Where exactly are we going? Aurarius asks his master as they sprint across the sunlit savanna.
"Zone D." Laurel answers. "There's someone I want to speak to. I have a plan."
The pair reach the waterhole; its surface glistens in the morning sun, only disturbed by the occasional pond reed and the dipping heads of antelope as they drink from its depths. As Aurarius approaches, they lift their heads one by one and glare with worried suspicion.
What do you want, hunter? one of them grunts.
"I'm not a hunter." Laurel explains, leaning from the saddle. "My name is Laurel and I'm a member of the Zinzuri Wildlife Protection Agency. I saved one of your herd a few days ago."
Likely story. it brays, and sticks its snout back into the water.
It's true. another pipes. Heads turn to a nearby antelope, which wades through the water to meet them. I was attacked with a poisoned dart and almost died. The humans took me to a doctor who saved my life.
"I hope you're doing well." Laurel says gladly. "You look in marvellous shape."
What is it you want? Some kind of thanks?
"No, not at all! I came here to warn you! The Gerudo poachers are planning to invade Zinzuri tonight! Your herd is in great danger!"
The antelopes erupt into nervous chatter.
Quiet! the original antelope silences the herd. Don't go getting our herd all wound up over empty threats!
"Whether the threat be empty or not, we want you to protect you!" Laurel insists. "But we can't do that alone! We need your help!"
What do you want us to do? We're just antelope! We can't defend ourselves from predators, never mind poachers!
"Not with that attitude!" Laurel dismounts his horse to address the whole herd. "You're equipped with horns! You fight with them, right? Why not take the Gerudo head-on? You have the ability…all you need is the courage!"
The antelopes glance at one another with intense scepticism. The leader of the herd steps forward. The human is right! We've been living in fear of hunters for long enough! It's time we take matters into our own hands, and learn to defend ourselves!
The antelope chatter excitedly amongst themselves and nod their heads in consensus. The lead antelope addresses Laurel once more.
We will be on close guard tonight. Should those Gerudo poachers arrive…we'll do our best to fight them off. You've truly inspired us, Sir. Maybe you humans aren't so bad after all…
The chatter of the antelope ends abruptly with the sound of approaching hooves. Ren and his steed arrive on the scene looking out of breath.
"What drove you all the way out here, Laurel?" Ren pants. "A spontaneous safari trip?"
"I'm teaching the animals to defend themselves." Laurel says plainly.
Ren raises an eyebrow as he assesses the sincerity in Laurel's face. "You're crazy, Recruit…"
He turns his horse around and they canter away. Laurel bids farewell to the antelope herd and moves onto his next audience.