A FOX AMONG THE WOLVES

[halerellan]

𝐇ere, used to be a kingdom for a foolish majesty then he put his hands over his ears, and welcomed entropy—

𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐍. the deceitful fox. an independent, low activity rp sieblog for an ancient elf OC of the Dragon Age series. Tied explicitly to the lore of Nanna Amell.

Tolerated by SUNNY (30+ she/they) follows from @avrorean

warnings: explicit mentions of slavery, abuse, and war

—came the undergrowth, overburdening before what is left is a hamlet, and the wails of yore...

[halerellan]

And if I said I see Haminan in Seladon. How in taking that hurt they felt, they become centered themselves entirely on duty before acknowledging they’re a person because to be of use is to be loved. But in seeing actual displays of that love and grow bitter because they wonder what they’re doing wrong that they aren’t receiving it despite doing everything right, and digging their heels into a harmful empirical structure as a result because if they can’t receive that acknowledgement, they’re at least going to fulfill their use till their use is undeniable. And how it would be shaking that worldview to admit that, because that would admit they weren’t cared for like they ought to have been, that they were never truly safe, and to admit their actions harmed so many others because of their refusal to let go.

[subversivegrrl]

Gold, enamel, pearls, diamonds

Victor Gerard, 1900

[awesomesauce-bug-lesbianism]

I like it when characters are really close friends but theyre like. Bad at friendship. like theyre not great people . theyre not necessarily always good to each other. But they are friends!! Incredibly close friends at that!!!! They're Just Not GOOD At It

[halerellan]

Commemorating Haminan's long legacy of being a dick by posting this snippet interaction from a drabble wip between them and Nanna

[halerellan]

@hoboblaidd. ❝ I am a creature of pride, you see"

"Oh, well done, lethallin. I am sure it gives Our Lady no end of peace to know that you can get through the day and remember your name at the end of it."

Eolasen pumped one fist in a mocking little 'hoorah!' with a smile to match, the other hand wound tightly behind their back. A break in decorum, likely not one unexpected, but one Hanal'en would likely complain about later. They had said they'd mitigate these encounters, but... Well, their nature certainly hadn't been Patience, and there was just something about their Lady's second that rankled. And for Solas it seemed no different.

But pride was hardly the sole domain of spirits who claimed it as their nature, and perhaps Knowledge was just as guilty. When it came to matters of the field, no matter how distant, Eolasen prided themselves in its trappings and every cog in the machine of war. It was, after all, why She had called them.

"As much pride as you take in your work, Solas," Their dark eyes looked down at their armored hand, as though disinterestedly inspecting the cleanliness of the pristine silver trappings. "Ah- your strategic predictions are wrong."

[fellenaste]

As far as spirits go, spirits of Curiosity are some of the few that are inherently communal. They're often described as simple spirits, sometimes confused with Wisps, and as such benefit the most from being around similar or complimentary spirits like Knowledge or Wisdom, and are easily drawn in around spirits whose nature are more action or high-emotion oriented. They tend to travel the Fade in 'swarms' or 'schools' of varying sizes to explore the different parts of the world. This also keeps from losing track of things to be curious about and avoids any spirit-based frustration(or corruption) or hostile spirits as a result.

As Elvhen, they tend to clock each other the easiest. They most likely won't know each other specifically, as it'd be rarer for a simpler spirit to form a unique identity in the way we're familiar with, but that also doesn't really matter. More likely than not they've encountered each other at some point, so insofar as Curiosity is concerned, it's just meeting again. And no matter the personality or demeanor they've taken on as physical beings, once you get a handful of them together? They chatter.

[halerellan]

❝ Weave this into the story of you. ❞ for Hanal'en

He doesn't know how to describe the feeling of the spell as it happens. Starlight lifts and pulls from his skin, and there's something empty in its place. Hanal'en almost wants to weep for the loss of it, but whether it was in grief or relief, he still wasn't sure. It was song. It was a lingering silence where something used to be. It was breathing in this body for the first time and running where he used to fly. And there was so much to explore in it.

Wide eyes blink open and stare up at Solas as the spell dissipates, cornflower blue for the first time free of the silver framing of Mythal's vallaslin.

"I have one now?" It was half a question and half a statement. He knows, and yet he doesn't, and Hanal'en cannot reframe the words outside of his nature when the sensation of freedom hadn't found its foothold yet. But he'd never had to.

Solas' answer is in his smile. There was a glimpse there of the man he remembers- not the blade in Mythal's hand, but the one Hanal'en recalled trading questions with on nights when duty fell to its end. The one who hid a laugh in the corner of his mouth as he walked the halls of Her sanctum with Landalen.

It was, even in the building swell of war and rebellion, still Solas. And when he holds out his hand for Hanal'en to rise, he grasps it firmly.

[k-wame]

The Commander & his Merchant 2022 | The Witcher: Blood Origin | S1·EP2

[halerellan]

Quick tag drop/verse rundown

Faithful Knower - Encompasses any point before Mythal's death, where Eolasan is at their most devout. False Rebellion - Technically encompasses Haminan's time in Solas's rebellion and before his betrayal, but also more or less starts once Hanal'en defects Awakened - origins and beyond from any point after Nanna 'releases' them and part of them gets left in her mind.

