Aidan Hutz

Aidan Hutz is a graphic design student and the son of filmmaker Stobal Hutz and Ananan actress Hestia Herada. As a half-Ananan raised under the strict control of his stepmother, Laniesti, he has navigated a complex and restrictive upbringing that forced him to suppress much of his individuality. Despite these challenges, Aidan relies on his artistic talents as a means of self-expression and connection.

Background

Early Life

Aidan Hutz was born in 930 to Hestia Herada, an Ananan actress famous in The Stiriphese, and Stobal Hutz, a filmmaker known for combining his Favontille and Ananan heritage. Aidan remembers his childhood as happy, visiting film sets with his parents and watching their efforts on the big screen. He had a good relationship with his mother, who was loving and affectionate towards him. His father, though poor at expressing his love, was always present and supportive of his son.

Divorce and Remarriage

In 939, Aidan's parents divorced, and his father moved to Esprite. According to his mother, though they loved each other, it was the love of friends, nothing more. Aidan spent the following summer in Esprite with his father, a visit he enjoyed immensely. In 940, Stobal remarried Laniesti Olivali, a socialite. Aidan attended the wedding with his mother, but Laniesti was visibly upset by their presence.

The Reconstruction

At the beginning of 941, Stobal moved to Paget with Laniesti, and Aidan would not see them again until September 941, during The Reconstruction. A Nightwalker entered Hestia’s home and made to take Aidan. Hestia shielded him with her body and was fatally wounded by the Nightwalker’s spear, which also injured Aidan. Stobal arrived to find Hestia dead and Aidan gravely injured. Aidan’s health improved after he was taken back to Paget, but he noticed a marked change in Laniesti’s behaviour. Once dismissive, she had become possessive and controlling.

Life in Paget

Under Laniesti’s rules, Aidan was forbidden from speaking Anana, his first language, or practising magic. He was required to follow the Cosmos faith, refer to Laniesti as his mother, and wear glasses to hide his blue eyes. When he approached his father about these changes, Stobal dismissed his concerns, claiming they were for the best. Aidan often turned to the household slaves, Nina and Magan, finding solace in speaking Anana with them.

Education and Isolation

In Paget, Aidan grew up isolated. He was frequently ill due to medication used to suppress his magical ability and spent most of his time indoors, fearful of being identified as an Ananan. Laniesti told him that discovery would lead to his arrest and enslavement. Aidan took comfort in art, developing a passion for graphic design. He pursued this interest at college and, in 948, was accepted to study graphic design at St Esoter’s of Esprite, the same university Laniesti had attended.

Personality

Aidan exhibits traits aligned with the INFP-T (Mediator) personality type, marked by empathy, creativity, introspection, and a strong value system. These traits are expressed in his behaviour, relationships, and the way he navigates the challenges of his life.

Empathetic and Compassionate

• Aidan is deeply attuned to the emotions of those around him, particularly those he perceives as vulnerable or oppressed.
• He connects with Magan and Nina, speaking to them in Anana despite knowing it might anger Laniesti.
• He often observes the needs of others and responds quietly, offering comfort through small gestures or his presence.

Creative and Artistic

• Aidan channels his emotions and inner conflicts into his artwork, finding solace and expression in graphic design.
• He spends hours immersed in drawing, creating pieces that reflect his thoughts and feelings.
• His choice to pursue graphic design as a career highlights his commitment to using creativity as a form of self-expression.

Conflict-Averse

• Aidan avoids direct confrontation, preferring to internalise his struggles rather than engage in open disputes.
• With Laniesti, he complies with her demands to maintain peace, even when they suppress his identity and autonomy.
• He rarely challenges his father, choosing instead to quietly endure the emotional distance between them.

Resilient and Adaptable

• Despite his health challenges and the oppressive environment at home, Aidan finds ways to cope and grow.
• His ability to excel in art and graphic design showcases his resilience and focus on long-term goals.
• He adapts to his limitations, balancing his health needs with his desire for independence.

Introspective and Self-Critical

• Aidan is highly reflective, often questioning his role within his family and society.
• He grapples with his identity as a half-Ananan, hiding his heritage while quietly resisting erasure.
• His tendency to overthink leads to self-doubt, particularly in his relationships and his ability to succeed independently.

Values-Driven

• Aidan holds strong personal values, even when they clash with those around him.
• His refusal to let go of his Ananan heritage, such as continuing to speak the language privately, demonstrates quiet defiance.
• His compassion for others, particularly those like Magan and Nina, reflects a deep commitment to fairness and empathy.

This combination of empathy, creativity, and introspection makes Aidan a thoughtful and complex character, navigating life with quiet strength and a yearning for self-expression.

Appearance

• Height: 6ft 2in
• Build: Slim
• Complexion: Tanned
• Hair: Blonde, curly
• Eyes: Bright blue
• Clothing: Always wears black

Demeanour

• Posture: Relaxed and reserved, often sitting or standing in a way that minimises attention.
• Speech: Soft and deliberate, often pausing to consider his words. His tone is calm and measured, rarely rising to command attention.
• Mannerisms: Aidan avoids overt gestures, keeping his hands still unless actively working on something. When stressed, he occasionally fidgets with small objects or smooths down his clothing. Direct eye contact is rare, especially with authority figures, but he may make fleeting, purposeful glances when comfortable.
• Movement: Controlled and deliberate, neither hurried nor sluggish. He keeps a safe physical distance from others, reinforcing his reserved nature.

Skills and Abilities

• Graphic Design Expertise: Aidan has a natural talent for art, particularly in graphic design. His refined skills in composition, colour, and typography allow him to create professional-quality work with ease.
• Elemental Magic (Earth): As a Ter'ita Ananan, Aidan has the ability to create, manipulate, and control the element of earth. This includes growing plants and moving soil. While deeply connected to nature, he rarely uses these powers publicly to avoid drawing attention to his heritage.
• Bilingual Fluency: Aidan speaks both Anana and Favontille fluently, maintaining his linguistic heritage despite discouragement from others.
• Empathy and Emotional Insight: Aidan has a keen sensitivity to others’ emotions, allowing him to form meaningful connections with those who feel isolated or misunderstood.

Limitations

• Health Issues: Due to his chronic heart condition, Aidan must manage his health carefully, which limits his physical endurance and ability to handle stress.
• Conflict Avoidance: Aidan tends to shy away from confrontation, often choosing to remain silent rather than risk escalating a situation.
• Reluctance to Use Magic: Out of fear of exposure and persecution, Aidan suppresses his elemental abilities, leaving them underdeveloped despite their potential.