know your worth

Orpheus Burke Owner of Smoke and Mirrors Part of Ashes HQ Roleplay

[ohorpheuses]

vulcancarrow​:

He didn’t get Orpheus’s problem with him. As far as Vulcan could remember, he’d never do anything overtly hostile or rude. But if Orpheus wanted an enemy than two could play at that game. Especially since Orpheus seemed oh so content to start buddying up to Diana. She was off limits. His baby sister was always, always off-limits. “And yours are dead. Once again we’re on the same page. So what do you want from me?”

–

Orpheus snorted at the attempt at a comeback. It was clear that Vulcan knew nothing about him or his family. Which was shocking to him considering his father’s murder was high profile because of his business. Never mind the fact that he conned his brother into taking the fall for it. Orpheus chuckled, walking over to the other wizard and slinging an arm around his shoulders as if they were old mates. “Mate, you should probably learn to get your fact straight before talking shit,” he said, tightening his arm, “My father is the only dead one. Surprised you didn’t know that Carrow. My brother’s arrest was high profile.” He slid his arm off Vulcan’s shoulders just enough that his hand rested between his shoulder blades. His free hand reaching up to grip his shoulder. “Give your sister my best, alright? We’re missing her at the manor.” With a hard slap on his back, Orpheus smirked before pulling away.

[ohorpheuses]

fawleyfollies​:

.

She’d been expecting Orpheus (though, to be fair, she was always expecting Orpheus to be near, or nearly there if he wasn’t near already) but she wasn’t entirely surprised that her elves had left him waiting downstairs – they did know her, after all, and how much she liked to make an entrance. The sight of him, though, even when she was expecting him (again, always) never failed to make her smile light up at its’ brightest, and she bounced down the last few steps to reach him. Throwing her arms around his neck without hesitation, she lingered on the last step to keep the slight height increase she’d gained, always thrilled when able to kiss him so easily. “Oh, the biggest, baby,” she told him, all too happily, and undeterred by his teasing. If Orpheus had a better option, she was all ears.

Of course, it wasn’t very long after pouncing on him that the girl was already bouncing on her toes. In her eyes, there was no need to contain her excitement; she didn’t have to be anybody but herself: a birthday girl who was far too excited by the arrival of her “best friend” and had not untangled herself from him. She didn’t plan to either, in fact, she tightened her arms around Orph just that little bit tighter as she continued to aim that bright smile at him. Who else could say someone loved them enough, cared for them enough, to do all the things that Oprheus did for her? No one, as far as she knew, and while everyone knew she was spoiled, only Agnes really knew how true that was. Most were lucky to be able to say they had a friend who gave them even half as much thought or consideration or support as Orph gave her, let alone a partner or spouse, but Agnes, Agnes had all of that right here in her arms, and knew that eventually, it really would be hers. When … well, that still remained to be seen, but eventually was good enough for the time being.  “Why? Are you kidnapping me? Wherever you are, that’s where I’ll be. I was just planning on us being here tonight.”

It was a simple kiss of gratitude and adoration. Something that Agnes had done since the beginning of their friendship. One would think that he would be far used to this by now. It meant nothing. There was no romantic entanglement to it. So, why did butterflies erupt from the pit of his stomach when she did this? Orpheus beamed at her, wrapping his arms around her waist. It felt like peace when she was by his side. It felt like home. A fake, exasperated sigh left him at her prying. “I am kidnapping you,” he said, sweeping her off the steps and into his arms, “but that’s all you’re getting out of me until tonight.” 

[ohorpheuses]

fawleyfollies​:

OPEN || FAWLEY ESTATE || 7 jan

It was one of those days that Agnes liked best - it was a day almost entirely about her and it was a Saturday. And what was so good about that combination? It was the perfect setup to effectively and automatically guilt anyone who considered bailing out of her birthday celebrations. So what if her birthday came on the very last day of the very first week of each and every new year? So what if idiots waited until January to make changes, call them resolutions, and pretend they wanted to be better people. Everyone knew the truth. And anyone who had any sense was going to be at the party later that evening – preparations for which, Agnes could see as she made her way lazily down the main staircase of her family’s home, were already underway. 

