Thread: Student of Dune (DarkAngel & Sync)

Helene eyed the 'thopter. It would hold. Somehow, she knew it would. Clutching tightly to the Fremkit, she watched on with great intent as Talgar finished erecting the stilltent that would provide them both shelter as the sands ferociously whipped about their straining bodies. She could only hope they weren't buried alive once the storm passed them by. Already, the tiny grains were stinging the parts of her face that were exposed to the heated air and fierce winds. She squinted her eyes and crouched low to the ground. The winds weren't nearly so bad the lower she managed to stay against the swelling dunes, ebbing and flowing like dusty currents. She reached out and did her best to help whenever Talgar needed. Once everything was ready, she was more than eager to get inside and out of the terrifying winds. Talgar gave Helene a firm shove and she felt her legs give way of their own accord. The inside of the stilltent was snug, the winds howling outside like the loud roars of the great sandworms her uncle knew and loved. She remained low and curled up into a small ball, though her hands worked her face-flap free, her lungs grateful to breathe fresh air even if from inside a tiny stilltent. It was hard to hear her Fremen companion over the sounds of the winds as they shook and shuddered their tent, the 'thopter rattling as it held their shelter securely in place the more the winds picked up, the more the sands beat against the tent walls like a pounding thumper. There was a fleeting moment where she worried the tent would be ripped away, exposing them both to the harsh anger of the desert as she cried out in agony, furious at what the Atreides had brought upon herchange. But, just like she'd already known...it held. I understand, Helene responded. She remembered her mother speaking of her childhood, of how it was safer to travel the deserts by night as opposed to day. The sun's heat was far too dangerous, even now with the unwelcome cooling that was ruining everything, changing...everything. Helene sat back slightly, her blue-in blue eyes watching Talgar carefully. The Fremen just seemed to be studying her, his face drawn, while the winds blew and the tent shuddered. She turned away the moment he spat his insult. She wished he wouldn't say such things, not when she was so desperate to learn and so remorseful for all her family had brought upon Arrakis. Her family had never intended to destroy a way of life, a culture. Everyone in her bloodline had loved the planet, the desert, its people. They'd been led by their visions, none of them understanding them. Not until her uncle. Trying to make her mother proud, Helene held back the tears. She didn't want to give Talgar another reason to spout his spite. Slowly, she pushed back her hood, her eyes still refusing to look upon his face, a face that she knew. But how could she? How could this man mean something when all there be was hate? She swallowed hard and licked at her lips. They were already dry, but it hardly mattered. I've learned how to properly put on and adjust my stillsuit, Helene began, reminded of how Talgar's hands had felt when they'd inspected her bodynot her body, her stillsuit. I'm pretty sure that I'll be of better help with the tent next time, she continued. Carefully, she drew her crysknife. I need help with this, she said softly, too softly. Her mother's friend had given it to her. In her heart, she knew he was gone. I've never used one. It was an admission and the neglect was hardly her fault. Her younger years were spent under the supervision of Irulan, the Corrino princess ensuring that all Fremen culture was quashed from the Atreides upbringing. Meanwhile, she'd had her sights set on her oldest brother. Fortunately, her mother had noticed and after many tears between she and her father...the woman was sent elsewhere. Though, by that time, she'd lost ample opportunity to learn and the troubles began. It was around that time that she was separated from her siblings, a time when life forever changed. Doing her best to hold back the tears, Helene looked back at Talgar. Would he teach her? Or would he let his hate guide his every decision? It was hard to know, her dreams confused her senses and left her feeling raw and vulnerable. She needed his help and a part of her wanted it, though it was clear he wanted no part of her. I...I learn fast, Helene spoke. I want to learn. Ghani let Farad'n embrace her and she let herself become embraced, though he completely misunderstood. While true, she could no longer see their daughter, he did not realize that she was referring to him...to them. She'd caused him much suffering and he'd shouldered it all. Slowly, she pulled away and looked into his eyes. For several long moments, she just stared into his eyesstudying and searching. There was so much she never allowed herself to see and mainly because she never dared to look. But I... Ghani began. I've never been there for you. She felt a lump form in her throat. Leto had been right. She'd never given Farad'n a chance and the man, her consort, a Corrino prince, had deserved that and more. Not once had he complained about his station and, at each and every turn, he was always there. Their children adored him. She'd seen the way they flocked to his side whenever he was around, the way their faces dimmed the day she needed to hide her other children away. She'd hoped things would turn out differently with Helene, her prescience so strong...but it hadn't mattered. Not in the end. Ghani licked her lips, her eyes looking past Farad'n and to the large table in the middle of their bedchamber. An artistic piece was sprawled out on top of it, the colors swirling together so beautifully, capturing her attention the moment she noticed it. Did you make this? Ghani asked as she gestured toward the skillfully made masterpiece. It...it's beautiful. There was so much she didn't know. She looked up into Farad'n's eyes, her delicate hand reaching up to gently touch his face. I...I didn't know. Another tear fell. There's so much I don't know, she admitted. So much I must learn. She inched closer to her consort, as if waking from a long slumber. Teach me, Farad'n. Let me be there for you, as I always should have been.