a muse's son

dependent account for sparkwoodhq

[txuchedbythegxds]

❝ GIVE IT UP FOR ORPHEUS !! ❞

[ charlie rowe, male, 25 ] Let’s give a warm welcome to one of Sparkwood’s finest, ORPHEUS POLYMNIA (ORPHEUS) !! Before coming here, HE once lived on the pages of HADESTOWN / GREEK MYTHOLOGY. Though now they currently spend most of their time as a(n) WAITER / MUSICIAN. If you ask the townsfolk about what they are like, you will hear that they are OPTIMISTIC but also NAIVE. If they had a theme song it would be TALK - HOZIER. Let’s see how their story unravels this time. [ cj, 24, cst, she/her ]

𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 

orpheus has lived quite the humble life in sparkwood. born to a single ‘ mother ‘ , one not quite ready for the responsibility to parent , orpheus was placed in foster care at a young age. it wasn’t until a friend of his mother’s took him in that he experience any stability. despite his misfortunes , he always had a melody to sing. he had a natural talent for music ; so much so , it seemed he was quick to learn any instrument he could get his hands on. however , it was the guitar that he seemed the most attached to.

orpheus has lived in sparkwood his entire life, and it’s all he’s ever known. he finds pleasure in his simple life. he works in the service industry , barely living on tips alone. he’s been told he could make more if he pursued a real music career , but he frankly hates singing for money. rather , he sings for himself and to bring some light into the world around him. there’s nothing better than telling a story through song or eliciting a reaction from a listener. music can be a powerful thing , after all.

𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧

hello hello , everyone. i tried to keep this simple , maybe a little vague while i explore how i may want to adapt my awkward musician prodigy !! i hope to flesh him / this intro out a bit more as i settle in.  ❤ ❤

[musicalgifs]

but when i saw you all alone against the sky, it’s like i’d known you all along.

[kiegotakami]

These men who brought me here today do not fear me. They brought me here today because they fear you, because they know my voice—the voice that refuses to be enslaved—once lived in you, and may yet still. They brought you here today to show you death and use it to frighten you into ignoring that voice. But know this.

[txuchedbythegxds]

favoritecrimcs​ // REGINA :

generosity wasn’t exactly in regina’s nature. but the passing task of dropping money into an open guitar case was easy, far easier than actually helping someone in need. the last thing she expected was for her good deed to be returned, finding herself suddenly trailed by the musician that she had donated money to. a brow was arched as she stared at the other, obvious confusion on the blonde’s face. “ i thought you were like homeless or something … is that not the case ? ” she looked the other up and down, a look of disapproval behind her eyes. “ you can keep it, you probably need it more than i do regardless. plus, you kind of reminded me of that one depressed dead guy that everyone likes. johnny cash or whatever ? ”

her comment about his looking homeless might have been intended as an insult , but ORPHEUS didn’t seem to react strongly to it. rather , he blankly replied with a “ i suppose i can see how you come to that conclusion. ” he looked at his own assemble: his pants were well - worn ; his shirt bore irremovable stains. even his guitar had seen better days , but it only meant it was well loved. he laughed at himself before returning his gaze to the stranger. “ johnny cash ? he was quite the icon  , so i’ll take that as a compliment. ” once again , he somehow seemed to overlook the negative connotation. “ should i point out i’m neither homeless nor depressed ?? i’m fine if you want to call me poor , though. cause i kind of am , at least monetarily ... ” his tone was very matter - of - fact. “ but i still can afford some sort of food and rent. i’m just not depressed about. ”

[theoptia]

Euripides, from Grief Lessons: Four Plays; translated by Anne Carson

Text ID: Gods are stubborn. So am I.

[hopecel]

Reeve Carney as Orpheus in Hadestown | Act I

[txuchedbythegxds]

rvclaimed​ // EDWARD :

edward always followed his ear — the thing that was closest to his heart at this point. any time he heard music, he had to find the source. and, if the music was live, he had to encourage it. he always saw himself in those who played — there was a silent connection there that he had no explanation for. he didn’t think twice about throwing the bills into the suitcase, turning slowly as the player came after him. he shook his head. “no, please, keep it. you may not have been playing for donations, but you’ve received one. use it to keep playing, buy a new suitcase, or anything you like. the world needs more music like yours.” he wasn’t a very social individual, but he knew how to speak genuinely about something he was passionate about.

there was something about the other’s words that cause ORPHEUS to pause. he suddenly couldn’t manage an argument for the stranger to take back his money ; it was clear he wouldn’t accept it anyways. “ okay. i will ,  ” he simply replied , accepting defeat and slipping the bills into his pocket. he adjusted his instrument , still glancing at the other. “ it’s kind of you to say the world needs music like mine , but i merely play from the heart. ” a small grinned pulled on his lips as he spoke. “ that’s what the world needs more of. ” his hand shot out , as if for a handshake. “ i’m orpheus. you happen to be a musician yourself ?? ”

