Ya'll don't even UNDERSTAND how much I love this beautiful boy (mabye you do but still) I've been wanting to draw him for forevrrrr <3 when I first watched Pariah Nexus he singlehandedly got me into Salamanders and he's still one of my favorite characters of all time ^^
Also ya'll I promise art should pick back up soon :,) I was sick for a while + the holidays but now I have a long break and I'm prepared to draw lots and lots of space marines ;)
I got to see my nephew and newborn niece last week, so I got more ammo for this story! I get to see them again today!
Cute infant and an entire legion of Salamanders doting over him. Sometimes, in the grimdarkness of 40k, you need pure fluff.
Within just three days of his birth, a nursery had fully been set up. A crib and rocking chair had been forged rather quickly. The best scaled hides had been given to the infant primarch. He was swaddled in one and rested peacefully within his new crib. The flames underneath kept him substantially warm and cozy.
Tu'Shan leaned on the edge of the crib, watching the sleeping baby. Pouting lips occasionaly sucking the pacifier in his mouth.
Some of the nursing serfs offered to be wet mothers and help anyway they could. Many had great uncles or brothers who were astartes. Some were their mothers, taken care of in their old age.
One had even made a hat for the little primarch to keep his head warm. Woven together in traditional fashion. Each Salamander had a hat like that when they were infants. Made by a family member.
The old woman who had presented it did so with the utmost care and pride. He'Stan had taken it, knelt on one knee, and kissed her upon her forehead with gratitude.
Tu'shan dared to reach down and stroke Pyre's cheek with a finger. The babe intook a quick breath but didn't wake. He had to resist the urge to hold him. Others were waiting for when naptime was over.
There was no shortage of eager arms to hold and take care of the babe when he was awake. Especially as other companies and successor chapters flocked to the ship and learned that the relic was an infant. Others already waited on Nocturne for their arrival. He was eager to see their shock and rejoicing.
Many brothers would rush to finish their tasks, dress in casual clothes, and come racing down.
Guards had to be posted at the door and access limited. So many battle-brothers just wanted to see and gush over him. Pyre would sense their combined excitement and get upset.
The door slowly slid open and barefeet tiptoed in. No matter how sneaky and careful a marine was, armor was too noisy.
Vulkan He'Stan moved next to Tu'Shan, beaming as soon as he saw Pyre.
Still sleeping soundly? He'Stan asked in sign.
Tu'Shan answered, Yes. For an hour now.
He'Stan nodded.
Napping is needed for a baby, but I also want him awake and seeing everything.
I am in agreement, Tu'Shan nodded. I don't think he'd share the same sentiment, though.
The forgemaster nodded. Pyre was more than willing to fall asleep. Waking him, however, was like unleashing a flame thrower. He was incredibly grumpy and would cry if his slumber was disturbed.
A ferocious yet cute salamander.
It was best to wake him when it was time for feeding. It helped calm him down, but that would not be for a bit.
No other legions have been notified yet, He'Stan informed him. Once on Nocturne, I want only the Primarch Roboute Guilliman notified of his nephew. We must protect The Unbound Flame at all - look at his expression!
Tu'Shan looked down to see Pyre scrunching his brows. It was very cute, but he wondered why he'd make such a face. The answer came as the babe grunted, and a sound near his bottom happened. The little primarch then relaxed, having accomplished his mission.
He'Stan stifled a laugh.
Tu'Shan sighed, I fear we will run out of diapers before reaching our destination.
He'Stan was about to answer back when Pyre grunted again, followed by another fart.
The forgemaster sunk to the floor as he covered his mouth.
Pyre whimpered and began to squirm. Pink eyes fluttered open, and he began to cry.
"Why, hello there!" Tu'Shan greeted.
He picked him up and held him close to his chest. He'Stan chuckled lowly.
"Let's get you changed and head out. I am pleased you woke up on your own." Tu'Shan said.
Pyre just cried. Unhappy at his creation just now and the fact that he was awake. He practically demanded a clean diaper.
Once changed, Pyre was brought out of the room. His angry crying alerted everyone of his coming.
Rows of eager astartes lit up upon seeing the infant. Each vying for the chance to hold him. The deck was dead silent so as not to scare him.
Suddenly, they parted, allowing a serf to bring forth a large bottle of milk wrapped in scale leather.
He bowed, "The head matron bid this be brought to the infant."
"Thank you," Tu'Shan smiled as he took it. It was boiling hot, just how Pyre liked it
He handed Pyre over to the first unarmored brother before him, who had been waiting patiently. The baby whimpered but subsided.
Pyre caught the smell of the steaming milk and began crying again, pursing his lips to ask for it.
Tu'Shan removed the pacifier and replaced it with the bottle. Pyre calmed down and kicked a leg.
"Someone certainly was hungry," he chuckled. "Not too fast, little flame. You'll spit it all up."
