[ If there were any other drow to compare to, Kimmuriel would stand out as something of an expressionless anomaly. As it is, though, terribly enough, he's the reference for normalcy among people who have never seen another drow.

He does show some emotion then, at the mention of admiration; something of a rueful expression, the twitch of a slight smile, like he's not sure what to make of it. Does he admire Jarlaxle? He doesn't know, truthfully. Sometimes he certainly doesn't know what to make of him, but he certainly doesn't want to kill him. He supposes he could stop there; that alone would be good enough.

He still hasn't really sorted it out yet, where he usually sets his impressions in confident stone. That alone speaks volumes. ]

Power, yes. People. Treasure. The whole world could be his interest if it catches his eye...if he wants something, he must have it. [ His tone gets a bit exasperated here. How many times has he been forced to bring forth the company on his absurd schemes? Too many times to count. ]

Freedom, most of all. He wishes to break himself free of the city of our birth. Once I had thought it impossible, but yet again he defies my calculations and proves me wrong. [ He sighs in a manner that suggests these are old grievances, something he's very familiar with but will complain about anyway. There's a fondness to it. ]

He is an absurd man, and a very stubborn one, but not a stupid one. Try as I might, I cannot predict him.

[ With anyone else that might be said in an unsettled or aggressive way. Here, though? It comes out differently, a more comfortable annoyance. ]