Background:
Vhossus Galacus Sirco was born the fourth and youngest son of the large and prosperous Sirco family in northeastern Koth. There Parascus Sirco, Vhossus' father, was the trusted physician and alchemist to the Household and Court of Baron Altaro of Khorillius. Vhossus thus grew up surrounded by the priveleges of the court, even if he was not a noble himself. His education was mostly seen to by his father, though on occasion a private tutor was provided on certain subjects or when his father was unavailable. He was raised in his father's profession, intended to be a surgeon and apothecary in his tradition. This he excelled at, moreso even than his older brothers. This was to be the seed of conflicts to come.
As the youngest son he was expected to either find a position in another court or become his eldest (inheriting) brother's assistant. As Vhossus grew older, and his skills greater and greater, he came to resent his hereditary station beneath his lesser skilled brother, Emerin. Emerin in turn resented Vhossus equally, and not only for his skill. Vhossus, as most passionate young men, found keeping his own contempt to himself difficult, and this certainly helped matters along.
Already an academic by training the young Vhossus took to studying on his own during his free time. Embittered by his lot his studies begun to take dark turn. The occult began to fascinate him. The Baron of Khorillius possessed a large library. So did Vhossus' father. Between these sources he scraped a meagre ammount of knowledge of the subject together and actually began to learn minor sorceries. This went unnoticed at the time. Vhossus knew better than to display his new skills. Soon however the libraries he had access to were exhausted on the subject. They were not after all the libraries of sorcerers. He had to look elsewhere if he would learn more.
He began to see a book seller named Iolas who lived in the city near the Baron's keep. His progress was slow with his meagre funds, and indeed slower than it could have been even then. For he kept a deception that he still was merely studying to be a greater and greater physician... and so for every purchase he made towards his sorcerous end, he also made one in his public profession. And he studied both. Both were worthy pursuits to him, and he reasoned a physician is a far more welcome figure most anywhere than any variety of sorcerer.
It was on one these excursions to the city that he first encountered Sophia. At least, away from the palace. Sophia, youngest daughter of Baron Altaro, was of an age with Vhossus. The two had seen one another before, when Vhossus had accompanied his father in the performance of his duties... yet had never spoken.
They likely would not have in this occurence as well were it not for it's unusual nature. Sophia was encountered dressed as a young peasant girl, out and about the city. By happenstance she was nearby Vhossus' favored bookshop when he approached and they recognized each other. For some reason that day, both fell in with the other without reserve. The two wandered the city together that day, after Vhossus made his purchases. It became a ritual then, with them both. When either snuck out of the keep into the city, the other would go along. Soon they were friends sharing childhood 'adventures'. Both knew neither of their families would approve, either of their activities or of their sharing each other's company.
In the years to come Iolas' ability to procure sources of knowledge for Vhossus' began to wane. Or was it Vhossus' purse waning in comparison to the greater and greater fees for rarer and rarer tomes? Either way, Vhossus' sorcerous studies began to be frustrated. Sophia counseled him that he should give up the pursuit now anyway, while Ishtar might still smile on him. This he could not do.
His frustrations were not lost on Iolas. Eventually the elderly book seller whom he had patroned for years confided in him. His own faith was not that of Ishtar. There was a reason he was the man to come to in this region for books such as those Vhossus sought. He was a layman of Skelos, and his devotion to the Cult brought him his connections for such materials. He knew of the young man's frustrations and offered to introduce him... if he truly wished to pursue that path. Not that he made it sound terribly pleasant. Indeed he did not. Perhaps he half wished that the young man would choose another life. Vhossus did not.
And so, through Iolas he met Sylus, accountant and moneychanger by day and Priest of Skelos by night. He would never be the same. Sylus frustrated Vhossus at first. His early teachings covered many things Vhossus felt he already knew. Yet Sylus went back over these 'basics' anyway. In great and exacting detail. Vhossus, despite his frustration, learned more than he realized in those early lessons.
Lessons that Sophia urged him to stop going to. For they both still told each other everything. Their friendship was only growing closer... and despite her growing fear of his budding sorcery, their affection blossomed into love. True, chaste yet passionate, love. They continued sneaking about together, yet ... things began to have a different character. They weren't children playing in the alleys amongst a gang of other urchins any longer. Now they went out to find a place to spend time together. Now it was romance. A rash, dangerous, and yet childish and chaste romance... yet, how many are wise in such circumstances?
