Taliesin struggled to keep herself from fidgeting as she trailed behind her parents from place to place around the ballroom. Whoever's party this was, she'd honestly forgotten by this point, they had spared no expense for grandeur with it's live orchestra, shimmering lights, and refreshments as far as the eye could see. It was beautiful and glamourous and painfully dull.

It was a rare thing for Taliesin to be brought along to events unless the invite included the whole family explicitly. Things were different now though. She was officially acting as Heir to Annwyn, which meant whether her parents wanted to or not, it was time to allow her to be seen in a public capacity. All around the room were the respectable members of Wizarding Society; people her father did business with, and her mother socialized and networked with. People who could make or break her future standing in society, and thus, her family's standing. These were people she'd be expected to do her father's business with one day, or be friends with. Or alternatively, in the not so distant future, expected to make a marriage arrangement with. That was a bit of a shuddering thought, that in some capacity, she was on show for those in attendance to consider in the future when her generation would inevitably hit the marriage market.

That meant she had to be nothing short of perfect this evening. Especially since she would have no personal escort tonight. Madame had not been allowed to come. Usually, her Governess was present at the events Taliesin would appear at, if anything for the sake of having someone to keep a sharp eye that she wouldn't embarrass her family with, as her father would call it, her 'indelicate nature'. However, since now she was appearing in her formal role and not just as their daughter, tonight would be her first test to ensure that she could be trusted to play her part without constant supervision of her every breath.

The girl moved quietly as she trailed behind her parents, her whole focus on her posture, the folding of her hands at her waist, the angle of her chin, and every other bloody rule of deportment that had been revised to her up to the moment she was released from the keeping of Madame. At least there was a pattern to it all. Travel the room for a minute or two, stop for introductions in which Taliesin was the smile and bow and only speak when she was addressed and stick to the script of approved conversation. Straying or speaking out of turn resulted in subtle correction from her mother in the form of a well manicured nail tapped against her back. Taliesin was a quick learner.

Her mother, Lady Henriette Annwyn, was beautiful and effortlessly elegant in a way that was almost frightening, while her father was broad and imposing; and each looked just as severe as they were striking. Taliesin often wondered how she'd managed to come out so plain and awkward compared to the pair of them.

"This is my daughter, Taliesin." her father, Lord Emyr Annwyn, spoke as they stopped once again to more people she couldn't hope to recognize, but there at least seemed to be a girl about her own age with them, "Heiress to the Ancient House of Annwyn." Taliesin dipped into a polite curtsy.

"Perhaps the girls would like to become better acquainted." she heard her mother chime in that voice that was solely reserved for the public as she nudged her daughter forward. She was being passed off; either because her parents were tired of toting her around or they wanted to see if she would maintain herself.

Regardless, it was a prettily phrased order, not a maternal suggestion. Taliesin offered a small smile to the other and another polite bow of her head, "Its a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

@Taliesin Annwyn

Iridia walked behind her parents, which was important, she should not walk in-front of them, it was not proper. Her eyes trailed around the ballroom, that had been decorated with almost everything she could possibly name to do with winger. She tried her best to not fidget with her dress, or gown, as her mother constantly corrected her. She party was certainly…grand. Although Iridia personally thought the host had definitely gone overboard, she was not going to speak on it, it would not be tasteful for her to do so, and it would earn a scolding from her mother when they got home, which is not something she was interested in happening, so she kept quiet.

Iridia was always brought to events with her parents, they were constantly showing off. Her mother would go about telling anyone she could that Iridia was heiress to two noble houses, more than most would have been. Although all Iridia could do would stare down at her feet until her name would announce, and she would curtsy at them in politeness with a nod of her head, before they moved onto the next family. Sometimes the process, the traditions, made her head hurt. But she would not show it. Her mother would be furious with her if she was to show any weakness at events like this, so she would keep it up, although she could definitely do with a drink, as she look longingly at the pumpkin juice she could see, before her mother gripped her shoulder, and then they were moving again.