Every year, her parents went above and beyond for her big day. And her wonderful friends, oh, they’d spoil her to bits, too. And with Orpheus having already ensured her birthday’d been given the perfect start, Agnes was ready; ready to be the princess, ready for her spotlight, ready for the visitor waiting downstairs as her elf had promised. “The party doesn’t start until much later, darling, you’re very early. But I appreciate the enthusiasm, that’s the spirit.” She laughed, teasing her visitor easily, but it was all in good spirit and good fun – Agnes was in a wonderful mood. “What can I do for you this morning?”

It was wildly known that on January 7th of every year that Smoke and Mirrors would be closed for the entire day. Naturally, he had tried to close for the whole week to celebrate his best friend's birthday with her. But his sister had given him slack for it. Teasing him about being in love with Agnes since the day they had met. However true it was, Orpheus was not about to tell her the truth. But today was special. Not just because it was her birthday. It was also the day he decided to take the leap and propose. After all, they weren’t getting any younger and his mother was on his ass nearly every day now to find a wife. His brother’s had all found themselves a girl why couldn’t he?

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to marry. It was that he only wanted to marry her. Orpheus had known that Agnes was his future since they were eighteen and she had helped to cover his father’s death. Whether she was his future wife or just in his future as his best friend, it didn’t matter to him. Once she walked the length of the stairs, it took his breath away. He had planned a formal proposal. Something to make her jaw drop. Something that would make her heart skip beats. But that wasn’t until the night. Her birthday would go out with a bang. “I hope you didn’t plan a giant party this year, Ag,” he teased, “because your royal subjects aren’t going to see the queen until morning.”

[ohorpheuses]

vulcancarrow​:

where; oot and aboot whomst; anyone

“Considering that my parents, godwilling, are in Azkaban at the moment and will be for the rest of their natural and unnatural lives,” Vulcan said without looking up. He’d fielded the same question at least six times within the last week alone. It was getting boring at this point. “No, I doubt they killed the Minister. You’re going to have to come up with a new theory.”

–

Every single time he opened his mouth, Orpheus was tempted to lay him out. He wasn’t quite sure that it was about the older Carrow that pissed him off. Maybe it was the way he testified against his parents. Or maybe it was the fact that he had all but written his little sister off. Orpheus wasn’t close to Diana by any means. That was Eurydice and he dared not cross the line between brother and friend to anything more than that. He knew only of what he saw and what his sister had told him of the younger Carrow. But Orpheus would rather die than let his little sister believe that he wanted little to nothing to do with raising her. After their father had died, it was up to him to see how Eurydice was raised. “Not everything is about you and your parents,” his tone was cold and pushed boundaries, “Get over yourself, Carrow. We all know your parents are in Azkaban.”

[ohorpheuses]

fawleyfollies​:

.

The presence, the touch (and it was definitely familiar, not at all hesitant) – she knew it was Orpheus before he spoke, but the sound of his voice left her smiling up at him regardless; the actual words only served to make the smile bigger, brighter. Snaking her own arms around him, she dragged herself in even closer, rising on her tiptoes as if her heels weren’t already doing all they could to shorten the differences in their heights. “Really?? In December?? You’re already finished with it???” Because it was, technically, still December, and because (truthfully) she was a menace that Orph continued to encourage. “You spoil me,” she insisted, though it was far from a complaint. With a small bounce, she left a kiss on his cheek, but her smile still hadn’t faltered yet (and wouldn’t any time soon). Agnes’ curiosity hadn’t faded, either. “Where were you hiding, anyway? I couldn’t find you anywhere.”

