Yuna bows. “Thank you. And good fortune to you as well.”

She dances back over to Lulu, a real smile on her face. 

And the woman goes back to playing.

(Is the one in the mask watching them? It's nearly impossible to tell.)

Aten relaxes some when Yuna returns to Lulu's side. Apparently he'd been on edge watching Yuna and the stranger.

Yuna looks worriedly at Aten, but doesn’t ask any questions. 

A man, dressed as a priest, walks into view, a few guards with him. He seems to be making his way to Yuna. 

Aten makes himself smaller, but also moves so that he's ready to protect Yuna if needed.

Lulu looks up, and a small smile curls her lips. “I see you drew the short straw,” she calls, walking over to greet the priest.

“I just thought you all could use a friendly face.” The priest bows, smiling sadly. 

“Yuna, this is Father Zuke. He’s an old friend.”

“Hello.” Yuna performs the prayer, even though it feels strange. 

Father Zuke does the same. “Unfortunately I come bearing bad news. Yuna has been excommunicated, the order comes from Maester Mika himself.”

Yuna hugs herself, trying not to cry.

Aten drifts closer, tries to provide comfort somehow.

“So he’s made it clear. It changes nothing.” Auron comforts in his own way. 

“But-“ Yuna doesn’t actually know what to say. But it does change things, she feels bereft. Lost. 

“Gagazet will be hard to traverse.”

Father Zuke nods. “Indeed. Your people are very devout. Hopefully you will get there before news spreads.”

“Hopefully. Thank you for telling us this news, Father.”

Zuke nods. “Of course. And if you don’t mind my saying, stay safe.”

He bows, and heads back the way he came.

Aten continues to just...be there. Warm, supportive. (Yuna has her aeons, they have no less faith in her, regardless of what the Church of Yevon said.)

Yuna rubs a hand up her arm. “It changes nothing,” she says, quoting Auron. 

Lulu wraps her arms around Yuna, stroking her hair. “What would Wakka say if he were here?”

Yuna chuckles weakly. “He’d probably make a joke about Rikku’s machina being all right now.”

“Or he’d try to throw a blitzball at Father Zuke,” Lulu says, laughing as well.