The Moon Fell (Zatz x reader)

Chapter 7

"These horses should be up to your standards, your majesty" a young man spoke.

His light brown hair was long, falling to his shoulders. Neat working clothes clung to him with his sweat as he led one last horse to the king who smiled fondly.

"Thank you. I trust they are saddled properly for the trip" the king asked, stepping closer.

"Yes, of course" he replied.

"Good" the king indulged as you watched from the side.

You could tell he was toeing the line as he spoke to the man, recognizing the description from the night before. You gently guided your own horse a tad to push the stable boy just that much closer as he handed you a black and white appaloosa. The man was bumped into but he didn't stumble and only took a step forward.

"Thank you for the preparations, they are most helpful" Zatz thanked the man, distracting him from your attempt of matchmaker.

"It is no problem" he replied politely.

"Very respectful" you mouthed to the Kong who only blushed.

You giggled at his reaction but when you looked over Maya smirked as if she was winning a bet. She quickly reminded you of the awkward weight on your hip of a sword she insisted you have even though your battle axe had served you well for years. You shifted your weight to accommodate it as you contemplated how you'd get on the horse. Your struggle wasn't noticed until you failed to get into the saddle almost completely falling to the ground. Maya and the stable boy held back there laugher as best the could but the king remained unrestricted as his laugh belted out of him. You glared at him qs you dusted yourself off.

"Here, let me assist you" Zatz smiled as he held his hand out to you as a boost, before adding, "saddles are new to us too."

"Thank you" you smiled as you carefully took his hand and pushed yourself up, clinging to Zatz and your horse's mane, trying to swing your leg over before settling into the saddle.

Zatz only noded with a smile as Maya took her turn at the saddle and successfully swing her leg over the horse confidently seating herself on her brown horse backwards. It took a few seconds for her to realize her mistake before you and the king were laughing at her now.

" I think you need to turn around" the stable boy offered with a smile.

With struggle she got facing the right way and Zatz made his attempt. He stuck his boot in the saddle, hopped up, swong his leg over, and sat comfortably and correctly into the saddle with no issues except to flick his hair out of his face.

"Saddles are all new to us" you muttered to yourself as you pouted slightly.

"He's respectful" the king mouths to you as if he heard your quote to poke fun.

You roll your eyes as you get comfortable and adjust to the horse. As you all set your horses to a nice trot out of the temple stable as settled in for a goodbye.

"Well it was a pleasure staying with you, your hospitality was greatly appreciated" Zatz thanked.

"Yes, it was amazing to be back home" Maya said before staring at you.

"Yeah, thank you" you politely added.

"It was a pleasure to have you all" the king smiled as he bid you three fair well.

  As you made your exit Maria joined you on Maya's horse with a bag stuffed full and a long dress that had to be hiked up to her knees on the horse. The trip was much faster then walking but the riding became quite a drain on your body, leaving you stiff. You all took a trail through the forest, across an open area, and into the jungle. It was calm, warm, and moist but the sun was setting by the time they passed through the jungles treeline. They had to set up camp before they could make it to the jungle kingdom.

As Maya and Zatz hopped off the horses with no problem, having some riding experience it seemed, while you and Maria struggle to lift your legs at all. Maya helped Maria after a few second and Zatz followed, stopping at the side of your own horse.

"Need a hand?" He asked.

"I still have both of mine right" you asked jokingly before groaning out a, "maybe", as your leg bearly picked up.

He chucked as he held his hand out as support. You grabbed it and tried to push yourself up and out of the saddle but still failing. You groaned as you fell back into the saddle and Zatz chuckled again before letting go of your hand and grabbing your waist. Shock wrote on your face as he gently pulled you out of the saddle and onto the ground. He helped steady you as you regained your ground and you gave him a curt thank you while he took your horse to the river near by. You weren't far behind as you fell to the river and gulped down some water yourself. You swallowed down as much as you could before finally savoring the taste of sweet water.

"Sweet?" You questioned.

"Huh?" Maya asked.

"The water, it's sweet" you muttered looking around the bank and finding none if the vegetation the jungle had plenty of exceptions for a few bushes.

Concern filled the group as they seemed to put your investigative skills together. Maria was quick to go to the bush however while you forced yourself to gag the water back up, Maya trying to do the same. Zatz was quick to check on her and you, trying to bounce between you as Maria dug at the bush, pulling up roots and examining it.

"It's a water hyssop. Specifically, the roots. It's only toxic when consumed but will kill other plants and small animals through water. We'll be fine but it's best to regulate the water intake. We should be fine" Maria informed you all which calmed your nurves but not the odd feeling of a forced vomit.

"This is going to be a long trip" you mutter.

"I think I just murdered this tree them" Maya replied raspally.