Ordon awakes to a Cucco's crow and a sunless sky. The overcast skies and dampened air bring a clear warning: rain is coming.
Behind the drawn curtains of a cabin on the hillside, the Commanding Knight of the Royal Hylian Forces stretches his aching muscles and sits up in bed. His eyes flicker as he gradually eases his mind back into the reality of his current situation: the snake-man had stolen the Light Medallion from him after threatening him with the murder of his mother; Ningan had taken flight with the Forest Medallion for reasons unknown; Dakota and Ezra awaited his next command as they prepare to embark to Kakariko Village with their new acquaintance; and his mother had forced him to choose between his loyalties to Hyrule or his family in Ordon: an impossible ultimatum.
So many thoughts buzzing about his brain like bees in a hive are numbed by the sound of wheels on gravel outside. Laurel peeks between the curtains and sees a milk wagon trundling down the path into Ordon Village: Malon, his childhood sweetheart. Perhaps she could offer some advice?
With speed, he dons his farming overalls and laces his boots to greet the Lon Lon Ranch girl. He steps out onto the porch of his mother's cabin and feels the autumn chill on his skin. Although the sun has risen, its light is blanketed by a haze of grey clouds. Laurel hurries down the hill to meet Malon by the stream.
"Oh! Laurel!" she exclaims. "You surprised me! What are you hurrying for this early in the morning?"
"I came to help you with the milk delivery." he announces with a smile.
"That's terribly kind of you," Malon responds. "However, I came with the intention of performing crop-rotation, what with summer coming to a close. Though, I could probably use some help from a big strong ranch-hand like you…"
The Ordonian salutes to her like a sergeant. "Consider it done."
Ever since meeting the Hyrulean ranch girl, Laurel's mother had ruled that she was the perfect suitor for her son. Although she never said it outright, she would always encourage the two to spend more time together, and in Malon's absence, recite her virtues like romantic poetry. Laurel had considered the possibility of their engagement on many occasions, but something just didn't feel right…at least, not yet.
Goats bleat noisily as they graze in the lush green pastures of Ordon Ranch. Malon and her farming companion stand side-by-side in the field, examining the array of crops before them.
"So, our main produce for the autumn season is always pumpkins." she explains. "However, we've dragged out their duration well beyond their optimum growing period, so now we need to reap the harvest and replace them with something else. During the winter period, we usually produce more earth-grown foods like potatoes and carrots, since they don't require as much sunlight."
Laurel nods in silence as he gazes absentmindedly over the patch of unripe pumpkins.
"Laurel? Are you even listening to me?" Malon waves her hand between his eyes.
"Yes, of course." he insists. "We're going to grow potatoes instead of pumpkins."
"I can't help but feel like there's something bothering you…" she says anxiously.
"Just…stuff…" Laurel lies.
Malon observes his shaky mannerisms with intense worry. "How about once we pick all the tomatoes and uproot all the weeds, we take a break and talk it over?"
Laurel nods with a smile. Secretly, he desperately seeks her advice. Unfortunately, mostly due to his pride, he didn't want to have to beg for it. As his closest childhood friend, Malon understands this more than anyone. It feels good to be understood.