Chapter 9: Girl Talk… Sorta

Zatana took it upon herself to take the girls - Teela, Garnet, Quatrill, Layrina, and Aerderwyn - on a tour of the market, which bustled with the activity of the fair. Also along on the tour were Beatrix, Steiner (who never were more than two steps from Garnet) and a female wolf names Nakita (who also kept close to a member of royalty, namely Zatana).

“I’m not here for the tour,” Steiner muttered, the only male and acutely aware of that fact (and glad Zidane wasn’t there). “But it’s my job to protect her Majesty.” Garnet gave him a brief look at that, but Nakita spoke up first.

“We have similar duties. I am called the Third Shield, because it is my task to guard the prince’s wife from harm.”

“And to be my friend,” Zatana put in with a smile.

“That’s a natural side-benefit, and a bonus.” To the others, Nakita said, “The Shields are an elite group of soldiers who’s loyalty is unquestionable. Edgar, who guards Zentor himself, is known as the First Shield, as is Derenithin or Southern. Next down are Kyros, Second Shield of Northern, and Tanetzin, Second Shield of Southern. They were the cloud leopard and the wolf who sat behind the princes, respectively.” She smiled. “Tanetzin is, in fact, my older brother.”

“I thought I recognized something in them,” Beatrix said.

“Members of the Cat family are rarely seen outside the castle without the Shields,” Zatana put in, “and honestly I’ve never seen Zentor without Edgar by his side. The Shields many times act with the authority of their charge if the situation calls for it. I’ve even seen Edgar kill people who have threatened Zentor’s life, without hesitation.” She chuckled. “It was something that, at first, I felt strange about as my home has no such group.”

“So you’re not from here?” queried Aerderwyn.

“No. My home is far away. I’m not even sure where exactly, as to get back and forth used magic. That’s why I came to value Nakita’s presence very quickly. She became my friend when this like was still strange and foreign to me, like a sister.”

“It’s must’ve been hard on you,” Teela commented. “Leaving everything familiar, family, all your friends… I don’t think I could so it.” Zatana’s smile became a bit wistful.

“Love can give enough strength to do anything, whether it’s of a friend, lover, or family. Zantar’s life was here, so my life was too.” Garnet giggled.

“Zidane was a thief when we first met. In fact, he was at the Alexandria palace to try and kidnap me!” They laughed, though Steiner grumbled,

“He’s still a vagabond.”

“Adam and I grew up together,” Teela said. “He’s my best friend, even if he doesn’t take his studies seriously enough.”

“Lokeru caused my life path to cross that of my dear Cedras,” put in Aerderwyn. “We were meant to be together.” Beatrix didn’t comment, just gave Steiner a kind smile, which he returned as they turned a corner.

“Oh! This is my favorite area!” Zatana said excitedly. “It’s the artisan’s district.” They continued on, the owners of the various stalls and shops advertising their wares.

“Lovely jewelry!”

“Glass craft items!”

“Hey there, little guy! Lookin’ to buy that for your mother?”

“Ah, Princess Zatana! My favorite person to craft for. Come see what I’ve brought, special for the Festival.”

“Well, go get your father, and we’ll see what we can do.”

“Amder, it’s wonderful to see you again! I just love that necklace you made me last year.”

“#noddle noddle noddle# Giggle! #Toddle toddle toddle#.”