(Picture above is what I imagine Gin would look like)
Yawning, I stretched out my arms, my muscles still tired with sleep. I pulled back the thin sheet flaps at the entrance of the tent and bent down, making my way out. I was instantly greeted by some of the others in the group. "Good Morning Gin! It's good to see you up and rested, you slept for quite a while." Carol chuckled while carrying a basket full of laundry.
"Oh- What time is it??" I asked, surprised that I even slept long.
Carol hummed in thought for a minute. "Probably around noon time I would assume. She laughed at my shocked expression before adding, "I was just about to wash some clothes, would you like to join me?"
I nodded eagerly. "Anything to earn my keep here."
She motioned for me to follow her. "This way, there's a creek not too far off from here, might want to bring your weapon with you too."
Carol picked up a small pistol from the main picnic table and slid it into a holster resting on her hip. I followed suit and grabbed my bow along with the quiver, slinging both over my shoulder.
It was just as sunny as it had been the day Daryl brought me to the camp, the forest just as beautiful as ever. For some reason, being with another person had set me at ease, I was actually enjoying the day which was a first. Normally I just looked at the world in fear or disgust, but this morning I had a bright smile on my face and was relishing the sights and sounds of the birds above us. Carol stopped and placed the basket down on the leaf covered ground and started pulling some clothes out. I looked up to see that it was the same creek that Daryl had found me at the day before, apparently not too far off from the camp. Carol took a seat on one of the bigger rocks next to the creek and started to scrub the soiled clothes with a small bar of soap. I took a seat next to her on a slightly smaller rock and copied her actions. We chatted about random things, y'know like, usual small talk conversations. She told me about her daughter Sophia, who they had lost recently and were still searching for. She got a bit teary eyed and I offered her comfort and asked her questions about her daughter such as her favorite things, funny memories. This seemed to help bring a smile to her face as she laughed at the happy memories she shared with me. I rested a hand on her shoulder and gave her a reassuring look. "I'll help in the search for your daughter, it's the least I can do."
She gave me a sad smile but also a grateful one. "Thank you Gin."
I just gave her a small pat on the shoulder and helped her fold up the rest of the now clean laundry. "We should get bac-" I stopped as a loud crack could be heard from behind us. Carol started to get up too, her hand drifting to her gun on her hip. I quickly grabbed my bow and notched an arrow, in perfect time too because a walker was making its way towards us. One of his arms was completely chewed off and his left eye was oozing lord only knows what. "Disgusting." I mumble before sending the arrow straight into the middle of his forehead.
Carol sighs in relief and I pick up the basket with the clean clothes off of the forest floor.
"Thanks for that, I'm still not the best shot, I guess it was a good thing to bring you along. Normally I would ask Daryl to come out with me but he's out on a run at the moment."
Carol steadies herself against a slim oak tree, closing her eyes for a brief second.
I offer her my hand and she takes it, allowing me to help lead her back to camp.
"Just glad I was able to help."
We made it back to the camp, setting the basket down onto the picnic table and informed the others to come grab their clothes. As the others grab their newly washed clothes I spot Daryl sitting at the front of the tent I slept in last night, whittling away at some sticks. I hesitate for a moment but decide to go over and sit next to him, watching him work. "Thanks for yesterday, for bringing me here, and I'm sorry for trying to y'know...kill you." I gave him a half hearted laugh.
He looked up from his work for a second but then averted his gaze back to it. "Was nothin'." He grumbled.
An amused smile crossed my face. "Not much for words are you?" I giggled.
He looked back up at me, glaring. "Oh shut it." He snapped.
This only caused me to laugh more to which he responded by getting up and leaving.
"Aww come on I was only joking Daryl." I groaned.
He didn't look back and just continued off elsewhere.
"Jeez, what's his issue?" I grumbled aloud.
"Oh Daryl? He's always like that, kind of standoffish and antisocial I guess you could say."
I looked up from where I was sitting to see a boy about the age of twelve standing next to me. He had longish brown hair and many freckles, he also, to my surprise, carried a gun at his hip as well. I suppose it was necessary for even kids now to be armed. Man the world really has gone to shit. "I'm Carl." He says shyly.
