>>11870838>OoT made me cry as a kid when Zelda sent Link back in time because it was implied that she would be stuck here in the Sacred Realm as an adult. I'm not sure if this is actually correct.I think one of the beauties of OoT storytelling is how some elements of it are free to each to interpret.
I think Zelda remained in the present/"bad future" hyrule, while Link was sent to the past, pre-dorf takeover Hyrule.
I think Zelda is sad because she probably fell in love with Link: she's been waiting him for 7 years, and then stalked him as he heroically defeated each temple boss and saved her from Ganondorf.
She could have snatched Link's lost 7 years but decided not to as to not be selfish. You can tell in Zelda's face that she feels sad, not because of Link having lost 7 years (as she was going to give them back to him), but the fact he couldn't stay with her.
So, maybe she returns to Hyrule as I think, but there's also another big possibility of Zelda "turning into a sage" which also could mean death, at least in the mortal way.