This party, was meant for business for the Lord’s and Lady’s, and Iridia knew that. Her mother constantly spoke to her about making connections, because you could never have enough of them, and party's were a great place to make them at, especially if someone was distracted. But the worst thing they were for, was marriages. Her mother had threatened a marriage contract before, and so Iridia wanted to maintain her perfect behaviour at all times. She could not think of a worse fate than being married to someone she did not choose, so she would behave, and be their perfect Pureblood daughter for as long as they needed her to be, even though jt was tiring. She could deal with that if it meant she could choose some of her own future, guaranteed it was not a lot of it, but it was enough for her to be happy anyway.

Before Iridia could continue her trail of thought, they stopped again, and her eyes trailed upwards, ah, Lord and Lady Annwyn. Iridia would curtsy to them, before her eyes travelled behind them, to a girl who seemed to be her age. She had not seen her before, but due to where she was stood, and how similar she looked to the Lord and Lady, Iridia assumed it was their daughter, although she was certain they had not met before.

Her mother, ever the perfect Pureblood, would curtsy, her grey eyes nodding to the two, while her father would bow at them, as they intertwined their arms. Iridia kept her eyes low. Her parents were certainly graceful. Her mother always spoke about elegance and grace, how it would get her a long way, and she was using this to prove that.

“I am sure you remember our daughter Iridia, heir to the ancient houses of Wyall and Calathes”

And there it was, the pride, and slight smugness, although perfectly hidden, at the fact their daughter had been the heiress to two families. Iridia was quick to curtsy again when her name was formally announced to the trio.

“Yes, I think they should, go along Iridia”

Her mother pushed her over to the side with her, and Iridia turned to the girl, following her motion as she bowed her head to her as well, both born to the same world, and the same etiquette.

”It is a pleasure to meet you, please forgive me, I had not known Lord and Lady Annwyn had a daughter.”

If it had been maybe an hour earlier, the statement might’ve stung. However at this point in the evening, Taliesin wasn’t entirely shocked to hear that the other girl hadn’t even known she existed. If there was one thing she’d observed the most tonight, it was the momentary look of surprise on people’s faces when she was introduced. Sometimes the look had been accompanied by similar statements to Miss Iridia. After the first handful of encounters, she quickly got the picture; her parents simply weren’t keen to speak about her to anyone who wasn’t already aware of her. Likely due to the lack of anything worth bragging about. She was no great beauty, the classes she excelled in weren’t impressive enough to be of note, nor was she an athlete or duellist. Sure, she had her languages and piano, but that still wasn’t useful in the bragging department.

In the Annwyn family, you are perfect and exceptional, or nothing at all. Tonight it was quite clear which category they’d relegated her to.

Regardless of any feelings she might’ve had about it, now wasn’t the time to let them show. That much she knew she could do. So her pleasant mask stayed in place, “Yes. Per my family’s traditions, I’m only now engaging in my role, now that I’ve started my magical education.” She explained simply.

She passed a quick glance towards her mother, and received a short, nearly imperceptible nod from the woman before she turned back to the other, “I believe I saw a refreshment table. Would you like to join me, Miss Calathes?”

Whatever her parents might’ve believed, Taliesin wasn’t dim and she certainly didn’t need it spelled out for her. Just listening to the way the other girl’s mother impressed the fact that her daughter was heir to two different Pureblood lines, Taliesin could follow her own mother’s logic: befriend the other and that’s a strong connection to not one, but two powerful houses. There were a lot of benefits to being close to someone that would have that kind of influence in the future; and becoming childhood friends was an ideal way to getting one’s foot in the door.

If she couldn’t be intelligent or talented, she could at least attempt being charming and friendly.

