Two horses gallop at speed, weaving between the tropical trees towards an unknown destination. One, a black Gerudo mare carrying two women; the other, a white colt carrying two men.

The two women wear capes of magenta and lilac which billow behind them as they ride. The first woman has short black hair and a tight expression of concentration as she grips the reigns. Her name is Dakota, and she is the Royal Diplomat for the Royal Family of Hyrule. The second woman has long platinum blonde hair which flows behind her. Her name is Imogen, and she is a mage blessed with the magical powers of her Sheikah ancestors.

The two men in the saddle of the white colt are starkly different in appearance. One has short blonde hair and is plated in dazzling golden armour. His name is Laurel, the Royal Commander of the Royal Hylian Forces. A soldier serving under Princess Zelda, he prides himself on his title, but remains humble to his friends. The other conceals himself with a dusty scarlet cloak. Dirty-blonde hair and red eyes, he is the son of Impa who fulfils the role of Royal Advisor in his mother's absence.

These four travellers have found themselves far from Hyrule and are seeking a way home. They've crossed mountains, deserts and forests, but still to no avail. Despite this, they press on, guided by nothing but hope and a sketchy navigation spell. Together, they charge fearlessly through the night, beneath the darkness of the jungle canopy.

"We need to stop soon." Laurel says, leading from the front. "Aurarius needs to drink."

"Are there any springs nearby?" Dakota asks.

"Even if there were, I wouldn't risk it." Imogen replies. "Water in the jungle is usually infested with all kinds of parasites."

"Wait!" Dakota interrupts. "Listen!"

Both horses grind to a halt. The stamping of hooves is replaced by the buzz of exotic insects. All around them, the jungle hisses and growls. But beneath the noise, there is an underlying whisper, which rises then falls like breath.

"It sounds like-"

"-the sea…" Imogen breathes in the cool night air.

"Let's go!" Dakota whips the reigns, sending the Gerudo mare sprinting towards the salty scent.

The horses gallop on until the trees start to thin out. A gust of wind blasts their faces as the jungle opens into a vast beach. The fresh sea breeze caresses their hair as they dismount their horses. Dakota sheds her magenta cloak and unties the laces of her boots. They slide off with ease, her toes submerged in the soft white sand.

"Dakota, wait!" Laurel calls.

Her pale white feet pound along the sand before anyone can stop her. She dances down to the shore and kicks the water with a playful grin. Before long, her companions join her, observing from a short distance away.

"Come and join me!" Dakota chirps.

"Dakota, be careful!" Laurel warns. "There could be anything lurking in those waters!"

"It's perfectly fine!" she insists. "Stop being so boring!"

Unexpectedly, Ningan sheds his cloak and his boots and dashes into the sea. He flicks water across her face and the two engage in a frenzy of splashing and laughter.

"Come on, Laurel, loosen up!" Ningan teases.

Laurel sighs and unties his shoulder-plates. He surrenders his boots to the sand and faces the other two in battle. Imogen watches from the side, too shy to join in…not that anyone seemed to notice.

Her gaze turns to something further up the beach on the horizon: a collection of brown bumps on the coastline. The flickering light of lanterns attracts her attention. Life.

"I see a village!" Imogen points in the direction of the curious settlement.

The three sea urchins cease their games and follow Imogen's gaze. They reluctantly retie the laces of their boots and mount their steeds once more. The two horses advance across the sand towards the welcoming light of the village. The moon watches as the shadows of the jungle retreat; their prey escape unharmed.