He takes it all in. The words, the movements, the changing tone of voice, not once flinching. The Elodoth weathers Brigit's gaze without so much as a blink. He's learned a long time ago that people - both with and without a capital 'P' - can be starved for empathy. They want to be assured that their troubles and opinions are important, unique, that the other guy genuinely cares. Solid empathy is rarer than good-quality meth and ten times as addictive. So, he listens. He listens until there is only silence.
The Storm Lord smirks, breaking his cardboard cutout of a face, only to bring it to perfect stillness once again moments later "I don't think it's an 'interesting philosophical question'. That sounds like we're trying to have a high school debate club here" He says "I asked because the answer would be very telling. And I got what I wanted. In fact, I got more than I expected"
Not that it was a bad thing.
"And not that I underestimate numbers, but Herd and Uratha history both teach us that they're not enough" He continues "The Brethren War was such a clusterfuck because the Pure were smart and we weren't. Human commanders have been known to win against overwhelming forces thanks to strategy. I'm not saying this to be contrary for its own sake. I'm saying this because it's part of being an Elodoth to make my packmates see sides of an issue they may not have considered. Doesn't win me many friends, but someone's gotta do it" And he was suited to it more than most. It's hard to stay mad at a guy who is basically a person-shape barely filled with substance. It may also help that Allen isn't one to roar and pound his chest. There are enough Iminir good at that, he doesn't have to be.
"Third, you'd be surprised how few opinions and preferences I actually have. They are too attaching, about as helpful in my job as a chain ball would be. That's why I ask lots of questions. And just for the record, your dedication to the Oath, or Ezekiel or the pack was never in doubt. Why would it be? In the words of master Musashi, the truth is what it is, and we must bend to its power or live a lie" This whole time, Allen remains largely motionless, and his voice has that warm and slightly sweet quality, like the smell of strawberry tea on a winter evening.