Disclaimer: Ye old gods of Squaresoft own all of final fantasy, not me!

We made our connection

A full on chemical reaction

But by dark divine intervention

You are my shining light…

Ash – Shining Light

Braska watched from the shadows as his eldest closed the door behind her quietly with a barely audible click. She moved stealthily in the near blackness, finding her way by only familiarity and moonlight. He sighed softly, the slight disturbance in the air causing Lesca to turn and face her father. She put a hand to her heart, grinning as she realised it was he and no other.

"Where have you been Lesca?" His eyes were weary as he regarded his daughters somewhat dishevelled state.

"I was out walking with Auron."

"Really?" Braska raised an eyebrow.

She smirked defiantly, "Really."

He let the lie pass and moved on. "Lesca, I need your counsel."

"On what?"

He smiled at her, patting the seat next to him. She sat next to her father uncertainly, looking at him expectantly.

"My choice of Guardians."

The girl rolled her eyes, "Whom do you have in mind?"

Her father chuckled at the irony of what he was suggesting, "There is a man being held in the Via Purifico, he claims he is from Zanarkand. I would like you to come and meet him with me."

"No problem, if you want to entrust your life to a psycho that's your choice. There is another you have in mind though, isn't there? I can tell by that look on your face this isn't all there is to this little chat." Suspicion was evident on her face.

He sighed, "You always were too astute for your own good. I plan to ask Auron to be my Guardian."

The anger flashed in her eyes, "No. Don't take him."

"Why?"

"I know you know why, don't act dumb. Dad, I love him, he loves me. I don't want to lose him to your foolish pilgrimage."

Amusement twinkled in his sapphire eyes, "You are right. I do know. I promise that I will allow no harm to come to him, Lesca. You have my word as your father and as a summoner. After all, what kind of a man would I be to widow my daughter?"

She chuckled, "Not much happens that you don't know about, does it?"

Braska grinned, holding his daughter close, "No. Lesca, if he agrees you will not mind him going?"

"I'll mind, but I won't stand in your way. You've given me your word that he will come to no harm, that's good enough a guarantee for me."

Braska stood, stretching the knotted muscles in his back while suppressing a yawn. He beckoned to his eldest daughter to follow him as he entered the room he had once shared with his beloved wife. Lesca watched as her father rummaged in drawers before holding a piece of fabric out to her triumphantly.

"This was the dress your mother wore the day we were wed. I think she'd want you to have it."

She fingered the delicate silk tentatively; fearing a rash move would tear the flimsy weave. A strangled cry escaped her as she looked at her father gratefully, unshed tears glistening in her eyes. She ran from the room, only to return minutes later wearing the garment. Braska held his breath unconsciously, seeing his child transform into a woman before his eyes.

She looks so much like you, Bria. It scares me.

White silk flowed over her pale skin, skimming her curves elegantly. As she walked, the dress skimmed the floor, the noise reminding Braska of lazy days gone by spent with his young family, watching the sun rise and set while waves lapped gently at the shore. The long line of her back was exposed; the halter neck of crossed ribbon barely visible at the nape of her neck. His heart leapt into his mouth as she used one hand to sweep her ebony locks from her shoulders, piling the tresses loosely on top of her head before securing them with a nearby clasp.

Our little girl is all grown up and getting married in the morning. I wish you were here, you'd be so proud…I know I am. Yevon, Bria, why did you have to leave us?

Lesca twirled on the spot before looking at him expectantly, "Well? What do you think?"

Braska smiled at the young woman, "I think…Auron is a very lucky man. You look beautiful sweetheart, I'm so proud of you, both of you."

"Will you walk with us to the temple tomorrow?" She bit her bottom lip and he found himself watching the scared little girl she had once been. He shook his head slowly.

"Lesca, you know how the ceremony works. This is between you, Auron and the priest. No one else can be involved, lest foul play be accused. I will be waiting for you both after the ritual has been performed. May Yevon smile upon your union."

She nodded, sighing. "I know, I know. I just…I don't know. I'm nervous."

Braska looked into his daughter's eyes, "It is a big step Lesca, I'm not going to pretend otherwise. Your mother and I were married at your age; we had only known each other for a matter of days too. Nerves are inevitable, but if it is meant to be then you will defeat them. Do not worry so, whatever you decide I support you fully. Now go to sleep, tomorrow will be a long day."

"Are you leaving on the pilgrimage tomorrow?"

"Perhaps." He shrugged, "It will depend on many factors."

"Ok. Night dad."

