"Sheds the Teachings of Old and Gain the Deeper Understanding."
Unknown.
Weeks were passing as the struggles only grew harder, so gathered in the council room, Paul and Elizabeth sat with Stilgar as Jessica stood next to Reverend Mother Ramallo. "Harkonnen patrols have taken more risks, coming deeper into the southern regions than ever before," he informs them with the nervous rubbing of his hands.
Paul shot a look over at Elizabeth and looks back to Stilgar, "Sooner or later, our bribes to the guild won't be enough to protect us." he states and looks to Mother Ramallo then to Jessica. The dread heavy on his mind.
Then he looks to the Siblings as they flick their eyes to Jessica who stiffens. "We knew would happen Stil, we just didn't expect it to happen so soon," Elizabeth tells him. Stilgar nods his head at her. "Then it's agreed. We move with the next moons. When the Harkonnens find this place, there must be nothing left but the wind howling through the rocks." Stilgar tells them.
Jessica kneels on the ground as Mother Ramallo turns to her, sensing Jessica's fear. "There's no turning back now." she tells her, Jessica inhales deeply and looks at her, Elizabeth then flicks her eyes to Stilgar, "Stil, one more thing before we do this," she tells him and Stilgar looks at her. She flicks her eyes to Mother Ramallo, who nods at her and she flicks her eyes. "When Mother Ramallo passes on, she requested that I be the one to drink her waters," she informs him.
Stilgar looks to Mother Ramallo as did Jessica as she nods to the both of them, "She must open her eyes and awaken to finally see." she informs them. Stilgar thinks for a moment and bows his head to her. Paul inhales as he grips his sister's hand and she places her other on top, knowing he was worried about what will happen next.
~8~8~8~
Gathered in the deeps below, a Marker slithers in the sandpit. Tollok and Imre were dressed in their water gather gear, looking up to Mother Ramallo. "Subdue the Maker," she orders them.
They bow their heads to her and walk towards the crank. Above on the terrace, Paul and Elizabeth stood next to Stilgar as Jessica held Mother Ramallo's hand. Chani joins the others down below, hiking her water collector dress and tucks it into her waist rope.
Tollok grabs the crank and began to turn it, drain pipe began making noise, Elizabeth looks down and saw water slipping out at first then came like the roaring current of a river, the second then followed filling the pit below.
They all watch as something was moving in the water, Paul shot a look at Stilgar, gripping Elizabeth's hand then with a roar a maker surfaces, Jessica jumps back a little as it submerges. Imre and Tollok step into the water, the maker roaring at them, Chani stood by with the water collector in hand.
The two stood ready as they watched the maker slither through the waters, then they both surprise it, gripping it tightly. It roars trying to escape their grasps. Elizabeth watches with worry as her eyes locked onto Imre. Who held the head of the Maker. Chani then steps into the water pit, the collector ready as Imre pushes the maker's head underwater, slowly killing it.
Gripping Paul's shoulder, Elizabeth couldn't help but feel... terrified for the Maker, Paul shot a look at her as Stilgar shot a look over at them. Imre then lifts the head of the maker as it was inches away from death, Chani places the collector at the head of the maker as it vomits the water in, then Imre with the help of Tollok places the Maker's head in the water collector. The others watched from above as the Maker was struggling less and less.
Then with one last shriek, it went limp in their arms, the two let it go as it floats on the water's surface, then the three looked up at them. "The Maker is dead," Tollok said to them as Chani held up the collector. "The water of life," she said to them, Imre exhales as he pulls back his headdress.
Stilgar bows his head to them, Elizabeth exhales as she pressed her forehead into Paul's shoulder. "May the Shai-Hulud have mercy on both of us." Mother Ramallo said to Jessica and she took her hand as she turns to the three. "Come to me, child," she calls out and Elizabeth slips away from her brother and grips Mother Ramallo's arm. "You remember what I told you when my water joins with yours?" she asks her, "Yes, Mother Ramallo," she answers. "Good, do not let fear consume your spirit, you must let yourself be free and change into what you will be," she tells her, Elizabeth nods her head and presses her forehead against her shoulder.
~8~8~8~
Everyone was gathered for the ritual, the last night of their safe days of Sietch Tabar, the people were chanting in their language, the children held lights as they then step forward.
