The Story Of Zorbels

[zorbels]

update: Well wrting this third installment is alot more difficult than I imagined. It is taking me a bit of time, I can\'t say when it will be done but I haven\'t given up on my story. I am just a perfectionist, and somethings in the story just don\'t meet my standards. All in all it is being written, just very slowly. :/

[lanser]

I wait with baited breath

slowly going red faced

now green

passed out from lack of oxygen

[Sarff Rullan]

Zorbels you did a fantastic job with this story. I do hope you get this third installment figured out because I would really like to know if you marry Stronith. Anyway great job, I enjoyed it.

[Suno_Regin]

Actually she's engaged to Satayne now, for whatever reason. =/

[zorbels]

Actually she's engaged to Satayne now, for whatever reason. =/

Sarff is talking about my story Suno, not what is currently going on in game. Eventually the reason I am with Satayne with be written in my story, but I have alot of other stuff to write about first. After Stronith, comes the story of Alhana and Zorbels.

I almost have the third installment done pretty much. I am just trying to finish it off and make sure it coincides with Stroniths story, as we both wrote about the same things. It's coming, I just had a bad case of the writers block.

[zorbels]

                                                                       Chapter 3

“I do not understand Stronith,” Zorbels looks into his eyes with tears spilling down her cheeks. “Why do the Gods not let us marry?” She cries out in anger.

Stronith walks over to Zorbels and pulls her into his arms and sighs. She weeps on Stronith’s chest uncontrollably. “They do not let us marry, my love, because we are not of the same race,” he says as he puts his hand under her chin to raises her face to his. “The guild has called a meeting to see if there is anything that we can do to make our wedding happen,” Stronith smiles and wipes the tears away from her face tenderly.

 Zorbels looks into his eyes with a hopeful gaze and says, “Then let us go met our guild and pray to Talad that I can marry you.” Zorbels gives Stronith a weak smile, but he knows she does this only to make him feel better.

Later that day the Protectors guild met at the broke door tavern in Akkaio a section in Ojaveda city.

“My guild members we are gathered here today because of an issue that has arisen with two of our guild members, Zorbels and Stronith. As you know, they wish to be wed but cannot for the gods have told the temple that they will not allow them to marry because of race,” Lord Heroro announces in a strong yet assuring voice. Lord Heroro looks at the couple with a smile upon his face and puts a hand up to silence the guild members chatting excitedly amongst themselves. “I have volunteered to go myself and speak with Talad if he will hear me out and ask for these two to have their dream granted and be wed to one and other. I stand before you and ask if you will all trust in me to do this task,” Heroro looks around at the guild and then lets his gaze fall upon Stronith and Zorbels.

At first Zorbels is shocked but quickly over comes it with a strong feeling of appreciation and bows to Lord Heroro. “It would honor me M’lord for you to have this task. I trust in you, and even if Talad will not help this wedding take place, your intentions are noted and I am humbled to be here in this guild that I call family.” Zorbels declares with emotion in her voice.

Stronith nods in agreement and says, “Nothing would please me more, M’Lord.

The tavern suddenly filled with shouts of approval and comforting words to Stronith and Zorbels swearing that this wedding would happen. Zorbels looked around with pride and squeezed Stronith’s hand to show him that she was pleased with what the guild was doing for them. Zorbels leans over and whispers softly in to Stronith’s ear “I would not wish to be any where else but here my love. These people are our friends and family and I will always remember this day.” Zorbels then went into deep thought and silently hoped the gods will listen to Lord Heroro’s request on behalf of the couple.   

Early the next evening, Zorbels paced back and forth unsettled wishing for Lord Heroro’s return.

“Zorbels, relax. Wearing a hole in the ground will not make Heroro return faster.” Stronith said with a sigh.

 “I know … I just, I can not help it!” she gently drops down onto the soft ground and leans against a thick tree trunk in the plaza with a deep sigh escaping her lips. She watches as Harnquist speaks with new travelers explaining how to get to the magic shop and smiles to her self enjoying the familiar surroundings.  “Hey Harnquist, need me to show these travelers to the magic shop for you? I can tell that you are very busy trying to buy and sell. Surely I could be of some assistance to you?”

“No M’Lady I am fine, but it is good to see you,” Harnquist replies with a warm smile.

Just then, a menki with scars visible all over his body and a mysterious look to him came into the plaza. Zorbels watched him with curious eyes as she heard him greet Harnquist in a friendly, business like manner.

“Zorbels there you are!” Zorbels jumped a bit startled by her sister’s sudden appearance. “I have heard that Lord Heroro travels back to us with an answer from the god Talad about your wedding,” Dylia exclaimed excitedly.

Zorbels’ eyes widened and as she was about to reply the strange enkidukai she had her eye on before caught her attention yet once again. He appeared to be arguing with a Dwarf.

