Thread: Daughter Of Dune (Ursus Peregrinus & darkangel76)

With reddened cheeks, Hersilia was glad when she suddenly found herself coming to an ever-welcomed halt. The sun was vicious in both its heat and its brightness and the pack she wore was only becoming heavier with each step she took. The last thing she wanted was to stumble and fall. More than anything, she feared if her body struck the sand, she'd have an even harder time getting up not to mention she'd have an even harder time looking Marid in the face the moment she was able to stand once again. For some reason, she wanted to show this Fremen she had it within herself that she could be taught. Perhaps it had to do with her bloodline. After all, being the granddaughter to Muad'dib, the great Mahdi and legend of Arrakis, daughter to the pre-born Empress Ghanima Atreides... Her blood sung to her, almost demanding to her that she prove her worth. She owed it to them all, to her grandmother who'd died bringing her beloved mother and uncle into the world. Swallowing hard, Hersilia gave up her pack and followed Marid's directions. Before long, she was crawling inside the stilltent he'd erected, a small smile playing on her lips at the thought of actually resting, of sleep. Her body was so very tired, unused to moving through sand and heat. As she waited for her protector to join her, she shifted to sit in semi-kneeling position. Just then, he handed her each pack. She recognized her own and his... it was... lighter. Much lighter. She arched a brow as she set both packs aside and then bit down on her lip. No doubt the Fremen had given her the heavier load on purpose. Was he testing her? Perhaps it was one of many tests she should come to expect now that she was in the desert. Life would be harder now, different than it had been under Irulan's care. Irulan. Hersilia wondered what her 'second mother' was up to at that very moment as she pondered the weights of the packs. Her last interactions with the woman had been strange to say the least. Then again, it was the second time she'd had anyone who was like a child to her taken away. It always seemed like destiny or the Fremen were intervening. Funny how closely the two intertwined where the Atreides family was concerned. Biting down on her lower lip, Hersilia watched Marid as he took off his cloak and situated himself. She took in his features, her blue eyes averting for a moment before returning to his face. My suit fits well, she said softly as she removed her gloves followed by her cloak. I commend and praise the person who made this for me. They truly did a remarkable job of it. She smiled as she shifted a little. Hersilia looked at the coffee she held along with the salt pills. She brought the drink to her lips and took a small sip, not wanting to drink the contents too quickly. Instead, she savored both the drink for what it was along with the coolness and the wetness that it provided her body. After taking a few restrained sips, she placed one of the pills in her mouth. She had to fight the wince that longed to take over her facial expressions. So, she cleared her throat softly and tried to think on her uncle, Leto. He loved the desert and had ever since he was a small child. Now he was practically becoming a part of it and it a part of him as it changed and receded, the two becoming one. Leaning down on her side though not yet closing her eyes, Hersilia set down the container that had held her coffee. So, we're taking the longer route to Broken Cliffs? she stated more than asked, her eyes fixed upon Marid. Did you grow up there? she then asked him, her body nestling itself upon the ground, her eyes growing heavy as fatigue and weariness started to take over and consume. Hersilia opened her mouth to speak again, but she was unsure if more words came. As soon as she tried to speak, the blackness of sleep came and with it... so did the dreams...