Don't You Dare Harm The Messenger

Poets was once a type of bird known as a Violet-Backed Starling. These birds live in the forests outside of a little town called Sallow's Gate and were quite the sight to see around mating season. Though Poe was the odd one out as he preferred to doll up his own nest and keep to himself rather than socialize with the other birds. The other birds could be heard mocking him throughout the forest though one would never know as it just sounded like simple bird song. Poe himself never did mind the chatty chirping either, able to tune it out and focus on his own tasks. While hunting and foraging for food the other birds would occasionally swoop and steal whatever snack he had found and that definitely ruffled his feathers. He would try to stand up for himself but even for his species he was a bit smaller than the others and they easily overpowered him. The others would stop for a few days and just when Poe thought he was finally in the clear he would be attacked again and had his food stolen. He was tired of it. So what he was a little small? So what he was a little weird? Every species has their weirdos! As he sat in his nest he contemplated on what to do. It was a sure death sentence if he left the group but staying with them seemed to guarantee such a fate too. He closed his eyes while his brain swirled with debates. He knew he would not sleep well if he could not make the thoughts disappear and needed the strength to forage for seeds tomorrow. Hours pass as the inner voices scream at him, exhaustion taking hold in a feeble attempt to drag him into sleep. Suddenly they stop. Poe opened an eye as it became eerily quiet and scanned the landscape before him. He couldn't see anything but he knew he wasn't alone, he could feel it in his hollow bones. Curiosity was getting the better of his judgement and soon set off to find whatever was giving him the strange vibe. Deep into the forest he found a strange looking creature. This creature was mostly green and black with splashes of orange and yellow. There was also this glowing round object that floated above the creature's head. It reminded him of the plastic rings he had seen litter the ground on the outskirts of the nearby town. The colors told him to stay away but his spirit told him to approach with great caution. This creature had its back to him so Poe did his best to silently hop from branch to branch to creep closer in order to get a better look. Unfortunately the other had quite the excellent hearing and thus turned around as the full moon's light shone off of the vibrant back of the little bird. Poe stopped in his tracks as the creature, who he was able to identify as some kind of weird wolf, walked as if it floated just above the ground. It had a faint smile on it's face and it felt somewhat comforting but also sinister. It's voice was deep and rich as if a devil's food cake came to life.

"Lost are we, little one?"
"N-no..."
"You need not be afraid. I know what you seek."
"Un-unless you got some s-seeds buddy, I h-have no idea what y-you're talking about!"
"I have all the seeds a bird like you could ever desire."
"There's always a catch."
"You are quite the clever bird."

The more the creature spoke the more Poe felt at a false sense of ease. It's name was Ophius and according to him, he was the God of some fancy group. Ophius wanted Poe to come work alongside him directly and assist in spreading his message to both the "family" and strangers in need of a "family" to call their own. The bird was reluctant but the God mentioned he would not have to fight to keep his food as his family always had plenty to eat and even more to share. This is what ultimately convinced Poe to join him and together they journeyed back to the lair of a place called Paradise Lost. It is there Poe went through the initiation and was granted a special position of "Messenger". This position was specific to him and his goal of spreading the influence of Paradise Lost to those who would listen. Though he knew he had made a grand mistake as he watched fellow "family" be mistreated for even the most minor of blunders. He himself also went through a physical change as he had to give up his beautiful violet feathers for ones tainted with a tar-like substance and dripping with what felt like blood. His own blood. The promise of food had been kept but Poe realized changing who he was and leaving his old life may have not been worth it after all. He watched as innocent people he had sung the praises of Paradise Lost to suffer endlessly once they arrived. He had been led astray by a vile God.
While not out doing the bidding of Ophius, Poe has spent time in the library reading all sorts of books. Sometimes visitors will allow him to sit on their shoulder and read alongside him. Other times he will request the help of the librarian and read on his own. He has discovered a fascination for poetry and adores almost every type that can be found. He's depleted the library of all it has to offer and has sought it in the outside world too. Since Ophius can sense whenever he is directly sending someone to Paradise Lost, Poe has since figured out that the God cannot tell this when using poetry. This is how Poe fights against the Cult and has sent less and less innocents to the clutches of the "Family". The only time he directs a poor soul to them is when he is the witness to a vile act.

credits

Lea

Character/Story by Glory

Background by Wallpaper Cave