Chani steps forward with the water of life in her hands. Imre sat at the edge of the stone platform that everyone has gathered around, Chani steps up passing him as Stilgar steps forward as the children sat down. "When night falls again, we must leave this Sietch, it has sheltered us for so long," he said to his Fremen people.
Chani walks up behind Reverend Mother Ramallo and Jessica, placing the pouch of the Water of Life down. "We must go South into the deep desert, where the demon Harkonnen will not pursue us. But our Reverend Mother will not survive another Hajra," he said Mother Ramallo bows her head. "So that we don't have to make that journey without her strength and guidance, Sayyadina Jessica has consented to undergo the rites at this time," he calls out, looking to Jessica who looked terrified.
Stilgar turns back to his people. "This is dangerous and Jessica may fail. So that we don't lose all, Chani, daughter of Liet, will consecrated as Sayyadina. Friend of God." he said and Chani steps forward. Imre looks up to her as he was worried about her. "And when the Reverend Mother passes, she has permitted Armeria pseuda to be the one to drink her water, to become what she is meant to be; The Armeria pseudarmeria," he calls out.
The Fremen looks to Elizabeth seeing no fear in her eyes or expression, "This is dangerous and may kill her, but she has consented to the task." Stilgar states. Elizabeth looks to Chani as she looks back at her and bows her head to her, Imre grips his fist tightly as he did not like the idea of Elizabeth getting hurt or worse. Chani stood strong, like an unbreakable pillar standing against the harsh winds of the strong.
Reverend Mother Ramallo stood as she removes one of her necklaces and Chani turns to her, "I consecrate the daughter of Liet. In the Sayyadina." she calls out and places the necklace around her neck. Chani took it with pride and turns to the others.
The others lowered their heads, praying, Paul shot a look over at them as Elizabeth kept her eyes forward on her mother.
Picking up the collector, Chani stood behind Jessica, holding up the pouch "Here is the Water of life. The water that will free your soul, if you are a Reverend, the universe will open to you. Let Shai-Hulud judge now." Chani said aloud as Jessica readies herself.
Chani steps around and kneels in front of Jessica, placing the pouch down. Then she picks it up and held the tip to Jessica as she wearily looks down at it "You must drink it now." Chani whispers to her. Exhaling to herself, she grips the pouch and pressed her mouth to the tip, Chani tilts the pouch up, making the waters flow into Jessica's mouth and she squeezed a little.
Her eyes suddenly widened, Jessica pulls away, her hands hovering at her neck as she swallows the waters. This worries Paul as she groans in pain, hunching over, pressing her hands at her belly. "What's happening to her?" Paul asks Stilgar "The water is poison until she changes it." he answers.
Paul then immediately looks back at Jessica and went to help, but Stilgar and Elizabeth stops him. "This must take it's course." Stilgar tells him, Paul looks to Elizabeth as her eyes never left her mother, but her hands. They were shaking, she was scared and terrified, but she must be strong and patient. Paul then looks back to Jessica. Who groans and tries to breath.
Everything fell away around her, the sky darkens as she felt almost... nothing. "Mother?" Paul calls out to her. The pain fades as Jessica sat forward, it was so quiet around her as she looks at the void around her with a child's wonder, but her belly suddenly felt thicker and she sat straighter, rubbing her hands against her belly, breathing calmly to herself but wind gently caresses her skin, she looks ahead and saw a white whirlwind of light flowing from the vortex, she tries and reaches for it.
The song was calling out to her, the mystery of the secrets was just ahead in the blinding white light. "You cannot go there." Mother Ramallo warns her, her voice pulling her away from the light, then a gentle hand was placed on her shoulder as that hand became softer. "That is the place we cannot look. The place only the Kwisatz Haderach can go and the Omni Yena owazi konke, if she wishes it." Ramallo tells her as she steps in front of Jessica, her age reverses back to when she was young and beautiful "You must turn away, Jessica, or it will drive you mad." she warns her.
With all her strength, Jessica rips her eyes away from the alluring light, resisting its calls and she looks to Mother Ramallo who smiles at her "Don't be afraid. I much to show you." she states and held her hands out to her, "Here's my life, Jessica of the Weirding. And the life that came before. They are yours now." she said her then closes her eyes, slowly fading and the memories of the Reverend Mother of Before merge into one. Jessica smile as they were beautiful memories, she closes her eyes, accepting the memories.