“Myysst you are impossible!” the frustrated Stonebreaker said.

“Well you could always give me your ears as a payment!” Myysst smiled with resentment written all over his face.

 Zorbels watched the two’s quarrel with interest. Dylia grabbed Zorbels’ hand pulling her up gently and motioning for her to follow. “Come sister I would like to introduce you to someone,” Dylia said with a warm reassuring smile. “I have a feeling you two will get along wonderfully,” Dylia giggled.

 “Oh?” Zorbels exclaimed with curiosity. She noticed her sister pulling her towards the strange menki.

Dylia cleared her throat and tapped on Myysst shoulder. “Excuse me Myysst but I wanted to introduce you to my sister, Zorbels. Myysst stopped his argument half way though his sentence and stared at Zorbels.

“Ummm … uhhhh ….  Sorry to intrude, it is a pleasure to meet you,” Zorbels said, feeling slightly uncomfortable.

Myysst smiles, “So this is the sister I have heard so much about, it is a pleasure to meet you as well Zorbels. How are you two this fine day?”

Dylia declares contently, “I am well Myysst. I have been training most of the day. I decided to take a break and eat some dinner. I also came to give Zorbels some news.”

“Oh?” Myysst replies with a raised eye brow.

“Yes,” Dylia states shortly not willing to volunteer more. 

“Yes and what good news she brings to my ear. Or at least I hope…..” Zorbels casts her eyes towards the sky trying not to show her emotional state to the new menki. She then wraps her cloak around her for extra warmth as a cool wind intrudes the conversation.

“Hope?” Myysst asks a bit puzzled.

Zorbels smiles and replies in a flat tone almost spitting the words out “The gods will not let me wed the kran I love the most. One of my guild members is questing to change that. He is to return soon with word, I desperately hope his words will be happy ones.”

Myysst takes in what he heard with interest and replies, “Well I do hope the best for you m’lady.”

“Thank you, and now I must bid you all a goodnight.” Zorbels bows gracefully to Myysst and turns to give her sister a hug.

 “Awww,  so early sister? Well no matter just let me know if you hear any news by day break.” Dylia smiles lovely at Zorbles.

“I shall sister. You know you will be the first I come to. See you around Myysst and take care.” She waves as she turns to walk towards the tavern.

“Take care as well lady Zorbels, I will be around. I wish you good luck with your wedding,” Myysst calls after Zorbels.

                                                 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Sweeti,” Stronith whispers into Zorbels ear softly. She stirs not wanting to open her eyes and wake up from the deep sleep.  Stronith then shakes her gently and repeats softly yet once again, “Sweeti, get up.”

 Her eyes flutter and she groans “Wha…..” Zorbels opens her eyes slowly, as they come into focus she sees Stronith bent over her with a huge smile.  The events from the day before roll over in her mind and she jolts out of bed and into Stroniths lap. “Did you receive word? Is it good news?” She cries out excited.

“Yes my love, Lord Heroro has made his way back to us with word and will be announcing soon to the guild what he has come to find out.” Stronith said in a calming voice.

Zorbels studied Stroniths face and smiled up at him lovingly. “I don’t care anymore if Gods or even the people agree to let us marry or not. I will see us that way in my heart.” She said with a serious tone. She climbed out of bed after the most delightful kiss good morning. Zorbels grabbed her brush, pulling it through her long hair humming while grooming   herself   preparing to join her guild mates.  She says softly “I am ready my love, let us go,” Zorbels holds out her hand to Stronith. As he takes her hand into his the couple sighs in union and  prepares themselves for Lord Heroro’s news.

As they entered the guild hall faces turn to look upon the couple and this made Zorbels feel nervous. She squeezed Stronith’s hand thinking this would be a perfect time for the floor to open up and swallow her. Instead she follows Stronith’s lead and slips a smile on her face trying to appear hopeful.  As they take their seats, Stronith looks at Zorbels with a calming  look and squeezes her hand reassuringly then turns his attention to Lord Heroro standing to make his announcement.

“I have gotten word to the god Talad and he spoke back to me. I have only this to say……” Zorbels heart began to pound and she began to gasp for air feeling like she was going to faint. Stronith saw this and picked her up gently. He positioned her on his lap so that he could look over her shoulder but hold her close to him. Zorbels instantly became relaxed and felt she was ready to hear the news Lord Heroro had to relay.

He continued in a deep voice “Talad’s wish is to see Stronith himself. He will appear before Stronith by the next night fall. He did not tell me any more than this.”

Gasps and shocked faces was all Zorbels could see as she looked around the room. She then looked at Stronith with uncertain eyes and saw him still absorbing the news. He blinked a few times which you rarely saw with krans. He opened his mouth to say something but shut it again with an uncertain look.

“What could this possibly mean? Could Talad be angry with us for such a request Lord Heroro? Will he take Stronith from me……?” Zorbels begins to panic as she finishes her sentence.

