Not our subtlest page. But sometimes you have to spell it out.

And it is a bit of interesting look at Auraugu. I don’t think one should read him as just smiling through the pain 24-7, more like an example of Abraham Lincoln’s belief that most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. He can be a little out of his element when dealing with profound sadness, whether his own or others’. But overall, he’s picked a “mask” and life philosophy that suits him very well indeed.

Penk, obviously, can no more affect Auraugu’s constant buoyancy than he could Strulk’s casual cruelty. And Auraugu is also wise enough to realize this and put his finger on what Penk does need to do.