EDIT: A quick and nasty patch to tense for the time being. Probably still not perfect, but I want to finish at least another two or three chapters before I do a thorough edit. Sorry for any inconvenience.

For the first time in over one hundred years, rays of sunlight beam down upon the husk of Hyrule castle and the town nestled at its entrance. Just a week ago, the area was filled with the vile presence of calamity – corrupt ooze seeped through the cracks in the pavement and foul monsters roamed the alleys. Now the area is pure and untainted, like a wound that has expunged its infection.

People from all across Hyrule can now be seen working together to bring back life to the decayed and abandoned heart of the kingdom. Gorons work in small teams, clearing away the rubble and debilitated houses while Hylians eagerly lay the foundations for the new abodes that shall be built upon the ashes of the old castle town. Zoras inspect the water quality around the area, ensuring its safety for consumption while also administering first aid to any who ask. The Sheikah, finally with a direct and driving purpose, work together with the proud Gerudo to perform perimeter patrols, standing vigilant against any monsters who might decide to strike out against the rebuilding nation. The Rito too, help the reconstruction by flying in food and supplies from the other settlements that dot Hyrule's landscape.

Of course, nothing good has ever occurred without a price being paid first. The price for this – the price for the reclamation of civilization and the demise of the malicious evil that held it captive for a century – were the lives of those who made it possible. Both the princess of the kingdom, Zelda, and her champion Link lost their lives against the incarnation of pain and hatred that bore down upon the land. With their combined power, the duo managed to strike down Ganon and restored peace to Hyrule, but with a bittersweet ending, died in the process. Link suffered grievous wounds at the hands of the dark beast – wounds too great for even the shrine of resurrection to heal, while Zelda, although not taking any physical damage in the fight, was unable to maintain her own life after keeping a demon of pure malign and power restrained for a century.

After word of the victory against the calamity reached the population of Hyrule, celebration did not immediately occur, for the loss that came with their freedom left a hole in many people's hearts. Mourning came first, a sombre cloud of sadness that swept over the continent leaving not even the most callous of hearts free from its clutches. Then, celebration of the liberation Hyrule had been gifted erupted all over, with parties and celebration exploding everywhere. Finally, the remaining population of the land bound together, buckling down to begin their task – the rebuilding of an empire.

Now, here I stand, with a blue sky overhead, a friend by my side, a kingdom to protect and a debt to repay. I might not have been able to play a role in the liberation of Hyrule, but I vow to defend the freedom we have been gifted and cherish the memory of those who brought us this peace. My name is Palla, and I swear I will stand sentinel over this land.