THE LIGHT OF SOL
In the beginning, Sol's fire was the first spark, illuminating the void and breathing warmth into the bones of the earth.
By His light, the world rose from darkness, and His flames brought life where there was none.
Sol's radiance is our shield, His warmth our salvation; for as long as His fire burns, no frost shall conquer, and no shadow shall consume.
In the heart of every flame, Sol resides, guiding His chosen ones toward strength and purity. He commands us to burn brightly, to rise even from ash.
To those worthy of His fire, He grants power, and to those who stray, His flames shall purify their souls.
For every ember is a promise of His might, every blaze a symbol of His will.
The Scorchers are His hand, the flame His word. Honor the fire, obey its call, for in its light, we are reborn.
— Scriptures of the Eternal Flame XII Passage II
"Do not fear the flame, Homura. You are blessed by the sun and moon."
His mother's last whispered advice crawled into his mind for the umpteenth time in the last hour.
Vibrant blue eyes stared at the endless scene of lush greenery before him. Back in his homeland, such color was a rarity as his world was painted in white — a color of purity that Frostborns take pride in, but for him, it was a mockery of his existence.
Ginryuu Homura was a symbol of sin and shame. A taint to Nivendale's Frostborn Royal Family.
"Your Highness, would you like us to stop and rest for awhile?" His male attendant – Haruki Shinrin — asked, staring at his face as if scanning for any signs of discomfort.
Homura shakes his head. "Thank you, but it's alright, Shinrin." He continues on looking outside the carriage window. "We can't delay the inevitable any longer. We'll give off a bad impression if we are late. It's bad enough that they are sending an illegitimate child as a peace offering. "
Shinrin frowned at the prince's bitter words. "But it's not your Highness fault," he exclaims. "It is your first time to be travelling to such a faraway place, it is bound to cause some troubles on your body."
"Enough about this, Shinrin. I don't wanna talk about this anymore. Just rest up while we still are faraway from Solara. I just wanna enjoy my last moments of freedom in peace."
"Your Highness..."
Born to Prince Reikan, younger brother of Nivendale's current crown prince, Homura was set for a life of luxury and peace if not for his birth mother - a male moonchild. It certainly did not help that his mother — Sai — was of common background and a refugee from a small allied country out in the north.
Homura could not meet his father. It was one of the conditions set by King Fuyushin—current rule of Nivendale and his grandfather for keeping them alive. He had sent them away on a small lesser kingdom allied to Nivendale—a secluded territory known as Silver Haven. This kingdom valued its alliance with the Frostborn and was known for its quiet, spiritual people, who shared a cultural affinity with nature and the elements.
Sai had raised him with love and care; trying to fill in the empty space left behind by his father but Homura didn't mind. He was happy living in that place with his mother.
In Silver Haven, Sai raised Homura in a modest but peaceful life, far from the rigid traditions and scrutiny of the Frostborn royal court.
He taught him humility, resilience, and the importance of finding strength within, knowing that his heritage would always make him different.
The two lived a quiet life, and Homura grew up observing the harmonious bond between the people of Silver Haven and their natural surroundings, learning the value of peace over power.
But everything changed when he turned eighteen. He manifested his magical abilities—a blue flame. A symbol of his Frostborn heritage and forbidden bloodline. Yet what brought him to the attention of the Frostborn royal family was not just his flame but the revelation of his manifestation as a moonchild like his mother.
Within Frostborn society, moonchildren are considered to be descendants of Frostborn families blessed by the moon goddess - Luna - during the country's founding era. They are often regarded as vessels of influence and power, albeit frequently controlled or sacrificed to secure alliances or appease higher powers.
Due to his commoner status, Homura's mother wasn't treated too highly but Homura was different. He was a direct descendant of Nivendale's Royal family albeit an illegitimate child.
They seized the opportunity to offer him as a diplomatic pawn, leveraging his status to ensure peace with Solara. Homura was taken from Silver Haven, with the Frostborn portraying it as an honorable duty, though Homura and Sai both understood the true implications—a lifetime of servitude, potentially as little more than a bargaining chip.
He spent two years in the Crystal Citadel — the seat of the royal family located in the Capital City of Frostspire. It was a stunning castle adorned by crystal chandeliers and walls that glow with a soft, ethereal light. Homura had to learn the basic etiquettes of nobility as to not bring shame to Nivendale once he is at Solara.
It was there that he met Shinrin. The youngest son of the Haruki Family, a long standing family that has served as attendants to the Nivendale's royal family. He had been a bright-eyed boy eager to show off his skills and prove his worth.
"—no matter what happens there. I'll always be on your side, Your Highness."
Homura blinks in surprise at the words, suddenly pulled away from his memories. Geez, why am I thinking about such sad things when I'm off to another place? Let's not bring negative thoughts!
He stares at Shinrin. "I'll trust you on that."