Chapter 13: La Feast

"Where are we going?"

"Just come along children, you'll thank me later." 

[A Few moments later]

In the vibrant corners of Wakanda, the heart of the River Tribe, preparations for the grand feast were in full swing. The village buzzed with excitement, as the people adorned their homes and streets with colorful decorations, and the aroma of traditional Wakandan dishes wafted through the air.

The feast was not just a celebration of their culture and unity, but also an opportunity to honor a special guest and showcase the nation's rich heritage.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the city, T'Challa and Shuri dressed in their finest traditional attire.

T'Challa wore a regal outfit made of rich, dark fabrics with intricate gold embroidery, while Shuri donned a vibrant dress adorned with beads and patterns that reflected her playful spirit and inventive mind.

"Come on, Shuri, we don't want to be late!" T'Challa urged his sister as he adjusted his ceremonial necklace.

"I'm coming, I'm coming," Shuri replied, her hands busy tinkering with a small device, finally able to speak again. "I just need to finish this last adjustment." 

T'Challa chuckled, shaking his head. Shuri's inventiveness never ceased to amaze him. Despite her young age, she was already showing signs of becoming one of Wakanda's brightest minds.

They made their way to the grand feast, walking alongside Darius, who marveled at the sights and sounds of Wakanda. The streets were alive with music, laughter, and the clatter of preparations.

Darius, wearing a traditional Wakandan tunic gifted to him by T'Chaka, walked with an air of admiration and respect.

[Image here]

"Your country is truly magnificent," Darius said, his eyes taking in the vibrant scenery.

"Wakanda welcomes you, Darius," the village elder said with a kind welcoming smile. 

As they arrived at the feast, they were greeted by a sea of smiling faces. Long tables were laden with an array of dishes, from spicy stews and grilled meats to fresh fruits and traditional Wakandan delicacies.

The centerpiece was a large fire pit where chefs skillfully prepared dishes in front of the guests.

"I wonder why no one told us about this, were we bout to miss it?" At some point Shuri got curious as to why they were unaware about this feast.

"It was meant to be a surprise but well, I didn't take into account Darius' awareness of everything around him." her father replied from the side.

"Teehee," the man in question simply stuck his tongue out.

"Sometimes I wonder whether you hit your head as a chil-- Owww!! Hey!!"

"I'm perfectly fine thank you."

"Come on, the food's going to get cold," he dragged the unwilling girl and her brother along, approaching the heart of the party. That's where all the delicious food is after all.

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As the night wore on, T'Challa noticed Darius watching a group of children performing a traditional dance. The man's eyes sparkled with curiosity and admiration.

"Would you like to join them?" T'Challa asked, a mischievous grin on his face.

Darius laughed, shaking his head. "I think I'll leave the dancing to the experts. But I would like to know the story behind this particular dance"

Shuri eagerly jumped in, her eyes shining with excitement. "Each dance tells a story, a piece of our history.

This one, for example, is about the legend of Bashenga, the first Black Panther, and how he united the tribes of Wakanda."

"You know what, why don't you join them if you're so interested."

"No, no, no thank you, hey!!! Wait." Shuri dragged the unwilling man towards the children who made space in their circle of fun. 

"Mr. Darius, come dance with us!" one of the children, a young girl with bright eyes, called out.

Darius chuckled, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Oh, I don't know about that. I'm not much of a dancer."

"Nonsense," Shuri said with a playful smirk. "Everyone can dance. Besides, it's tradition to join the children's dance. It brings good fortune."

The children giggled and began to pull at Darius's arms, their small hands surprisingly strong. "Come on, Mr. Darius, it's fun!"

Caught between their enthusiasm and Shuri's insistence, Darius finally relented. "Alright, alright. But I warn you, I might step on some toes."

The children cheered, leading him to the center of the clearing where the music was loudest. The drummers increased their tempo, the rhythm infectious and impossible to resist.

Darius found himself surrounded by a circle of dancing children, their movements carefree and joyous.

