I believe one of the writers confirmed her wings were her weapon.

I'm kind of conflicted on this episode, it was great and Peridot basically stole the episode, I just love her antics. Still the way the resolution came about seemed cliche, we didn't really learn anything new, except near confirmation that there is more than one pearl. Then there is the ending with everyone just…

she smiled last time as she was maniacally laughing during her escape.

Those are fighting words. :P

I got more of a vibe that he had met them at least once before, he seemed fairly familiar with this situation and didn't seem very surprised at all.