Despite his better judgement Vhossus began to dream that they might somehow, oneday, have a life together away from those who would prevent it. The desire for it began to knaw away at him... and in the end only drew him ever deeper into his pursuit of sorcery, or now... his pursuit of the Cult of Skelos. He believed therein lied the power to defy his father and Baron Altaro and take her for himself. He grew closer still to Sylus. His Master began to take a fatherly aire with him, though a strict and harsh father truth be told. He began to confide in him as well.
While Sophia counseled him from love and compassion Sylus, though seeming no less to have his apprentice's good fortune at heart, counseled from his dispassionate and coldly reasoning position. The two's advice was often contradictory. Vhossus most often sided with Sylus, much to Sophia's consternation. He became more and more like his new teacher. Yet... she loved him already. His path grew darker and darker, and yet... she seemed to think either she would 'save' him and he would turn away from it, or, it wasn't so very dark as all that. He was still the Vhossus who laughed with her so warmly yes?
Sylus on the other hand advised him equally to give up Sophia. Passions were dangerous to the sorcerer he instructed. Passion, life, is the fuel of the sorcerous engine if you will. Allow yours to become enraptured into anything... and that energy is not going to your sorcery after all. Sound advice for a budding young magus. Yet, so very impossible for a young man in love to follow.
Eventually the inevitable occured. Sophia's outings were discovered. This hardly went over smoothly. Baron Altaro was furious. It was not to be borne. He did not however know the identity of the mysterious suitor she appeared to be meeting with. It was of no concern to him. Assassins were sent to their next meeting.
They appeared and ambushed him even as she was opening the door to receive him. Only sorcery saved him. With all his Art he slid into Shadow even as the assassin's blade was striving toward his breast. His cloak fell to the ground, his body gone to the ether. His sorcery, if not his identity, was revealed then to the Baron.
And Sophia was confined to the keep. The two would not have time alone again for some time, even if it did not seperate them so completely as it was supposed. Sophia was terrified to attempt to sneak out again. Baron Altaro threatened to marry her to the most repugnant man he could find, or worse still, sell her if he caught wind she was doing so again. As it was only by the word of the priests of Ishtar that he believed her to be without some foul sorcerous taint. Still, none knew that Vhossus' was either the suitor, or a practitioner of the dark arts.
He threw his frustrations during this time into several avenues. He tried to secure himself a post as physician to another Noble... somewhere, anywhere. No oppurtunities seemed to present themselves. He pursued money, thinking perhaps a fortune could help him with his suit. Yet no profit did he make. He studied under Sylus even more intently... there at least he found success.
Sylus began to talk to him about how, if he took these teachings seriously, he should pursue the priesthood himself. A prospect that at once both intrigued and terrified the young man. Long a layman, he knew the rituals and teachings of the priests could be difficult... demanding. Yet he also knew that the reward of the Magus was great. And he needed great reward if he was ever to possess Sophia. He went forward, into the dark.
He determined he would pursue the dark road. He pledged himself to Sylus, to the high priests, to Skelos. Another step into darkness that could not be taken back. Again, he would never be the same. He now, for the first time, reads the Book of Skelos. He at first comes away from his study shaken, then with a growing passion to learn more. This was what he needed after all. His budding mastery moves quickly, outpacing his advancement in the Cult at first. His next initiation, as for most, was very difficult to decide upon. The priest to be must make a great sacrifice to Skelos, to show his devotion to the Magic above all else. A pledge of devotion, a show of seriousness, and gravity. Sylus would not speak of his own sacrifice, yet he whispered grim tales of others... fortunes, wives, children... beloved friends and in tales, whole kingdoms... or kings. The attachement it represented was important. For that was the sacrifice. It didn't matter what, only that it was something one would not wish to give.
The prospect staggered Vhossus for a long time. Sophia thought the entire affair was monstrous. How could he do such a thing? And, to whom? Or what? And, heavens and stars forbid, what if his sacrifice was found unworthy? Less dismal tales were told of funerals. For months he wavered at that point of indecision... until outside events pushed him forward yet again.
