Enchanted

Sixty-Two

Pietro hid his surprise, as they stepped off the jet, seeing a gathering of people dressed in colourful clothing. As they got closer, he noted they were all women, holding spears, and he remembered seeing a few at the battle. A man and a young woman stood together at the front of the crowd, and the pure joy on the young womans face had Pietro chuckling. Keeping his hand to Trixs back, he leaned in slightly... 'Even with all their pointy sticks, somehow I feel safe here..'

'Me too. Plus it smells amazing..'.. She took a deep breath in through the nose, and turned her head to him as they walked... 'Remember, whatever they need us to do, so they feel safe, we do it..'

'I know..'.. He kissed the side of her head, his hand dropping from her back as they came to a stop in front of the others. Out the corner of his eye, he saw Trix bow slightly and he did the same.

'It is an honour to be here, your highness, though I am glad it is under better circumstances that we meet again..'.. Trix smiled at T'Challa, and them her gaze slid to his sister... 'A pleasure to finally meet you Princess Shuri..'.. She bowed again to the young woman... 'I hope the samples I sent have been keeping you busy..'

'I am sure..'.. T'Challa held his hand up, just as Shuri opened her mouth... 'You can both discuss it later, but please, let us walk. The king and queen would like to meet you both..'.. He stepped to the side, holding his arm out for them.

'Of course. But before we go, if there is anything we can do, to put you all at ease, we will. I have brought mercury collars and cuffs, that can weaken us, so shifting will not-..'..

'There is no need..'.. T'Challa smiled at them... 'We trust you, Ms Benson, Mr Maximoff. Come..'.. He held his arm out, and the two fell into step, the Dora coming to join them as they walked.

'I honestly can't believe how amazing all this is..'.. Trix looked around... 'I knew you were quite advanced, but this is something else entirely. Makes me want to keep you hidden all that more..'

'With the files you have sent, we have been able to strengthen our defences. Also..'.. T'Challa chuckled to her left, and she saw him glance at one of the Dora... 'Those who were at the battle, would like to see you fight in combat. You have peaked their interests..'

Trix grinned at the Dora in question, seeing a slight smile on the womans lips... 'Oh, I would love to. I promise I have full control and I'll even take it easy on you all..'

The Dora spoke in Xhosa, and though Trix didn't know what was said, the tone, smile and laughter told her it was playful... 'Perhaps it is us, that will take it easy on you..'.. The woman said as they stopped at the entrance to the palace, smiling at Trix, then giving her a slight bow of her head in respect.

'Well, you never know..'.. Trix grinned back... 'You might learn a thing or two..'

Chuckles broke out all around, and Shuri came to her side... 'I like you Ms Benson, come, quicker we see mother and father, the quicker we can get to my lab and I can show you what I have found..'.. She linked her arm with Trix, and practically dragged her inside.

'She is happy..'.. T'Challa said, standing with Pietro... 'Our first meeting, it was visible to see the weight on her shoulders, the burdens she carried. Now, it is as though she is a different woman..'.. T'Challa smiled at him... 'I believe that is because of you..'