Laurel sat awkwardly at Buriji's dining table, opposite the Mayor himself as his wife poured a glass of milk for them both. Laurel refused the beverage at first, but after much persistence from Buriji, he took a swig and regretted it instantly as the taste stained his tongue.
"So what can I help you with today, Laurel?" the Mayor smiled sweetly.
"I recently heard of your plans to expand the village..." Laurel mumbled nervously.
"Ah, yes, I should have informed you directly." Buriji apologised. "The plans were only finalised a few hours ago, and they will be shared with the rest of the villagers shortly."
He paused, sipped his drink, wiped the froth from his lips. "It's all very exciting, isn't it? Just imagine: Ordon, the new capital of Hyrule! Of course, it doesn't sound likely at all at this moment. Who else in Hyrule besides the carpenters knows of our existence? But soon, Laurel, they will come. And when they come, they will buy our goods, they will admire our attractions and tell their friends and family. Ordon will be the new-age city."
"And what of the forest?" Laurel blurted.
"The forest? Oh, that won't be a problem, Laurel. We'll just chop a few trees and clear some space."
"What of the animals?" Laurel pressed with a hint of aggression. "The birds and insects that have made it their home?"
Buriji bared witness to the young man's passion. "Why, Laurel...I never knew you cared this way..."
"Ordon woods is a sanctuary." he echoed his father's words. "Without it, there will be no barriers protecting us from dangers of the world beyond. Without it, there will be no birdsong. Without it, there will be no green. Without it, there is nothing beautiful about Ordon."
The Mayor silenced him with a firm hand raise. "Laurel, enough. You are forgetting the prosperity this village so needs."
"We were fine before the carpenters came!" Laurel retaliated.
"Do you not want what's best for you and you family? Think of how Ordon's produce could spread worldwide. Your father would disapprove of what you are saying."
"Actually, my father agrees with me." Laurel corrected him. "We stand against your plans."
The Mayor chortled. "Is that so? Well may I remind you that my plans have already been approved and the forest clearance will be well under way by next week: and there is nothing you can do about it. Now, it has been a lovely evening, but I insist you vacate my premises."
Buriji gestured to the door. Mila folded her arms and glared. Laurel took his cue and left, clenching his fists in a fury which he had never felt before. He had never cared so passionately about anything before in his life. He was determined to put a stop to the Mayor's path of destruction.
He decided seek advice from the most reliable source, and returned to the white cloth tent on the outskirts of Ordon. Faber was waiting, as always, gazing into the embers left by the campfire. He saw the horse's eyes ignite at his appearance.
Well, if it isn't my favourite ranch boy! How are things? And where is that mutt of yours?
"Fast asleep at home." Laurel smiled, before making his request.
You have a good heart, Laurel. Never in my life have I encountered a man who cares for nature as you do. Maybe there is light in the world after all.
"So what can I do?"
The firelight flickered in Faber's eyes as he stared through Laurel's soul. You have been gifted with the love of nature. Nature always finds a way of defending itself. Sometimes, it just needs a push in the right direction.
"Why must you always be so cryptic, Faber?" Laurel sighed.
Faber rolled his big brown eyes. Do what you do best. Speak to the animals.