[As he explains it, she takes that time to return her wand to the holster, in case she will need to make an early exit. Whatever the reason of his upset with her, she can't discount that this night might be cut short due to it.

His question does make her pause, with sudden understanding. He's asking about the dragons - something in her heart twitches in compassion, for someone who is willing to jump and defend the rights of magical creatures.

Don't go around assuming things about him just because you want a friend.

She does have an answer:]

They don't speak, so I don't know what to tell you about that. I understand - you think they're locked up. I won't deny it, there are people horrible enough out there that do keep dragons captive, and I hope to one day end their tyranny, but...they're not held in cages.

[She takes a deep breath, and looks away.] I don't know what kind of person you think I am, Wrathion, but I don't take any pleasure out of the idea of living things suffering. I am still, however, just one girl. In the eyes of wizards in my world, up until recently I wasn't even a girl worthy of attention, because my parents are both non-magical. I have ambition, I want to help...many.

But I can't just do it on my own like [She snaps her fingers.] that.