Thread: Daughter Of Dune (Ursus Peregrinus & darkangel76)

The day had been long, though Hersilia was glad that she'd gotten to spend a fair amount of the afternoon with both her mother and her father, her mother most especially. All too often, she'd heard whispers from any one of the servants who accompanied her and the woman she knew to be much like another mother, the very words her father had spoken the moment his eyes had rested upon her earlier that daythat she so very much resembled her mother, Ghanima Atreides. It made her blush to know she bore her mother's face, as she'd always found her to be exquisitely beautiful. Whether is was the bias of a child or something more, she couldn't say and wouldn't, but it didn't change the fact that it made her flutter a little inside each time she heard the compliment. As the day drew on, Hersilia found herself wondering when the other guests would be arriving. Irulan had mentioned that others would be coming and more than once both Ghanima and Farad'n had given themselves away that they were waiting for others to arrive. Biting down on her lip, she let a hand smooth over her silvery gown, the slit falling slightly to reveal the milky flesh of her leg ever so slightly. A tiny sigh rolled from her mouth and she tilted her head, her expression going distant as her mind began to wander. Golden red braids fell over her shoulder and she turned to look at her mother sitting next to her. Mother, they'll be coming soon, Hersilia said calmly, a tone of acceptance in her soft voice. Ghanima nodded and sighed. Yes, she answered, a hand reaching out to gently touch her daughter's arm. Hersilia relaxed into the touch, her muscles loosening as she let her posture slump just a bit. As her eyes locked with those of her mother's she nodded. It will be my first time into the desert. I fear it, mother. A tiny chuckle escaped Ghanima just then, Fear is the mind killer, sweet one, she stated. Just remember you are Atreides. My daughter and your uncle's niece. You will be able to face your fear... Her voice trailed slightly as her eyes began to water. At that, Hersilia removed her small, delicate hand from her lap and extended her index finger. Carefully, gently, she touched the salty liquid that formed around her mother's eyes. As her face softened, she brought her finger to her mouth and let the teardrop fall upon her tongue. It was a gesture she knew would bring her great comfort during this time of worry and apprehension, this time where she found herself more afraid than she'd ever felt before. It made her wonder about her uncle who'd spent many years just running about the desert, the earliest years of his transformation... such a dangerous path, yet one he'd faced and embraced and, now, he ruled the entirety of the Empire. Was she ready to face an inevitable fate much like her uncle? No, not like her uncle... but a terrifying fate nonetheless... Hersilia knew she had no choice. She was trapped by all that surrounded her, the attacks, her bloodlines. Everything. It was a curse as much as it was a blessing. Ghanima smiled at Hersilia, a tiny bubble of laughter erupting from her, which helped to ease the ever-growing tension. You'll do well, Lia. Farad'n and I have no doubt that you'll be safe and fare as well as any native born. After all, Dune flows through you. This is your home. In your heart, you are a desert creature much like your... Grandmother, Hersilia spoke, her words coming at the same time as her mother said the word. Her lips quirked upward into a smile and she nodded, swallowing hard as she sucked in a sharp breath and slowly let it out. Right then, she mumbled. I will face my fears. There's a good girl, Ghanima stated proudly. Suddenly, there was a clicking soundIrulancausing both Ghanima and Hersilia to look up. Irulan looked over at both Atreides, her skin flushed as she stared at the two who nearly mirrored each other. She raised a hand to fidget with her mousy hair, her eyes shifting back and forth between the two. You should both get ready to greet our guests. The sun is setting. It won't be long now, she said, her voice strained. Forever poised, the Corrino princess nodded and then turned on her heels, exiting the room in which Ghanima and Hersilia were conversing.