Sisters of Chaos

-Sister of Nurgle-

Chapter 1
Apphia woke, gasping for air. She recoiled at the disturbing and impure dream that was only now beginning to fade. The after image of corruption and decay still festered in her mind, the rest fading away, leaving only impurity behind. Sitting up in the sweat-stained bed, she felt unclean in both body and mind. It was disgusting, her skin was coated with sweat from the unsettling nightmare and the sheets clung to her sweaty body. As she looked around she saw the other Hospitaller were still asleep, she had no wish to wake them, but dared not sleep again, lest the frightening visage return. She lit a single candle, that only partially illuminating the pre-dawn darkness.

All sisters would begin a day with prayers or possibly self-flagellation every morning, to purge themselves of impure thoughts. Apphia enjoyed both, though of equal importance was a clean body. She disentangled herself from the filthy bed sheets and stretched in front of her small mirror. Her full-bodied form was pleasant, the swell of her ample breasts complementing her healthy frame and lending her a voluptuous beauty. Short white hair framed her face, highlighting her pleasant features and obsidian eyes. Though she kept herself in top form like all sisters, she lacked the stronger body of her fellow sisters who followed the militant path. After studying her reflection for a few moments to make sure her dream was only a mere nightmare, she made her way to the bathroom. She had to cleanse her body before she could start her morning prayers and anoint herself.

The water in her shower was hotter than normal, causing her slight pain, but Apphia wished to take no chances about possible impurity. As the water rushed over her she slowly rubbed the suds over her voluptuous body, taking care to cover every spot with her nimble hands, cleaning herself thoroughly. The strictest sisters would not have taken as much time nor enjoyed it as much, but even they had their pleasure. Sisters had indulgences, taking strictest care though to not let the weakness of the flesh endanger their faith or purity. The dark bruise on her left side still pained her when she touched it. She knew last night had been a bit rough, but she never thought Abigail would have left a mark. Some salve should help, but it would have to wait.

Apphia had been taking more showers than was usual, if only to cleanse the stench from her body. The planet was covered in swamps and decaying wastes, a depressing and filth-strewn place. Were it not for the valuable plants that produced a Frenzon like substance, the planet would have been long abandoned. At least this former monastery was built on solid ground. But she still could barely stand it; the air alone was enough to induce nausea. It got into her clothes and even with a respirator it was hard to stand.

Several of her sisters had been assigned to heal the planet; with them were an escort from the Orders Militant. The Hospitaller formed a sharp contrast to the militants, focusing their faith, not as a tool of war, but rather using it to heal the sick and injured. Apphia felt uneasy around them, although the militants were also of remarkable skill, their behavior was at times unsettling. But she let them do their work; they were here to protect Apphia and her sisters from any harm that may befall them. The planetary governor must have used some favors to bring in this scant complement to the local medicae forces, but Hospitaller’s were worth it, renowned across the imperium for their healing skills. However, those favors would not save him if he carelessly allowed a sister to be injured, the Ecclessiarchy's favor was not easy to win and easily lost.

Apphia's fellow sisters had much to do, the Hospitallers worked hard and did their job, but she was worried that plague had spread across the planet and her sisters had even heard rumors of what might be a Nurgle cult. If the rumors were true, however doubtful that was, she had reason to worry. The militants could easily deal with a small amount of rebels, but against anything larger they would soon run out of ammunition. The sounds every sister dreaded to hear in combat, the click of the final bolt being expended, the sputtering as the promethium ran dry or the whine of an overheated melta gun. She could see them in her mind's eye, the slavering hordes of heretics advancing, unwilling to receive the care of the soul cleansing pyres and wishing only to spread disease across the land. Apphia desperately hoped it would not come to that.

She dried herself quickly off, the sun had not yet risen and she still had her prayers to say. A simple cotton robe was slipped on as she knelt before the miniature shrine they had brought with them and recited her morning prayers. She had said these words since she was a young girl and though she could recite them without thought, the words never lost their meaning. Her faith was unshakeable and inflexible; there was no room for doubt or second thoughts. The votive candle was lit and she slowly anointed herself with the blessed oil. The ritual was mainly spiritual, said to be from the ancient times, when the Emperor still walked on Holy Terra. She had not brought much oil with her; Apphia had not expected her stay here to last so long.

Their makeshift quarters were one of the larger prayer chambers. It was separate from where they had set up their makeshift clinic, where they plied their trade, but still near enough to the diseased to help if needed. There were rumors that the militants wished the diseased were carriers of more virulent pestilence. Allowing the militants to simply solve the problem with blessed promethium in the way they specialized. The flames would eat away at the corruption, cleansing their souls and bodies in death. But until the problem worsened, the militants were limited to simple guard duty. Standing in place and showing the might of the Imperium. She felt sorry for them, but knew they felt no remorse in serving the Emperor's will. As she finished the last of her prayers, the gilded chrono chimed, rousing the other Hospitallers from their sleep. There was still time to finish, before her duties for the day began.

As the words left her mouth, she felt the meaning strengthen her. Her fellow sisters soon joined her, the whispered words forming a chorus of devotion. Apphia rose and went to put her raiment over the hygienic bodysuit. She was about to fasten the robe when familiar hands ran over her shoulders and encircled her.

“Good morning, Sister”

She felt a warm face press into her and she relaxed for a moment.

"This is hardly the time, Abigail, can't it wait until later?" Apphia said with a slightly stern voice.

"You know you shouldn't go out to treat the sick without first checking yourself for impurities," Abigail replied.