IN WHICH - The last thing that Hope Mikaelson expected when she came out of Malivore was to still be alive, the second last thing she expected was to be disowned by most of her living family, and the final last thing she expected was some ancient be...
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THIRD PERSON POV
CHAPTER 23
The house had been cleared of supplies, with enough room now for everyone to gather, a rare moment of calm in a world that had grown increasingly uncertain. The group was gathered, listening attentively as Hershel Greene, standing with his hands folded before him, prepared to speak.
The table was full of food that Carol, Lori, Andrea, Beth, and Patricia had spent the day working on.
The months of scavenging and scouring the local towns that Hope and Merle had spent had proved beneficial, with plenty of food, supplies, and items to last them years if they used it appropriately.
Hershel cleared his throat, his voice steady but filled with the wisdom of someone who had weathered more than his share of storms, both in the world outside and within.
"You've been on this farm for nearly four months now, those that were originally in Rick's group," Hershel began, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, taking in the faces of the group that had become his extended family. "And I admit, I should've brought you all into the house much sooner. I could've done more to make sure you were comfortable, safer. But I am thankful. Thankful that we've made it this far, that we've found this sanctuary, and that, despite everything, we're still here."
The murmurs from the group were hushed, the weight of Hershel's words settling on them as they stood or sat around, his presence commanding their attention.
"I'm glad to have all of you with me, my family included, and to have Hope and Rick among us," he continued, giving a nod in their direction. "I know you two have shouldered much of the burden for this group, and I am proud of the leadership you've both shown. You've done things that many would have thought impossible, and you've kept us together through some of the hardest trials."
A few soft nods of agreement came from the crowd, and Hope glanced over at Rick, her expression unreadable but her eyes softened by his constant resolve. She knew the weight of leadership he carried, and she shared it with him in her own way.
Rick stood then, moving forward to take Hershel's place. His voice was measured, stronger than usual, as he addressed the group with that commanding presence they had all come to respect.
"Thank you, Hershel," Rick said, giving a brief, appreciative nod. "And I want to echo what Hershel's said. It's not easy, this life we're leading. But we've made it here together, and that counts for something."
The group's attention sharpened, the weight of his next words drawing them all in.
"I'm also here to give you an update on the kid in the barn," Rick continued, his tone serious. "He's had two full months to heal. His injuries have been treated, and though it's taken time, he's strong enough now to walk again. Shane and I will be going to release him tomorrow, at an undisclosed location. It's what we promised we'd do for him—give him a chance to leave this place behind."
