{oOo}

Mortarion eyed his brother Angron warily. The Primarch of the World Eaters had been unusually well-behaved at this gathering, with almost no accidental maimings and for the most part, he had used his 'inside voice' when talking to people. Which still meant he was clearly audible for a mile or so, but it was nonetheless a substantial improvement.

The reason for Mortarion's caution was simple: it was Persephone's birthday and Serenity had quietly but firmly indicated that the girl was due presents from the entire Imperial Palace. For the most part, this had involved a glut of purchases from local lampmakers although Serenity had presented the smaller girl with a long silver glaive. Angron, however, had a large parcel over one shoulder. The parcel was covered in brown paper and appeared to be... moving.

"Angron, what is that?" he asked cautiously.

The towering man lifted it off his shoulders and proffered it, two handed, to Mortarion's ward. "Merry birthday!" he announced proudly, drawing attention from across the vast ballroom.

Persephone cautiously accepted the gift, with Mortarion discreetly taking most of the weight as he lowered it to the ground. There was something alive in there, he realised in morbid horror. However, he allowed the girl to tear at the brown paper, which seemed extraordinarily resilient. After a moment, Persephone seemed to grow frustrated and picked up Serenity's gift, which made short work of the coverings.

There were intakes of breath all around the world as a huge, bat-winged and purple-furred bear was revealed. Then Persephone squealled in delight and threw herself against the creature's chest, hugging it.

Mortarion's voice was chillingly cold. "Brother, is that Cthellean Cudbear?"

"That's right!"

"They're vicious carnivores!"

Angron's pride was undented. "I housebroke it myself," he announced before leaning over and 'whispering'. "I filed down the teeth and claws too, just in case."

Words failed Mortarion, but Persephone was more eloquent and she abandoned her new pet for a moment to hug Angron's armoured calf. "Thank you, Uncle," she murmured and then pulled a small package out of the veritable mountain of gifts. Mortarion had wondered why she had brought a wrapped present to her own birthday party but had presumed it had arrived early and she was going to open it with the others. "Happy birthday to you."

The towering primarch bent down and took the gift in one massive hand. "How did you know it was my birthday?"

Persephone blushed and scampered back to her Cudbear.

Angron and Mortarion exchanged glances. "Is it actually your birthday?" Mortarion asked in surprise.

"Well I always thought it was yesterday," Angron grunted, turning the package over in his hand. "Must have got the calendar wrong." He lifted the present to his face then closed his teeth on the wrapping paper and yanked, tearing a great swathe away. "Hmm."

"It's a lamp, brother."

The primarch turned it over in his hands. "Ah. How does it... work?"

"There should be a switch..."

Angron found the control at that moment and a stabbing beam of light, analogous to a searchlight, slashed out across the room, perfectly illuminating Corax, who was endeavouring to discreetly drop off a present on the pile. Which was odd, because he'd sent his regrets and claimed he wouldn't be able to attend. "Hi Corax."

"...Angron," the goth-inclined primarch replied with forced civility, trying to hide the package behind him. Unfortunately, this failed to protect him from one of Serenity's hugs...

{oOo}