In truth, he had had her song finished months ago. Orpheus couldn’t help but spoil her in every way he could possibly manage. She deserved it. At least in his eyes she did. He wanted to make sure that she was taken care of in every feasible way and made sure it happened one way or another. “Actually,” he confessed, “it’s been done since about October. There’s even a piano rendition.” Agnes was the only one alive that would ever know he was musically inclined. As such, she was also the only one that would ever hear his music. Orpheus leaned down, kissing the top of her head. The scent of her shampoo filling him and committing itself to memory. Butterflies he continued to ignore fluttering as she kissed his cheek. This was Agnes and their friendship had always been a little closer than most. “And I will continue to spoil you,” he paused at her question, thinking about everywhere up until now, “Exploring I guess you could say.” He would never admit that he had gotten himself lost. Or maybe he would. After all, he had already admitted it to Diana. “Okay, I got lost and had to walk around with Diana Carrow.”

[ohorpheuses]

dianacarrow​:

-

   Diana flashed him a grin, before shaking her head. “See, now I know you’re lying.” She accused, tsking at him. “We both know I’m not your favorite, that spot belongs to Agnes, and I’d never seek to change it.” She smirked, wondering not for the first time what else was between the pair of them. “But, I do appreciate the sentiment nonetheless darling, thank you.” She added, softer. She did her best to remain ladylike even when she was being more playful, but the bubbly in her system made it easier to tease and jest. She just needed to mind the line, even if she didn’t think Orpheus would mind all that much if she put aside society’s expectations for a little while. Eurydice always spoke highly of her big brother, after all. 

    She laughed again, brighter, “oh it’s already marked, circled, and pinned to remind you next year.” She grinned, continuing down the hallway. She exhaled, excited that he was willing to talk about his business with her. It wasn’t really her place to ask. Sure, she had a job of her own, but it was a respectable job typically occupied by women, and it was something that felt more a hobby than anything. She certainly didn’t anticipate growing up and needing to provide for herself via a career. She expected to be well cared for by her future husband. Still, her mind was sharp, and she delighted in the inner workings of such things. “The goings on,” She noted, brows furrowing some. “What are you referring to?” She wondered, not entirely oblivious but she wanted to see what he’d be willing to tell her. “I’m glad things are going well, I know it will continue to be successful.” She agreed, complimenting almost instinctually. 

     The younger witch’s smile faded just a little at the mention of his mother, though she hid it well. She always felt the tiniest sting when she spent time with other people’s mothers, even if the sting was less as the years passed. Nodding, she accepted the sort-of-invitation anyhow, “I’ve been quite busy lately myself, but I would love to come to breakfast with you, and Eurydice, and your mother. It’ll be nice to see Atlas too.” She agreed, more than open with the idea. It was interesting that he’d brought up Atlas. They hadn’t been too far apart in school either, but typically when she thought of the Burkes, she thought primarily of Eurydice. She realized she knew very little of what had become of Orpheus’ youngest brother. “Is he still at home?” She wondered, curiously. He was at that age, where moving out with a wife and starting a family would be expected sooner rather than later, after all. 

He knew that she wasn’t completely out of the loop. Not with the way society was going anyways. Was it wise to so openly speak of the things happening around them? Probably not. But then again Orpheus had never been all that wise. He knew how to run a business and how to make a profit. He knew how to do those kinds of things. But when it came to keeping his mouth shut? It could be said that he was very lucky that he had a silver tongue and Agnes as a best friend. If it weren’t for those, he likely would have had his ass handed to him several times in school. Though he did know how to fight. Before his father’s untimely passing, he had taught Orpheus how to fight in the event that magic wasn’t enough to defend himself. “Magic has the capability to fail you,” his father had told him, “You’ll need to know how to fight in case that happens.” 

“C’mon now, Di,” he said, dropping his voice to a low hush as he wrapped an affectionate arm around her shoulders, “You don’t mean to tell me you haven’t noticed anything?” They may have been alone (or so it would seem) but one never knows who’s listening in or when it might change. Orpheus beamed at her. Pride filling his lungs as she mentioned his business and how it would continue to be a success. Smoke and Mirrors was his pride and joy. It made his pride swell even more when his success was acknowledged. “Should come by sometime and see what we have coming in. Some of our artifacts might interest you.” 

