Meanwhile at Anther's library, Laurel rests his head between a mountain of literature that has accumulated around him. His scholarly companion frantically scribbles and scratches at the surface of parchment with a fragile quill pen and a pot of black ink.
"This research paper is going to create waves in the world of academia, I'm sure of it!" Ezra declares hastily.
"I never knew you to be so immodest." Laurel huffs.
"It's not vanity by any means!" Ezra scoffs. "I'm just going off the basis that the esteemed Professor Shikashi has asked me to collaborate with him on this project that he says will shape Anther's history forever!"
"I wish the pair of you all the best…" the knight mumbles.
Ezra halts his handwriting to assess the condition of his company. "Are you alright there, Laurel? You don't seem right at all…"
"I'm fine..." he mutters.
He presses on with his enquiry. "Did something happen at the Mayor's Residence? If it's because those obnoxious dancers declined to partake in your discussion, I wouldn't pay them any mind."
"No, it's not them at all."
"Alternatively, if you're feeling a little under-the-weather, I have the perfect remedy to reduce the effects of excessive alcohol consumption."
"I'm not hungover, Ezra." Laurel snaps, then instantly retracts. "Thank you for your concern."
The scholar surrenders. "Then I don't know what else to suggest. You can be awfully proud sometimes, Laurel."
"So I've been told…" the soldier sighs.
Ezra resumes his writing. Laurel lifts his head from the desk.
"Do you ever miss home?"
Ezra glances up from his paper and pushes his spectacles further up the bridge of his nose. "There are many aspects of the Hyrule kingdom which I can only appreciate when beyond its borders."
"Not Hyrule – your home." Laurel corrects him. "Your personal space, the place you live, where you feel most comfortable."
The scholar chews the end of his quill pen as he ponders. "Yes. Sometimes, I miss my home. I miss my hefty collection of books that I was unable to bring with me on the expedition. However, my curiosity and hunger for exploration has driven away my discomfort in travelling, and thus, I much prefer excursion and expedition to stagnating in the corners of the Castle Library. What about yourself?"
Laurel nods solemnly. "I often feel the pang of homesickness. I sacrificed a lot to join the three of you on this journey."
Ezra gazes upon him with sympathy. "You will be home before you know it. Although it doesn't seem that way at this present moment, our time together is but a miniscule portion of our lifespans, and this expedition will eventually fade into a mere memory that you will look back on fondly. Henceforth, you ought to enjoy it while it lasts."
He smiles and returns to his research paper. Ezra could always be relied upon to provide sound guidance in dilemmas of doubt. Laurel always adheres to his advice; yet his logic is frayed by the longing in his heart.