[ A complex and yet stoic expression passes his face at her statements. Not quite annoyance. The emotion would be more akin to something of resignation. A reminder that there is a path for him to follow. One he wishes to at least change ever so slightly to avoid a terrible conclusion. She would know nothing of those dreams, of course, but the reminder of politics and the grand scheme of the board simply brings that to the front of his mind again.
Politics.
The hand cupping the side of her face turns. Thumb brushes over her cheekbone.
There is still so much to tell you. ]
I'm not going to lose anymore of my family--or my court. We've lost enough. [ He will need to find a way to prove to the Fremen that she is on their side. Irreplaceable. That he sees her as valuable to their combined cause as he does his mother. Although, in respects, his mother had been forced and proved her place without him. ] They can at least understand that much. They've lost family to the Harkonnens too.
[ He pauses, pressing his lips together. Another step forward. His frame doesn't quite cover her nor does he tower above her. They are near the same height. His position, however, does make certain that any at the door could not see her. ]
Not that you'd really need my protection. [ A bit of a smile crosses his face for the briefest of moments. ] You're more skilled in fighting in Prana-bindu than I am.
[ He tilts his head down, merely a breath away from placing his forehead to hers. Nothing closer. She could easily twist him around and place him at a disadvantage if she feels forced or in a corner. She, out of everyone he has ever met, seems to be the one with the most choice afforded to her.
Why?
The shuffling of feet and moved sand behind them. Paul glances to the side with his eyebrows slightly raised. He knows the steps and to who they belong. A breath escapes him. She still finds a way to interrupt even unknowingly. ]
"Paul!" [ the familiar voice suddenly rings through the small stone cut quarters. ] "Stilgar says you are to ride your first worm within the upcoming days. Had you planned on telling me this?"
[ A familiar annoyed look crosses his face for Bastila to see. Eyes briefly move towards the ceiling. ] I had once Stil decided on when it would happen. Or, maybe I wouldn't have, if you decided to use the knowledge to push your agenda. [ Paul straightens and turns his head to their guest. His hand falls away from Bastila's face. ] We can discuss it later. We have a guest, mother.
[ The Lady Jessica freezes in an instant at the tone her son uses. She stands straighter. Hands fold together in practiced and trained posture. Blue tinged eyes fall to who the figure behind the young man she had raised. Except, all composure fails her the moment that Paul steps away to reveal the once ward of House Atreides. The tattoos and wrapping that dress her head and face may have changed how the lady looks, but she is still very much the once concubine of Duke Leto Atreides. ]
no subject
Politics.
The hand cupping the side of her face turns. Thumb brushes over her cheekbone.
There is still so much to tell you. ]
I'm not going to lose anymore of my family--or my court. We've lost enough. [ He will need to find a way to prove to the Fremen that she is on their side. Irreplaceable. That he sees her as valuable to their combined cause as he does his mother. Although, in respects, his mother had been forced and proved her place without him. ] They can at least understand that much. They've lost family to the Harkonnens too.
[ He pauses, pressing his lips together. Another step forward. His frame doesn't quite cover her nor does he tower above her. They are near the same height. His position, however, does make certain that any at the door could not see her. ]
Not that you'd really need my protection. [ A bit of a smile crosses his face for the briefest of moments. ] You're more skilled in fighting in Prana-bindu than I am.
[ He tilts his head down, merely a breath away from placing his forehead to hers. Nothing closer. She could easily twist him around and place him at a disadvantage if she feels forced or in a corner. She, out of everyone he has ever met, seems to be the one with the most choice afforded to her.
Why?
The shuffling of feet and moved sand behind them. Paul glances to the side with his eyebrows slightly raised. He knows the steps and to who they belong. A breath escapes him. She still finds a way to interrupt even unknowingly. ]
"Paul!" [ the familiar voice suddenly rings through the small stone cut quarters. ] "Stilgar says you are to ride your first worm within the upcoming days. Had you planned on telling me this?"
[ A familiar annoyed look crosses his face for Bastila to see. Eyes briefly move towards the ceiling. ] I had once Stil decided on when it would happen. Or, maybe I wouldn't have, if you decided to use the knowledge to push your agenda. [ Paul straightens and turns his head to their guest. His hand falls away from Bastila's face. ] We can discuss it later. We have a guest, mother.
[ The Lady Jessica freezes in an instant at the tone her son uses. She stands straighter. Hands fold together in practiced and trained posture. Blue tinged eyes fall to who the figure behind the young man she had raised. Except, all composure fails her the moment that Paul steps away to reveal the once ward of House Atreides. The tattoos and wrapping that dress her head and face may have changed how the lady looks, but she is still very much the once concubine of Duke Leto Atreides. ]