frankdh 2255 Share Posted July 8, 2023 An Opposition Against Emotional Suppression 136 SE ~*~ The culture of the silver elves is one heavily reliant on centuries’ old traditions, where the word of ancient figures is the closest they have to holy texts. However the interpretation of these figureheads’ words shift and change with the currents of time. Such is inevitable, as progress is by nature malleable, and therefore must be amenable to the needs of the mali’thill, and adaptable to the world around them. One such tradition is in the nature of one’s emotions, as outward expression is often recognized as damaging, and a hindrance to the silver elves, who view themselves above such. However, this hesitation only proves to be negative, acting against the pillars of maehr’sae hiylun’ehya. The suppression of emotion only hinders the growth of the individual, denying a mali’thill’s capability to reach their full potential. The origin of such a mentality can be referred to within Lucion Sullas’ book series “M&H,” Parts 1, 2, and 3, where he records what knowledge he has of the mali’thills’ ancestry and then clarifies the practice of Maehr’sae Hiylun’ehya: progress and health. In Chapter 6 of the third and final book in the series within the Eternal Library, “On Emotion and Aversion to It”, Sullas states that “it is beneath an adherent to act by the whims of emotion– it shows a lack of self control, and would likely offend those around yourself” (p 21). As such, the high elven generations have grown increasingly concerned about being painted the fool by their peers. One can discover the echoes of such a cultural impact within The Silver Law, reinstated by Haelun’or in 12th of Malin's Welcome, Year 61 of the Second Age. The majority of these articles are pragmatic in nature, dissuading the romantic pursuit of oem’iian, highlighting the importance of consent, etcetera. However, it is Article 3 of these laws that has the greatest day to day impact on the citizenry: ARTICLE 3. The Blessed Residents of The Silver State of Haelun’or shall not participate in public fraternization of an intimate nature. A disrespect of peers and the City’s dignity itself, those who violate this covenant of Haelun’or’s sanctity deserve not to walk her halls. In short, this article within the Silver Law advocates against public displays of affection between partners. However, the lack of clarification, as it pertains to official boundaries of what constitutes as such, when coupled with a culture that already advocates against emotional expression, only leads to mundane, small joys being snuffed: The holding of hands, for example, or a kiss on the cheek. Such things are remarkably mild and perfectly common in the world we live in, but within Haelun’or’s walls, it is deemed questionable and obtrusive. Such a statement is further reinforced by the officially published manual A Mali’thill’s Guide to Courtship, written by one Puerir’arche in the 35th year of the Second Age. Within the pages of this handbook, public displays of affection are denied in the first, second, and even third stages of courting (that is, both before and after marriage), describing it as “quite improper and degenerate” (Chapter V, Article V). Instead, bizarrely anonymous letters, works of art, and scientific research are valued as the cultural standard. While it can surely be agreeable that acts of dedication are admirable, why should the mali’thill deny themselves the simplicity of a brush of a hand, or a dance under the stars? Should not these works of art be for one’s partner, rather than the State, as this guide prioritizes? For this denial and rejection will not create the wise, “proper” silver elves that these ideals advocate for, but instead shame-riddled, socially underdeveloped adults with no sense of individuality. It stands against the very words proudly chanted: Progress and health, as hindrance of growth is only the opposite of progress in of itself. 22 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amelica 223 Share Posted July 8, 2023 From the entrance of the Eternal Library, a pale-haired librarian scans over treatise, distantly recalling the conversation she shared with Nóruiwyn and Phandelver on the matter. "Perhaps the time for another public forum has come," she muses quietly. She carefully pins a copy of the paper to the Library bulletin board. 11 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amayonnaise 1538 Share Posted July 8, 2023 5 hours ago, Amelica said: She carefully pins a copy of the paper to the Library bulletin board. A pale-eyed elfess notes the paper in passing, scowling lightly, "I took the damned ring off!" 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zonty 457 Share Posted July 8, 2023 Speechless, two pale ambers scanned the paper.. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhatASithuation 104 Share Posted July 8, 2023 Alexander, while heading to a research class in the library took a moment to read over the paper. "Oo.. sounds like quite the debate. I think I'd be interested in attending such." He whispered to himself, continuing on his way. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
puffables 1125 Share Posted July 8, 2023 Lleinde Tillun'sae would eye the missive, mourning an inability to attend any debate soon ! Still, seeing the citation, she'd make note to pen a reply some-time in the future, if possible. Spoiler away for 2 weeks with no internet connection ! enjoy the debate, its a fun one ! <33 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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