Another Life

 The wind blew, sending a gust of cold water onto her face. Dark strands of auburn, soaked by the downpour, drifted behind her back in a melodic dance with the ocean wind. Beneath her bare feet the soft moss expelled its water, creating a small pool around her toes.

A dark cloak hung from her shoulders, falling just above her bare knees. The thick fabric kept the cold and wet at bay. To some the rain was a comfort, a steady melody, a calming presence. To the Atreides, the water of Caladan had been their home as it was hers. For generations, the waters both above and below welcomed the noble family giving them wealth and power.

To her it was a shroud, a veil against prying eyes. Through the mist, it was impossible to see her face. The water concealed her features, creating lines where there were none. It was there, veiled in water looking over the vast oceans from a high cliff was where she loved to exist.

This was her planet. Her home, her life.

Through the crashing waves, the rush of the wind past her ears and the gentle fall of rain against stone, she could hear her solitude break. The rhythmic pace of boots on moss, dirt and rock cut through the natural melody around her.

Just as one could read a letter and the emotions contained within it, she could read his footsteps as he approached. His stride was purposeful, strong and deliberate, like always. Yet, as he drew closer the steps became hesitant, slower. Eventually, coming up beside her, he stilled. Without looking, she could see his silhouette against the darkening sky.

In silence, they stood as the planet's voice sang to them over the ocean and through the water. The song changed as she no longer stood alone. The wind once gave her strength, the rain armour, now it was a comforting blanket as her stomach tightened, gripping against the sorrow. The reality of the universe coming down on her shoulders.

"What do you see?" His voice called to her as she stared ever forward.

"Water." She replied with a whisper. "Home."

"I see power, and wealth." He sighed, head falling slightly. Turning towards her as she stared through the grey he continued, voice pointed and sure. "I see home."

"Yet you leave it." Her grey eyes turned to his face.

He nodded.

"You leave me."

He nodded again. His brown eyes gazed into her own. A pained crease formed between his brow. Taking a step forward, he placed his hand on her cheek. He didn't want to leave her, the water, the ocean. The ring on his hand felt heavier than ever. It was a burden he never wanted but accepted.

"Will you come back?" She leaned into his hand.

His silence was heavy, the known, unspoken truth of the Emperor's decision.

"Shall I come?" She whispered, the rain drops trailing down her cheeks.

He shook his head. "I don't have a choice but you can stay here. Be safe, surrounded by water." He offered a small smile. The rain had completely soaked his curly hair, which now hung around his temples.

"When do you leave?" She asked plainly.

"Tomorrow." He looked out over the waves, dropping his hand to his side.

She'd seen the ships in the sky, lingering. Glazing up into the dense overcast, blinking through the rain, she could see the harsh line of yet another ship cutting through the clouds. "And what will you do on your last day?" She turned towards him.

A pause lingered as he stared over the ocean. Eventually, he shifted, turning his body towards her. "Stand in the rain and say goodbye." His hands reached forward towards hers. Clasping her wet palms in his, his thumb traced a lazy circle on her skin. With one hand still in his, he let them away, up the steep hill towards a small stone building.

Inside the unlit interior of the hut, Leto turned to her. The expression on his face was stoic but laced with heartbreak and sadness. He stood unmoving. The hand, which had once held hers, hung limply at his sides. His shoulders sagged slightly as he watched her.

She stood silhouetted by the doorway, allowing her eyes to adjust to the dim light. "I would have married you, had you asked." She sighed. "I could destroy your enemies if you say the word." Her eyes were on the floor as she reached over her shoulder to the clasp which held her cloak. "Arrakis could be my home if you wished."

The fabric fell to the floor revealing her simple underclothes, a black translucent shift which hung around her thighs. She heard Leto's breath hitch. Her eyes followed the sound, strings of wet hair framing her face.

"Yet I must watch you leave, knowing the truth." She took a step forward to feel the warmth radiating from him.

"What truth?" His voice was soft, while his eyes followed her face.

"It's a trap." The answer was barely a breath. With a finger she reached for his face, gently tracing along his temple to remember the feel of his skin.

Leto sighed quietly before speaking firmly. "Do you think I've given up, that a trap could work against me." The Duke's command over the sentence was filled with threatening certainty.

She squeezed her eyes closed, letting the palm of her hand rest against his cheek. The warmth from his face radiated through her fingertips. "You are two things that will never change," Her tone was an intimate whisper, "a loving, kind father and a keen strategist. If anyone can escape the Emperor's trap it is you." Her eyes opened again, locking with his. "Yet I still have to say goodbye."

Without hesitation she rushed forward, her lips crashed into his. Both of her hands rested on his chest as he wrapped her in his desperate embrace. They grew lost in each other's body. Adventurous hands traced the soft curves and hard muscles. Gradually, damp cloth fell to the stone floor. Skin pressed against skin as they melded together.

Leto, Duke Atreides, found himself lost again, lost in her. With her he was just a man, like any other. He could see himself in another life. Daily he would work, slaving with his hands which had grown calloused and hard, only to come back to her at night. He allowed himself to be there, in that life.

He trailed his lips against the perfect skin before him. He followed the line between her breasts leading to her navel. As he knelt before her he placed both hands on her hips. Beneath the skin he could feel hard muscle and ridged bone while the heat of her radiated into his palms.

Glancing up into her eyes, he saw a kindness there, devotion. In her face there was no pain or worry, just now. Kissing her hip, just below his hands, he ventured south. Eager to please and pleasure, he let his mouth settle over her most sensitive region. With lazy movements, he started to unravel her. Under his hands, he felt her start to quiver, a subtle vibration emitting from her core.

Into the still humid air, she released a pleasured sigh. Her body betrayed her, succumbing to his attention. He knew her so well and she was thankful. Each touch, each kiss was purposeful. He always had a plan and it was no different with her. Every time they met, he knew what he would do. Happily, she gave into his control, to his plan.

Above his head, she shook. Both of her hands dove into his curls, steadying herself. Her breathing came out in small gasps around a flushed face. until the pleasure subsided.

Wiping his face, he climbed from his knees. With both hands he cupped her face, watched as her clouded eyes cleared and gazed back at him. Gingerly he placed a light kiss on her lips, knowing this was the last time. Refusing his own pleasure he led her to the ground. With his arms wrapped around her, he gazed out into the heavy rain.

The turbulent storm had darkened the sky leaving the world in a heavy haze. Melodically, the rain bounced off both the soft ground and hard rock. He savored the beat knowing he may never again hear the sound of rain or flowing water.