[ She makes note of this, filing it away with information that may be useful or needed later. Parts of this, she knew from her lessons and subjects she has studied and been instructed in. Some details, she may not be as familiar with, but she imagines that with time, she will learn. ] Duncan. [ Her expression shifts slightly at the mention of Duncan's name; he, like so many others, must surely be gone now, and that is something she knows will never sit well with her, nor should it. ]

He should also still be here now. [ And it hardly needs to be said that many others should also be with them.

Once they are seated, she turns her face to look at him, taking in his features and the way hair moves in the wind. It feels warm out here yet cool as well, thanks to the wind that shifts the sand around the dunes below. ]

So you have had quite the adventure. [ The shifting tones in her voice ought to tell Paul that what he and Jessica went through was hardly an adventure, far from it. What they all have experienced is something none of them would have wished for, and she is certain that all of them will carry the marks of it for the rest of their lives, however long that may be. ]

The tribe has accepted you, and your mother, and that is good. [ She wonders if the same holds true for her, but at the moment, she is still standing, not killed or exiled, so she decides not to question that too closely. ]

Muad'Dib, the little mouse. [ Her mouth quirks to one side in slight amusement. ] It suits you, and not in the way you would think. [ She believes he will understand, as he is hardly little; in fact, he towers over her. But there are more nuances to the name and its meaning, or he would not have chosen it. ]

So you intend to follow this path and allow it to lead you to the Emperor. I can't say that I disagree with it entirely. Parts of it, yes, but we can't pick and choose the parts that we like.

[ Now her gaze shifts down to her hands. ]

I would not have, if Duncan had not found me.