Thread: Student of Dune (DarkAngel & Sync)

Helene's eyes fixed upon the blade she held in her hands. She knew very well what it was worth and what it had meant when the Fremen had given it to her. He hadn't merely been providing her a means of self-defense, but something far more profound. Like her mother and uncle, they'd seen something in her, wanted more for her. How that Fremen had known was a mystery. Perhaps it was his ties to her mother. More than likely, Ghanima's influence had played a role. She remembered the way the Fremen's face had softened when he'd looked at her, had mentioned just how much she reminded him of the mother she left behind. Her fingers curled around the handle, getting a feel for the way it felt against them, the way it felt as it rested in her palm. The weight somehow seemed designed for her. Had it? Swallowing lightly, Helene managed to look up into Talgar's harsh and judging eyes. They saw through her, penetrating her soul, leaving her raw and bare. She might as well be out in the sand storm as the sand ripped the flesh from her bones, scattering bits of muscle and sinew across the desert dunes. But...he was willing to teach her. He was willing to consider her his responsibility, his student, his charge. A tiny wave of heat rippled along her skin and settled in her tummy as she pondered the notion. She nodded, head bobbing gently as her golden red curls moved about her pale face. I will watch you, Helene spoke, though her voice was soft. I will do as you do. She blinked and shifted her position, bringing the crysknife close, almost cradling it. I will learn the Fremen way. She pursed her lips and then put the crysknife away. The tent continued to rattle about them, the winds howling as the 'thopter groaned against the beating sands. Helene knew they'd be safe, though she wondered what would come once nightfall came upon them. She'd never seen the great worms up close and now was expected to ride one. If only her life hadn't just begun, but there was no use in dwelling on what was past. For Ravis, Helene said. F-for you... she looked away. I will be an asset to your sietch and, she paused a moment, biting down on her lower lip as she mustered up her courage. I will try and right whatever wrongs my family might brought upon you. I...I don't know how, but I'll show you that Atreides mean no harm. Honestly, Helene didn't expect Talgar to accept her words. After all, nothing but destruction had fallen upon Arrakis and its people since her family took the throne. She half expected him to silence her, to laugh. But she felt better having told him her own intent, even if she had to spend the rest of her life proving her worth. Not wanting to face his reaction, she immediately set herself to rest. She removed her cloak and bunched it up as a makeshift pillow. She then lied down and closed her eyes, though she hated that she could feel the rush of heat forming on her cheeks. The stone hawk was marvelous. Ghani had no idea her consort was so talented and skilled in the ways of such things. She was intrigued and remorseful she hadn't noticed sooner. Looking into Farad'n's eyes, she couldn't help but smile, her head shaking slightly as he moved in close to kiss her, his arms strong and warm as he hugged her tightly against his chest. I know you have, Ghani stated, her voice almost a whisper. And I've been distant, led by something I should have shared with you, yet never did. She brought both hands up to Farad'n's face. It was as if she were looking at him for the first time. I'm burdened by my prescience, by the voices and ancestors that live within me, she started. It is something I've always kept to myself out of fear and... she sighed, her lips turning upward into a small smile. And you've always wanted me to let you in. You've always wanted to share it. Ghani thought on Leto, on how her brother ran through the deserts, his skin no longer his own. He ran and ran and came to her almost every night. He'd share what he could, but times were changing. They were no longer children and the time had come where he needed to walk his path and she needed to walk hers. She wasn't bound to the same fate as he, something he'd made sure of. He'd spared her, had given her a chance at life, at happiness. She wouldn't let his sacrifice be in vain. In my heart, I know you are not to blame, Ghani continued. Not for your family or their deed. She could feel that strange dampness welling in her eyes once again. Of all people, I understand this. Her own family had its legacy the Fremen divided all because of her fatherthe great Mahdi. All these years, Farad'n, I... Ghanima felt her body tremble, her eyes searching Farad'n's face as she looked up into his for answers. She had been blind, blind and terrified to walk her own path, to face her own destiny, to find love. Ghani could still feel the heat of Farad'n's kiss upon her lips, the warmth of his arms as they held her. Please, she spoke. Forgive me.