Iridia wanted to groan when her mother introduced her and her heirship. She could see the smugness rolling off her as she spoke, even if no one else couldn’t. Her mother had always said she was better, more important, she was she heir to two Pureblood lines, not just one. That made her better, to her mother and a few others, although Iridia did not particularly care, if she was honest. She just wanted to be able to make her own friends, without the influence of her status. However she felt that would be almost impossible, especially with how her mother went, bragging to anyone she could see about how her daughter was the heir to twolines, not just one like the majority of them were.

Iridia’s smile stayed in place as she listened to the girl speak, despite her needing to keep up appearances, Iridia felt herself listening intently regardless as she spoke about only coming out once she had started her magical education, and Irida nodded in understanding. Her mother had wanted the same, to stick to traditions, but she had been overruled by her father, which did surprise her at the time, as her father was usually not one to overrule her mother. Her mother made most of the deciding regarding her.

“Ah, I understand. Mh mother wanted to do the same, however my father disagreed, as he wanted me to make some friends early on, much to my mother’s displeasure, as he usually does not question her choices regarding my status in public”

Iridia spoke calm and collectively, her face did not once falter, as she had been raised. She could see as Lady Annwyn seemed more eager to get the two to interact, and Iridia saw as the woman nodded to her daughter. This had been what she was worried about, parents making their children befriend her just for their gain. She could feel her mother piercing gaze as they spoke, and she thought she would watch the whole time, until she turned to talk to Lord and Lady Annwyn more intently, and when Taliesin spoke of refreshments, she almost sighed in relief out loud, although she just managed to keep it in.

“Certainly Miss Annwyn, I feel rather thirsty after taking turns around the room, and if there is to be dancing, then I must refresh myself first.”

Iridia spoke with a nod, as she joined the girl in walking to the refreshments table. She could just feel her mother watching as they walked away. She could only let out a breath of relief as they got away from their eagle-eyed parents. Iridia much preferred being left alone, and being to act more like herself, than to her Pureblood self. She just wanted to be herself, even for a minute.

@Taliesin Annwyn

“Right.” She agreed before looking back to the adults who seemed to have shifted the majority of their attentions to one another. She could almost feel her mother’s nail in her back if she skipped out on manners now, just because there was a possibility that no one was paying mind at the moment. She set a feather light touch on her mother’s arm, offering a bow of her head to the group, “Please excuse us.” She spoke softly before turning tail. After all, she knew permission was already granted. No reason to wait for response.

If Taliesin could have it her way, she would have broken out in a sprint the moment they stepped out of arms reach. Anything to get out from under so many sharp eyes waiting to see what would happen, how would she screw up, how quickly was she going to ruin her first opportunity to do something right her first chance off leash.

She tried to keep her pace light and airy as she honed in on the refreshment table. At best, she imagined she looked more like an anxious mouse trying to scurry for cover without being noticed by the family cat. All the while, she filed through her mind for something to say. Conversation wasn’t exactly something Taliesin had mastered while at school. And whatever practice she did have, it was much more casual than what was expected of her here; especially with a girl who clearly did seem to struggle with all the various social graces she did.

Once or twice, Taliesin chanced a glimpse at her hostage companion. Prim and proper and a picture of Pureblood sophistication, who seemed more at ease in the setting than one might expect. Then again, she had mentioned that she had been coming to these kinds of parties for a while. Any possible excitement or amazement Taliesin might’ve mustered from it all probably felt like old news to the other.

Taliesin couldn’t help but give in to the subtle fidgeting with her ring. At least from this distance, her mother wasn’t likely to notice. She really needed to come up with something to say. Something engaging or endearing or charming. After all, she’s the one who suggested the whole getting drinks thing, “You’re my age then, yes? Are you at Hogwarts as well?” She could have cringed herself into oblivion for such a lame opening. Damn near every wizarding child in the British Isles went to Hogwarts.

Sure, saying anything was better than anything nothing, but anything else would have been better than that.

