Thread: Daughter Of Dune (Ursus Peregrinus & darkangel76)

Hersilia tried to keep her blue eyes open as she heard her new guardian begin to speak. Words did not seem to be his forte and more than anything, she wished to know what was on his mind, the sort of thoughts that ran through his head. But she could sense he wasn't the sort for idle prattle. That words only came when he truly had something of worth to say. Honestly, she had to admire the quality in Marid. Far too many did indeed ramble on about nothing of worth, expending time and energy in useless and wasteful ways. She supposed his picking and choosing said something about his character, though time would reveal all in the end. 'Funny,' Hersilia thought to herself. Here, more than likely, she was the one being tested by this Fremen, yet in her own way she was testing him. As her eyes grew heavier, sleep becoming more and more imminent, she couldn't help but smile just a little as the thought made its way into her mind. Unfortunately, Hersilia didn't hear much of whatever it was Marid was telling her about his life, his past. Try as she might, sleep wanted to take its hold. Unable to resist it, she gave up the fight, succumbing to the fatigue of body, mind and soul and allowed herself to fall into deep slumber until darkness fell once more over the sands of Dune. In the shadows a face looked down upon her. It smiled wickedly, a vicious glint in her eyes as they flashed. Hersilia tried to make out her features, but it was impossible. She was too quick as she bolted around the corner, clearly able to manipulate space and time. Frustrated, she tried in vain to follow the shadowed woman, but she heard her mother's voice, which caused her to halt mid-stride... Lia... Lia... don't be afraid, Lia. You are Atreides. Your blood is strong... your uncle and I are with you, Lia... Hersilia glanced about the void, a coldness washing about her, engulfing her as the air suddenly went still. Uncle Leto? she tried to shout out, but her words were lost. In the distance, she saw the great sandworms crying out as if in pain or anger, she couldn't be sure. But the sounds were loud and terrifying, causing her blue eyes to go wide as she cowered and covered her ears. Just then, the coldness began to ebb, slowly being replaced by heat... intense heat. Heart thumping loudly, Hersilia looked up into the bright sky overhead, the treacherous heat of day bearing down on her in relentless mercy. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of a silhouetted figure. Turning to see who he was, he was gone. Come back! she cried. Don't leave! Again, her words were lost, unheard by anyone and everyone. Tears streamed down Hersilia's cheeks, salty rivulets that no one cherished or would ever cherish... would they? She reached up and dabbed her finger against the watery stream upon her face, her heart sinking at the thought. Follow your path, Lia... It was her mother again. He will lead you to it. Swallowing hard, fear in heart, Hersilia suddenly saw the oncoming storm in the distance. The great sandworm cried out, ready to face its fate, no fear... the one thing that did not fear the sand storms of Arrakis. Shivering, breaths coming quickly, she let out a shrill cry. Sitting upright and gasping for breath, Hersilia felt her heart racing beneath her breasts. She looked about herself trying to gain her bearings as the dreams she'd just had slipped away from her mind, the images so real, so vivid. Rubbing at her eyes, she tried to hide the fact that she was trembling, knowing that the fear would pass after a few moments. This wasn't the first time she'd had these dreams, but now, here in the desert of Arrakis as she stayed under Marid's protection... she had to admit that having such dreams was disconcerting. Though what it all meant? She wasn't sure. At least, not yet. Hersilia took a deep breath and noticed her food had been sitting out untouched. Biting down on her lip, she reached for it, slowly nibbling on it as she tried to clear her mind and relax her body as well as her nerves.