#he had to always be observant and vigilant bc of his decades-long abusive situation. it's a survival thing

[noamuth]

Observation

Living in Menzoberranzan requires one to be observant and vigilant. Strong emotions are exploitable, and most are careful to keep their true thoughts and feelings under a curated mask unless they have the power and influence to protect themselves in other ways. Priestesses and nobles could afford to be cocky, for example, thanks to nearly untouchable social status. Dalamus got to taste this bit of freedom for himself during his brief consortship.

Under normal circumstances, Dalamus would maintain a stoic outer appearance. This was lifted for moments which required politeness or charm, such as business or dealing with Nedvyllanna.

However, the events of the last several weeks have seen Dalamus exiled, injured, kidnapped, infected, ejected from a Nautiloid, and forced to work with strangers in a land he does not know and which, in several ways, does not agree with him--between the light, heat, and unwelcoming inhabitants.

Understandably, he currently struggles to keep the mask of stoicism on--especially when his pain flares--and his vigilance is in overdrive. Defensiveness often wins out over the desire to appear calm.

Even when he does seem calm, it is often a veneer. Just like when indicating health, his eyes often betray him. The calmest demeanor, the most tightly controlled expression, cannot hide the fact that his eyes are constantly watching, always moving. Analyzing behavior and measuring trust. Looking for danger, for deceit, for micro-movements in others' expressions which might reveal their "true" emotions or intentions.