Fire

I got burnt when I went too near the fire. And within that flame laid a treasure. But I could not reach it. The crimson flames would just lick my fingers, much to the annoyance of my nervous system. Indeed, it was difficult to even touch the treasure, not to mention to retrieve it.

So I ignored that artifact, and continued in my journey. But along the way, I encountered several similar shimmering orbs that glowed like they were the moon. But whenever I went near one, it would just be lighted up, first bursting into an inferno, then settling down into a stable, steady orange flame. I was never going to find out what these orbs were, or what they meant.

I looked at my hands, and they were marked with a numerous dozens scars arising from high degree burns. These scars were to remain there for the rest of my life, serving as a cruel reminder of my failures.