Iridia didn’t care much for most of the party, maybe the dancing was fun, although she was usually asked to dance by men twice her age, who asked her questions she knew were to just get into her parents good graces, and the boys her age she did dance with she just had no interest in. She only really danced with them so her mother would not scold her at home, or send her to her room until the foreseeable future, as her mother was always looking for a potential future husband for her. Iridia had wanted to dance with a few girls, but none had come up to her, and she certainly did not have the confidence to go up to any either. She honestly wasn’t sure why she’d rather dance with the other girls at the party, but it was just a choice she gravitated too at all these events, and she did not want to worry herself any further, so she kept that a secret to herself.

Iridia gaze looked to her side as she watched Taliesin, she could see the signs of nerves, that was much obvious, and understandable. Iridia had been out of sorts at her first event, and had almost caused her mother a whole deal of trouble as she spilled her drink onto someone, luckily they had been understanding, and had swept it under the rug from her mother and anyone else in attendance, although Iridia was sure she still knew, based on how much she watched her since. She watched as Taliesin played with her ring, and smiled in understanding as they got to the table, where she was quick to pick up a glass of pumpkin juice, and sip at it as her eyes sauntered around the room.

“Oh yes, I was sorted into Huffepuff, so I suppose our paths wouldn’t have crossed enough to recognise one another. My mother had been a little mad at that, as her family were all Slytherin, and my fathered had been Gryffindors, but there was nothing she could do to change it.”

Iridia spoke with a slight shrug as she placed her cup on the table, and turned to Taliesin, Iridia did not mind leading the conversation. If anything she wanted to ease her nerves, Iridia could not care if they had impolite manners in their conversation, the people around them were much too distracted to care about two 11 year old girls without their parents, as their parents were the important ones, so it meant that they could have a little break from it all, even if only for a few minutes.

“Are you ok? I understand a first event can’t be overwhelming, but we can be impolite if you would prefer, I do not care for politeness when I’m away from my parents, it can get too much.”

She spoke with a kind smile as she looked to Taliesin, she hoped she looked more welcoming than half the people here looked. Iridia did want a friend, and even if their parents used it to their advantage, having a true friend? The thought made her beam inside, she could not think of a greater thing than that.

”Does the ring have your families signet on it? Mine do too, mother and my grandparents insist I do not lose them, or that I don’t take them off, or I will be cursed.”

@Taliesin Annwyn

It was a relief that Iridia carried on with the weak topic. Generally it didn’t seem like Iridia minded that she was the one who had been carrying most of their conversation overall, which was also a relief. Even when she wasn’t panicking in a strange social situation, Taliesin wasn’t very good at maintaining conversation, “My Nanny was in Hufflepuff.” Thank heavens the other wasn’t in Slytherin. It would have been embarrassing if it had turned out she’d been totally oblivious to the other being in her own house, “My mother went to Beauxbâtons, but my father was in Slytherin.” She explained, trying her best to keep her voice steady. She didn’t want to imagine the horror if she started stuttering and stumbling all over her words, “Like me. Slytherin- I mean, I am in Slytherin. House… which I-I think pleased him…”

So much for not stuttering and stumbling. She overthought it all, again, and worked her nerves up so much she couldn’t help herself. This was all such an absolute nightmare.

If there was any kindness in the Universe, some higher power might’ve seen fit to have made her mistakes imperceptible, or allow a hole to open up beneath her feet and swallow her completely. But the Universe was never quite that kind to her as the other gently inquired if she was alright. Well and truly, Taliesin wasn’t hiding her nerves as well as she’d hoped, “I’m afraid I’m not very good at all…this.” She gestured vaguely from herself, to the other and then another vague sweep towards the room at large before finally taking the initiative to pick up a cup of pumpkin juice for herself and having a sip. Cool and grounding enough to offer some clarity to reset the mask and pull herself together.

