have the advantage as they have the numbers and the fire power. Plus they had the element of surprise. Now though," A pause. "Now, we have to use our advantage against them."
"And what is our advantage?" Sasha asked, quietly. Rick didn't respond verbally and merely raised his arms and swooped them in a wide gesture. I smiled vaguely at the confused faces as I caught onto Rick's meaning.
"The prison." I offered as a verbal reply. The group was silent for a moment as it mulled over this idea.
"How do we use it?" Tyreese asked, curious. An animated grin appeared on Rick's face.
"The Governor has brainwashed his people into believing that we are 'terrorists', that we pose a threat to them and all in Woodbury. They fear us." He paused and smiled again. "So, how about we rise to their expectations?" Now caught up with why Rick suddenly appeared animated, I was stunned by his words, as were many others. The group lapsed into silence again, though was immediately broken by the sound of a slow, dark chuckle from the older Dixon brother. Rick met his gaze and Merle smirked back, easily. I was surprised as instead of a scowl on Rick's face in return, our leader raised an eyebrow to the Dixon, as if encouraging him to speak up.
"We could lure them inside the prison." The older Dixon began. "They may be equipped out in the open, but it'll be another story in 'ere." Rick nodded, seemingly happy that Merle had caught on.
"We could turn off the power." Glenn voice piped up, surprisingly. Rick turned to the boy and appeared glad that more were catching on. "With the lights off it'll be easy for them to get lost."
"We could set off the alarms to panic 'em." Daryl muttered, earning an approving pat on his back from his brother.
"The tombs are full of walkers." Maggie added, rocking Judith gently. "It'll be pretty easy for them to leave the safe zone, if they don't know their way around this place."
Eyeing the group, I saw a sense of hope in their eyes. Hope that we might actually win this. A hope that had been lost long ago, when this war with Woodbury had begun. The group had lost belief that we would win this and it was always evident in their eyes. Now though, with this new turn of planning, the hope began to grow back behind their gazes. It was a reassuring sight. The discussion continued and more idea were thrown about. Rick's eyes darted delightfully amongst everyone, seemingly glad that people were starting to believe again. I met his gaze with a smile and certainly noted the contrast between the man before me now, compared to the man that stood defeated in the prison yard earlier. Rick grinned in return.
"We make this place seem deserted and cut the power out before they arrive inside." Rick nodded slowly.
"Would they not think we've just left?" Lori asked from above. Merle shook his head in answer to her question.
"He ain't gonna be lured by that option, 'specially when none of his men will 'ave seen us leave this place." He replied. "Even if he did, he'd still check this place out."
"They'll no doubt tear down the gates into the yard." Daryl noted, folding his arms and leaning back against the wall beside his brother. "They'll enter the prison through Cell Block C first."
"They'll search the prison for us." Maggie said. "It's much easier to find the tombs than it is to find this cell block, though. Walkers would pick a few off, but not all of them. You said it yourself that they've got the advantage in fire power, dispatching walkers will be easy for them."
"'Nd that's preciously when we make our move." Merle mused, thoughtfully, raising his gaze to the security room. "We could throw a couple of smoke grenades in, terrify the shit outta 'em. Set the alarms off then 'nd they'll no doubt scarper with their tails between their legs, regardless of the Gov's orders."
"You sure about that?" Sasha asked, cautiously. Merle smirked.
"They ain't military soldiers. Just 'cos the Gov gives 'em a gun, don't make 'em trained."
"Who are their best fighters?" Rick urged, eyeing the man. Merle thought a moment.
"Martinez probably. Or Shumpert or Crowley." He shrugged indifferently. "'Gain though, they ain't army trained." Merle paused though with a frown. "In all honesty, Officer, the Governor is probably the best in Woodbury, but don't look over that fact. That is certainly something we shouldn't be forgettin'." Rick nodded slowly in acknowledgment, his face thoughtful for a moment.
"Rick, I think I should bring another matter into your attention." Herschel called from above. Immediately, the attention was turned to the old farmer. "You have a wife that cannot be moved without assistance and a baby that you need to consider." Rick turned to his wife, who smiled weakly in return, before he nodded forcefully.
"Then we'll take them somewhere safe, Carl and Sophia too." The latter pair seemed like they wanted to argue, Carl especially though Daryl quickly cut in.
"What 'bout the armoury?" He suggested. "It's secure enough, can only be accessed with those tags that ya got, Rick." From above, Herschel straightened out.
"I can move all my medical supplies in there, as well as a suitable place for Lori to rest." He nodded, seemingly happy with this decision. "We could use a few mattresses from some of the cell bunks."
"We could move a lot of the food in there too." Tyreese added. Rick nods in agreement.
"We do that now then just incase-"
"Dad, Sophia and I want to help." Carl suddenly piped up. Rick sighed tiredly. "We know how to use guns, we can help you defend this place." Rick shook his head softly.
"I need you to stay with Herschel and help him look after Judith and Mom." He urged his son, though Carl's frown only deepened. From beside him, Lori's face seemed conflicted as she glanced between her son next to her and to where her daughter was sleeping below in Maggie's arms.
