"It happened long ago, when the first of the heroes invaded the lands of Alrisia. The skies had lit up and thousands upon thousands of your kind appeared from beams of light from the sky. The inhabitants of this world, both human and beast, had begun changing. The actions of both seems to forced, almost controlled, by some great force. Once docile beasts, now prowled their lands attacking anybody who passed within their territories viciously. The people seem to lose spirit, becoming rigid in movement and repeating the same task over and over again. Their unique personalities suddenly vanishing. It was a sad day for guardians such as I, and we still mourn to this day."
He paused for a moment, as if deep in thought and far away. Several minutes had gone by, and Zalin sat patiently, waiting to hear where this was leading. Finally the Sorrowful King began speaking again.
"All is not lost little one, for there is a prophecy in Alrisia depicting the coming of Heroes. It say that on the day the Heroes descend from the sky on wings of light, a great plague shall spread across the lands, infecting all of the inhabitants of our World. These Heroes will travel across Alrisia, sealing the Great Guardians in a dark abyss and shattering the Onyx Tomb, this releasing the a new reign of terror as the Great Shadow King once again stalks the lands. But be mindful Shadow of the Celestials, for the roles of the prophecy have not all been fulfilled."
The Sorrowful King of the Forest eyed Zalin with contempt, before signing sadly and sitting back in his original position. A large exclamation point appeared just above his head. A quest, thought Zalin, what luck.
"Is there anything I can do for you oh Great Sorrowful King?" Zalin called out to him.
The great beast shifted and looked down Zalin.
"Oh, are you still here? I'd have you'd have left by now Shadow of the Celestials. If you have some time on your hands I have a favor to ask of you. If you could bring me the head of the King of the Shadowtribe I would be forever grateful. That vicious beast has been disrupting the peace of my forest and must be dealt with accordingly. I will of course reward you handsomely."
"Yes, I accept for quest," Zalin replied without a second thought.
Quest Accepted: Trials of the Sorrowful King
"Good luck Shadow of the Celestials, and may the Gods watch over you."
Zalin made his way back to town, and through the city streets, lost deep in thought. Something about the story told to him by the Sorrowful King struck him as off, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. It was like listening to a true event from an actual person. The feeling was unnerving to say the least. The clock in the upper right hand field of his vision read 9:58pm, had he really been in game that long? That couldn't be right, he thought to himself before logging off for the night.