Madzero

Black Crusade: Fires In The Garden

That would be the first time Hagar comes to be witness of such an odd event. Father Nurgle's poxes and illnesses were many, but which one could cause one of these lancers to become as chalk, white and porous in such composition ? An oddity he would have pondered on longer, hadn't it been for the arrival of that which seems to be his retinue. And behind it, the obvious bearings of what they deem of importance : The Pallanquin. And when one such contraption comes into view, a being sits on top of it. Who is it, then ? Who is the celebration, the master of this slow, yet inexorable parade ? Hagar had to know, for perhaps such event could draw them a little closer to their truths.

"...Stay here, will you ? I'll be returning, soon enough."

The Hulking figure of the Nurglite warrior slid through the droning crowd, marching against their current to draw closer to the central piece of this march. What, or who, was it ?

Black Crusade: Fires In The Garden

It was a... Wondrous little thing, that the screens presented. Yes, the images might seem as corrupted to some, but for him, it presented something else, a feeling he could ill describe. A mixture, a ride of all sorts of emotions. The pure joy he could witness on screen, contrasted with the horror it turned out to be. Despite the guts, the playful little ones bore their smiles genuinely. Despite the rot, everyone seemed to find their content, a form of happiness none could see anywhere else in the vastness of the Imperium. This was what he wanted to stand and fight for, what the picts presented and showed to the world. It would have almost captivated him for even longer... Hadn't it been for the Lancer that approached.

"...Oh. Oh, why don't you hold on for a little ?"

Hagar's mighty hand reaches forward, trying to grasp the lancer by the shoulder, hopeful to hold them in place, atleast long enough to gauge the source of aggression.

Black Crusade: Fires In The Garden

"Why would you want to combat it in the first place ? You followers of the lord of change should learn how to see what's infront of you, sometimes."

Vael and Hagar did tend to have differing... Opinions on domains, such was how it was destined to be when you follow ideologies that hold such a degree of difference. But, Hagar didn't see the ill in this : For the one who follows the code of Nurgle to the letter, a disease is something to accept, not rid yourself of. Even the screens themselves, they had seemed to pique an interest of his. A look might be warranted, despite the oh-so called infection.

"You think about this too hardly. Torture is unnecessary, and precaution would be wasteful. The screens, whatever they may contain, are nothing to be afraid of and, infact, I'm willing to prove it. I'll go first myself, and you'll take heed. How is that ?"

Black Crusade: Fires In The Garden

There was something wrong with him ? Hagar wouldn't have noticed, from the behavior portrayed. Certainly not that alarming, but admittedly a little different from what the usual. Would there be an invasive thing within ?

"Is it necessary to remove ? It would be shameful to disturb a man's peace like this. I know well of grandfather's gifts, there's no reason to think of them as so bad. Let him be, he seems happy about it. Aren't you ?"

Black Crusade: Fires In The Garden

"Go ahead, if you like, I'll join you shortly. I... don't get to bask in the rain often. Don't worry, it won't take long."

Was it irresponsible, he knew not. But to get to experience the warmth of water was good for him, even if in small, repetitive amounts. Just a few more minutes for him to enjoy, before proceeding with his duties.

Still, Hagar sits next to the near-decaying body of the one from Mars. The wood that had completely overtaken the right side of his body began to revitalise, and his leaves found to them a slightly greener hue. It felt at home. He can't stay here eternally, he knows so, but... Just a little more.

Black Crusade: Fires In The Garden

Animals picts, of all things ? Hagar can't lie, it makes him curious. Weren't the sanctity of his mission - And of his well-being, he must admit - in danger, he'd perhaps waste some hours staring at them himself. The idea of simply sitting, gazing upon a cogitator as unfiltered joy unfurls before your eyes... It must be a beautiful sensation, one he perhaps should try one day, when less obliged to his kin.

"You sound tired... It's alright, you did what you had to do."

Hagar lays a hand upon the ruined priest's chest. Another, a little down his back. And slowly, he pushes him downwards, softly letting the unfortunate soul lay upon the wet ground they were sullying. Only one of them had to commit the effort of going further, and Hagar would rather have this curse to be his.

"Here, stay down. Don't think about any of that anymore. You're here, right under the warm rain, and that's all you have to consider. We'll handle whatever's out there ourselves."

It was a voice that creaked horrendously like dead wood, yet somehow, soothing to the tortured ears, or for whatever would it be those of Mars use to replace their auditory means, of which he knows little.

"Though I could... Stay a little longer."

Black Crusade: Fires In The Garden

One lives still apparently, beyond the automation of servitors, albeit in a state that is, admittedly, undesirable to find oneself in. Yet, this spark of life brings some joy in the roots that have wrapped around Hagar's heart. Almost immediately, some of his joviality returned.

"The rain... It'll do some good to my leaves, in and outwards. I'll take you up on that generous offer."

With little to no hesitation, Hagar took seat right next to the unfortunate priest, shoulder to shoulder, almost like an old friend from way back then. What did the followers of the grandfather have, if not their camaraderie ?

"Tell us your story, I'd love to hear it myself. Maybe even a trade ?"

Black Crusade: Fires In The Garden

The sight was both dreary and, oddly enough, familliar. To see that they have been felled so, it brings back many memories of the past, and sights of what the future could be. Complacency is a form of bliss he and all his ilk enjoy, and yet to see its consequences here and now, it feels... Awry, unpleasant. Men of his or not, it is all close to home, too much for his own ease of mind. Hagar didn't show it, not overtly, but his glassy eyes slowly draping each of the malformed and mangled bodies showed sign of twitch in their movement, unlike his usual self...

"..."

The Khornite did his duty well, and of this he cannot complain. This sort of carnage, not something he himself would leave behind. The crime was both heinous and merciful at the same time.

Hagar was the first to step forth amidst the masses. The drones, he ignored, for they weren't subject of his ire. The rain, at the very least, felt good. It watered him, a feeling, at the least, refreshing, helping him soothe this pull against his soul.

"...Come out everyone."

Black Crusade: Fires In The Garden

They were slow, yes. Such was an important part of who they were- or at the very least, of who Hagar and his own following were. "Charming" as their new compatriot here is, it is safe to say that he has his own plans for the Bastion, plans that the master of this troupe cannot quite go along with. In due time, they will have to find compromise. And if they cannot...

"...Why don't we move out ?"

A few, singular and simple words aimed towards the rest of his troup. The only thing that need still for their presence are their ship, and to keep it waiting would be counter-productive.

"I don't know for you, but the skull collection doesn't interest me. We do what we need, and no more. How would that sound ?"

Black Crusade: Fires In The Garden

"Everyone's got their own role in things. For us, it's to deal with the bastion's spearheads. And for you, it's to make sure we can get there."

Hagar was quite decently versed in the ways of strategy, yet ill-desired to be cause of death, even for those who followed he who sat upon the brass throne. Ironic, given who they were.

"Just don't push yourself, and come back alive. Everything after all that will be just fine..."