He died as an old man, a retired Captain of the Queen's Guard, and an honored friend of Her Most Royal Majesty, Queen Zelda.
He lived well, accomplishing many great deeds, though all were mundane after ending the Twilight Occupation. The Hylian Guards were reformed: the spineless, out of shape cowards retrained to be competent soldiers, willing to protect the citizenry rather than turn tail and run. When needed, he also served as an ambassador to the Zora and Goron tribes, diverting several potential conflicts.
For all his accomplishments, however, he was a somewhat lonely man. He had a great many friends, and quite a few offers of marriage, from women of all walks of life, though he accepted none. The princess was already in negotiations with another country when the Twilight Occupation began, while Ilia preferred the quiet peace of Ordon to the harried activity in Castle Town. The others, unknown to him, were not even considered.
He lived well, if not completely happily. He could seldom be found at the hour when the sky glowed orange, when not a speck of blue could be found in the sky. The few times he was seen, he was always facing the west, looking at—or for—something only he could see.
It was a wasting disease which eventually brought the hero to his deathbed. Even elderly, he was a strong fighter, and he outlasted the healers' estimates by a month, refusing to stay to his bed until the final week. His friends came to the castle then, to be with him in his final days.
On the last day, his room was filled with his closest friends. Prince Ralis, Darmani, the old Resistance, and villagers from Ordon and Kakariko filled his rooms, keeping to the edges. Only Ilia and Queen Zelda stood by his side, as Zelda held his hand and Ilia stood by.
The room was mostly quiet, for all present had come to terms with the hero's fast approaching end. Slowly, the sky outside began its change from blue to orange, and Link's breathing was slowing down, becoming shallower with every breath.
Then, there was the sound of weeping.
It was not loud, but soft and restrained, and the whole room looked around, for while there were tears on nearly every face there, no one had wanted to break the silence.
Only the Queen and Link were not confused, and the Queen had a small smile on her face as she looked on him.
Link looked radiant. His breathing had strengthened, and his smile was huge as he breathed one word:
"Midna."
At that, Zelda withdrew her hand, giving Link's one last squeeze, and she began to usher the others from the room. When they looked at her, bemused, she only shook her head and smiled, saying, "It is his time."
For that hour of twilight, Link and Midna spoke for the first time in decades, reminiscing, until the hour was almost over.
"Do you remember the first thing I said to you, Link? When we partnered up?"
"How could I forget, Midna? I am still your loyal servant."
"Still, huh…? Then, I have a command for you.
"Don't leave me." The plea was whispered brokenly, and he could hear her soft crying renew.
"Midna… See you later."
When night fell, Zelda reentered the room, alone. He lay on the bed, gone, but with a smile: at peace.
The next day, his death was announced, and the country mourned. But far away—far away, and yet so close—one princess mourned the most of all.
I made myself sad writing this.