The three travellers embarked the very next day; Buriji, Aurarius and Laurel. They ventured out of the woods and crossed the familiar field. In just a few hours, they arrived at the new Hyrule Castle; a glorious structure of white marble and blue slate which gleamed with majesty. Laurel had never seen anything so magnificent in his whole life.
Laurel and Buriji were escorted directly to the throne room without fuss: a long grand hall with regal red tapestries bearing the Hylian crest draped on the walls. On a sturdy golden seat, the Princess sat bold and dignified. In person, she appeared more mystical and divine than hearsay ever portrayed her. Yet, despite her powerful stance, she wore a smile sweeter than fiction as she stood to greet them both.
"Good afternoon." she spoke clearly. "My name is Zelda. It is a pleasure to meet you both."
Buriji bowed to the floor. Laurel mimicked him nervously. "It is an honour to meet you, Your Majesty. On behalf of Ordon, we feel extremely privileged to be invited here."
"You are always welcome, Major Buriji." the Princess said kindly. "It was always my father's wish to develop a positive relationship with your people. May we fulfil his aims in his honour."
She turned her bejewelled head from the mayor to the ranch hand's son. "And Laurel; a friend of mine speaks highly of you. Is it true you have always been interested in the Royal Hylians Forces?"
Laurel nodded assertively. "It has always been a dream of mine, ever since I was a child, Your Majesty."
Zelda grinned. "Then who am I to deny you a chance? I have a friend I think you should meet."
The Princess and the Mayor were left to discuss relations as a guard guided Laurel down a corridor to a separate room. Laurel observed his uniform in admiration as they marched, and wondered if he would one day don the helmet on his own head.
The guard opened the door and waited for Laurel to enter before closing it gently behind him. He found himself contained in an armoury: weapons of all shapes and sizes decorated the room, with a few suit of arms standing to attention in glass cases. Laurel was in awe and fascination, and found himself lost in the shimmer of silver and gold.
"You must be Laurel." a voice said plainly.
Laurel's eyes darted about the room, slightly spooked. The owner of the voice was eventually spotted leaning on the door Laurel had only just entered. He was dressed in a peculiar violet jumpsuit, with a belt, bandanna, boots and gloves of a similar colour. Two lethal-looking daggers hung from his belt and he wore a cocky grin.
"I like your overalls." the stranger nodded as he stood up. Laurel sensed his teasing tone and felt a little disheartened. "I hear you're from Ordon."
Laurel nodded. "What's your name, if you don't mind me asking?"
"My name is Ningan." the man introduced himself. "They call me the Lone Ninja."