Pyre let out little hums as he ate. His pale eyes opened and looked up at the astartes holding him.
"Hello, little flame," he cooed. "I'm one of your big brothers. How cute you are."
Others crowded around the two.
"He's going to be big like our Father," one commented.
"I always loved how newborns' eyes are pale and not fully red yet," another added.
One reached a finger down to the little Primarch's hand. Pyre grabbed it tightly.
"A strong grip," he chuckled. "He will do well in the forge."
Pyre finished just before the bottle was empty. He smacked his lips and began blowing white bubbles.
The brother holding him laughed and adjusted Pyre across his chest and shoulder.
"Easy as you get him to burp," one said.
The brother with Pyre assured, "Worry not. I will be gentle. My prosthetic is covered, so he won't feel the cold."
Pyre blinked, taking in his surroundings and the view over the shoulder. Tu'Shan moved in closer so that he could see him.
"Hello, little flame," he grinned. "All better now?"
Pyre burped, and spit up came out.
"Hope that doesn't corrode your prosthetic, Sa'Kan," a brother teased.
Sa'Kan smiled as he continued patting Pyre's back, "Forged this arm myself. I'd be more worried about the finish of the floor."
Brother Chaplain Kaj'Un came forward with a rattle.
"And how is our little Unbound Flame?" He cooed. "Oh, is he so much better now that he's eaten?"
He shook the rattle slowly, and Pyre's eyes grew wider.
"Gah," he said. "Ah gah."
Kaj'Un nodded. "Oh, really? Is that so?"
He tried scooting forward but still lacked the motor skills to do such. Kaj'Un chuckled and pressed a kiss to his soft chubby cheek.
Pyre hummed, then made another sound, "Oooh."
Several other Salamanders copied him, chuckling at his surprised expression. His head wobbled, Sa'Kan helping to brace his neck.
He made another test sound, and the battlebrothers copied once more.
His little face scrunched up; lips pouting, eyes squinting, brows furrowing. Soft cries escaped him, and a chorus of "awww" followed.
Kaj'Un shook the rattle again, causing Pyre to forget being upset momentarily.
Tu'Shan eyed the ever growing group of astartes.
"I assume you've completed all your duties for the day?" He asked aloud.
Some astartes froze, and others began stammering about taking a short break. A few nearly slumped as they retreated. But his favorite reaction was Pyre's. He lifted his head a bit, recognizing the chaptermaster's voice.
A pang of sorrow went through his hearts. They needed to find the other relics and fast. He didn't know if he could bear the thought of their Primarch missing out on anymore of his child's life. Especially at this stage.
A serf caught his attention. He sat to the side and had paper and charcoal in hand. He was creating a likeness of Pyre. Yes. They would document as much of this as they could. He was so very cute after all.
So I just had to write this after I found out that the Salamanders had this special chapter serf who is known as a brander-priest, who marks the Salamander whenever he leaves, and when he returns. And as Sa'kan has like no stories writing about him.. I had to!
Cw: mentions of branding, otherwise fluff (I hope)
You never regretted choosing to stay with the Salamanders after your lord saved you, he pulled you from your dying world surrounded by fire and death. And he gave you a new life, sure it was not easy at first, so many new things to learn nevertheless you shall also not regret becoming his brander-priest. Even now knowing exactly what horrors he faced whenever he leaves with his chapter and brothers. You much rather be able to give the respite of coming back - to someone he can be sure is here.
As you prepare the camber, you think back to what your angel has told you of the past mission he went to. How many were lost and yet he still made it out alive, vile beasts he and his brothers fight to keep the rest of you safe. You watch as the flames flare around the hot iron, nearly ready to place another brand.
You turn as you hear the door open and your Lord enters, Sa’kan will leave soon. Not yet clad in his armor, he reaches out to you with his fingers brushing the side of your head. “Already a place in mind for this one?” He asks, his voice as soft as the touch he gave to you. “I thought to put it between your shoulder blades, to guard your back.” He gave you a small smile, nodded and turned to stand before the heating metal. “It is nearly time”
The words of the Promethean Cult now fall easily from your lips, as you lift the now glowing branding tool leaving its mark on your Salamanders skin. It slots in perfectly next to all his others, never overlapping, never the same. No sound leaves Sa’kan’s lips as the flesh beneath the metal smolders, as you lift it away and say the protective words your lips touch the burned area. Your Salamander takes a deep breath, while you continue the rights knowing of their importance.
In the newfound silence Sa’kan turns to you, once more his hand lifts brushing against your temple. You know what he means with no words spoken, he will return if he is able to. As you watch him leave you know that it may be the time you see him alive, but when he does return he shall tell you what happened as you place his return mark on his chest. And after, he may celebrate the victory with you in private.
Off he goes, into the fires of battle, unto the anvil of war. You pray that he will return from Paradyce fast and whole again..
