Thread: Student of Dune (DarkAngel & Sync)

A slight flutter caused her body to feel warm, though it was hardly from the heat. Helene hadn't expected it, but she felt that Fremen pride she'd often times heard her mother whisper in her father's ear. She knew it made her father sad at times to be belittled when she knew in her heart that the Corrino prince didn't deserve it. But she was sure that her mother didn't say such things to be cruel. Not really. Ghanima had been taught the Fremen way, as had her uncle. Though Irulan had tried to have her hand in keeping both of them sheltered from such culturetheir heritage and the way of life that made Arrakis thrive as not only the center of commerce, but a place rich in something no off-worlder could understand until they stood upon the sands of Dune. She supposed it was the one way her mother held on to who she was, kept her mind focused and controlled. Truly her father must love the woman if he was able to bite his tongue and endure all these years. She hoped one day they'd find peace, that true love she knew her mother yearned to find. Irulan had tainted all that was Corrino as had her sister, her grandmother...Wensicia. There were times she didn't know which was worseto be Atreides or Corrino. She had no love for either name and wasn't sure if she could ever accept what it meant to have the blood of both houses running in her veins. But she trusted her parents, loved them dearly and desperately. And she loved her brothers and sisters. For them, she'd carry on, follow whatever path was before her. For them, she'd survive. Helene felt her face flush slightly as Talgar moved to adjust her stillsuit. Her thoughts settled on the dreams that had plagued her night after night for years on end. She closed her eyes and just concentrated on his voice as he made sure everything was in place. It was the right thing to do. He wasn't cursed. He had no dreams haunting his mind. The only thing he saw when he looked upon her was hatred for change. Thank you, Helene whispered when Talgar finished. She'd memorized the way his hands had felt, as they'd put everything into place. Her eyes opened and she took note of what he'd done, putting that to memory along with his touch. She then put on the cloak she'd been given by the Fremen who'd known her mother, her hands tugging at her hood and pulling it up over her head. It feels good, she added in response, her cheeks still hot. Comfortable and... her voice trailed, thoughts running wild as words suddenly eluded her. She blinked several times, forcing a sense of calm to wash over her. They needed to move. Others were still out there. It fits perfectly. At that, Helene placed the mouth flap over her face and nothing but her eyes peered out upon the one man she knew, yet did not. She looked directly into Talgar's eyes. If only he knew of her dreams...but that would only make him detest her more. Averting her eyes, she took a step back. I saw the other 'thopter, Helene spoke, not wanting Talgar to think she wasn't aware of their situation. I am sorry for the danger I've placed us in, for the danger I've placed you in. Ghani pulled back from Leto's embrace and looked into her brother's eyes. Just what was it that he knew? She couldn't dare ask, though she desperately wanted to. Times had changed and things no longer were as they'd been when they'd been children. Back then, they could tell each other anything without fear of the other running...but now? Now, Ghani knew better. She knew exactly what Leto was capable of. He'd grown into a man surpassing that even of the great Mahdi. He was the God-Emperor. He saw things, knew things. And he wasn't going to tell her. He wasn't going to explain. Ghani sniffled, tears rolling down her pale cheeks, as she looked at her brother, so desperate for answers. I will, she promised, though she still was uncertain as to how she'd keep it. For years she'd tried to love Farad'n, but it was hard to love someone who came from such hate. His own mother had caused so much sorrow and hardship for them all and then there had been Irulan. Her blood ran cold as she thought of the Corrino princess who'd dared try and seduce her beloved Trebor. She'd been right to send the bitch away and she was proud of her son for seeing through such schemes. How could anyone expect her to love a Corrino? To feel true passion for anyone from such a house that caused nothing but heartache for her family? It was insane! For you, dear brother...I will try, Ghani said, her voice a bit stronger, though her heart faltered. She thought on Helene, her precious daughter gone from her sight. How could this be unless she was dead, but she wasn't ready to accept that fate. Not yet, not so soon. For several moments she wept against Leto's shoulder before pulling away again. She wiped at her eyes, damp and bright. She gave Leto a nod. Only for you, will I go to him. Ghani stood up, her eyes fixed upon Leto's. She knew he'd seek refuge back in desert once morehis home, his sanctuary. And, as promised, she would go find Farad'n.