As Link and Zelda returned to the castle, they discussed the fates of the Gorons and Zoras, as well as the fallen Kokiris. They carried with them the treasures that Sheik had stolen and hidden in the Gerudo's Fortress: The Ocarina of Time, the Master Sword, and the spiritual stones under the cloaks they had taken from the empty fortress. It had not stopped raining since Sheik had been defeated.
"There's nothing we can do. They're gone and we can't bring them back. As much as I wish we could bring back Darunia, Ruto, Saria and the others, what Sheik did cannot be undone," Link said in resignation. He was slowly starting to accept the Kokiris' demise and was recovering from his battle with Sheik.
"At least let us return the stolen items to their rightful place inside the Temple of Time," Zelda suggested. "We can deal with the consequences of Sheik's return after that."
The inside of the Temple of Time had been restored, thanks to Zelda's magic, and the door of time opened to welcome the return of the sword it was destined to hide. It closed behind them and remained closed, even after the spiritual stones were replaced within the altar. Zelda turned to speak to Link and was surprised to see a sad expression on the hero's face. Why, just minutes ago the hero was happy to be alive, and now he looked downright depressed!
"What is it Link? What's wrong?" Zelda asked her friend, whose head was hanging.
"I have to leave. I can't explain why, but I have to. Something is telling me to leave Hyrule, but I can't explain what it is," he paused to look up at Zelda. "There's this nagging feeling in my head that keeps telling me that there is more I must do, more people I have to help, beyond Hyrule's borders. The feeling has long been eating at my mind, and I can't ignore it anymore. I have to leave, Zelda." He finished and took her hand between his. Zelda looked absolutely devastated. Her land had been saved, only to have the man who had saved it leave? Her eyes filled with tears as she spoke.
"Is there any way to convince you to stay?" She asked, though she already knew the answer.
"No, I'm sorry. It has to be done Zelda. I can't stay any longer. I'm going to go to Lon Lon Ranch and ask to borrow Epona from Malin, and then I'm leaving through the Lost Woods," He responded solemnly. Zelda looked ready to burst with grief.
"Then take this with you," She pressed the Ocarina of Time into Link's hands. "It will help you. Remember me when you play it."
"Zelda, I can't take this, it belongs in the castle," He returned the instrument to her hands and she took it and raised it to her lips. Slowly, almost mournfully, she played the song of time. Three times she played the melody, then pushed the ocarina back into Link's hands and quickly withdrew her own. Link knew that this time she would not take it back and kept it.
"Thank you, I will not forget you. Whenever I play the song of time, or any song, I will remember your face, I promise," Link said to her, and they embraced one last time. Zelda placed a kiss on Link's cheek as he turned to leave. He had reached the door to the temple when he looked over his shoulder and said,
"I will return."
He hurried out of the temple without another word.