Thread: Daughter Of Dune (Ursus Peregrinus & darkangel76)

Hersilia could feel her heart pounding as she followed her mother through the corridor that would lead her to a future she feared. She knew it would be fraught with dangers, tests, people she didn't know... people who frightened her in ways she couldn't begin to explain. It was odd feeling that way and she knew it. After all, her grandmother had come from the desertborn and raised. And her mother had been born in the desert as well along with her uncle, her mother's beloved twin, the now Emperor. For a moment, Hersilia's thoughts drifted and she imagined what it must be like to live such a lifeone so secluded and apart from the hustle and bustle of Arakeen. A shiver ran along her spine just then, her blue eyes blinking as she thought on all the bits and pieces she'd learned about her grandmother's people. Irulan didn't speak much of the Fremen, her efforts concentrating on teaching the young Atreides girl the Weirding Way, much like Lady Jessica had done for Muad'dib before their deaths. All too quickly, the corridor was getting shorter and Hersilia found herself getting closer to the greeting area. Swallowing hard, she recalled one of her dreams. It was one that had made her skin break out into a cold sweatstrange given the heat of Arrakis. At one time, the water produced by a body would've been considered a cherished gift and, to some, it still was. But those numbers were dwindling and it was because of her own family's legacy, the one started by her grandfather, the Mahdi. Was that what her uncle had meant? Hersilia shook her head. Uncle Leto's affairs were his own, not hers. She had her own future, her own destiny, her own... path... ahead of her now. Suddenly, Ghanima turned to glance behind herself, her eyes all but glowing as she looked upon her daughter. They'll be here momentarily, Lia, Ghani stated. Hersilia nodded and slowly entered the large room, her breaths coming faster as she found her nerves growing raw. Out of the corner of her eyes she could see Irulan watching both she and her mother as they walked toward her father who smiled broadly at them both, his face showing both a relief and eagerness as the sight of them. No doubt he wanted this visit with their soon-to-be arriving guests to go over well and for her to be safe. Ghanima placed a gentle hand upon her shoulder for a moment before pulling back and taking her place by Farad'n's side. Just as Hersilia thought she wouldn't be able to take much more, the silence was broken, the tension cut. A gruff looking Fremen entered the room, his stride unfaltering as he made his way over toward his mother. Not once did he look away from the woman until he bowed before her. He spoke of a guardian, her guardian, his words curt and to the point. She looked at her mother who smiled and nodded and then over at Irulan whose face looked pained as she remained silent, her muscles tensing and relaxing over and over again as if she were trying to hide her emotions. Clearly her second mother was going through a difficult time. Irulan had to bite her tongue as she watched their Fremen guest speak. His insult hadn't gone unnoticed by her, though she knew it had by her nephew. The man had been swayed by the Atreides beauty he was bound to, his loyalties lying elsewhere other than to his own blood. Forever exiled, forever shunned, a noble house shattered and destroyed. One day she hoped that House Corrino would shine again as was her sister's hope though her methods of achievement were a bit outlandish. Thank you, friend, Ghanima stated, her lips curling into a kind smile. I humbly thank you for this favor. The risks involved are quite great, though what you will be doing for us all... her words trailed off as her voice softened to an almost whisper. Hersilia bit down on her lower lip as her blue eyes shifted back and forth between Ghanima and the Fremen. She wondered when she'd be meeting her guardian, what sort of man he would be. Daring to be bold, she took a few steps forward and bowed. And, like my mother, I thank you, friend. For I am the one to be guarded and taught. She looked up and into his eyes, her hand moving to play with one of her golden red braids. I look forward to meeting the one you've chosen to help us.