[txuchedbythegxds]

sheroxrs​ // CADY :

her mother had always told her if a street performer made her stop, she should pay them…so when the simple guitar melody slowed her down on her way to the library, cady dug a dollar from her pocket before pushing on…but it wasn’t long before the musician flagged her down with the money in hand. a faint blush colored the young zoologist’s cheeks as she realized her slip up. “oh shuck…i mean, shoot. sorry. i didn’t mean to assume.” she explained as she sheepishly took her dollar back. “it was great though! you totally could you know! i mean, play on the street. or in cafes! or…some place bigger. i feel like musicians have big dreams of playing in big venues. are you a musician? i mean, obviously you are…but like, is it a hobby or is it your career? or both??? i guess?” she asked, babbling on in her typical cady-ness.

a small chuckle fell from ORPHEUS lips as the girl seemed to rambled an apology. he nodded along , brows raised , as she finished her thought. “ you don’t need to be sorry. you’re very kind , but i’m sure your money serves a better purpose elsewhere is all. ” he assured with a smile. “ i actually prefer my smaller venues. more intimate. but i’m more of an open mic type of guy than ... a performer.  ” he wasn’t exactly a showman. when he played , it was to make a connection , not put on a show. “ but uh ... i’m not , like , a paid musician ?? not usually. but i wouldn’t call it a hobby either , ” he admitted as he scratched the back of his head. music was his life , but it’s not how he paid rent. “ i guess you could say i’m a waiter. i do get paid for that. ” as if out of habit , he followed with a “ how about you ? what do you do ?? ”

[txuchedbythegxds]

hcpefuliving​ // ANNABETH :

Tilting her head to the side, she makes a face and nods in understanding. "No, don't worry, I get that, is it writer's block or not getting the melody?" She questions out of genuine curiosity. "But I'd like that! I'd suggest helping, but even I'm not sure if I'd be helpful at all in that area." She had always stuck to learning about things that she was interested in, in books. "I'll be sure to do just that for you, but for the record, I can assure you that there's no possible way for you to disappoint me." She's trusted Orpheus about as long as she's known him and he's never done or said anything to harm her, so it was easy to feel comfortable and trust him. Her laughter is genuine and loud as she nods. "Yes, and no, I was going to suggest that we hang out now if you have the time!"

“ oh , the melody is there , ” ORPHEUS insisted with confidence. “ at least for the latest song i’ve been working on. ” this time around , the melody itself just came to him. it was like he was just remembering it from before. ( however , he made a point to make sure it wasn’t some carbon copy of another song somehow. he made that mistake once or twice before. ) he crinkled his nose slightly as he continued.  “ it’s more so the lyrics ... the subject matter , maybe ?? i just can’t seem to decide what the words are supposed to be about. ” as she mentioned being hard to disappoint , he chuckled. “ oh yeah. that too solves our problem , ” he agreed , nodding. “ more so than my suggestion. but yes. i’m free now. do you have something mind ?? ”

[txuchedbythegxds]

sunsummoneds​ // JAXTON :

          even though jaxton was only on his lunch break, he had decided today that he needed a bit of fresh air to survive the rest of his shift. in the process, he had been lured by the sound of music only to drop a five-dollar bill into the guitar case that laid upon the ground. why not give it away to someone talented rather than spend it on some expensive coffee in the future? it seemed like a better cause in his mind. although he was surprised when the musician caught up to him, blinking a few times as a look of confusion etched itself across his features. “oh, well… i feel like it would be weird to take it back. i insist that you keep it! hearing you play was probably the highlight of my day.” he hoped that didn’t sound too weird.

ORPHEUS , too , blinked in response as the stranger insisted he keep the five dollars. he was aware it was a bit strange to chase after strangers to give them back their money like this , but the musician felt it was worse to indirectly deceive people. “ the highlight ? ” he repeated with a raised brow. he always wanted his music to achieve some sort of goal , have a purpose , even if it was to brighten someone day. “ that’s very kind of you to say , ” he said , a smile pulling on the musician lips. “ i’m happy my music could do that ! especially given that song still a work in progress. just a mere melody , really , and well ... ” he stopped himself. the stranger probably didn’t need to hear his ramblings. “ thank you. for the money and the compliment. i’m orpheus. ”

[txuchedbythegxds]

ycstodcy​ // CLAIRE :

claire liked to believe she was usually a good read at situations by clearly she was pretty wrong about this one. but in fairness she was just walking by it wasn’t like she was standing and waiting by so of course she could have easily made this mistake. when he told her she didn’t need to be sorry she smiled a bit and nodded her head. “all the time - man i’m sorry to hear that. maybe it’s because you play well?” she suggested in hopes of making him feel better. she nods when he said why he played. “that’s a good reason to do so, especially if it makes you happy.” she said smiling to him. she feels a bit better knowing he had a day job and nods taking her money back. “well thank you for being honest and not just taking it. though it was nice hearing music on the streets.” she assured. “sorry for mistaking you.”