[the-bluespirit]

the english major in us~

[alexandradowlings]

JACOB COLLINS-LEVY as EREDIN THE WITCHER: BLOOD ORIGIN (2022)

[markantonys]

miriam leone as bianca in medici: masters of florence (2016)

[winterswake]

#when you gaslit too close to the sun

[halerellan]

❝ I'm glad to be me -- an incredibly sensitive instrument. ❞ // from @keepsduty

Their mouth twitched, but Eolasan was steadfast in not openly smirking at her. They kept to their courtesies and their picturesque stance, awaiting the moment any call - or retaliation - would be necessary. The retinue of Andruil was formidable, that much was certain, and more than that, they would never disrespect the intent of their Lady by causing friction amongst Her allies. Especially not for someone as...single-minded as Andruil's Protection.

Even if their brand of devotion to their liege tempted the promise of an easy, entertaining runaround.

"Oh, yes," Eolasan replied evenly, if somewhat dryly. "I am sure Your Lady in particular finds your sensitivity quite instrumental. No doubt you serve her well where you are wanted."

[skellsmemes]

Some quotes from Disco Elysium -the Final Cut (2019)

these were narrowed down from a specific set of dialogue and descriptions based off this video essay (I Don't Want To Be This Kind Of Animal Anymore | Disco Elysium Analysis) by jeffiot. I highly recommend watching it.

❝ I don't want to be this kind of animal anymore. ❞

❝ You're the type of animal I would like to be. ❞

❝ I'm glad to be me -- an incredibly sensitive instrument. ❞

❝ No one believed I exist -- almost no one. Until you came. ❞

❝ Are you a miracle? ❞

❝ Of all the creatures I've met, you are the scariest. ❞

❝ Of all the creatures I've met, you are the most beautiful. ❞

❝ Of all the creatures I've met, you are the kindest. ❞

❝ Few of us can begin to imagine the horror of you -- with all creation reflected in your forebrain. ❞

❝ It must be like the highest of hells, a kaleidoscope of fire and writhing glass. Eternal damnation. ❞

❝ Even when you're sleeping… And when you wake, you carry it around on your neck. With eyes open that cannot help but swallow more behind the mirror. ❞

❝ I feel great, mute empathy for you. ❞

❝ You told us to fuck off. ❞

❝ Yes. You're sorry. You're the sorriest person who ever lived. Nothing has changed. I've heard this repentance shit a million times over. ❞

❝ We did everything we could. ❞

❝ You are tireless. Madly driven. ❞

❝ Then there's the… self-flagellating issue. ❞

❝ I don't want to be anymore. It hurts. ❞

❝ I've finally gone insane. ❞

❝ Go home. Or fuck off. ❞

❝ There is nothing. Only warm, primordial blackness. Your conscience ferments in it -- no larger than a single grain of malt. You don't have to do anything anymore. ❞

❝ This is a terrible line of questioning, and it will only lead to more awareness. ❞

❝ Alright. Nothingtown to Fuck-All-Borough! ❞

❝ Have you looked in the mirror lately? You have the exact features of a savage art critic. Disheveled and prophetic. ❞

❝ Looks like the circus left town, but the clowns are still here. ❞

❝ I am the vilest of the vile: A traitor, a devourer of nations and infants. ❞

❝ My days of giving a shit and being this type of animal are over. ❞

❝ Don't stop, keep singing. Sing me the song of death. ❞

❝ When you wear your coat, you wear my soul. ❞

❝ Weave this into the story of you. ❞

❝ Do I have a shaker in my hand? Am I wearing a little bow-tie? Am I smiling? Do you see me smiling and shaking my little shaker? No? Do you know why? Because I'm not a bartender! ❞

❝ I'm currently in between names. ❞

❝ What the fuck is a rake? I'm not a gardener! ❞

❝ The streets will flow red once more. You wait and see. ❞

❝ You are obsessed with sadness and with frivolous pop culture. ❞

❝ It's a matter of days. Not weeks. ❞

❝ It's very late. We should be resting already. Tomorrow will be another tough day. ❞

❝ I am the law. ❞

❝ You failed. You failed me. ❞

❝ Time to go work in the shit factory! ❞

❝ Don't worry, we will protect you from her beauty. ❞

❝ I see through deceits. ❞

❝ You are not a fool. ❞

❝ We made each other drink harder. That's why I liked him. ❞

❝ That's why I liked him. ❞

❝ My real name isn't mine. ❞

❝ I am as queer as cabaret. ❞

❝ You're a human can-opener. ❞

❝ I hope that at least that extra lining helps you keep warm at night. I wouldn't like you to catch cold. ❞

❝ It's your disgusting body. Even through your sleep, you feel a vague discomfort suffusing it. Your belly and your sides are unpleasantly tender. You wish you could curl up into a fetal ball of safety, but you cannot -- because of the pain. ❞

