Honored Captain,
I must report a most remarkable encounter during our recent campaign against the Word Bearers on Sanctus VII. As you know, my squad found itself fighting alongside the Blood Wolves Chapter, and I witnessed something that I believe deserves your attention.
During the assault on the heretics' fortified position, the cursed whispers of our genetic burden began to surface. The presence of Word Bearers' corruption and their mock-rituals to false gods stirred the Red Thirst in my battle-brothers. I feared we would lose ourselves to its savage call.
It was then that their Chaplain's assistant, Brother Wolfclaw, approached me with an unexpected proposal. He spoke of their chapter's blood bond ritual - not as a mere battlefield pact, but as a means of sharing burdens. At first, I was wary, mindful of our own chapter's struggles with blood-ritual. However, what followed was extraordinary.
The ritual itself was unlike our own practices. Where our blood speaks of Sanguinius's sacrifice and echoes with our great grief, theirs resonated with a primal strength. They did not seek to suppress the darkness within, but rather to acknowledge and channel it. When my blood mixed with that of Sergeant Grimfang, I felt not just the familiar burning of our curse, but also an answering howl of controlled savagery.
The effect on our combined squads was remarkable. Their ritual somehow helped stabilize my battle-brothers' control over the Red Thirst. It was as if their mastery over their own blood-rage provided an anchor for our genetic burden. In turn, they seemed to draw strength from our resistance to our curse.
The battle that followed demonstrated the profound implications of this bond. When we struck the Word Bearers' lines, we fought with a fury that would have normally risked awakening the Black Rage. Instead, we maintained control. Their war-beasts fought alongside us, somehow sensing and responding to our struggle, helping us direct our rage precisely where it was needed.
Sir, I believe this encounter reveals something significant about our own chapter's burden. The Blood Wolves, while walking a different path, understand something fundamental about controlling the darkness within. Their ritual brotherhood offered not suppression of our curse, but a shared strength in facing it.
I submit this report for your consideration, should similar opportunities for cooperation arise in the future.
For Sanguinius and the Emperor,
Post-Script: Their sergeants have expressed interest in sharing their ritual practices with our squad leaders. Given what I witnessed, I believe this merits consideration, should you deem it appropriate.
[Sealed with the Blood Angels Chapter symbol and personal seal of Brother-Sergeant Mephiston]
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