Chapter 3  ~ Shelinda~


Tidus came up and slapped Auron on the back. " What're you thinking about? You look like your lost in a memory."

Auron stepped out of his stride and stood right next to Tidus.  He stared at him coolly. The sight of the boy tore through his mind, uncovering suppressed memories of Jecht and Braska.  The thought of all they went through, the thought of all they lost, and the threat of it happening all over again, made him feel on edge.
"Hey, are you okay?  You need a potion or anything?  I think Kimarhi may have an extra…."
Auron walked off, he needed no such attention.  He needed to get going. 

"Look! Look!" cried Yuna.  She was pointing back towards the trail. "Here comes Shelinda! She has found us!" 

Auron heard Yuna and turned to see Shelinda, the young priestess, running through the open plains; probably praying for a safe passage.  He watched Shelinda stop and look up to wave at everyone, just barely escaping a burst of lightening.  He decided that it was not safe for her to be out there alone, praying or not.  He set down his pack and ran out to meet her.  When he got to her, he found she was already tired from her journey across the plains.  She looked soaked to the bone, and was out of breath.  "Here, drink this." He gave her a small potion. She gladly accepted it, but still looked as if she were about to faint. 

A loud clap of thunder shook the earth, and lightening struck just feet away from them.  Auron decided it was not a good idea to stay in one place too long.  Without even asking he hoisted her onto his shoulder and began running towards the shelter. 

"Ohhh!  Sir Auron!" she gasped, but didn't argue, she knew him to be a man of honor. 
It was but a few minutes before Auron returned to the shelter, and everyone gathered to greet Shelinda. 
"Oh thank you so much Sir Auron!  Forgive my foolishness, I never should have braved the Thunder Plains alone." 


"What were you thinking girl?!  The Thunder Plains is not a playground!  Where is your escort?!"


Shelinda looked a bit startled by Auron's harshness, but knew he was right.  She stared at her feet, and began rubbing her toes into the dirt. "I am sorry Sir Auron, but I just couldn't wait. I had to find Yuna.  I had to know if it was true!"


"Know if what's true?" Tidus interrupted.


"I heard that Maester Seymour and Lady Yuna are to be wed!"


"Oh…that."


"It is such great news, I have to tell everyone!" Shelinda did a little skip and clasped her hands together.


"Well, where did you hear that?"  Tidus inquired with a scoff.


"From the Guado.  They were all very excited." She replied happily.

"I'm afraid you've heard a little wrong.," said Tidus. "Yuna's gonna turn him down."


"Oh…. Really?"  Shelinda looked disheartened.


"Yep… No wedding!" Tidus exclaimed.


"I see… that's unfortunate.  I'm sure people would have rejoiced all over Spira."

Yuna shifted her attention from Shelinda to Tidus. She had a shocked look on her face. In her heart she still was unsure about what choice she was going to make. She hadn't discussed it with anyone either, least of all Tidus. How dare he answer for her?!  She wasn't angry just more confused than ever. She knew for sure now, just how Tidus felt about Seymour's proposal. Now what was she to do?


Auron walked up next to Tidus and he firmly stated, "Yuna will make that decision when she is ready." 


Yuna let out a sigh of relief. At least someone had stepped in. 


"The rain has stopped."  Kimahri noticed.


Everyone stopped and looked around them.  The air was still heavy with moisture, yet the downpour had ceased. 


Auron picked up his pack and lifted it over his shoulder.

"Enough talk.  Let's move, we're wasting time."

Shelinda addressed Auron, "May I accompany you to Macalania Temple? I desire to make my services available to the high priestess there. She is my cousin. I am sure she could use my help."

"You may. But this time keep close to someone, it is unsafe to travel alone through the plains." Auron was stern with her.

"Yes… I will Sir!" replied Shelinda.

"You can travel with me." Offered Yuna.

"Oh thank you my lady!"

Auron turned to Lulu and motioned for her to accompany him. She was rather intrigued, but eager to oblige. She picked up her charm pouch and with a flick of her wrist in vanished into thin air. With the same fluid motion she conjured Cait Sith and tucked him beneath her arm. Auron smiled to himself.  He had never noticed how gracefully she wielded her talents.

Lulu strode up next to him. "Shall we be off then?"

Auron nodded, and they headed off towards the horizon.



Thank you to Akaikaminoke for assisting me a bit with this chapter. I had a serious case of writer's block here. Grrrrrr!! Don't ya hate it when that happens!!! ^_^

Check out Akaikaminoke's fanfic at (storyid=1433744). You better go there too! It is a great piece of work!