ORPHEUS let out a soft chuckle. “ that’s very kind of you to say. ” while he had been complimented countless times on his musical ability , he never seemed to react to them. “ i think it happens mostly because i hardly pay attention when i’m playing , and most people playing music on the street are probably buskers , ” he said with a shrug. “ i just play where ever when the inspiration strikes , which can be as random as the middle of the park , and i tend to lose track of time playing so ... assumptions are easily made. ” he smiled as she finally took her money back. “ i’m orpheus , by the way , ” he introduced himself as he adjusted his guitar in his grip. “ i’m glad you liked what i was playing , though it’s not finished ... hence why i was working on it. but if you ask me ... i think there’s always music in the streets , even without a street performer playing. just got to listen for it. ”

[sheroxrs]

saturday at the farmer’s market was one of barbara’s favorite places in the world. an eclectic gathering of people paired with an incredible selection of high quality produce? it was thrilling and inspired some delicious meals by just one simple visit. today, a bunch of tri-colored carrots caught her eye. as barbara leaned down to inspect them, she tapped her chin thoughtfully with one delicate finger. maybe she could make a meal with all the colors of the rainbow? that meant she would need some more produce. “what do you think?” she asked the person next to her, a grin lighting up her face. “they look pretty good today, don’t they? not that i’m an expert on what carrots or anything. and i can’t trust this guy to tell me, right?” barbara laughed, jerking a finger at the offended looking proprietor of the stall. “no offense! i just mean it’s your job to sell so…” baraba gulped and took out her wallet. “i’ll take two bunches…please…”

[txuchedbythegxds]

ORPHEUS liked the farmer’s market , though he never actually bought anything. rather , he seemed to be there for the people not the goods ; bringing his guitar to occasionally entertain the merchants. ( on a good day , he may even walk home with the ugly produce the farmers were unable to sell. it helps to make friends. ) he was glancing over this week’s bounty when another regular raised a question. “ i mean it may not be the best looking harvest of the season , and any hiked up prices are just a product of capitalisms.  ” his response , albeit honest , only insulted the proprietor further. however , he seemed unphased as he exchanged glances with the seller. they both knew the musician couldn’t afford an apology purchase anyways ; he just wasn’t getting a free handout today. turning back to the woman , he kindly smiled. “ what are you trying to cook , if i may ask ?? ”

[txuchedbythegxds]

sacchavinities​ // DAPHNE :

                                                      * . ✧ . *

           THERE’S SOMETHING ALMOST ENDEARING  about  how  desperate  he  seems  to  return  the  money ,  something  the  heiress  isn’t  quite  used  to .  not  because  daphne  doesn’t  understand  that  value  of  money  ( in  fact ,  she  might  as  well  be  the  only  person  in  her  family  that  does ) ,  but  because  most  people  would  have  just  ran  with  it .  turning  on  her  heel ,  the  sleuth  gives  the  stranger  a  small  smile .  ❝  but  i  don’t  want  it  back .  it’s  yours !  ❞   she  insisted ,  persistent  as  always .  ❝  think  of  it  as  a  sign  of  appreciation  or  something .  i  appreciate  you  playing  out  here  just  like  i  appreciate  the  people  who  designed  my  shoes .  trust  me ,  i  want  you  to  have  it .  ❞  and  when  daphne  wants  something ,  she  won’t  stop  until  she  gets  it .

her persistence caused ORPHEUS to stop in his tracks. he couldn’t say it was the first time someone insisted he keep their money , but this time he seemed almost knocked off his rhythm. his eyes looked between the woman and her money. “ are you sure ??? ” he asked , unsure what to do next. as if in defeat , he accepted her generosity. “ i supposed i should thank you , ” he mused as he strapped his guitar on his back , freeing his hands. “ so thank you ! ” he smiled. “ but i feel i should tell you ... that song isn’t quite finished. it barely has words , so you’re kind of paying for an unfinished product. ” he glance down at her shoes for a moment before continuing. “ like your shoes !! those are clearly a finished product , so it makes sense to pay for those ... ” he couldn’t even imagine how much those could cost , the more he thought about it. “ so you can kinda see why i feel bad , right ?? ”

[txuchedbythegxds]

unlostx​ // TIFA :

Tifa tilted her head a bit looking at him curiously “Are you certain? Or even do you want another drink maybe? I feel a bit bad I had you just sit here so long you know?” She laughed a bit shrugging her shoulders softly “Hell the bar singer always had a band backing them when there isn’t a Dj playing music so it wouldn’t be terribly out of place if you did, they might even ask you to join them if you did so maybe if you did at least you wouldn’t get weird stares or anything like that.” She chuckled rolling her eyes “If you call the top 40’s hits on a loop as music then you aren’t really wrong about that I guess.” She couldn’t help but laugh shaking her head “Well you’re being a good friend by being here for me, that’s a start, you’re being patient because my attention was elsewhere, so those are two notable good things you’ve done, I mean if you want to you could notes if you want to remember for later.” She teased him lightly scrunching her nose easily shrugging her shoulders “Yeah you definitely do have a calming vibe so to speak so I get why you hear that often, maybe it’s because you’re easy to talk to, it’s hard to put words to it but it’s not a bad thing.”