But immediately both of their eyes snapped open in shock, as they both knew. "You're pregnant, you should have told us. Holy mothers, what have we done? This changes you both." Mother Ramallo said in fear as she fades into Jessica.
Jessica accepts the consequences and inhales deeply, but then a sound catches her attention and she saw a life force floating in the vortex. It was her daughter as she was still in her mother's womb, Jessica watches with concern as the egg that held her daughter changed into a glowing sunset-colored egg, forever changed by the waters and she cried out for her mother to catch her.
Your daughter is in danger. Take her into your arms.
She must see all that we see.
Without a second thought, Jessica took her unborn daughter into her arms, cradling her. Calming her cries and chases away her worries. She coos and relaxed in Jessica's arms.
That is the only way you can save her.
Jessica smiles down at her daughter, holding her lovingly in her arm, but she merges into her mother's womb, seeing everything she saw.
Change the water, Jessica. You must change the waters.
All the memories were hitting her all at once, trying to find her breath, trying to calm herself, she shook her head, pressing her hands to her neck, then shakenly ran them up to her face, pressing the heels of her hands into her temples.
It all rushed at her all at once, the light inside her was consuming as she pulled her hands away, unable to hear herself, she then screams at the top of her lung, trying to drown everything out, her light consumes her very her essence.
~8~8~8~
One the Planet Geidi Prime, in the celebration of the Young Prince Feyd birthday, the very man of honor himself was laying on his silk bed with Princess Irulan with him, he ran his hand over her dress that covered her legs lustfully.
Irulan ran her fingertips over his skin as she listens to every word he spoke in the hopes of learning the truth behind the fall of House Atreides and the noble family. "The plan was perfect in its simplicity and viciousness." he said to her, "Of course it was," she said, turning his head to meet her eyes. "You helped your uncle design it, didn't you?" she praises him.
Feyd smiles at her, as he turns over and slowly towers over her "Duke Leto thought he was gaining control of Arrakis, but he was only being fattened up for sacrifice." he said and went kiss her belly, but she immediately pulls his attention back "The kill Feyd. Tell me about the kill." she whispers to him, making him grin. "Swift and merciless. The Atreides never had a chance. The Sardaukar had the palace sealed within hours." he answers eyeing her body.
Irulan flicks her eyes away, "The Sardaukar?" she whispers and Feyd looks right back at her, "I sent the final communique to your father myself." he answers and his lips hover against hers, but she turns her head away and he kisses down her neck. Irulan frowns as Fyed confirmed her suspensions, what she now knows.
Her father had a hand in the Fall and slaughter of the Great House of Atreides
~8~8~8~
creaming herself away, Jessica lunges forward and vomits up her inners into the both, finally having the chance to breath again, Jessica slowly sat up and wipes her vomit from her mouth and leans against her hand, panting as the air fills her lungs. "
Mother?
Hearing her son's voice, she opens her eyes, and immediately around, her eyes forever changed to the signature glowing blue of the Fremen. Everything fades back in as she looks up and saw Mother Ramallo had fallen in the enteral slumber. "Mother Ramallo is gone," Jessica calls out.
The Fremen tribe raises its head as they look towards Jessica. "But she remains." she said then exhales as she leans back against her hand, "You have changed the waters." Stilgar calls out, Elizabeth exhales with relief "Now we know, you cannot be false." he calls out, and the Fremen bows their heads.
Imre exhales as his worry only grew, "Paul? Elizabeth?" she calls out, her children turn their heads to her, shooting a look at his sister momentarily, he stood up, pulling her with him and they step towards.
Jessica leans against the pillar as she felt forever changed, Chani turns to her people, Paul bows to Chani as Elizabeth kneels before her. "The Reverend Mother has changed the Water of Life. It's now safe for us to drink!" she shouts raises the water in the air as the Fremen people raised their hands in praise.
Shai-Hulud. Shai-Hulud. Shai-Hulud.
~8~8~8~
Everyone was outside, celebrating the changed water of life, Paul laid with Chani in their room, being close to one another
Imre held Elizabeth tightly in his arms as she ran her hand along his skin, "Beloved, I can feel you shaking." she whispers to him, nuzzling her head into his chest "I fear, my love." he whispers, looking down at her, "What scares you so?" she asks. "I fear for you, my love. I know Jamis' water did to you, how the faded blue was visible in the pupils of your green eyes. And your connection with preborn nature made you... different." he states.
