Neven shrugged, composure was one word for it, more akin to barely controlled fury. The smile was more for the benefit of himself than the others. "[b]In the presence of those such as [i]him[/I], sometimes it is your only defense.[/b]" He glanced at the red and gold dressed girl, nodding slightly as he caught her words. Neven quickly signed #9's book in flowing strokes. "There." he said pleasantly, "[b]Perhaps a bit of a warmup before the actual dance is warranted hm?[/b]" Neven asked extending his hand as an invitation. By the nine being this friendly and talkative was exhausting. How do anyone ever keep this up for long? Hopefully this girl wouldn't be too clumsy.