He scrunched his nose at the question of his brother. In truth, he hadn’t kept up with the goings on with his brothers. Sure, he had spoken to them over the years and seen them. But he had no interest in what was going on their lives. Half the time he only knew what he did because of Eurydice. She knew everything about all of them. Aside from Orpheus, of course. He still maintained some secrets from his sister. “The last I heard he was supposed to be moving on his own or with Odysseus. Courting some girl he met through our mother I believe.” Supposed to be. Orpheus made the last part up, however. He wasn’t entirely sure how common knowledge it was that his brother fancied Diana over the years.

[ohorpheuses]

dianacarrow​:

-

   Diana’s eyes brightened at the sight of Orpheus. She appreciated familiar faces in unfamiliar spaces, even if the Shafiq Estate was far from unknown to her. It certainly wasn’t a home she knew as well as the Rosier house, or even the McKinnon’s place. She listened as he spoke, noting the glass with him. Diana’s own cheeks were flushed from the several glasses she’d finished through the evening, but it didn’t matter. That was what the night was for. It was expected. “Might as well?” She pouted, shaking her head as her arms crossed teasingly over her chest. “You’re going to hurt my feelings, Orph. I’d have thought you’d be happy to spend time with me. It’s been awhile.” She noted, only partially joking. If she had to choose a Burke to spend time with, Orpheus would not be her first choice, but that was only because Eurydice was her favorite. It made sense, both ladies, and close in age as they were. Orpheus wasn’t unwelcome though, but she never liked feeling as though someone was reluctant to share her company. 

     Still, she wasn’t going to turn away his company. She slowed before circling back to his side. “Is that an admission from you, Mr. Burke? You’re lost?” She teased, “I never thought I’d see the day.” She joked, before moving behind him to push open the door. It was ornately designed, the handle worth almost as much as her gown. “If I remember correctly, this is a good path to take,” She noted, trying to recall through the fuzziness in her mind. “It should lead to the back gardens, and there’s this lovely display of art along the way.” She explained, expecting that he would follow as she slipped through the doorframe and continued on her way. Her heels clacked against the floor but just slightly as her gown swished around her ankles. “How are things at the shop?” She added, wanting to check in. 

“Come on now, Di. You know you’re my favorite,” he admitted. It was pretty well known that the two were well versed within each other. They were familiar with one another. It was also common knowledge that Orpheus absolutely despised her brother. Though the fact that his sister had been rather close with Diana made things easier to get to know each other. Eurydice had always spoken highly of the blonde witch and out of all his siblings Eurydice was clearly the favored. Honestly, if he were being completely honest, Orpheus couldn’t give any less of a shit about his brothers. They all acted like they were too good to help out with the family business. While he was the sole beneficiary they were also expected to help here and there. 

He followed Diana’s lead. His eyes watching where she walked and whether or not she was just as inebriated as he was. Nodding as she explained her thoughts. “Mark it on the calendar as you may not ever hear that from me again.” It was a joke. Though she had a point. Orpheus was never one to admit that he was wrong. Being lost counted as being wrong in his book. “It’s slowly starting to pick up what with the goings on lately. Could always be better but I have no doubt that things will really take off here soon. How have you been? Eurydice invite you for breakfast recently? I’m sure my mother would love to see you again. Actually, I’m sure Atlas would as well.”

[ohorpheuses]

fawleyfollies​:

Shafiq Estate || NYE || patio balcony off of the ballroom || OPEN

“It’s thirty minutes to midnight, to my birth month, to my birth week, seven days, thirty minutes – and counting – to my birthday….,” she trailed off, letting her drama build up. This was Agnes, after all, and it was about to be her favorite time of year. But she found herself without the options she’d hoped to have at this point, in the year, in her life, and her first pick for a midnight kiss … was nowhere to be found. Rude. “How is it that I suddenly find – and declare – myself most eligible bachelorette in need of a kiss tonight? It isn’t fair. This needs to be fixed, immediately.”

“Yeah, that’s much too far away,” he agreed, sliding beside her, “I simply cannot wait that long to give you your annual birthday song and treat you like the queen that you are.” Orpheus wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. He beamed at her the way he always had. Agnes was his one constant ever since they met. She was his best friend, his North Star and his home. As a matter of fact, Orpheus was sure that it was him who had started the tradition of making a countdown to her birthday and celebrating the entire week of. “Fuck it,” he said with a squeeze, “let’s start your birthday week kick off now.”