I smile and pick myself up off of the ground. "Hey there Carl, nice to meet you kid." I give him a warm smile.
Just as I'm about to say something else, Rick walks over to us and puts an arm on Carl's shoulder before looking over at me. "I talked to the guy in charge, his name is Hershel and he asked to talk with you." He explains gruffly.
"Oh ok- I suppose I'll go see him now then."
He nods his head in the direction of the farm house. "He's in the foyer, better head over soon."
"Ok thanks, bye Carl!" I give Carl a friendly wave before heading off in the direction of the small farm house.
I suppose Carl is probably his son, judging by the way he seemed so protective of him. This intrigued me, especially to see that a kid so young had survived for so long. I smiled to myself, this gave me a little hope for the future.
I pulled open the mesh screen door that led to the foyer of the house. The foyer was decorated sparsely with a few worn out couches and love seats along with a decent sized fireplace, giving it a homey look to it. While surveying the room I noticed that an old man with stark white hair was sitting in one of these seats, book in hand. I coughed to get his attention and he looked up from what he was reading to get a good look at me. "I'm assuming you're Hershel? Rick said that you wanted to see me." I explained politely.
He nodded, "Just wanted to go over some rules with you since you're now on my property."
He picks himself up from his seat and plops the book down on a coffee table situated in the middle of the room. "You seem like a fine person from what I can tell but there's rules on this farm that you must follow and respect if you want to stay here."
Hershel continued, "The barn is off limits, don't go near it or try to open it. As for weapons, I'd prefer you leave your guns at your camp but seeing as you're handy with a bow that shouldn't be much of a problem for you."
I nod, my arms crossed casually across my chest as I leaned against the pale brown wall. "Sounds fair enough, is that all? Any chores I can help out with around here?"
He smiles gently at me, book still in hand. "No, just keep with your people and stay out of trouble, that's all I ask."
I push myself off from the wall I was leaning on and reach out my hand towards Hershel for him to shake. "Will do sir, thank you for having me, was nice meeting you."
He seems slightly taken aback but recovers quickly, grasping my hand in his for a quick handshake. With that I take my leave and make my way back to the new group.
To my surprise several of the group members are huddled around the hood of a blue pickup truck, deep in conversation. I approach them coolly, my hands in my jean pockets. I peeked over Rick's shoulder which was quite the feat since he was much taller than me. The most I could make out was a small part of what appeared to be a map.
"Hey! Stop snoopin'!"
I jumped a bit and looked over to see that Daryl was also over here as well. Having been alerted by Daryl, Rick turned around and looked down at me surprised and raised an eyebrow. I backed up from the small group and give them a sheepish smile. "Sorry, I was just curious about what you guys were doing, looks important."
Rick sighs, "This is a private matter, we still don't know you well enough."
He crosses his arms. I give him a confused look and steal another glance at the map which had a few things written on it in red marker, one which read "Possible location of Sophia??" My eyes widened at the sight of it. "I want to help, please." I slightly begged, I needed to do this for Carol. Rick shook his head slightly and was about to say something else before I cut him off. "Please, I promised Carol I'd help look for her daughter, that's what you guys are doing, right?"
I stared him down stubbornly, not willing to budge. Rick sighed again and rubbed his temple while having his face pointing down towards the ground before looking back up at me. "Fine, you'll go with Daryl. Everyone else, you know what to do, let's move out!"
I looked over at Daryl, who gave me a glare and rolled his eyes, beginning to walk off without me.
I groaned. "Hey!" I called out, running after him.
I finally caught up with him and tried to matched his fast pace. "You better not slow me down." He grumbled.
I roll my eyes and scoff. "Yeah ok bud, pretty sure I could beat your ass if I really wanted to."
He just grunts in what seems like slight amusement and picks up his pace, eventually disappearing into the woods.
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Hey guys, sorry for the long wait, finally updated after procrastinating for so long. I know the end seems kind of rushed but the next update will hopefully be better.
See you guys in the next part. <3
~Vee<3