“No M’lady, if Talad wanted that he would just smite you. I think he means no harm,” Lord Heroro explained carefully.  “He could however want to question Stronith and make sure this is what he wants, or may want to explain why he will not grant the wedding …………” Lord Heroro lets his sentence trail off.

Zorbels looks over to Stronith with a worried look. Stronith then stands up abruptly and shakes off the feeling of shock, “I will meet him by the next night fall then and see what my God would have of me.”

Zorbels swallows hard and nods slightly but doesn’t meet Stroniths eyes. “I will hope for the best …… and see this as an honor that Talad wishes to speak with you,” she exclaims weakly.

Lord Eolius stands slowly pushing his chair back and raising a hand motioning that he is about to speak. The hall quieted down to hear the guild masters words. “This my friends is a great honor for Stronith and Lady Zorbels, I think tonight we shall celebrate this and dine and drink until our hearts are content. Soon we shall be celebrating a wedding.” Lord Eolius raises his mug in a cheering fashion and the guild hall rings out with voices cheering.

The next morning Zorbels wakes to a note beside her bed side. She blinks a few times rolling over onto her side and reaching out to retrieve the note.

Dear Zorbels, My love, I have decided to head off into the wilds to meet with Talad tonight. I know what your thinking, but he is a god and he will find me, this I know. I hope when I return to you all will be settled. Don’t worry about me, I will be back to hold you in my arms regardless of the answer Talad will grant us.                                                                                                 Love Stronith

She hugs the note to her chest as she looks out her window over looking the town. She watches people moving to get to their destination, stopping to say a polite good morning to one and other.  Zorbels tumbles out of bed and files through her clothes looking for something to wear for the day. Once dressed she heads down to the tavern from her room in Kada’s and orders her breakfast even though she isn’t feeling very hungry.  As she picks at her food she wonders what she could do to keep herself busy and mind off of Stronith.

 “Hello Zorbels, how are you today?” She turns to see where the voice had come from. Her eyes fall on a table with two Klyros’ by the corner back wall.

“Sirunie  and Constrabus! How are you both? I haven’t seen you both in quite some time. Might I join you?” Zorbels asks.

Contrabus nods “Of course you can. It is always a pleasure to be in your company Zorbels.”

She picks up her breakfast plate and strolls over to their table.

“We have heard about Stronith and your plea to Talad. My guild and I send their best wishes to you both as we know you would make a fine couple.” Sirunie says in a quieted tone.

Constrabus nods in agreement.  “Aye, my guild and I also send our best to you both Zorbels.”

“Thank you both. I am beside myself as to what to do today. If I could just keep my mind off of Stronith, I don’t think I would worry so much,” Zorbels looks at her plate unhappily.

“Well I have a cure for that. With Constrabus’ guild and my guild with me, we were thinking of have a practice war. It actually starts very soon.” Sirunie looks at Zorbels and smiles “Would you like to join us? It may very well do you good to practice your skills, and keep you busy.”

“I would more than love to Sirunie! What a great idea!” Zorbels says as her eyes lighting up. “I could use the practice.”

“Just don’t expect us to take it easy on you Zorbels.” Constrabus winks at her with a mischievous smile.

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Zorbels chuckles.

“Then it is settled. I shall let all guild members know you are to join in with us. I am sure Constrabus will do the same, it does not matter to us which side you fight on, as long as you have fun. Sirunie stands and pushes his chair in, then drops some trias on the table for a tip.

Contrabus stands and says “Meet us in front of the temple when you are finished your meal Zorbels. We must go and prepare for our guilds battle training, so no rushing your breakfast unless you want to hear more beginner lectures in battling.

She shakes her head rapidly “No thanks I have heard enough from my own guild elders! She laughs lightly and nods to the door ‘You had better go before your guilds start without you, and thank you both. This will help me pass time nicely.”

In the blink of an eye the klyros take flight outside of the tavern door and Zorbels is left in silence, wishing she could fly like that.  She motions to the bar keep “One more milk please.”  She downs her milk and heads toward the temple after paying the bar tender. “Well this should be fun, I just hope Stronith is ok.” She whispers to herself.

©Copyright 2006

[zorbels]

[Note: This next installment is written by Stronith. You can find his Story called the Krans Tale at this link ~~~~~> A Krans Tale ]

Stronith sat down near a boulder at his camp and looked up at the sky.  He figured there was no rain to come this eve, hence he did not worry about covering his things.  He repositioned himself in such a way as he could polish a sword or two while he thought about what Talad had promised him.  It was not too long before sleep had taken over.

The following morning, Stronith awoke to a rustling of the leaves behind him.  He had maintained his grip on the short sword he slept with throughout the night so in an instant he was on his feet brandishing his steel.  Seeing no-one, he scanned the bushes near him for the cause of the noise he woke to.  From the corner of his eye he saw a glimpse of fur.  He swung himself around quickly enough that his tail swished around and slapped him in the leg.   

