Link nodded again, smiling a bit wider to show that the feelings were mutual, then waited for both of them to enter the tower before allowing the door to close behind him. He noticed that Ritsu was keeping her distance, but made no comment on it—some people preferred their space, and he felt certain she'd open up in time.

Looking around, the boy took in the wooden structures, especially the swaying pillar in the center that came through the floor and extended up into the ceiling. There wasn't much on this floor aside from that; visitors and monks milled around and a staircase stood up ahead. Catching the eye of a monk, who nodded approval, Link started forward toward the staircase, but then held back. Ritsu might have business on the ground floor first.