"Goodnight Lesca." Braska replied absently, his attention riveted by the stars.

I have a lot to think on this night. Forgive me, Yuna. They will be there for you when I am not.

~*~*~*~*~

Lesca groaned, pulling the light sheets over her face as the sunlight flooded the room. A chirpy voice invaded the quiet and the covers were forcefully tugged from her face. She opened one eye groggily to meet the innocent gaze of Yuna and her friend.

"This is my big sister Lesca! She doesn't get up easy; she likes to lie in bed. Lescy, this is Fertia!"

Lesca smiled, waving a hand at the pair. Her sister jumped on the bed and started pleating her sister's hair.

"Oh, I nearly forgot Lescy, Auron's here to take you out. Lescy's got a boyfriend!" The little girl taunted her sister in a sing song voice.

Lesca flung the sheets aside, giggling as they engulfed her sister and rushed to the bathroom to get ready. She showered in record time, pushing Yuna back onto the bed as she towelled her hair roughly while pulling on the dress her father had given to her the previous night.

"Why you in a hurry? Why you wearing a dress? You hate dresses!" The little girl made a face while Lesca laughed at her sister's antics, ruffling the child's hair.

"Why do you ask so many questions? I'm in a hurry to meet Auron and I'm wearing a dress to try and look pretty for a change! Ok?"

Yuna nodded sagely, before rummaging around in the small pouch she was holding. Lesca watched out of the corner of her eye, hopping as she pulled on a dainty shoe.

"What you got there, Yuna?"

"Make up. I can put some on you and make you pretty!" The little girl brandished a lipstick.

"Um, tell you what…you can put a teeny bit of lipstick on me and that's it, ok?"

The girl nodded happily, sticking her tongue out in concentration as Lesca swept her hair up expertly as she had done the night before. As Yuna finished her most arduous task, Lesca stepped back to allow for her sister's inspection.

"What do you think? The nerves were quite apparent in her voice. The little girl scrutinised her before breaking into a large grin.

"You look really pretty Lesca, like you're getting married!"

"Really? Well, that's a relief. Come on Yuna, and you Fertia. Let's go get Auron."

~*~*~

"I know where you and my daughter are headed this morning Auron. Rest assured, you have my blessing."

The worry dissipated from the youth's face somewhat and Braska laughed.

"Why so worried? I am no Marlboro. I do have a favour to ask of you though."

Auron bowed, grateful beyond words to the understanding Braska.

"Anything, Lord Braska."

"I need you to watch over both my daughters once I am gone. Yuna can be a bit of a handful, but she has no ill will. Though I am sure that you will one day have children of your own…" Braska hid a smile as a blush worked its way up Auron's neck.

"I would be most grateful if you watched over Yuna until the day she can fend for herself." He finished.

"Of course, it would be an honour."

Braska hesitated, "There is one more thing…you are a able swordsman Auron, I have need of someone with the skills you possess to guard me on my pilgrimage. Would you consent to be my Guardian?"

Auron spoke diplomatically, "If it is alright with Lesca, I will become your Guardian,"

"I have spoken with my daughter on this matter, we have…an agreement if you will. Then it is settled, we leave tomorrow. There is another I have in mind I wish you and Lesca to meet after the ceremony has been performed."

He paused, handing Auron two plain bands of burnished gold. "Take these. They were her mothers and mine a lifetime ago…"

"As you wish, my…" Auron's words caught in his throat as Lesca entered the small room, filling it to the brim with her beauty. Both men stood slack jawed at the sight of her.

She grinned, breaking the silence. "I take it I look ok then?"

The two men nodded dumbly. Lesca reached a hand out to Auron who took it tentatively.

"Shall we go? Dad, we'll meet you at the Via Purifico in an hour, Yuna be good and hurry on to school."

Yuna scurried out the door, turning with her friend to look at Lesca once more with a grin before disappearing into the distance. Lesca pulled Auron out of the house, laughing at the stunned look on his face while waving to her father.

"What's wrong Auron? Do I look awful?"

He shook his head, his voice hoarse, "N, no. Quite the opposite, you look…like an angel."

She curtsied, "Why thank you! Come on, we'd better hurry!"

~*~*~*~*~

"You are certain this is what you wish? Once the blessing of Yevon has been performed, nothing can break the bonds between you." The priest looked at the couple, distaste evident in his words and on his face.

Auron looked to Lesca, who smiled encouragingly, "We are certain."

"Then enter the temples chambers, where you shall be shrived and married."