❝ You're just pretending that you're asleep, even to yourself. While the world goes on without you... ❞

❝ Thou art honourable and just, sire. 'Tis the snakes who are vile! Hissing in the grass... ❞

❝ You look like shit. ❞

❝ Oh God, ___! oh God, ___, what did you do...?! ❞

❝ I'm sorry ___. I'm so sorry. ❞

❝ The night is always darkest before the dawn. ❞

❝ Look under the floorboards. ❞

❝ Yes, I enjoyed the way he bled. ❞

❝ Habitual alcohol use has made you into a scared little pussy. ❞

❝ People just don't know how to accept gifts, especially taxidermy. ❞

❝ I'm very sorry for your loss. ❞

❝ It's not your place to live their lives. ❞

❝ What going to happen now? Everyone's going to die! What do you think is going to happen? ❞

❝ No one ever cares anymore, why would they cheat me like this?... ❞

❝ The person inside doesn't even know you are here. ❞

❝ It's the world. You're made of it. Every day you're out there you make more of yourself from it. I'm afraid you can't be unmade now. ❞

❝ You're one fine instrument. ❞

❝ You're the son of the World again. A ceaseless agent picking up litter and old newspapers, collecting your little bubble gum wrappers and idiot picture cards. Meaningless, meaningless keepsakes. ❞

❝ All those faces and all those names, all that laughter and screaming and scheming around... Every corner and every street... Recorded in you. Forever. ❞

❝ You're a real political animal. You still don't see that it's the world that's changing you. ❞

❝ I am the city. ❞

❝ I am a fragment of the world spirit. ❞

❝ My heart is the wind corridor. ❞    

❝ I've seen you with her -- and I've seen you without her. I've seen you on the crescent of the hill. ❞

❝ I need you. You can keep me on this earth. ❞

❝ Be vigilant. ❞    

❝ I love you. ❞

❝ You're going to keep your vows. ❞

❝ I'm not going to be played by an upset stomach. ❞

❝ Kill him if you have to. Our ultimate fate depends on it. ❞

❝ It is time to unleash the Other-World. ❞

❝ They said they killed him. They said 'it was a good way to end a Sunday night'. ❞    

❝ Be wary of the abyss. ❞

❝ Okay Mr. Sunshine, I guess I'd be pretty gloomy too had I gotten shot in the ass. ❞

❝ You already were a ghost. ❞    

❝ It's the living who are ghosts. The dead are silent. They don't rattle windows or write letters in blood. The living do. ❞

❝ You are the infernal engine. You never stop. You only get worse. ❞

❝ Sunrise, ____. Prepare for war. ❞

❝ I just don't want to walk into another embarrassment. ❞

❝ I am a creature of pride, you see... I'm afraid of becoming a joke. ❞

❝ Let's just admire this piece of the world we happen to have in front of us, eh? ❞

❝ Sometimes I feel like I don't have a good brain. ❞

❝ I am a deserter, a partisan, and a prisoner of war. This is my term-less surrender. ❞

❝ It's the life of a dog, not a human being. ❞

❝ Men without ideals are only animals. ❞

❝ In truth -- perhaps I'm nothing? ❞

[halerellan]

so lets talk Curiosity. Hanal'en is Eolasan's oldest surviving friend - they and a spirit of passion that would end up with the name Aiselath were all three companion spirits in the Fade. Curiosity, Knowledge, and Passion. It was only in the Titan Wars that they were separated, with Hanal'en and Eolasan being called to Mythal and Aiselath called to Elgar'nan, who then died when the wars turned the elves on each other.

Hanal'en had been summoned with Eolasan, alongside a handful of other learning spirits, to accumulate knowledge of combat and develop what would eventually become Mythal's branch of Arcane Warriors.

In opposition to Ghilan'nain, Hanal'en didn't have the same struggles in adjusting to a physical form and being from the era of the Titan Wars made the Evanuris' push to divinity seem....strange. He was still loyal to Mythal, but every new change inspired more questions, for good and ill. He is, after all, Curiosity. Even with such a nature being considered a simple spirit, the evolution of more complicated topics makes him more complex, and he in turn wants to make sense of it. But oppression tends not to make a whole lot of sense, and there's only so many ways you can paint it as benevolent and beneficial to the people before information starts conflicting. So when Solas' rebellion started to really pick up traction and he was able to sort through the propaganda around it, he proved more inclined to join than Eolasan.

When Eolasan renames themselves to Haminan and seeks Solas' rebellion, Hanal'en is the one who speaks the most earnestly for them in spite of their distinct lack of any earned goodwill from those who'd known them before. This is the exact thing he'd been hoping for all along, after all, and he'd seen different breaking points for an uncountable amount of elvhen who had sought out their rebellion. Why should this be different, just because Mythal had been theirs?

But the inevitable betrayal at Haminan's hands when had only mildly surprised him, with how much they had spiraled in the years that followed, and Hanal'en had been the last person to see them before they abandoned their charge at the Crossroads. He had spent his mission in grief, and waited for the inevitable news of a traitor's death - at the hands of the rebellion or the gods. And then the Veil rose.