[Lex/Peony/Open!]
Peony noted the flash of something that was very likely guilt before Almalexia dropped her eyes. Approval clearly had not been granted, but she could not blame the girl for wanting to get out. She would not have chosen to come here herself, but it had at the very least been her choice to make. She could wish her young friend had the ability to choose for herself.
"Yes, and not for very long, I think," Peony responded, hoping to put her at ease. "A few of my collagues are here and I will greet them and other friends of the guild, but I am no dancer; I am content to watch them from here." She noted Merrion in the crowd and smiled; he had been approached by a very glamorous young woman in a gold dress, and even from a distance, she could see he was happy. It was good to know that this evening would be enjoyable for him, at the very least.