Ah. Dragons. She has yet to see one, but after all she's been through, can Vanessa afford to be skeptical now? No. She believes, but the concept still makes her uneasy. The word dragon carries a dark promise that she can't yet comprehend, and it tickles at her spine and stiffens her shoulders.

Only momentarily.

The man's easy nature is enough to again settle her demeaner, and there's an appreciation to her slight lilt of a smile. It's no surprise that someone as beautiful as him can find his way so easily around this sort of gathering. Vanessa had once attended balls whenever invited, but of late she only seems to rain disaster upon them. Now, she is careful not to enjoy herself too much.

"Perhaps better that than the muck of the common man." She doesn't think he will take offense. He seems to be no common man. Are any of those in her new company? "I will have money, but no husband or older guardian to keep suitors at bay. Perhaps if I dress in mourning." As if she isn't already covered in black from neck to toe.

"What of your charge?" She could not hear what role everyone received, as there was too much else to focus on. There's always too much, isn't there?

[ ooc; I know this is late, I'm very sorry! RL got in my way. If you'd prefer to handwave, that is okay with me. ]