Quote Originally Posted by Pofruin View Post
Do we? The entire Elpis flower sequence starting with its introduction and random shining during early parts of EW MSQ, is a set up that pays off when Hermis comments that it doesn't shine much different colors here or anywhere on Etherys. This gives us information that Ancients while not emotionless just don't experience much strong or varied emotions. This is also reinforced with Emmet's comments that he just can't understand the sadness Hermis feels. It was "pang of sadness" as he put it, then you carry on. Sure there where suffering individuals, but general culture was telling them how they should or should not feel in different situations (this was known from ShB Amaurot shades).

The main attribute of Ancient society is Mask. Rather on the nose metaphor for society that hides their true feelings all the time, is it not?
Yes we do, you just answered it yourself. There were suffering people. We see this if you do the side quests in Elpis or even Pandaemonium with Lahabrea and Erich. Suffering was not some foreign concept. We see people who have the same qualms as Hermes however they’re able to work past it. Considering the sadness we’ve seen Elidibus exhibit, or anger that Emet does, there isn’t much that supports them as being devoid of most emotion. If anything they’re just better at keeping it in check than sundered races are.