[ohorpheuses]

dianacarrow​:

Shafiq Estate, East Wing | Open Starter 

    Diana loved New Years, it had always been a time of excitement with the promise of a new beginning. Sure, hardly anyone kept their new years resolutions, and more often than not the next few weeks passed in a blur the same as any, but there were lovely traditions surrounding New Years, and she enjoyed spending that time with the people she loved. It also meant traveling, and though it wasn’t an incredibly far distance, it was far enough to feel like stepping outside of the routine for just a little while. It was freeing. 

     She hadn’t been to the Shafiq estate in years, but it wasn’t entirely unfamiliar to her. The arrangements had been easily made to stay within the halls. She’d taken time off, though Madam Malkin had far more orders than she could possibly handle all herself. She’d brought in a few others hands and had given her blessing for Diana to go and enjoy herself. She was grateful. She’d taken a portkey to the Sandringham Campgrounds, the vase elegantly painted and hidden in plain sight, and then had made her way over to the house proper. It was beautiful, just as grand and enchanting as she remembered. Her eyes swept over the halls as she made her way toward the guest room that would be hers for the night. 

     Of course she knew it would be rude to go exploring, but it was also expected, wasn’t it? She was terribly curious about what could be found, and there were still hours before supper. She wouldn’t go peeking in drawers, but she’d wander the halls. She slowed, looking over her shoulder before deciding her course of action. “They have to expect curiosity. Anything they truly don’t want seen won’t be found, but these are old halls. I bet we could find some very interesting passageways. Come with me?” 

Orpheus wasn’t usually the type for elaborate parties. His entire childhood was spent being shown off like a prized poodle. Both of his parents boasting about how successful he was going to be in life. Though each time he visited his mother, she hadn’t dropped the subject if New Years. Incessantly asking what he was doing, whether or not he was spending it with Agnes and if he was going to the Shafiq’s manor party. After the tenth time explaining that he would not be doing a damned thing but getting rip roaring drunk in the comfort of his own home and he wasn’t sure what Agnes was doing. Orpheus gave in and adhered to his mother’s obvious attempt to get him to go to the party. 

It wasn’t so bad. He still had brandy in his hand at all times, had spotted Agnes and knew where she was at almost all times and listened to the gossip that filtered through. But somehow, Orpheus had found himself wandering around the estate. Perhaps it was the brandy that laced his system or maybe it was the constant worry that Agnes needed him somewhere. Orpheus had realized that he had not the fuzziest of where he was or where he was going. It was the sound of her voice that pulled him from his thoughts. A smirk lifted the corners of his lips as he raised his glass. “I might as well join you,” he said with a sigh, “Hate to admit it but... I have no idea where I’m going.”

[kingofthepitt]

[ohorpheuses]

GENERAL INFORMATION

Full Name: Orpheus Odin Burke Birthdate | Current Age: 23 September | 28 years old Birthplace: London, England Current Residence: London, England Spoken Languages: English and French Gender: Male Pronouns: He/Him/His Sexual Orientation: Pansexual Occupation: Businessman | Owner of Smoke and Mirrors Artifacts

APPEARANCE/PERSONALITY

Height: 5′9″ Weight: 150 lbs. Hair: Black Eyes: Chocolate Brown Complexion: Pale   Build: Slim, with broad shoulders  Personality: Selfish, Secretive, Deceitful, Charming, Charismatic + Ambitious Zodiac: Libra Sun, Scorpio Moon, Gemini Rising Faceclaim: Ross Butler

MAGICAL BACKGROUND

Blood Status: Pureblood Species: Wizard Wand: 12″ Oak | Dragon Heartstring Core | Flexible Amortentia: Fresh fallen rain, lavender, gasoline + lilacs Boggart: His shop burning to the ground with Agnes inside Patronus: Jack Russel Terrier Education: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry | Slytherin Alignment: Chaotic Neutral