The four missionaries proceed on their preparations.

Laurel raids the Castle Armoury for the most desirable weapons: war-hammers, nun-chuks, crossbows. Carrying them all would only add unnecessary extra weight, and thus, he must choose wisely.

Ningan scavenges the Castle Kitchens for any foods that would ready them for the harsh weather conditions. Adhering to Miruku's recipe book, he supplies enough suitable edibles to sustain their ascent.

Ezra consults the Castle Apothecary for the ingredients that would aid their strength and resilience in battle. Anticipating every eventuality, He stuffs herbs, spices and elixirs into his leather pouch until it is fit to burst.

The three of them converge at the Castle Grounds, where Laurel fits the wagon and the reigns to his steed. Ningan and Ezra deposit their supplies into the back before Ningan notes their companion's absence:

"Where is Dakota?"

"She said she needed to collect some things from her apartment." Ezra explains. "Perhaps you ought to check on her?"

The ninja marches purposefully down the road towards the streets of Castle Town. He crosses the bustling town square and into the apartment block. Ascending the stone, spiral staircase, he counts each door: 1...2...3...

Ningan arrives at the top of the tower and knocks on the fourth door. "Dakota? Are you there? It's me, Ningan!"

"Coming!" a feminine voice calls from the other side.

It's a few seconds before the door opens. Dakota greets him with a feeble smile.

"Apologies. I was just gathering a few warm clothes from my wardrobe and I got a little distracted. Come inside."

Ningan follows the Royal Diplomat into her bedroom and is confronted with a jumbled disarray of fabric scattered on the bed and the carpet.

"Oh wow…"

"Yes, I realise I ought to have a purge." she giggles softly. "Perhaps when we return…"

Her friend picks up a baby-blue parasol and opens it up. It propels a cloud of dust towards her, causing her to cough.

"This is the parasol you took to Engrove Gardens." Ningan recalls.

"That's right!" Dakota beams. "I caught a ladybug that day, do you remember?"

Ningan dashes over to a pair of grubby worn-out boots tucked in the corner of the room. "And these are the boots you wore on our excursion to the Eriva Jungle!"

"I never suspected you paid such close attention to the items that I wear, Ningan!" she laughs.

He manoeuvres to the opposite side of the bed, where he clutches a camouflage-painted pith helmet. "And this…is…" He suddenly realises with painful awkwardness that this belonged to her late husband. "Oh…I'm sorry…I shouldn't have…"

"Oh no, that's alright Ningan." Dakota brushes his apologies aside as she takes the helmet in her hands. "It's just a little keepsake of Seth."

She runs her fingers over the brim with a sigh.

"To tell you the truth, I got a little distracted reminiscing on old times. Back when I was a kept-woman, married to the love of my life, baking cookies each day and cuddling into bed each night. Oh how times change…"

Ningan gazes upon her with sympathy. As a young woman who loved nothing more than dressing-up and catching butterflies, it was easy to forget just how much she had lost in her life. Dakota tears her gaze away from the souvenir with a smile.

"Don't get me wrong: I love all this adventure; travelling the world with you guys; experiencing the best of nature; embracing all kinds of cultures. Those were the best years of my life. I just often wonder how different things would have turned out if…you know…"

"I know." Ningan finishes. "Sometimes, just when you think you have it all planned-out, life likes to throw a spanner-in-the-works just for thrills. Yet it's how you choose to handle the cards that you've been dealt which determines your own happiness."

Dakota smiles. "Very wise words, Ningan." She lays Seth's helmet on her bedside table. "Come. The others will be waiting for us."

The ninja helps her gather all the necessary garments for the journey ahead and reconvene with the others outside Hyrule Castle.