PROLOGUE
The Hero of Time – having defeated Majora's Mask, freed Skull Kid from its influence and saved Termina from certain doom – resolved to return home and resume his search for Navi.
Bidding his final farewell to Cremia, Romani, Kafei, Anju and the others, he mounted Epona and followed Tatl and her brother, Tael, into the dense forest that shrouded Clock Town's borders in shadow. The two fairies accompanied him to the lonely road that would lead him back to Hyrule, then thanked him for his kindness and soared into the unknown. Neither of them seemed particularly sorry to see their new friend leave – in fact, Tatl seemed happy to finally be rid of him.
"No matter," he consoled himself. "They're happy now, and they're together. Let them remain so. They'll be better off that way."
He watched Tatl and Tael disappear into the night, then cast one last wistful glance toward Clock Town. The Carnival of Time pierced the young night with the sounds of song and laughter, both of which he'd barely heard since he'd drawn the Master Sword. The most delicious smells that he'd ever smelled snuck through the trees and brushed against his cheeks and nose, like a gentle summer breeze. He caught himself imagining the hero's welcome that he almost certainly would've received, and rightly so, had he accepted Romani's invitation to partake in the festival. With a heavy heart, he forced himself to dismiss these thoughts and turn his gaze toward the road.
"You helped them where and when you could, Link," he reminded himself, "where and when they had need of you. Why tarry now, when they're merry and at peace?"
With this, he took a deep breath, turned his back toward Clock Town and spurred Epona on, never again looking back to the realm of Termina.