The First Flame

The First Flame is an incredibly important, sacred object to everyone in Halonia. Not only does it have immense symbolic presence, but it also continues to move the world around it as long as it burns. The cycle of night and day, fertile summers, helpful rains, cleansing snows- they are all believed to be controlled by the Flame. The Flame also keeps all manner of dark things and creatures at bay with its light. However, even a fire such as this is destined to fade, and it seems the Flame itself even knows this. At the beginning of every new year, a mortal is marked by the Flame as sacrifice, to be used as fuel to keep it running. To be Marked is noted in Halonia as an incredibly high honor, and is not treated as a solemn affair. Families celebrate, towns build monuments in honor of the one who would sacrifice themselves for the good of the world.