Just beyond the southern border of the Hyrule kingdom lies a lush valley, filled with silky soft meadows and sunlit springs. This hidden haven, unclaimed by any government or empire, was christened as Ordon by its residents: the villagers who prospered from the fertile farmland.

Ordon Village sits cosily on the hillside, with a stream flowing through it and a forest surrounding it, concealing it from the world outside. This is not to say that the Ordonians were ignorant of what lies beyond.

A young boy with golden hair waved a wooden stick about in the air. With bold strides and lunges, he edged cautiously towards the fearsome beast before him.

"Laurel!" his father's voice scalded him. "What have I told you about attacking the Cuccos? They're easily irritated! Don't say I didn't warn you!"

Laurel lowered his weapon in defeat. There was no place for fun on this ranch.

His father approached him carrying a bucket filled to the brim with goat's milk. He wore dirty brown overalls and a straw hat. "D'ya think you could give me a hand with these, son?"

Obediently, he accepted a bucket in both hands and struggled towards the barn, where the milk will be deposited into tin churns. This was the life of a ranch hand: the way his father was raised, and the life he will someday inherit.

"Well, that's enough for one day." his father ruffled his blonde hair. "Don't wanna strain those muscles just yet, do we?"

The farmer, finished for the day, retired to his home on the hillside. However, Laurel chose to remain outside as the sun started to set over the mountain range. He scurried down the hill towards the stream, before gripping tightly onto the vines which climb the nearby wall. In one expertly executed manoeuvre, Laurel ascended the wall until he reached the ledge at the top.

From this vantage point, he could see all of Ordon; from the ranch to the south to the forest to the north. But beyond that...nothing. His mother often told him bedtime stories which featured the brave knights of Hyrule, battling against the forces of evil for the protection of the Royal family, whom they loved so much.

According to his mother's words, he was the very same age as the Hylian Princess Zelda. She would tell him that one day the Princess would become Queen, and she would be the one to appoint the Knights of Hyrule herself: maybe one day she would even visit Ordon in search of prospective soldiers?

As he submerged himself in his daydream, a hawk swooped by and perched upon the wall beside him. Laurel eyed it enviously, with its powerful wings and far-seeing eyes.

"You must have seen the whole world." he sighed.

The whole world. the hawk confirmed. It's so vast. Ordon is so small.

"I know that." Laurel huffed. "One day I want to get out of here."

You're still much too young! the hawk cawed. Besides, your father needs you here on the ranch. You cannot leave your parents after all they have given you.

"I know that too." he said guiltily. "But how will I ever become a Hylian Knight if I am still the Ordon ranch hand?"

You will never be a Hylian Knight. the hawk mocked him, before taking off and soaring away into the sunset.

Laurel was left feeling grounded and dejected as he climbed down from the wall and made his way home.

Ordon was beautiful, that fact was undeniable. Beautiful but boring. Tranquil but quiet. Peaceful but not content. There were few children in the village: none of Laurel's age. Thus, other than his parents, he confided in the animals. Cuccos, goats, hawks, dogs: they all had names and they all listened to his woes.