[ Questions, and recounting harder topics as well, such as how the Lord Duke, Paul's father, did not survive. That particular detail still feels far too close for comfort, as she has yet to really process the notion that House Atreides was betrayed. Yes, Bastila sees it as a betrayal. Perhaps in the grand scheme of things, it was simply another example of moves and counter moves, a deadly dance that the houses carry out with each other.
In this case, House Atreides lost. They all lost.
There could still be more losses that they have yet to see or experience. Should they focus on things of a grim nature or try to claim what happiness they can for now? Bastila has decided upon the latter, at least for the moment. ]
I know your mother did not always approve of my coyness, as you put it. [ "Wiles" was more along the lines of what Lady Jessica spoke of. ] Still, it was not something that I used idly, or for mere enjoyment.
[ But the way her lips turn up at the corners indicates that she did get some amusement out of the whole thing. ]
Oh, I managed to convince them; perhaps they did not like it, but whether they would admit it or not, they became rather fond of me. [ The feeling was not entirely mutual, but it was in the interest of self preservation that she continued and even encouraged it.
She opens her mouth to say more, but before she can, they are joined by the presence of another man, older than both of them. Looking at him, she can tell there is an air of command about him, and looking at Paul as well, she can see that he respects him and considers him a friend of sorts.
The language they speak is not immediately familiar to her, but she has no reason to doubt Paul or think that he is doing something that is not beneficial to either of them. She listens as the two men speak, picking out a word here and there and being able to decipher the meaning based upon those words.
After a moment, Stilgar turns his attention to Bastila, and she straightens up before inclining her own head by way of acknowledgment. Whoever this Stilgar is, he is someone important to Paul, and as far as she can tell, an ally. And she knows that Paul needs all the allies that he can get.
After this, events seem to move in quick succession; Stilgar gives orders that are quickly followed, and a sandworm is summoned. Of course, Bastila is aware of the basic facts of how Fremen and sandworms relate to each other, but she has never witnessed the details of it with her own eyes. Until now, that is.
Experiencing it is unlike anything she has experienced before, and a part of her would just as soon not experience it again, but the part of her that is much more adventurous and interested in striking out and doing more than simply studying or training wishes to learn more about these sandworms and the mystique surrounding them.
Still, the journey comes to an end once they arrive at the site of the Fremen camp, and at first, Bastila feels as though she has no place there. She tries to stay out of the way for the most part, offering assistance where it seems as though it is needed, most often in the form of carrying belongings or other supplies here and there. The work does not bother her as it is something to do and something to keep her busy.
It isn't until the sky begins to darken that Bastila finally pauses as there is nothing else left for her to do. She notes the way the Fremen exchange glances and how they cast looks her direction, not even bothering to disguise the looks. Even if they did, she thinks she would still see them or feel the sensation of being observed. Perhaps they do not trust her. Why should they, after all?
After a moment, she hears footsteps approaching and she looks up to see Stilgar walking over to her, ensuring that he has her attention. Once he is close enough, he begins to speak. ]
I am hardly surprised; it seems as though he does not often have time for himself anymore. [ And the Paul that she remembers seemed to value those quiet moments of solitude. As for the places that Stilgar speaks of, she can imagine what those places may be. Surely they are connected to the color his eyes have taken, and everything that that change signifies. The sorts of places Paul goes are not places at all, not in the usual sense of the word. They require a much greater skill than simply walking here or there.
She might not be able to venture to join him in those places, but perhaps she can call him back. As it happens, it seems as though Paul was already aware that she would join him. Even as she steps up to the rock upon which he sits, he seems to already be aware of her presence, addressing her before she even has the chance to. ]
Collect you, or simply sit with you? [ This isn't an alcove within a building, but it is as close to that as they can get. ] I never imagined that everything would change so quickly.
[ The interference from the Bene Gesserit, the machinations of Paul's mother... the Gom Jabbar... Coming to Arrakis. All of it happened so suddenly, but Bastila is not foolish enough to think that these events happened spontaneously. ]
I would not mind returning to Caladan at least once more, but of course, that is highly impossible now.
[ Her gaze follows Paul's, looking out over the dunes that seem to go on for miles. This world is entirely different than the one they had known, and yet there is something about it, something strange and wild that calls to Bastila. ]
I would, but only if you can say there is no danger of us being swallowed whole. [ Her mouth quirks into a smile, although she imagines sandworms are not to be underestimated. She certainly would not dare to, but at least she can make a slight joke at the creature's expense. ] I would see more of this place, and I would certainly not turn down having more of your company.
[ Perhaps the admission is too forward, but she has never really managed to hold very much back when it comes to her and Paul. Perhaps one day soon, that will need to change, but at least in these private moments, she can be herself.