For a moment, she swallowed enough of her anxiety to muster up a bit of courage to actually look the other in the face; how terribly kind and sincere did Iridia look at her. Taliesin wasn’t sure what expression exactly she might’ve been expecting. Maybe something akin to thinly veiled annoyance or disapproval, certainly not something as soft as what it was. It eased the knot in her chest a little, “And I fear even dropping the formalities, I’ll still be a terrible conversation partner.” She joked weakly with a sheepish sort of chuckle at herself; trying to play off her falters.

At the very least, Iridia seemed understanding and forgiving. That was more than she could have asked for or expected from anyone tonight. Much less from someone who had the unfortunate task of being stuck with her for a length of time.

Taliesin’s eyes dropped to her own hands, “Oh, yes. My family ring does. It’s suppose to be a white stag. The other is my heirship ring, and they look different for everyone. My father gave it to me when I came home for holiday.” The girl explained. She smiled a bit when Iridia explained what her grandparents had told her, “Well, that does not seem very pleasant. What kind of curse?” Though mentally, Taliesin figured such a story was purely just a scare tactic to make sure a child didn’t loose her important things.

Iridia did not make fun of her, did not laugh at her when she stuttered, she just offered her a kind and understanding smile. She had been in her place more than once, going to your first few events as an heir was terrifying, and the expectations hurled onto your shoulders, that you had to carry throughout the night weighed you down, until you were almost a shell of yourself at times, and while Iridia had been to enough to get used to it, she still felt herself being weighed down by it all, it was exhausting, and at times she forgot herself, and what she was like underneath it all.

“Slytherin is a brilliant house regardless, and it won’t change you negatively, so do not panic, and I am honestly not sure, my grandparents used to say I would be turned to stone, or I would be trapped behind a mirror, of course I know better, but I think they would lock me in my room for years if I lost them.”

She spoke, although there was a small laugh after her words. Her voice was gentle and kind, although it did hold that Pureblood elegance that her mother’s held, so there was no denying the relation between the two, but other than that, there was no other obvious similarities, other than the grey eyes of course. Iridia listened intently to her new acquaintance, although she hoped she could say friend soon, as she spoke about the fear of dropping formalities regardless, and Iridia could understand, sometimes it was hard to remember that she was someone different after formalities were forgotten, and she had caught herself automatically picking them up a time or two when she hadn’t needed to.

“Oh I completely understand, I once slipped up while with family and called my grandmother Lady Wyall instead of grandmother, and her shrieking could be heard from outside, before she scolded me for what felt like hours, however I found it rather funny more than anything.”

She spoke with a grin, a small giggling coming from her as she thought about the moment, she hoped she was helping to east the tension that Taliesin was feeling. Iridia didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable at all, especially when this would be one of the only chances of the night she could potentially get some relief and be herself, without the gaze of her parents upon her, and Iridia made a mental reminder to check up on her at Hogwarts too, if they crossed paths again, she thought it was a wise thing to do, especially as she appeared to be rather isolated, from the fact this had been the only time she had seen the girl outside of hogwarts.

“Do you have any hobbies? I recently got into learning about Duelling at hogwarts, and I am hoping to join the club in a few weeks, but other than that I am usually reading in the library, I quite like reading some of the older texts, oh and all the books about magical creatures.”

Iridia smiled at the thought, she wanted to get to know Taliesin more, and she hoped they had some common hobbies, if not, she would certainly be open to learn and get into some new ones, as one could never have enough hobbies or knowledge.

@Taliesin Annwyn

A small smile teased out of her. As she had suspected, just a silly fairy story to keep children in line. Much better than the alternative. Strict and severe as the other's grandparents sounded, she doubted they'd have ever actually cursed their granddaughter; even if she did one day accidently misplace them, "Best to keep them close then. If I do have to keep suffering more events like this one from now on, I'd at least like to keep the hope alive that at least one person I know will be suffering with me." she giggled.

