Thread: Daughter Of Dune (Ursus Peregrinus & darkangel76)

Irulan's eyes narrowed slightly as she watched the Fremen take Hersilia's hand in his own. All too soon, he'd be leading the young Atreides girl deep into the desert, deep into the treacherous sands of planet slowly undergoing great and terrible changes. For a moment, her thoughts drifted to the great worms. In that instant, Ghanima's eerie blue eyes shifted her way, locking directly to her own. A shiver ran along her spine just then and she forced a smile to play upon her lips. It was strained, just as all her muscles were straining as she watched this show before her between the desert people and the Atreides royals. Hersilia smiled and bowed before leaving her family for yet another extended period of time. Though, for some reason she knew that the next time she saw any of them, great changes would occur for them all. It was a peculiar feeling, a sense of dread and awe, one that left her feeling uneasy. But this was as her mother wished things, as it was meant to be. Her future was set and she had her part to play due to her station as the Empress' daughter. Looking up at the Fremen who led her away, she gave him a warm smile and nod as she accepted the gift of the crysknife. Something her mother had told her about when she was a small childone story she'd not forgotten since she cherished every memory and moment with her parents. She then held up the suit that had been hand made just for her. Once Hersilia had managed to change, she looked up at the Fremen who'd be taking her to the one that would be guarding her for a time. As they made their way to where he would be waiting, her mind drifted and she began to recall her most recent dreams, dreams of desert sand and great storms. She'd seen the great worm and a face in the shadows... But her thoughts were interrupted as she was suddenly halted mid-step, having to recover so as not to falter. Hersilia looked up at the Fremen who'd escorted her to her guardian and nodded. Thank you for everything, friend, she said warmly, her blue eyes shifting to look at the man she'd be with for an indefinite amount of time. As she looked at him, she tried to get a good glimpse of his face. But it was shadowed by the hood of his cloak, the only thing visible his eyes. Biting down on her lip, she looked back at her escort. May Shai-Hulud clear the path before you, she whispered as she slowly backed away toward the one he'd called Marid. Marid's eyes glowed much like her mother's and Hersilia felt a strange ripple run along her skin. Somehow his voice seemed familiar, yet she'd never heard him speak before yet alone had never even met him. It was strange how she seemed to know it, how it seemed to soothe during this time of tension and fear. But she didn't have time to dwell on such coincidences. The desert heat often played tricks on the mind and fear was often times powerful as well. No doubt they were playing with her senses and the loud sounds of the 'Thopters didn't help matters. Hello, Marid, Hersilia answered, giving the Fremen a smile as she moved to his side. My name is Hersilia. Whether you wish to know more later on we can discuss it then. Her pale cheeks flushed slightly, but she feared saying too much out in the open for fear the wrong someone might overhear who she was, thus spoiling all they were attempting to do. There would be enough for better introductions later. For now, they needed to get to safety at all costs and her life rested in Marid's hands as well as the mercy of the desert itself. She just hoped it proved to be kind, at least this once. At that, Hersilia moved to get inside the 'Thopter Marid would be flying, her heart pounding as she braced herself for an inevitable future and path that began to unfurl itself before her. She looked outside, her thoughts wondering if the others involved would remain safe. She'd noticed the two femalesclearly decoysreadying themselves for the other 'Thopters that would be departing when hers did. She hoped they would be, but she felt a terrible ache as the bile began to rise... It was that feeling she knew all too well when danger was near, one she couldn't ignore no matter how much she longed to, no matter how hard she tried.