I've gotten pretty good at keeping things inconspicuous. [ She winks, flourishing the rod a little before settling it in front of her, grasped in both hands. ] You never know when you might need to get yourself out of a pinch!

[ Especially here, without her usual abilities available for use... ]

Yep! Just like... [ Like Rinoa, she gestures with the rod and brings it down with a theatrical "hiya!" ] ...that! Usually I use it more to direct the materia, but it also doesn't feel so good if it hits you over the head.

[ Rinoa may be able to surmise that Aerith has bonked more than a few monsters - and others - over the head with the rod. ]