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Wilbur would say he was quite happy with his life as a god. Sure, it was a bit lonely at times, but he found his life to be satisfactory.
Wilbur loved humans and all the wondrous music they created in his name. It was like a magical spark that lit up inside him each time he’d hear them celebrating his name.
The churches were full of music and instruments and happy people singing.
It truly was his favorite place to be.
But, sometimes, he loved going out into the streets and hearing the children laugh and play. Such carefree beings singing and dancing without a care in the world.
Then, there were the songs of desperation. Songs that cried out for him in hopes he’d bless them.
Which led him here.
In front of him sat a little girl. She had a dirty and ripped dress along with messy brown curls. Dirt smeared into them and dried into a thick crust.
In her grimy hands sat a flute, her eyes closed as she played her instrument to her heart’s content.
The music leaving that little instrument was impressive for a girl her age, though certainly nothing masterful.
Still, Wilbur couldn’t help but have his interest piqued.
She had a light smile on her face as she played, content to simply share her music with the humans passing by.
Occasionally, a human would drop a coin in the hat next to her.
Not nearly enough to survive. But… Why was a child in need of funds? Why was she on the street working rather than at her home playing her beautiful songs for him?
Wilbur tilted his head, frowning.
Oh, the poor girl was probably an orphan. How tragic.
She took a breath in, beginning to play another song. This was one of his favorites, and he was sure she knew.
He could feel her. Feel the way her music was sent to him, a cry for help.
He smiled. Yes, he would help this little girl.
Wilbur reached to his wrist, uncoupling a golden bracelet and dropping it into her hat. No human could see what he had done, but she would check her earnings tonight and see she was well off for two weeks.
She could afford herself an inn and a warm bath.
The girl just kept playing her song, unknowing of the god she had just caught the eye of.
-/-/-/-/-/-
Wilbur felt that same call. He could hear her flute from afar.
The god floated towards the inn, phasing through the walls in order to follow that pretty sound.
He stopped, smiling at the girl in front of him.
She was sitting on the windowsill, fingers dancing across the little wooden flute. Her hair and skin were no longer caked with dirt. A clean outfit that wasn’t too large or too small. Just the perfect size.
The girl swayed from side to side with her song, something far more upbeat than previously.
A thank you song. Wilbur was impressed that the girl learned such songs. Typically, children came up with their own songs which consisted of randomly hitting whatever string or drum they wished.
But this little girl took time to learn ancient songs played by adults at churches.
How adorable.
Yet… Wilbur was curious what the little girl would do if she just let herself play. He was sure she would sound beautiful.
So, he placed his hands on her shoulders, letting her feel his presence. The girl paused, shock on her face before she shook it off and began to play again.
Except she missed a few notes…
Wilbur smiled. Poor little thing was nervous.
He leaned down, whispering. “It’s alright, darling. You’re doing wonderful…”
She perked up, muscles relaxing as she focused once more.
The girl continued her song, not missing a single note. Wilbur squeezed her shoulders as the song finished, letting her know he was proud.
She smiled, still looking out of the window. “Thank you, Sir. Your bracelet allowed me to have a wonderful bath and a soft bed for a few more nights. I am glad my songs were satisfactory to you!”
Wilbur giggled. “Make another.”
She blinked. “Make another? Would you like me to create my own song? I do not know if that would sound as pretty as the songs you crafted from your soul—“
Wilbur tapped her shoulders again, silencing her. “Yes.”
She gulped, bringing the flute to her mouth once more. She played something soft, sad, and a bit distant.
Lonely, was the word Wilbur could describe it with.
A longing that Wilbur found he related to in a way.
Once she finished, she looked to the ground, shoulders hunched up and a red tint to her face. “I… I made that one a little while ago. I hope you liked it?”
Wilbur let the strange feeling overtaking him roll off his shoulders, tapping her again. “Lovely.”
She grinned, legs kicking excitedly. “Thank you! I will play it for you anytime you want!”