He became further estranged from his family during this time. His father perished unexpectedly, yet seeming from no foul play. In his grief perhaps his judgement was addled. The lesser position offered him by his sneering brother could not be born. And what else did he have? No other court appeared to be willing to take him. Sophia could never it seemed be his. He had only his Art.
A solid month of grieving, drinking, and furious rages followed. Sylus appeared to be near to giving the young Vhossus an ultimatum. He must decide to continue along the path of priesthood or his mentor would have to stop instructing him. Especially at this time, this seemed more than he could endure. Without his Art, he would be left with nothing. Dark days, and dark deeds, lay ahead.
He concealed himself well and slipped into Sophia's chambers undetected... a feat he had never attempted before, despite their love. He wondered, it having been so long since they had been alone together, if she still felt the same? So he remained hidden, and listened. His heart both surged and pained to hear her voice her worries to her trusted matron, as to his well being... and her anguish over her forbidden love for him. He revealed himself, kneeling to kiss her hand. The matron made herself scarce with a warning that the young man should not be there upon her return... and to not take 'too' many liberties with her ward in her absence.
He professed his love once again and bade her elope with him. He declared he could not endure his oafish brother, and therefore would have to leave the court... and if she would come with him, he would pursue another place for them both... somewhere, somehow. She agreed.
They met as they had before, only this time the character was quite different. Vhossus' countenance was more intense, his manner the same. For the first time he did not restrain himself when alone with her. She acquisced, seeming to know that everything was about to change. To Vhossus her love was divine. Afterwards with shaking hands he drugged his beloved Sophia into unconciousness, then opened the door for his Master, Sylus.
Sophia was born secretly out of the city by Master and Apprentice, away unto the glade of the Cult. With tearfull eyes and even still growing tremors in his hands Vhossus, aided by his master, chained his lover to the stone altar and roused her. Her panic at first waking, wild eyed, drove a knife into his heart. Yet there and then, as darkness fell, the High Priest intoned the beginning of the ceremony... demanding the supplicant provide his offering, his name, and proof that his sacrifice was worthy.
Vhossus chokingly replied, offering up his own blood and hair in the ceremony to the high priest, giving his name... and professing his heartfelt devotion to and love for Sophia. She began to cry, her own tearfull eyes locked on her lover as her comprehension grew. Sylus, performing his own role in the ceremony, ritually stripped and washed her as befits the sacrifice. The moment of culmination was at hand.
Vhossus came forward on wobbly legs, lifting his dagger and haltingly intoned his devotion now to the Priesthood. Then he froze, for long silent moment. There she lay, nude and beautiful. Her flesh still rosy and warm from their lovemaking. Her eyes, her face, fearful and yet... still warm to him. The High Priest then nodded to him and spoke. "Let it be done." She spoke then, an instant of clarity. "I still love you." And then, as if in a dream, his dagger was in her chest... and then back out. Her blood was flowing over herself and the altar and her choking was all he could hear... though he knew the priests were supposed to be chanting now. His eyes and ears were riveted to her. He stood as he was supposed to stand, arms splayed wide in supplication. Yet, as he watched, he knew his strike had been mortal. And yet, he was a physician. A superb one. He also knew he could, at that moment, save her. And yet, how would he walk away from such a rite as this if he even tried? And what would he have then? No Art, no position, nothing. Only her.
He stood dumbfounded, hovering every moment with indecision as to whether to save her or not. Eventually time made his choice for him. She died, as he knew she would... in agony. Her last ghasp she intoned in a horrid blood filled whisper "I forgive you."
For a time his mind was shattered. He shuffled and intoned his way through the ceremony as he knew he should, yet it was all dreamlike. The next recollection he had clearly, after the ceremony and Sophia's cremation, was awakening in Sylus' guest room... his mentor sitting in a chair near the bed. The older Magus patted his hand, a pained and knowing look on his features. "None will ever doubt you now my boy." he said. "Take your time." he added, as he rose. "We can begin whenever you like, yet you now have much more to learn."
And so he did. Yet always he dreamed of and regretted his lost love. Sylus once told him that never went away. It could only ever be so, else... of what worth, and what proof of devotion and loyalty, is a sacrifice that is not so valued?
