Cousins and Cauldrons, Oh My!
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Taliesin wasn't entirely sure how she'd managed herself into this terribly awkward situation. Further evidence in her mind that the Universe continued to find its pleasure in seeing her placed in uncomfortable situations as she took her place in the last available spot at a table beside her cousin. Awkwardly, she set her things down at the station, "Good morning, Cousin..." she spoke softly, knowing it was only the polite thing to do.
The girl honestly wasn't very close to her extended family. Naturally, they had met a handful of times, when her mother conceded to bring her along on visits in which it was important for the Annwyns to make their appearance as a family unit. However, even on those occasions, she'd be hard pressed to recall even a singular instance of conversation with any of her cousins that lasted beyond pleasantries. Even around family, Talisin's mother kept her on a short leash, with her governess, Madame Daaé, usually looming nearby. As a result, the already quiet and awkward girl tended to keep herself apart, and would watch from afar whatever her cousins might've gotten up to. After all, she had expectations of behavior and decorum to maintain, and a holiday to visit family wasn't reason enough to lax those expectations; even if she had been starved for the chance to play with others her own age.
The girl was loathe to imagine what her cousins and the rest of her family might think of them, or of her. Taliesin wasn't so deluded about her situation to convince herself that her family's way was totally normal. After all, from her observations her cousins didn't appear to lead as strict of a life as herself; and they were all so close to one another. The Annwyns might as well have lived on a totally different planet. It had occurred to her, on more than one occasion during the rare visits, that she very likely held the role of being the 'weird' cousin... which was an unsavory thought to say the very least.
At least she had the comfort of using class as her distraction from the situation of her placement. Taliesin liked Potions class and it's detail oriented nature. It reminded her of working with her Nanny and helping her with preparing ingredients for some of the household potions. Though the Universe seemed to have one last laugh in store as she looked to the board at the from of the class and realized today they were going to be working on their assignments in pairs today with those at their table. One glance around at the other two students at the table confirmed they were already an agreed pair, which left herself with her cousins.
Truly, she would never catch a break.
Brushing a stray curl of red hair from her face, she schooled the nerves from her voice, and prayed she didn't appear as nervous or awkward as she felt, "Are you alright with being partners today?"
"The girl who carried her last name like a burden..."