ORPHEUS looked down at his half - finished drink , contemplating her offer. “ i suppose i could accept another drink. i think this was some sort of mule ? i’m unsure. i just liked the mug , ” he admitted. he was never particularly picky to food or drink ; he usually accepted what was offered. he chuckled at her comments. “ i fear i would easily be swept into playing. then you’d be the one just watching me and waiting around , ” he said with a laugh. while he could be rather hesitant playing his unfinished songs , he rarely outright refused to play. you could sarcastically ask him if he knew wonderwall , and he’s be playing oasis without missing a beat. “ top 40s is top 40s for a reason , ” he pointed out with a shrug. “ either people like it or it sells well. ” the musician almost cringed at the second part. he continued to smile tifa seemed to explain what he was doing right , nodding along as he listened. “ being a good friend and patience... got it. ” he cocked his head to the side slightly. “ suppose it’s good to not have a bad vibe , ” he mused. “ wonder if i’m actually good listener , or i just don’t talk too much ... ”

[txuchedbythegxds]

hcpefuliving // ANNABETH ​:

Running a hand through her hair, she smiles and shrugs. "Exciting is one word for it, that's for sure!" Listening to his description of his life made her smile at how content he seemed, nodding her head in response. "That's good to hear, I'm glad that you haven't changed, I've known so many people who have and it's refreshing to see someone who is still genuine. Do you have any pieces that I could get a sneak peek of one of these days?" She asks with a raised eyebrow. "I understand that, just figured I'd ask if you had, had a change of mind." Annabeth admits as hums in agreement. "Truly a shame, what ever shall we do about it?" She asks, tapping her chin playfully in confusion.

ORPHEUS’s lips tugged into a soft smile as she pointed out how he hadn’t changed. there was nothing wrong with change , per se ; but perhaps he just liked consistency in some way. he liked feeling like the world was in tune. “ oh , um ... ” his voiced trailed off at her question regarding his music. “ i haven’t finished anything lately , ” he admitted. he swore he had the melody down , but it was the lyrics that were getting to him. what was he trying to say ? what was the story he was telling ? “ maybe i can play you what i have so far , but ... keep your expectations low maybe. ” he cocked his head to the side slightly , unsure what answer she was expecting in response. “ keep in touch better ?? is that the answer ??? ”

[unlostx]

open starter 

Dusk was in her own little world, just playing around with her drum sticks trying to nail down the new song she was working on with the band and really immersed in what she was doing, scribbling down words in her journal, honestly she was writing down a bunch of incomplete songs or phrases but she knew one day her and the girls would piece it together and actually have a full song eventually. She heard someone sit down with her and she looked up an intimidating look on her face in case it was a rude to sit down with a stranger, but when she realized who it was the look of pure confusion melted away and a big smile took it’s place. Dusk moved her backpack to the ground incase they wanted to sit closer and she pulled at the sleeves of her sweatshirt looking up at them “I mean, not that I’m not happy to see you I just wasn’t expecting you, I thought you had plans, whatever the reason I am happy to see you, If I look at this song book anymore I may cry please take it away from me.”   

[txuchedbythegxds]

the concentration on the drummer’s face was a familiar one to ORPHEUS. there was nothing quite like working on a song. he knew better than to interrupt the creative process, but he couldn’t help sitting down next to his fellow musician. he didn’t even flinch at her glare ; rather , he responded with a wide smile. he chuckled at her comments , knowing the final sentiment a little too well. “ plans fell through , ” he shrugged. the other party something better to do apparently. he was used to it. “ figured i’d stop by , or else we’d be in similar situations. ” he patted the strap of the guitar that sat on his back. he eyed her song book , debating his next question. he personally didn’t like sharing his unfinished songs , but he was still curious. “ am i allowed to take a look ? or a listen ? ” his tone meek , ready for rejection. “ or should we be talking about the weather instead of music ?? ”

[aropippin]

@projectbway  event 04 : free week   —  Hadestown

“The trees which you planted as a child Have long since grown too heavy; you do not deceive them. But the winds … but the spaces … Raise no monument. For it is the roses Which salute Him year by year with their petals. This, you see, is Orpheus” Rainer Maria Rilke, Sonnets to Orpheus