Knowing they would make a big deal of it, Link didn't mention to Makar, Medli, or Komali that he meant to leave the oceans above Hyrule before he would see them again.
They were sentimental about the goodbye nonetheless, Link accepting a hug from the two Rito and faking a smile when they wished him well.
"You're going to come in with me, right?" A little voice said next to Link as they watched Komali and Medli fly north to Dragon Roost Island.
"Of course," Link said, the night sky soon taking the Rito out of view.
"We won't be long," Link said when his eyes found Tetra, who nodded.
Link and Makar headed to the haven of the Koroks, Link surprised at the scarcity of monsters. Makar remarked at how jumpy he was at the smallest noise.
For such a small stretch of path on the way to the Great Deku Tree, Makar counted Link reaching for his sword three times out of instinct.
If the expression on his leaf-shaped face could be anything but fixed, it definitely would have shown concern.
Makar stayed by his side as Link stood on the large lily pad, the Great Deku Tree Awakening before them.
"So it's true," the old tree said In a deep, booming voice, "you have accomplished an otherwise insurmountable feat beneath the waves of this ocean. Alas, I feel the presence of the King of Hyrule has truly faded from this world. The last remnants of Hyrule are surely fading, even my roots in the forest of Kokiri have started to weaken. Yet, I sense this was necessary to neutralize Ganondorf's threat once and for all. I must thank you, Link, you have ensured the protection of my children as well as this entire ocean."
"You're welcome," Link replied.
"But you didn't come here for praise, as I wager you could get that anywhere. What can I do for you, Hero of Winds?"
"I…I was wondering," Link started hesitantly, "could you tell me more about Hyrule…the Kingdom…the Hero of Time…?"
"Mmm…" the tree hummed as his eyes closed, "you needn't worry of such tales, they will soon drown along with the rest of Hyrule, forgotten and irrelevant to your own future."
"But…" Link started.
"There is nothing you can gain from those stories that you do not already possess. There is a reason why they lie beneath the waters, why they are meant to die with the King of Red Lions, with Jabun, with Valoo, and with me. The Kingdom of Hyrule and its' Hero of old made many mistakes. They failed to live thankfully, to pursue true happiness, and to follow where the heart led. These are the virtues that the Hero of Time forgot and that you have already demonstrated quite clearly."
Link's expression softened before the tree asked,
"You are planning on leaving this ocean, aren't you?"
"What!" He heard Makar exclaim next to him.
"Yes," Link stated.
"I thought as much," the Deku Tree said, "in that case, I will give you a gift."
He shut his eyes firm, the wood seeming to crinkle around them as he concentrated. Link was lifted inches above the ground, his face showing a wonderment as he lost all sense of his weight upon the ground. His floppy hat tugged slightly upwards, as if moved by a gale of winds. In a shining display of sparkles, there soon appeared upon Link's back a sword and a shield. Both made out of wood, yet with beautifully ornate carvings and patterns.
Link's feet gently found the ground again, his knees bending slightly as a result. He took a couple curious glances behind him before looking at the Great Deku Tree and saying,
"Thank you," with a nod.
"You are welcome, child," The tree replied, "you will always have a home in the forest…though something tells me you don't plan on returning."
Link took a deep breath and blinked his eyes in response to hearing it said out loud.
"No…no, I don't…we don't."
"We?" the deep voice said, intrigued.
"I'm leaving on Tetra's ship."
"Tet—" the Great Deku Tree started before remembering, "Ah…yes…Hero of Winds indeed… I wish you well in your travels, both you and Princess Zelda. With it's last breath, Hyrule will guide your sails to your future."