After a moment's hesitation, she extends her hand to him. If he does not wish to take it, she will understand that as well. ]
no subject
In this case, House Atreides lost. They all lost.
There could still be more losses that they have yet to see or experience. Should they focus on things of a grim nature or try to claim what happiness they can for now? Bastila has decided upon the latter, at least for the moment. ]
I know your mother did not always approve of my coyness, as you put it. [ "Wiles" was more along the lines of what Lady Jessica spoke of. ] Still, it was not something that I used idly, or for mere enjoyment.
[ But the way her lips turn up at the corners indicates that she did get some amusement out of the whole thing. ]
Oh, I managed to convince them; perhaps they did not like it, but whether they would admit it or not, they became rather fond of me. [ The feeling was not entirely mutual, but it was in the interest of self preservation that she continued and even encouraged it.
She opens her mouth to say more, but before she can, they are joined by the presence of another man, older than both of them. Looking at him, she can tell there is an air of command about him, and looking at Paul as well, she can see that he respects him and considers him a friend of sorts.
The language they speak is not immediately familiar to her, but she has no reason to doubt Paul or think that he is doing something that is not beneficial to either of them. She listens as the two men speak, picking out a word here and there and being able to decipher the meaning based upon those words.
After a moment, Stilgar turns his attention to Bastila, and she straightens up before inclining her own head by way of acknowledgment. Whoever this Stilgar is, he is someone important to Paul, and as far as she can tell, an ally. And she knows that Paul needs all the allies that he can get.
After this, events seem to move in quick succession; Stilgar gives orders that are quickly followed, and a sandworm is summoned. Of course, Bastila is aware of the basic facts of how Fremen and sandworms relate to each other, but she has never witnessed the details of it with her own eyes. Until now, that is.
Experiencing it is unlike anything she has experienced before, and a part of her would just as soon not experience it again, but the part of her that is much more adventurous and interested in striking out and doing more than simply studying or training wishes to learn more about these sandworms and the mystique surrounding them.
Still, the journey comes to an end once they arrive at the site of the Fremen camp, and at first, Bastila feels as though she has no place there. She tries to stay out of the way for the most part, offering assistance where it seems as though it is needed, most often in the form of carrying belongings or other supplies here and there. The work does not bother her as it is something to do and something to keep her busy.
It isn't until the sky begins to darken that Bastila finally pauses as there is nothing else left for her to do. She notes the way the Fremen exchange glances and how they cast looks her direction, not even bothering to disguise the looks. Even if they did, she thinks she would still see them or feel the sensation of being observed. Perhaps they do not trust her. Why should they, after all?
After a moment, she hears footsteps approaching and she looks up to see Stilgar walking over to her, ensuring that he has her attention. Once he is close enough, he begins to speak. ]
I am hardly surprised; it seems as though he does not often have time for himself anymore. [ And the Paul that she remembers seemed to value those quiet moments of solitude. As for the places that Stilgar speaks of, she can imagine what those places may be. Surely they are connected to the color his eyes have taken, and everything that that change signifies. The sorts of places Paul goes are not places at all, not in the usual sense of the word. They require a much greater skill than simply walking here or there.
She might not be able to venture to join him in those places, but perhaps she can call him back. As it happens, it seems as though Paul was already aware that she would join him. Even as she steps up to the rock upon which he sits, he seems to already be aware of her presence, addressing her before she even has the chance to. ]
Collect you, or simply sit with you? [ This isn't an alcove within a building, but it is as close to that as they can get. ] I never imagined that everything would change so quickly.
[ The interference from the Bene Gesserit, the machinations of Paul's mother... the Gom Jabbar... Coming to Arrakis. All of it happened so suddenly, but Bastila is not foolish enough to think that these events happened spontaneously. ]
I would not mind returning to Caladan at least once more, but of course, that is highly impossible now.
[ Her gaze follows Paul's, looking out over the dunes that seem to go on for miles. This world is entirely different than the one they had known, and yet there is something about it, something strange and wild that calls to Bastila. ]
I would, but only if you can say there is no danger of us being swallowed whole. [ Her mouth quirks into a smile, although she imagines sandworms are not to be underestimated. She certainly would not dare to, but at least she can make a slight joke at the creature's expense. ] I would see more of this place, and I would certainly not turn down having more of your company.
[ Perhaps the admission is too forward, but she has never really managed to hold very much back when it comes to her and Paul. Perhaps one day soon, that will need to change, but at least in these private moments, she can be herself.
After a moment's hesitation, she extends her hand to him. If he does not wish to take it, she will understand that as well. ]