He tried to follow their steps, mimicking their movements as best as he could. At first, his awkwardness drew laughter from the onlookers, but it was all in good spirits. Darius quickly realized that the dance wasn't about precision or skill; it was about letting go and embracing the moment.

As he danced, the children clapped and encouraged him, their energy invigorating. Darius felt a wave of warmth and happiness wash over him, his earlier reluctance melting away. He spun around, his movements becoming more fluid and relaxed, much to the delight of his young dance partners.

Shuri, watching from the sidelines, couldn't contain her laughter. "Look at him go! He's a natural!" she exclaimed, nudging T'Challa, who was also enjoying the spectacle.

T'Challa chuckled, shaking his head. "It seems Darius is fitting in quite well."

Shuri joined the circle, her presence adding an extra layer of grace to the dance. She moved effortlessly, her steps perfectly in sync with the rhythm of the drums. Darius found himself mesmerized by her fluid movements and tried to keep up, feeling more confident with each passing moment.

As the dance came to an end, the children cheered and hugged Darius, their faces beaming with joy. "You did great, Mr. Darius!" the young girl from earlier said, her eyes shining.

Darius smiled, his heart full. "Thank you, little one. You all made it a wonderful experience."

Shuri approached him, her smile warm and approving. "You see? Dancing with the children brings good fortune. You've done well."

Darius rolled his eyes at this. 'Oh how I'm so going to pay you back,' he thought.

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The feast in continued into the late hours, filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. Darius, with his warm demeanor and curious eyes, had been mingling with the villagers, learning as much as he could about their culture and traditions.

Amid the revelry, his attention was caught by a woman standing by one of the long tables, her laughter ringing out like a melody above the noise.

She was strikingly beautiful, with rich, dark skin and eyes that sparkled with intelligence and mischief. Darius found himself drawn to her, her allure and grace captivating him.

"Good evening," Darius greeted her with a charming smile, offering her a glass of sweet Wakandan wine. 

"The name is Darius by he way," he offered his hand in greeting. The woman replied in kind, placing her delicate hands.

"Lana, a pleasure." Darius held her hand in his, feeling the surprising amount of strength in her seemingly delicate hands.

'Interesting, obviously she's not from around here,' he thought. That much was obvious by the lack of the distinct mark every full born Wakandan had on their lower lip.

How did he know this you might ask? His eyes could see through all and he knew all, although he had turned that ability of his so as to avoid any spoils in this new world he found himself in. He wanted to enjoy like any other person. 

"I couldn't help but notice your laughter. It's the most beautiful sound in this entire celebration," he said smoothly, his eyes twinkling. 

Lana looked up, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Is that so? And here I thought the music was the highlight."

"Music is enchanting, but it pales in comparison to your laughter," Darius replied, not missing a beat. "You must have an amazing story to tell if it brings out such joy."

Lana chuckled, clearly entertained by his approach. "I'm sure you say that to all the women you meet at feasts."

Darius placed a hand over his heart, feigning offense. "I assure you, Lana, I'm completely sincere. I would never waste such lines on anyone less deserving."

She raised an eyebrow, a playful smile on her lips. "Alright, then. What do you want to know about me?"

"Everything," Darius said, leaning in slightly. "Start with the basics. What brings you to this feast?"

What had brought her to this feast? To gather information on this seemingly hidden nation known as Wakanda. However to know the full picture let's go back a few days.

[A few days ago]

[S.H.I.E.L.D Headquarters]

*Knock Knock*

A knock resounded on Nick Fury's door, he looked up from his monitor and said , "Come in."

From the door came in a strikingly beautiful woman, her presence commanding attention. She had a tall, athletic build that highlighted her strength and agility. Rich, deep brown skin that glows with a natural radiance.

Her hair is long, thick, and usually styled in a way that complements her strong, elegant features. She has high cheekbones, a well-defined jawline, and full lips that curve into a knowing smile

"Agent Lana Kane reporting for duty."

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TO BE CONTINUED.............

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[Sup, anyone still read this? Like at all?]