Meeting the Lord of Obsidian

Alexandros leaned back in his seat, an image of casualness contrasting with the weight of his existence. Regardless of their detractors, none could deny a Primarch's presence was not a light thing. To be in the presence of three of them? Few had ever enjoyed the privilege.

To be in the presence of three Primarchs and the Emperor? Only a rare mortal could maintain a balanced demeanour.

Alexandros' eyes did not agree with his posture. They flitted from one being to another. Today, he was an observer. Tonight, he would be instructor.

His student was Koschei Kharkovic. The sideburn-wearing Primarch had spent the last several years alternating between the Emperor's lessons in leadership and Alexandros' lessons in diplomacy. All the while preparing to assume formal command of the Eighth Legion. A few weeks ago, the Emperor had deemed Koschei ready. With each new Primarch, the Emperor spent less and less time teaching his sons.

Although Alexandros was concerned with the implications of that particular trend, he had agreed that Koschei had completed his negotiation lessons as well. Together, the three of them would travel aboard the Bucephalus to the Eighth's current deployment.

It was on this road the Emperor had declared a detour necessary.

The results of this detour sat across from the Emperor, to Alexandros' right. Lukas was the newest addition to Alexandros' family. As much as Alexandros wished to revel in this happy event, he had spied an opportunity to test Koschei in a first contact meeting with one of their own kin. Thus, he sat at the Emperor's right hand, while Koschei occupied the left.

Valdor, as usual, loomed behind the Emperor. His eternal shadow and guardian. Alexandros did not need to read his posture to know the light displeasure with which Valdor regarded this meeting. Once upon a time, Alexandros thought of Valdor and the other Custodians as close cousins in their relation to the Emperor.

It was a sentiment gone unreciprocated. [[Category:M]]