Sneeu had grown faster then she had originally anticipated, and because of this she was constantly having to buy new saddles and other things for him. It seemed every time she bought something for him in less then a month she needed something new. Even now, traveling from Matori back to Zena, Zuri found herself at a market looking for things for him. She was pretty sure he was done growing though. At least she hoped so. He was almost a year old now, so he had to stop soon. At least that was what she hoped. As she looked around she got many strange looks, both due to her hybridness and the fact that wasn't a Matori. She was sure that Sneeu's hunkering shape behind her didn't help either. She had wanted to bring Haimah also, she hated leaving him alone, but she didn't want to attract too much attention. The only reason she brought Sneeu was because he would have to be sized in order to make a saddle for him.
"Excuse me? Are you the one who made these?" She asked as she walked up to a stall that had many leather saddles and other trinkets for companions. Although they didn't have anything the size of Sneeu, it wasn't like his species was common there, she was sure whoever made the saddles could make one for him and she was willing to wait for it.
The Matori man turned, his eye growing wide as he saw her. He didn't say anything for a few seconds and it was only after she sent a friendly smile his way that he started to speak. "Sorry, didn't mean to be rude. Haven't seen anyone like you in these parts." He frowned for a second, "That was rude wasn't it? Sorry again. To answer your question yes, I am the one who made these saddles. Although... I doubt any of them would fit a beast of that size," he said motioning to Sneeu with his head.
Zuri laughed.
"Then we are of the same mind. I was wondering if you would be willing to make him one? I could wait in town while you did, and I have money to pay you. I could even help you out should you need it. I may not look it but I'm pretty strong." The Matori man laughed. "I don't doubt your strength, I find women are often stronger then they appear. I can't say that I will do perfectly, but I will try my hardest. I would appreciate the help also. I'm going to close up my stall in a little while. Meet me back here then and I'll take you to my shop so we can get him measured."
Zuri thanked him and walked around the market place. There were a lot of pretty things that she wanted, but when it came time for her to pay for the saddle she wanted to make sure she had enough money. After a while she headed back to the stall and found him already cleaning up the stall. After helping the two of them headed south of the market.
"I don't think I ever got your name?""Ahhh, you must think me daft and rude. I'm Abioye, and you are?"
"Zuri. And I don't think you either of those things, if anything I find you kind of cute."----
In the following two weeks Zuri spent a lot of time with Abioye. Their friendship grew and Zuri learned more and more about saddles and the amount of work it took to make them. Although Zuri started to feel something for him she ignored it. She was no where ready to be in a relationship, nor did she really want one. She was happy being alone, and it was what she deserved. She wasn't ready to forgive herself for her daughters, wasn't ready to be happy.
----
Finally the saddle was done and Zuri was outside with her companions ready to go.
"Thank you so much Abioye. Truly this is the most beautiful saddle I've ever seen. I watched you do it and I still don't know how you did it. If you ever were to come to Zena, to see the world, you are more then welcome to stay with me. Now, about payment, how much do you want for all your hard work?"Abioye smiled and nodded before speaking. "Honestly Zuri it's been a pleasure having you here to help. Not only did you help me make the saddle but you helped me see just how lonely it is out here by myself. As for payment you can have it, you did a lot of the making of the saddle yourself. Just know that I will be taking up that offer to stay with you should I ever head towards your cold home land."
Zuri started to speak, to insist that she paid him, but before she could say a word he was already walking back to his house.
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