Board Thread:Warhammer 40k Roleplay/@comment-24821739-20140419184522/@comment-24878368-20140506011018

Ragnar's normal gregarious demeanor was suddenly replaced with a cold hard stare that would make Russ himself shiver, as his gaze turned to Ansger. “I will answer your leaders question,given time. But do not presume to question my honor Son of Guilliman.” Beside him Kaila’s haunches raised slightly and very quietly a small growl can be heard. Ragnar held his stare with the Ultramarine for a moment more then turned back to Aloysius.



Ragnar’s demeanor then shifted to friendly and happy again as he began to speak. ”Well met brother Aloysius, my former squadmate was a Mentor as well. His name was Eltarous, he was our tech marine and helped me with tactical assessments, he was unfortunately lost when we were ambushed by a Carnifex. He was a good soldier and an excellent tactician, i only hope that i fulfill his last request as he instructed. It is good that you wish to head to the hive, that was my current heading as well before spotting your transport." Ragnar's eyes seem far away for only a second as if in deep memory, then they quickly snap back into focus. "Our mission was to investigate an anonymous signal that informed us of a Tyranid cult."



"We dropped in, found an abandoned village to the west of here and found ourselves in the middle of a tyranid ambush. As the squad was about to fan out to search the buildings for any kind of life, a Carnifex burst forth from under us. Killing brother Matteo, our Sanguinary priest, as well as Brother Luca, his charge. After retrieving Matteo’s chalice, I ordered a tactical retreat and myself, brother Sel'tair and Brother Eltarous fought our way back into the forest, when Eltarous was taken by a Strangler shot. He spoke his last and gave me his weapon, to be returned to the chapter master. We got surrounded again and fought our way into a stand still, as the bodies began to pile up around myself and my Raven guard brother the xenos began to gain a height advantage. I took a wound to my lower torso and almost fell, had Brother Sel'tair not used the last of his jump pack fuel to extract us we surely would have fallen."



Ragnar's demeanor has obviously changed as he recounts the falling of his squad, not to anger but more to regret and general sadness over their deaths. Kaila nuzzles his hand and Ragnar pets her softly once then lets the hand fall to his side as he continues his story. "Sel'tair covered me as my wound healed. Defended me as was needed along with Kaila, and hunted when we had no food to speak of. We spoke of our home worlds and our traditions and found that we have similar traditions.” Ragnar runs his hand along the teeth at his throat as his other hand absently feels for a small chain of bird skulls at his belt. “When my wounds had healed we began making our way to the hive city, any chance at exfiltration we knew would have to be requested there.”



A wetness in his eyes can be seen for those who choose to look and an aura of sadness can be felt for those sensitive to it. “Less then a week ago we were set upon by a gene stealer brood numbering at about 130. When we thought we had finished them all one last one seemed to form out of the forest itself behind brother Sel’tair and plunged its claws into his back and through his armor. Although my shot killed it i knew that my Battle-Brother’s wounds were too grievous to survive. As i dragged my comrade to a safe distance from the bodies of the horde i talked to him about the death traditions of his chapter and of the Corvia tradition. He took his last breath that same night after i promised him that his honor would be returned to his home. I left him to his carrion birds as his death tradition dictated.”



Ragnar’s hand clutches the small chain of skulls on his belt and looks at it. A single tear falls from his face, mingling with the blood and mud already on his cheeks. “And now the only squad that remains to me is the member who has always been. Kaila and i have been fighting and destroying these worthless creatures in honor of my squad. I apologize for my emotions Brother Aloysius, its just with the exception of your fellow Brother. This squad has been operating together for the better part of a decade, its loss is a hard one to take.” Ragnar looks into the squad leaders eyes. The yellow pools of his eyes still wet with moisture, but burning with a fire all the same. Rangar’s lips curl into a wolfish grin. “Needless to say the disposition of the xenos threat, is hostile”