The first strains of the Hymn met the ears of Lesca and she felt her soul soothed by the melody. Feeling eyes on her, she glanced to her side to meet Auron's bronzed gaze. For the first time since they had met he was smiling for no other reason than pure happiness. Her heart leapt, her nerves dissolving. This is it, this is meant to be.

The priest went through the ritual; Auron barely heard a word, responding only when prompted to do so. His bride mesmerised him, the smell of her intoxicated him, and her presence reduced him to a fool. She was…unique. This feeling was like nothing he had ever imagined. He slipped Bria's ring onto her daughter's finger, a tender smile tugging at Lesca's lips as she recognised the band of gold. He marvelled at her, no one had ever made him feel like this. As the priest completed the ceremony, one thought ran rampant through his mind. This is it, this is meant to be!

~*~*~*~*~

"Lesca, we were meant to meet your father ten minutes ago!"

Auron shook his head, laughing as his bride hopped around the room pulling up her boots.

"I know, I know! Two seconds Auron, I couldn't go there dressed like I was." She grumbled.

He caught her leg, zipping the boot with ease before taking her hand and leading her out of the house; thankful she was now comfortable in her normal attire.

"Why? Not that you don't always look good, but you were stunning this morning."

"Thank you, but the Via Purifico is not the cleanest place on Spira aand I didn't want to risk anything happening to the gown."

"I suppose…is that not your father?" Auron pointed to a figure clad in red and purple robes, squinting against the sun.

Lesca shielded her eyes from the sun, making a mental note to buy them both eyewear to guard their eyes from the suns rays.

"Yup." She broke into a run, embracing her father warmly when she reached him.

Braska looked at the newlyweds, "Congratulations! But enough of that, time enough tonight eh? Come and meet the man from Zanarkand!"

Lesca raised an eyebrow to her husband before following Braska into the dim monument. As her eyes adjusted to the dark, she could make out the form of a scruffy man sitting in one of the cells, the smell of alcohol radiating from every pore. She got out her sphere recorder; she had a feeling this could get interesting with Auron around…She clipped the small recorder onto her shoulder and went over to the man. Auron made to stop her, but a grinning Braska held him back.

"Hey! Who're you?"

The man looked up and her and grunted, "Don't recognise me, kid? I'm the great Jecht, star player of the Zanarkand Abes."

She waved a hand in front of her face, "Jeez Jecht, how much have you had to drink? Never mind, you say you're from Zanarkand?"

The man got to his feet, stretching his aching muscles. "What is it with everyone asking me that? You all from some little backwater village? Yeah, I'm from Zanarkand, what of it?"

Auron's anger spilled over, "Watch your tongue knave!"

Lesca turned to him, winking. "It's ok. I like him dad, I think you should ask him!"

The man looked at the group suspiciously, "Ask me what? Who are all of you?"

Braska stepped forward, "My name is Braska, I am a summoner. This is my eldest daughter, Lesca and my new son in law and Guardian, Auron."

Jecht laughed huskily, "Well, you landed on your feet Auron, she's a real looker! Think you could've done better than this stiff though, kid…"

Lesca grinned while Auron reigned in the threatening fury, her hand sitting lightly on his arm the only thing restraining him.

"How would you like to get out of here Jecht?" Braska continued.

"Hell, yeah!" The man punched the air, quite obviously a sportsman, before his suspicion set in once more, "What's the catch?"

"Well, I'm soon to leave on a pilgrimage and I need another Guardian. Look after me on my journey; make sure I get there, that is all I ask. In return, we will try to return you to your Zanarkand."

Auron looked at the man in disbelief, before turning to Braska. "But my Lord, I must protest! This drunkard, a Guardian?"

Jecht narrowed his eyes at the youth, "You want to step in here and say that?"

Braska grinned at Auron, flanked by his daughter. "Think of it Auron, a disgraced summoner wed to an Al Bhed, a fallen warrior monk and a man from Zanarkand. What delightful irony it would be if we were to defeat Sin!"

Auron knew when he was beaten and he looked to Lesca who snuggled into his chest contentedly.

"Sure, I'll help you."

The guards unlocked the cell and Lesca started to pull her husband away from Jecht, sensing that trouble could erupt if she didn't. She stifled a giggled as she heard a voice ask,

"So what's a summer-ner anyway?"

A/N: I know that's not exactly how that scene runs in the game, but I'm so past that sphere and I have no save game to get it! Anyway, it's not too bad I think. Thanks to Angel of the Lion for still reviewing!