Huntress (Steve Rogers AU) 18+

11

Bucky wasn't lying when he said that there would be arguments heard from within the negotiation chamber - which just happens to be the council chambers where Joseph and his advisors meet.
As I pass late the next morning I can hear Stark's voice and then Steve's in return. It is safe to say that pair do not get along, a clear clash of personalities - but it makes me wonder despite the houses being united in their oaths, would Stark ever aid in a battle along side us? Not that I am wishing anything as such on the city, but the thought must have passed a pair few minds within the court.

I quickly act as though I wasn't eavesdropping as the door opens and Bucky exits, puffing out the chair from his cheeks in relief and then spotting me. "That bad?" I smirk.

"Much worse than last time - the comebacks have got better and wittier". He runs a hand through his hair. "It's just painful to endure, and they've not even come close to agreeing on most things yet".

"I don't envy you". I say smugly, "But I do have a question".

Bucky leans back against the wall. "What is it?"

"Stark...even just from overhearing the disagreements between him and Steve, would he ever send aid if there was a battle?"

He contemplates this for a moment but then nods. "What you hear in there today won't really come across at the feast once it's over. Steve and Tony can tolerate one another to an extent - but they'd never turn their back on one another when it comes to the threat of battle".

I nod. "That's good then".

"Why'd you ask?"

"Hasn't the thought ever crossed your mind before?". I question with a slight frown. "You've seen first hand how they can be".

He now nods in agreement. "True - maybe it has once or twice, but not enough for me to question Starks allegiance". Now he pauses and then looks to me. "Come back in with me, I don't think I can take listening to anymore crap about overseas trade without wanting to throw myself off the battlements".

I shake my head at this. "It's no place for me".

"And yet Natasha is right in there". He justifies. "C'mon Hale, I need some entertainment".

"And that's all I'm good for? Entertainment?" My face turns stony.

"Not like that. I just need some company or even back up - I know technically you're not supposed to be in there but I also know that Steve wouldn't complain about it either". This sounds just as suggestive as the current expression on his face.

I sigh. "Steve's orders were for me to take the day off and resume my duties for the negotiation signings tomorrow". I am not even going to mention the subject of the 'night duty' because I'm sure he already knows that something is going on, but chooses to turn a blind eye. I suppose to him I am just another notch in the bedpost for his best friend. Not that I care, I need to get my kicks somehow.

Bucky throws me some puppy dog-like eyes. "Please Hale? You do this and I won't complain about you training with us or anything".

"Still sour that I beat you?" I muse and know he's not going to leave me be until I return back into that chamber with him. "Fine, I'll come sit with you and relish in equal boredom".

"Thank god, come on". He grabs my arm and yanks me through the doorway as we enter the room.

Around a long table sit the leaders of each house, Joseph at the head of the table while Steve is seated next to him. Across from him is Stark and so on. The chamber itself is well decorated, with shelves of various books and rolls of parchments. Upon the table there are jugs of wine and mead, food for them to help themselves to as they see fit, although it seems to look untouched.

Somehow I don't think the wine or mead is...

"Ah! This must be the infamous Hale!" a long blonde haired man who looks like he could snap the whole damn table in two now looks my way with cheer. "Thor of House Odinson..."

I bow my head. "Lord Thor, a pleasure. My friend here asked me to come in as an extra pair of eyes - just for that extra protection should anything happen". I say, not wanting to admit that Bucky was all but begging for me to save him from boredom.

Joseph beckons me over while I feel Steve watching me with every step I take. "My lord?" I now question, wondering why he needs me. Probably so he can discreetly tell me to get out.

"What is your opinion of these terms?" He passes me some parchment where he's written down the potential trade with each House. I scan it over, feeling the eyes that are now on me. Probably surprised that someone like me can actually read. I can write too, writing isn't a strength, after all - before I became a Siren I was only educated to a certain degree.

Now I point out a few flaws that could be corrected. "I think that House Stark can spare more weapons than what we're bargaining with here?" I say. "Our army have far greater numbers, but then again if we had the resources then our armourers could produce better quality items for us as well as the blacksmith in the city. After all, for all we know the weapons from Stark could be shoddily produced and yet we'd be sending over only the finest of wines from our homegrown vineyards - a bit of an unfair deal right there".

Stark looks to me clearly irked by my casual insult. "Alright then, top quality metals for top quality wine - would that be to your satisfaction?"

"I suppose, but I also have another suggestion..." I look to Joseph who nods for me to continue. "Wakanda...they mine the strongest of metal and produce better quality weapons from it than ours could ever be. Stronger than Stark could offer. Perhaps an alliance with them would be something to consider?"

"And why would you think that?" Joseph now asks.

"Because Lord Steven's shield is made out of vibranium..."

The room is silent for a moment and now Natasha smirks as she realises I'm not exactly stupid. "She's got a good point y'know. T'Challa might be willing to ally himself with us if we can all give him something worthwhile in return. His army are strong too, and more numbers in battle mean more of a chance of winning".

I see a small smile now creep onto Steve's face as he slowly nods at this, a plan clearly forming in his mind. "T'Challa sent me the shield as a gift when I took my High Lord's pledge. He's someone who wants to keep his own city from harm though, keeps his head down which is why there has been no trade. But I can always send a message to him and ask him to consider?"

Banner agree with this. "I believe he'll say yes, after all why would he pass up the chance of trade and bettering his city with resources?"

There's lots of talk around the table now and I take a step back as Joseph and Steve now renegotiate with Tony on different resources should T'Challa choose to trade. "Nice work" Bucky now leans in and mutters. "You seem to be a dab hand at the negotiation table - but how did you know that Steve's shield was made from vibranium?"

I look at him. "Because of how he used it in the forest to try and defend himself from the chitauri. It was clear from it's strength and how it simply returned back to him after he threw it that the metal was a precious one, and the only type you can get is vibranium which just happens to only be mined and found in once place..."

Years of hunting and defence have taught me what metals are the strongest for defence and what ones are not.

"Well you certainly shut Stark up. Perhaps I underestimated you".

"You've only just realised?" I smirk and now fold my arms as I stand and observe the rest of the negotiations.

All the while I discreetly meet the eyes of Steve at various points, and I know that both of us are trying our best to hold back and get through the hours that are going to pass between us.