He stays very still for that inspection, smiling as if all is well! And...normal. If they spend a year on this train, perhaps this will be sort of normal?

It doesn't miss his attention that his braids are touched too. He can't relinquish his love of the Nies.

"That is how you seem. The leader of a pack, fiercely protective of those under you; you guide, unite and protect."

As for why a costume at all...

"Today is Halloween. Everyone will be enjoying costumes and I thought I would get in the spirit too."

If his tail could wag, it would be wagging at this moment.