She immediately looks up at him as he looks away, "Mother Ramallo was wise and distant from others and I fear that will become you when you drink her waters and you will walk down a path I cannot follow." he answers her.
Elizabeth reaches up and caresses his cheek, his hand immediately grips her hand tightly in his "The waters will change me, true. But I cannot leave you when my fate has tied to yours. My destiny is far and distant... but that is the then, I want to live in the now, beloved." she confesses to him and he looks right at her. "I want to feel you. I want to caress you," she whispers, slowly laying on their bed.
Drawing him in, "I want to be lost in you and think of nothing else, but you. For you have haunted my dreams since I was a child, I saw only you. Asking the question that drew me to you." she whispers, his lips hovering over hers, hot breaths hitting each other, eyes locked with one another as Imre webs his hand with hers.
Tell me about the waters of your homeland, Armeria.
And with that faint whisper of her sweet voice, his lips pressed roughly against hers. Elizabeth lost herself in his lustful his, she slips into his lap, pressing her hands to his chest as his roam seductively up her back and down to her hips, enchanting her skin with his touch.
Both panting as their temptation for one another consumes their thoughts, Elizabeth pressed her forehead to hers "Consume me, Imre. I want to think about nothing but you, my love. Please." she begs him.
Falling prey to her please, he grips the back of her neck, pressing his lips to hers, abruptly sitting up, he held her close to himself, consuming her very being with every touch, every kiss.
~8~8~8~
Irulan sat on Feyd's lap, pulling away at the strings on his silk robes "The son and his mother and sister, The Duke's concubine and her children, what did you do with them?" she asks as she pushes the robes off his shoulders, exposing his chest to her.
Fyed's eyes linger over Iurlan's body as his hands slither up her side, "Lost in the storm, devoured by the desert." he answers her as she ran her hands down his chest. "You found their bodies and disposed of them?" she asks him, keeping her eyes on his body, to keep his attention on her.
The excitement grew within as he shrugs off his robs, "Never found them." he answers, kissing her body as her attention was caught. "You never found the bodies?" she said aloud, hiding her glimmer of hope. She smiles to herself as she eyes her most trusted ally who stride lustfully towards them.
Then teasfully pulling away, she lets her ally take over as she slips from Feyd's lap, and off the bed. Fyed indulges himself in the pleasures of sex as Irulan pulls on her shawl and slips from Feyd's room.
Rubbing his touch off her skin, she strides down the halls of Harkonnen palace, but then immediately stops as she spotted Finreng looking right at her, not at all pleased with her sudden new knowledge of the truth. But his glaze would not frighten her as she conceals her face and vanishes into the hallway.
~8~8~8~
People of Sietch Tabar indulge themselves in each other, lust thick in the air. But dressed in undergarments.
Elizabeth steps to the center of the party, looking from left to right, the glowing blue in her eyes strengthens as everyone around her faded away.
The tighten fear in her stomach grew as she pants in appalled at the scattered bodies all around her, their pool flowing to her feet. She steps back, trying to escape the blood, but she immediately steps into the blood the formed behind her.
Panic rose as she found herself in a void and the ground wet and slick of blood. She then looks down at her hands and saw they were coats in blood, terror grips the nerves of her body as the ability to breath was stolen from her, hands gripping her neck tightly, she chokes, falling to her knees.
She then looks up and saw her brother being consumed in the blood waters of the dead, being pulled away from her.
Unable to move, unable to call out. She watched helplessly as her brother crumbles from her sight.
~8~8~8~
Jumping awake, Elizabeth sat up rigidly, hypercritically for her breathe, waking her lover, he immediately was at her side.
Quivering with fear, tears well up in her eyes, slowly pulling her hands to her hair gripping it tightly and squeezes her eyes shut, trying to erase the horrible nightmare she dreamt. Not wanting it to be the possible future.
History will say the Fremen were about to find their Messiah.
Wrapping his arms tightly around her, Elizabeth falls back into Imre's comforting embrace and weeps in his arms.
He holds her close, feeling her tremble and clung to him tightly for the chance to live, this frightens him, knowing whatever she saw in her dream, it terrified her to her core.
But Paul and Elizabeth Atreides would find their revenge,
and the world as we need it would change,
Forever...
But the Saga of Dune is Far from over...