The Mark of a Soulmate

Beneath the Cistern

     There were many stairs to descend to get to the Ancient Cistern. Instead of walking in awkward silence, Asuriel decided to try to start a conversation.

"So, Link, what do you think we will find at the bottom of these stairs?"

"I don't know. There have been different themes in each temple I have passed through. Probably something to do with water."

     And indeed there was water in the Ancient Cistern, lots of water. Along with that, there was a strange statue in the center of the room. 

"This is incredible, I have never seen anything like it before. Link, I am afraid that I don't know the layout of this place, but I will happily assist you to solve puzzles along the way."

     The Cistern turned out to be a very strange structure. There were many places Asuriel could not easily follow Link because she couldn't climb vines or swing using a whip. Even so, he insisted that the girl come with him so that he could protect her, even if he had to help her along the way.

"Asuriel, in order to swing across this, I may have to carry you."

"Oh," the girl blushed slightly, "that's fine."

     Timidly, Link put an arm around the girl, holding her against himself as they crossed the gap. Both were blushing a deep red by the time their feet touched the ground. Link was somewhat acquainted to the feeling of emotional attraction, but Asuriel had no idea of what was going on. Her heart pounded against her chest, her face flushed, and she couldn't make eye contact with Link. She had never reacted to another person the same way. 

     The next platform they went to, Asuriel took a misstep and almost fell into the water, if it hadn't been for Link's quick reflexes to catch her.

"Thank you, Link."

"No problem." The young hero cleared his throat. "Maybe you could... stay close by my side to make sure that you don't fall again." Link turned away while saying it to hide the red that was creeping back into his face.

"That sound like a good idea."

     As they continued through the cistern, an awkward silence befell them as they experienced an unexplainable shyness. Asuriel was baffled. She could interact with him better when she first met Link, but now that she had spent time with him, she felt so incredibly bashful. What in Hylia's name was going on?

     When it came time for them to eat lunch, they were both extremely hungry from exploring the cistern.

"Asuriel, what would you like to eat?"

"It doesn't really matter. If you want, we can go to a place in the forest where I usually find some nice berries."

"Actually, I have an idea, but it will take a few minutes to bring it here. Could you wait outside the cistern?"

"Of course, Link. What are you bringing?"

"It's a surprise."

     Asuriel followed him out into the open before standing before the bird statue and getting lifted back into the sky. She watched him in wonder as he became a tiny green dot and disappeared beyond the expanse of the clouds. Unsure of what to do, Asuriel wandered over to a sunny patch of ground and sat down, absentmindedly starting to hum the ballad of the goddess. Soon, she was singing it while butterflies flitted around her. The song was cut short as she spotted that familiar green dot falling back to the ground. 

"Do you have any bowls we could use?"

"There are some in my room, I'll retrieve them."

     When the girl returned, Link was smiling and holding a bottle out to her.