Author: Bloody Mary

{oOo}

Alpharius couldn't strangle a yelp when he felt an arm encircle his shoulders. He hadn't heard anybody sneak up on him and he had super-naturally good hearing. Carefully, he looked to the side to find himself facing a pale face framed by black hair.

"I have a few questions for you, brother," Konrad Curze said, his voice full of false friendliness that sent chills down Alpharius' spine.

{oOo}

Corax carefully riffled through Alpharius' belongings. Normally, he wouldn't even consider such a thing, but Princess Serenity had asked him and Konrad Curze to find out when Alpharius' birthday was.

Corax was not going to fail.

{oOo}

The shopkeeper looked unhealthily pale and was sweating profusely. Robout Guilliman was quite aware that witnessing two Primarchs in an enclosed space was an experience few were willing to go through. Thusly he was quite willing to excuse the man's obvious discomfort and did his best to act in a friendly manner.

The same could not be said about the brother, who was accompanying him.

"What do you mean this can't be used as weapon?" Angron demanded furiously as he pointed at an elegant china teapot.

"We are inquiring as to the possible purchase of a gift that will have sentimental value, but does not necessary possess any practical usage," Roboute chided his brother. "This tea vessel is a fine specimen and I find the pattern to be pleasing without being too feminine for one of use to employ on a daily basis."

"What?" Angron growled, eyeing Roboute with enmity.

"Your brother thinks the teapot would be nice gift for Primarch Alpharius," Captain Kharn said in a resigned voice.

"Well, I think it's a stupid gift!" Angron snapped. "Why can't we buy him a yearly supply of chainsword grease?"

"While the sentiment itself is sound," Roboute replied. "I must emphasize that such grease is commonly available to any member of the Imperial Army."

"So're teapots," Angron snarled.

"Indeed, you are right to draw my attention to this fact," Roboute said. "Perhaps it would be commendable that we identify an object that will be a more suitable gift."

This time Angron merely moaned "Khaaarn" plaintively.

{oOo}