He dropped his sword to the dirt below his feet and grabbed his tail in his palm.  Now, fully awake he looked at the furry appendage in his paw.  He looked at his hand that was no longer his and for a moment was confused.  That moment passed fairly quickly, and he became excited. I must find Zorbels and show her my change, he thought to himself.  He bent down to get his sword, noticing immediately the increased flexibility he had this morn.  He had spent hours polishing his sword the night before and when he brought the flat edge towards his face he saw the reflection of a stranger within it.  The chiseled features he once possessed were replaced with the natural curves and short fur of an Enki.  He studied his new face in the reflection and felt something was in fact familiar about the fellow looking back at him.  It wasn’t until he had looked closely at every aspect of his face that he looked himself in the eyes.  It was then that he saw himself.  His eyes remained as they were before his change.  The eyes staring back at him were solid white, without colorful iris’s that every Enki he’d met possessed.  This comforted Stronith, he felt like himself to some degree now.  He took a moment to take stock of the rest of his body, amazed at the difference in shape and texture.  His tail swayed naturally and unconsciously behind him.  He then realized that it was his tail that had rustled the leaves as he slept, awaking him from his night’s sleep. 

He noticed that he was not wearing any clothing, as he never had a need before now.  This perhaps was a problem.  All but the Kran and the Klyros wore some sort of garment.  He never felt a need to dress in cloth; in fact he couldn’t recall a time that he had at all.  However, walking in to Hydlaa naked now seemed somehow inappropriate.

Suddenly a feeling came over Stronith that was new to him.  He was uncomfortable standing naked at his camp, alone as he was.  What if someone saw him?  Would he care?  He never did before… Yes, he decided – I must find something to cover myself with.  Zorbels will surely help, but to reach her I must enter the city walls.  He walked over to his packs to see if there was something that he could fashion into some sort of garment in the interim.  He hoisted his pack from the ground to the boulder beside him and noticed the difficulty he had maneuvering it compared to what he was used to.  Rummaging through his things, knowing that he would not – in fact – find anything to wear he was startled again by a sound behind him.  He spun around quicker than he remembered being able to before and saw Lord Heroro standing before him.

“So it’s done, my friend.  Lord Stronith, you are a new man.”, he approached and circled around him. “Amazing, up until now I wasn’t fully convinced it would be possible…”  He stopped and looked at Stronith in the face, “Wow.  Your eyes…”

“Hello, Lord Heroro,” Stronith attempted a smile for the first time with his new face.

“Indeed, you have changed.  Here,” he said, “Put these on, you’re embarrassing me standing there all nude and all.” Heroro smiled as he threw a handful of clothes at the Enki.

“Thank-you, Heroro – for all you have done.  Talad is surely great, for bestowing this form on me for the greater good of Zorbels and I.” He struggled with the clothing for a moment, but managed to dress himself with minimal laughter from his friend.

Satisfied that he was decent enough to go to Hydlaa, he thanked Heroro again for rescuing him from an embarrassing moment.  “I must see Zorbels; do you know where she is at?”

Heroro explained that she had gone hunting with some friends in the Valley of Trepors. 

“That is where I must go. She must see me in the form I am now; I hope she will be pleased.”

“Lord Stronith, I assure you that she will.  Zorbels loves you in such a way that your physical appearance is only an afterthought.  Trust me, you have nothing to worry about…now go!” He grinned as he watched Stronith scramble (and struggle) with his packs to be on his way. “Farewell Stronith. Let me know of the specifics for the wedding”, Heroro said with a smile.

Stronith waved as he exited his camp heading for the valley.  He thought to himself how fortunate he was to have such good friends.

[End of Stroniths writing]

Zorbels lays in bed thinking about the days events and smiles to herself. “That practice war with the two guilds was so much fun. It managed to keep my mind off of Stronith at times, and it taught me a thing or two about my sword skill.” She speaks to herself in a quite tone. Her thoughts return to Stronith and she wonders if he has seen Talad yet. Maybe he is traveling back to her now? I wonder what Talad has to say? She drifts of into a restless sleep with Stronith on her mind patiently waiting for his return.

©Copyright 2006

[Noobis]

Mmmm *rocks impatiently* when you going to get to the part with me in it 

[zorbels]

Believe me it will be written. It is just going to take some time. I can't wait to add everyone to the story that I have encountered in planeshift. Technically with how far this story has gone, I have only written my first two months in planeshift. I have ten months worth to catch up on. 

[Terenak]

Your stories are great!

I dropped by to see how you wrote and I am really impressed. I'm really looking forward to wririting with you and Arka  in the Community story.

Great story - guess I'll have to wait for more.

TE