The fact that it was the stranger instead of Squall who had protected her from the blow had most certainly surprised Rinoa, but despite that, she didn't waste the time afterwards thinking about it.

The moment she was able, she cast a Cure on the stranger to heal the wound before even considering the stranger's suggestion. She glanced at Squall for a single moment, and seeing that he wasn't arguing the suggestion, began casting again, but first if the other man was going to go after the smaller ones on his own, then she might as well offer some extra protection. For all of them.

Quickly, she cast Triple Protect. It wouldn't stop damage completely, but it would at least reduce it.

Finally, she moved onto the larger Lumen, ready to show it what she had as she cast Firaga on it.