At least there would be one person who could spare a little grace her way. Who knows, maybe in the end, some of Iridia's natural elegance would rub off on her somehow. Despite what the girl's stories suggested, even Taliesin could see how well the other fit in amongst the crowd. All posh and elegant and effortlessly so.

"I play piano." was that a hobby? She took it up because she was made to, but she did quite enjoy it, "And I read. Mostly novels, but I like reading anything. And I study languages." yes, those were more like proper hobbies, right? "My father said I needed to join an extracurricular, so I thought in the next semester I might look into Quidditch or Duelling. I've never done either, but I will try." she explained. Quidditch seemed thrilling, though she'd only ever watched it being played at school. As for duelling, she'd never even seen one before, much less was she sure what all it entailed exactly, but surly it couldn't be that difficult if it was just casting spells, "I like plants. My Nanny keeps a greenhouse at our estate and makes all the potions for the household. When I was little, she use to let me stand on a stool and watch her work or let me chop up ingredients. I quite like potion making. Its one of my favorite classes."

Her father hadn't been very enthused about Herbology and Potions being her best classes. Perhaps because he thought they weren't particularly dignified. Or maybe because they weren't as physically impressive as excelling in Charms or Defense Against the Dark Arts. Though she was still doing quite excellent in those classes too; perhaps it would've been better if she'd led with those classes instead. She'd have to make a note of it for the future.

"You said earlier that there might be dancing here. Do you enjoy dancing?" she question came out a bit awkwardly, but she had to ask the other questions once in a while right? That's how one got to know another and showed they were engaged and enjoying talking to them. She had to put some level of effort in and not make Iridia do all the work.

Iridia giggled at her words with a nod, she did understand the feeling of wanting another person to be with at these events, even better if you were similar ages, and were held to the same standards. It meant there was someone there that not only understood, but you could also relate too. Iridia had been far too lonely at these events, and if Lord and Lady Annwyn were to continue bringing Taliesin with them, perhaps Iridia could continue to endure them for however many years it took, knowing how these things went, she would still be going to these even after she had finished her schooling.

“I’ll be sure to tie them to my fingers so they can’t come off, for your sake, I honestly am glad I won’t have to endure any more parties alone, at least if it is ok with you, if we are to be friends?”

That was the question she had been wanting to ask for a while now, and she had finally done it. Iridia had simply just wanted a friend this whole time, and now she felt like she could have one, her mother approved of her, although Iridia didn’t really care about her opinion in the matter. Iridia really liked Taliesin, and enjoyed her company, and having a true friend? That was a top priority for Iridia.

“I play piano too! Although I much prefer reading, but my mother and father were both adamant that I learn at least one instrument. Do you have a favourite book? I’ve heard muggle books are particularly interesting, but I haven’t convinced my father to get me one yet.”

Iridia was a great listener, although maybe that came from hours of listening to her mother and grandparents constant lectures, or whining about other families, she honestly wasn’t sure. She just knew that she could let Taliesin continue to talk, no matter if she seemed a bit awkward or out of place, and she was happy to listen.

“I prefer Care of Magic Creatures over both, but Herbology can be very eventful sometimes, although I certainly don’t like the mandrakes, do you have a favourite plant? Or potion?

Iridia’s questions were eager, but it wasn’t for her own gain, it was genuine curiosity from the girl. Her eyes were slightly wide in wonder as she asked questions, before a slight groan fell from her mouth when she was asked about dancing, Iridia didn’t mind it, really, but it was all so exhausting, being passed around from man to boy, getting into boring and trivial conversation as they tried to figure out what would win over her parents favour.

“Truthfully I do not mind in, but it’s exhausting, and the conversations I have during dancing here is boring to say the least, I get passed around to any single man or boy, who are very obviously wanting a marriage contract for their sons, or themselves if it’s a boy i’m dancing with, I certainly wouldn’t recommend it to anyone else.”

@Taliesin Annwyn