The rich gold parchment dramatically unfolds in his hands. Ningan leans back on his pillow and reads the letter he received that morning:
Dear Ningan,
I wouldn't worry about Laurel! He adores Hyrule just as much as you do and probably cannot wait to finally return after all these years! Joining the organisation is probably just a hobby to occupy himself with during your stay! I understand that you might feel forgotten and left behind, but I doubt Laurel has abandoned you!
As for Dakota, it does sound as though she has settled for a life in Zinzuri. I do not begrudge her desire for a quiet life, especially if she has found true love. What you must understand about the nature of love is that it comes with the prospect of a future. One wishes to be in close proximity to their partner on a permanent basis, and aims to live out the rest of their days side-by-side. What Dakota is experiencing is nothing unusual, and it is no disease. She is in love, and as her companions, you must accept and support her in her endeavours, even though they may lead to your parting. Love comes above all.
I for one am anticipating your long-awaited return to Hyrule, with Dakota or without. We have plenty to catch-up on and even more to attend to!
Missing you dearly,
Zelda, Princess of Hyrule.
"Hey Ningan!" Imogen's voice calls up the staircase. "Breakfast is ready!"
Ningan folds the letter and slides it back into the golden envelope. He places it back on the bedside table and descends the stairs to meet the others at the dining table. Today, they have received an unusual visit from Dr Mizumi. He stands in the hallway with his hands behind his back.
"The medicine delivery, just as you ordered Commander!" he calls.
The front door opens and Ren and Laurel enter carrying giant wooden boxes. They place them at the professor's feet and wipe the sweat from their brows.
"Make sure you have everything you need in those boxes, Doc." Ren tells him. "Laurel and I won't be doing any more deliveries today."
The Commander emerges from her office to inspect the delivery. She nods approvingly. "Excellent work, boys. You too Doc. With this medicine, we should be able to treat people here at the lodge."
"Why don't you stay for breakfast, Doc?" Dakota calls from the kitchen. "I've prepared enough eggs!"
"I would love to, my dear, but I must be getting back to my research." he kindly declines. "I'm currently conducting a psychological study on the herd of antelope in Zone D. It's fascinating to see how their behavioural patterns have altered, what with the recent poaching and such…"
"Poor things must be absolutely terrified…" Commander Jet shakes her head pitifully. "They can't begin to fathom the dangers that lie ahead. But that's what we're here for. Those animals can't protect themselves."
As the words leave the Commander's lips, Laurel is hit with a sudden epiphany. Maybe the animals can protect themselves? Maybe they could even form their own defence against the Gerudo? Maybe…
"I must be going." he says abruptly, and reaches for the doorknob. "By all means, Doc; feel free to eat my breakfast for me."
"Recruit?" the Commander starts, but Laurel has already disappeared out the door.
"I should probably go after him." Ren says. "Please excuse me, Ma'am."
The Commander watches her officers run along the porch and mount their steeds. She turns to Dakota. Dakota shrugs and returns to the kitchen to serve breakfast.