"But Dad-!"
"Rick, I don't think I'm comfortable with that." Lori suddenly cut in, turning to her husband. Rick frowned in confusion. "If this plan fails then I don't want the children to be in here, stuck with no way of escaping or at the hands of him." Rick shook his head once and seemed to want to respond though Lori quickly cut him off. "I can't be taken to safety and we've got to just come to terms with that, I'm just not able to move very far. For me, the armoury is the best option. But it's not the same for the children." A brief moment of silence fell over the group, though it was soon broken by the older man beside Lori.
"We could just move the children out of the prison altogether." Herschel suggested. "It doesn't have to be too far away, but far enough so they can run if necessary." Lori and Rick communicated silently for a moment before Rick nodded slowly with a sigh.
"We'll discuss that later." He muttered, apparently unhappy with this decision. "Herschel, during all this, I want you to remain in the armoury with Lori. So she's not alone. If that's alright?" Lori smiled softly at her husband and Herschel nodded.
"I will take care of her, Rick."
As Tyreese and Sasha went to inform Andrea and Michonne of the group's discussion, Herschel's medical supplies were quickly moved into the armoury and Maggie quickly retrieved a few mattresses from some bunks to supply as a makeshift bed for Lori inside, after handing Judith to me. Lori was moved inside instantly and settled to rest as the exertion of leaving the security had worn her out for the day.
As Glenn, Maggie and the children helped move everything, the Dixon brothers and myself remained down below with Rick as the men attempted to plan out where to place everyone in the prison. I watched on, rocking Judith gently in my arms. She was sleeping again and Maggie had informed me she'd recently been fed so should be fine for a little while. I kept her close to her father though, taking in the fond smile that Rick would send in her direction every now and again. The trio were discussing everyone's positions during this next move, raising everyone's strengths to the table. I opened my mouth to offer my presence elsewhere though Herschel approaching paused my thoughts.
"Rick," The man began slowly, getting the leader's attention. The trio of men turned to him at his call. "I'll interrupt your plannings only briefly and I'll go back to Lori." Rick nodded slowly, staring curiously at the man who was his guidance in everything. Herschel paused before exhaling deeply, eyeing the sleeping Judith in my arms. "You do know that even if we succeed in scaring off the Woodbury group this time, it will not scare them off the fight?" Rick nodded numbly after a moments hesitation.
"I know." He muttered with a sigh. "But it's the best I've got right now. Like I said, we haven't got the numbers or the fire power to defend this prison properly. We'll just have to figure out the next step when we get to it." Herschel studied the leader thoughtfully for a moment, glancing over his shoulder briefly up at the security room before sighing tiredly, his age suddenly showing prominantly.
"At the moment, we can live with scaring these people." The old man nodded. "But when the times comes and Lori is healthy enough to be moved, you have to consider the other option, Rick." Without anything else left to say, Herschel turned and left us to head back to those above.
As Herschel retreated, I eyed the leader carefully and urged for the look of defeat not to rise again. Instead though, Rick remained thoughtful and stared after the old farmer as he made his way back up to the security room. I glanced around and met Daryl's gaze with raised an eyebrow. Daryl shrugged once and beside him, Merle scoffed.
"Ain't he just one big ball of optimism." As if broken by this spell, Rick turned away from the retreating farmer and turned back to the task a hand, a determind expression now on his face.
The planning continued.
(Author's Note): Gosh, it's me again! Did you all forget about me? Gah, I do have a reason this time though - my laptop has been on the mend for a month and I only just recently got it back. Plus I did take some time to attempt to gather some ideas for this story and I've planned further ahead. This latest update isn't my best, I know that, but I just wanted to get something out after making you guys wait for so long. Plus, it's more of a neccessary filler as I felt the next chapter needed to be cut away from this one. It's super short, especially compared to the previous ones, but I'll make up for that in the future, I promise!
Is the planning starting to look familar? Hopefully it is! :) A quick note - Shumpert and Crowley are actually members from Woodbury. Shumpert is the man who drove away with the Governor and Martinez at the series final and Crowley was killed by Merle when the Governor sent them to go after Michonne. Obviously though, that didn't happen so Crowley is spared. Just a random note, I thought I'd add! :)
Also, I just thought I'd highlight a few changes in my story compared to the series, changes that I'm surprised no one has called me on yet. One - Herschel still has two legs. Two - The Governor has both eyes and isn't supporting an eyepatch. It seems I'm being TOO nice to the characters in my story. Not to mention that Lori is still in the land of the living. I really am being nice! :) There is some ideas to come though, be warned... What do you guys think of these changes so far?
A huge thanks to WinchesterSalvatoreLover who created another couple of banners for this story! Thanks to all who have made fanwork for Loginquitas, you'll find all the links on my profile and I urge you all to take a look! :)
Really big apologises for the long wait and thank you to all those who are sticking with this story - I know that I can be a pain! But I will never give up! I assure you :) Thank you for all the reviews, I really appreciate them. Please tell me what you think of this latest update. I should have an update up soon, though don't quote me on that! :)