Wilbur laughed, patting her back before disappearing.
He’d keep an eye on this little girl.
-/-/-/-/-/-
Wilbur spun through the sky, on his way to meet up with the little girl he found himself attached to. He had been donating some of his jewels to her everyday to keep her afloat in exchange for a song.
She was a very creative little thing, and Wilbur found himself ignoring the churches and dancers in favor of watching over her.
She still loved to play on the streets. She loved sharing her music with others.
Though… others didn’t seem so happy.
The presence of the god of music had lessened in their lives. Of course, they kept their eyes peeled for something that may have caused this. Worried their songs were no longer sufficient for his grace.
And eventually… their eyes landed on her. The little girl who suddenly wore bracelets and necklaces of gold. With clean outfits everyday that stayed in the most beautiful inn in town.
She played songs on her little wooden flute.
And they grew angry. They marched up to her, shouting with anger and frustrations that their blessings were given to a mere orphan girl.
She backed away, trying to give them her jewels but they were not pacified.
They chased after her, hands landing on her as she was shoved into the mud.
The crowd screeched, tearing off her jewels and smearing mud on her face. She cried out in pain as her head hit the ground, tears bubbling in her eyes.
She felt her flute ripped from her hands, a yell escaping her as it was broken in two.
The crowd shoved her back down before spitting on the ground next to her. They turned, leaving her to the dirt.
She sat up, tears flowing down her face as she kneeled in front of the broken flute. Dirt covered it, a sad show of what her life was like.
She sobbed, wiping at her eyes but only rubbing the dirt into her skin.
Would Wilbur still care for her now? She had nothing to play for him anymore. She had nothing to provide in exchange for his blessings.
She’d lost everything.
Hands reached down, grasping the broken pieces of her flute and lifting them into the air.
The girl blinked, eyes trailing up the figure before her. A man stood with brunet curls cascading down his face. His skin nearly glowed, a white robe covering his body.
She recognized him.
The god of music.
Wilbur stared down at her, features just as soft as they were on the statue in the church.
She dipped her head. “I am so sorry. You gave me everything and I can no longer provide you entertainment. I let them destroy the only thing I could give you, I am prepared for whatever punishment you have to give me.”
The god hummed, putting the two pieces together. He wrapped his fingers around the flute, eyes glowing as gold began to spin around the instrument. The girl gasped, watching as the wooden flute turned into a shiny gold, pieces melded together.
The god suddenly bent down, robe in the mud. She stared in awe at the way the dirt caked such precious cloth.
A soft hand cupped her chin, lifting it up to look into Wilbur’s eyes.
“Hello, little one.”
She blinked, breathing, “hi…”
Wilbur smiled, cheeks pulling up so his eyes became crescents. “I believe you dropped this.”
He handed her the flute, Tallulah still staring at the god in disbelief.
With both hands now free, he cupped her cheeks, thumbing the dirt away from her face.
“You have such a pretty song. The one you first showed me?”
She nodded, still too stunned to speak.
“I quite liked it. It felt… lonely. I believe that is a feeling I can understand. I have an offer for you, if you’d be interested. But first, I must know your name. Who is my favorite little human?”
She gulped. “Tallulah.”
His eyes nearly closed with his smile. “What a precious name. Now, Tallulah, would you like to come with me?”
Her brows scrunched together. “Go with you?”
He nodded. “I would like you to be mine, and for I to be yours. Family, as humans call it.”
She found herself nodding, words registering slowly. A family? That’s all she’s ever wanted.
Wilbur scooped her up, placing her on his hip. “Then family we shall be. I can’t wait to hear you play more, my darling. We’ll get you the finest dresses and the prettiest bows. Only the best for my little Lulah.”
Tallulah giggled, feeling glee fill her as Wilbur took off from the ground. She placed her head on the god’s shoulder, nuzzling closer.
She couldn’t wait to play even more songs for her Papi.