Thread: Daughter Of Dune (Ursus Peregrinus & darkangel76)

Hersilia let out a soft sigh as she quietly padded through the corridor leading to her windowless room, carefully tucked away deep inside the fortress that had become her home for the past year. The girl still hadn't grown accustomed to her living quarters, but it was more for lack of wanting to grow attached to her current location. Her entire life had been that of the nomad, moving from place to place, never staying in a single keep for very long and she could scarcely recall the face of her mother... or her father... it had been so long since she'd been able to spend any amount of time with either of them. The air was hot, though a breeze managed to find its way through one of the many open windows as Hersilia made her way toward her room. The warm air played with the flowing material of her white gown, causing it to billow slightly as she moved. Her golden red curls cascaded over her shoulders and down along her back, bouncing as she walked. She could hear the clicking sound of footsteps behind herIrulanand glanced over her shoulder. Her blue eyes locked with those of the Corrino princess and she smiled. The woman had been a second mother to her, much like she'd been to her own mother and uncle in their youth, something she knew her grandfather had always appreciated before his death. You have to hurry, Lia, Irulan prodded. Our visitors will be here shortly and you must be presentable. I'm afraid a nightgown isn't proper attire for greeting guests. Hersilia stopped and turned on her heels. She tilted her head, a hand moving so that a finger could twist itself about a loose tendril. Mm... quite so, she agreed, finally nodding. A smile tugged at the corners of her lips and she continued on her way to her all but hidden room. The air suddenly felt warmer as Hersilia found herself standing atop the great staircase that led to greeting room. She wondered if her parents would be present or if they'd already greeted their arriving guests and left. Ghanima sometimes had a way of hiding things from her. Of course, she knew it was for her own good, but was this one of those times considering this had to do with her future? As she reached the first step, she peered out and over the railing. In the distance, she could see both her mother and father standing there. Immediately, Ghanima turned and smiled up at her and a wave of love and hope suddenly washed over her. It was in that moment, that Hersilia suddenly became aware of Irulan. The Corrino princess reached out her hand and took a hold of her own, giving it a tight squeeze. Immediately, she bit down on her lip and turned toward the woman who'd been like another mother to her, her entire life. Smiling, she whispered. Nervous? I haven't seen your mother in years, Lia. So, perhaps a little, Irulan confided. Hersilia nodded, her blue eyes shifting down to glance over herself, a bit worried about how she might appear, the impression she might make and not just to her parents but to those who would be coming to the keep. Her smile broadening, Irulan dropped Hersilia's hand and raised it so that she could cup the girl's cheek. She admired her for a moment, as she looked her over. The girl was the image of Atreides beauty as she stood there, her golden red hair swept up into braids that fell like a waterfall over her left shoulder. Her silvery gown was airy and shimmered as the light danced upon the material. She looked like an angel in the desert, standing out yet somehow fitting in. She knew her parents would be proud of how she'd turned out. How could they not be? She was Atreides, part of a legacy and now about to be torn away from her where she could no longer watch her. Irulan hid the scowl that tried to make its way to her lips and just smiled. Your parents are waiting, Lia. Hersilia nodded and began to slowly walk down the stair leading to where Ghanima and Farad'n stood. Irulan just watched from above, her eyes lingering on her nephew for a moment. It was a pity that she could never be close to him, that he wouldn't allow it. She supposed she couldn't fault him, after all, his own disdain for his mother was more than apparent and, over the years as his love for Ghanima had grown, it had spilled over into his entire House. Pity. As Hersilia made her way toward her parents, she knew it would only be a matter of time before she met their guests. With each step she took, she could feel her heart rate increasing, her breaths quickening. Suddenly, she heard a clickIrulanshe let out a sigh and glanced over her shoulder. Sure enough, the woman was following. When Hersilia reached the staircase's end, she crossed the room to where both Ghanima and Farad'n stood, their faces both lit up with smiles. She has your face, Ghani, Farad'n teased Ghanima, his mate smiling as she looked upon her daughter. She does, Ghani agreed, her eyes glowing as she moved to hug her daughter. How I've missed you, Lia, she whispered as she hugged Hersilia close. Pulling away, she looked at her daughter and then over at Farad'n, the man looking almost coldly at his aunt who slowly approached from behind their daughter. Irulan, she said, nodding and acknowledging the woman who'd raised her and now her daughter. Looking back at her daughter, she took her by the hand. Come, Lia, our guests will be here soon, she said, the smile never leaving her lips.