Thread: Student of Dune (DarkAngel & Sync)

Arrakis... Dune... wasteland of the Empire, and the most valuable planet in the universe. Because it is hereand only herewhere spice is found. The spice. Without it there is no commerce in the Empire, there is no civilization. Arrakis... Dune... home of the spice, greatest treasure in the universe. And he who controls it, controls our destiny. And it is here where yet another chapter begins, but it is hardly where the saga ends. For the Golden Path of Leto IIGhanima Atreides beloved twin brotherhas only just begun to be forged as his body slowly merges in a way no one else's ever could with the great Shai-Hulud... the great sandworms of Dune... You shouldn't be sitting so close to the open balcony, came a stern, yet gentle voice. Immediately, there was a faint sound of laughter, a tiny stifled giggle as Helene Atreides turned her head to gaze upon the smiling face of her mother, second born twin to the legendary Paul Muad'Dib Atreides. It wasn't often that she spent moments like this with the woman. But oh how she cherished them. During her younger years, she spent much of her time with Princess Irulan only she'd been sent away. Bitterness and anger lingered in those memories and she even refused to visit the gardens she once loved as a child. But she understood why the princess needed to leave. Why she'd had to go. Helene's thoughts flitted to Trebor and immediately Ghanima's eyes softened, knowing that her daughter was thinking about her oldest brother. The girl hadn't seen him in several years. She'd no doubt the separation had to be difficult. Her own heart lurched as she thought on her beloved Leto, while he roamed the desertproud, feared, desert creature. For years they remained separated, only meeting at night when all was hushed and silent over the deserts of Arakkis. Their time was always short and had grown shorter with every passing day. Golden red tresses fell languidly along slender shoulders as Helene locked eyes with Ghanima. The moment her mother returned the eye contact, she could almost sense her fear, the unease. Something was wrong. She could tell. And it had nothing to do with her sitting too close to the balcony's edge. Yes, I know, mother. But I couldn't help it. The sunrises over Dune are so beautiful, Helene giggled again, her blue-in-blue eyes almost glowing. Ghanima sighed through a smile, a hand reaching up to rake through her thick waves of mousy brown. I know you have your indulgences, Helene. But the attacks on this Keep have grown steadily worse since your nineteenth birthday and there have been discussions about what to do in regards to safety. Helene slid down off the balcony, her bare feet lightly striking the stone floor beneath her. Her filmy white gown flowed as a breeze suddenly blew through the open window. I know, she began. Ghani's lips turned up into a small smile. I've overheard you and father making plans. Ghani laughed and stepped closer to her daughter. She reached out a hand and gently touched Helene's face. Of course you did, she said. It amazed her how much Helene reminded her of Leto at times. Then you also know that Farad'n and I have been in touch with the Fremen in the deepest parts of the desert. It wasn't a question, but a test. Helene looked into her mother's equally blue eyes and tilted her head, golden red tendrils shifting with her movements. She reached up a hand and tapped her lip and shook her head. No, I was not. So, the untouched desert then? she asked, pausing a moment as she dropped her hand back to her side. The desert is slowly receding... her expression distant and her thoughts turning to her uncle. Ah Uncle Leto... Helene wished she knew the man better. Before all the 'changes'... Helene recalled as a young child how her mother and uncle would meet in the evenings at nearly every sunset. He would look so sad and so tired, his body ever changing. Each meeting would leave her mother distraught and in pain. She could see that she wanted to do something. Anything. But she was bound and trapped by a future she did not yet quite understand at the time. Her father would often try to comfort her, something she could see she appreciated and even loved about him. Yes... Helene knew the history, the arrangement. And she didn't need historians to remind her either. Now their meetings happened under the cover of total darkness. There were no more tears...at least none that were visible. But the pain. Helene was certain that would never fade. Not ever. Suddenly, Helene bit down on her lip and blinked her eyes several times before giving Ghanima a smile. Ghani just nodded. She was used to her daughter's occasional peculiar manner. It only endeared her all the more. Though she'd never let on. Not when she had to let her go. Yes. Arrangements have already been made. Helene scowled. Her pale cheeks turned a deep shade of scarlet. The last attack was believed to be a coordinated attack by more than just the Spacing Guild, Helene, Ghani continued, her voice a bit more stern than before. The concern she had was clear. More is at work here. Much more. She bowed her head slightly. We have many enemies, I'm afraid. Helene nodded in understanding, her hands moving to rub at her bare arms. The other noble houses? Ghani nodded causing Helene to sigh. There was still more her mother wasn't telling her. Come now, we must get you prepared for the arrival of our guests. Guests? Helene almost squeaked. Ghanima laughed. Why yes. You didn't think we'd delay in your safety, did you? Helene's eyes flashed and narrowed. I... I suppose not, she said as she winced, though her mother's smile just grew.