Through the large window, Strange noticed a flurry of movement outside on the opposite end of the compound from him. He left the building through a doorway at the end of the hall and strode across the open lawn. As he drew closer, he realized that Thor and Black Panther had suited up for an intense sparring match. Of all the Avengers to be practicing, he didn't think that it would be these two. He watched them square off, using the full space and alternating between defensive and offensive maneuvers. They seemed to be focused intensely on their movements, analytically matching each other's every move. Thor lacked any sort of weapon, so Stephen assumed that they had made an agreement on hand-to-hand combat.
Both of the proud warriors showed no signs of tiring, although they had clearly been testing their stamina for a while now. Strange was certain that they would continue this method of practice for a long time, until something small flew past him. It darted between the two men before zooming back to the compound's main building. It was just distracting enough that Thor to noticed and tripped backwards out if its way, landing on his back. He sat up from the ground squinting in the direction of its return flight, stealing the chance to catch his breath from the exercise.
"What was that?"
"If I could hazard a guess, I would say it was something of my sister's invention."
T'Challa sat down on the ground next to Thor, who continued to lay there unconcernedly.
"You leave yourself open on your right in hand-to-hand combat."
"You are right," Thor sighed, "I've grown accustomed to fighting with a weapon in my hand. I thank you for being so observant."
"Of course. I understand there are few people that can match your strength alone, so I welcome the challenge."
"You are a worthy opponent, so that even without your technology and power, you would make a worthy adversary. I admire your tactical skill."
"Ah, if you want a conversation on tactical skill, I can arrange for you to discuss it with Okoye."
"Yes, your general. I would much enjoy that discussion. She and your guards remind me of the Valkyries I grew up admiring."
"I have heard stories of your Valkyries. It is a fair comparison."
Thor pulled himself up to sit next to T'Challa.
"I have to say, I am impressed at your decision to share your technology with the rest of Midgard."
"It was the right thing to do. I believe that Shuri has enjoyed it more than anyone, she's been speaking at a large number of scientific conventions in Manhattan this week along with an entire delegation of our top scientists. I admit I'm concerned that it's taking its toll on her as she's become a world expert overnight. Having a few days here, away from reporters and businessmen, has been rejuvenating for her."
"I envy your relationship with your sister. My sister was a madwoman and my brother is… complicated. I love my family, they just aren't easy to live with."
"How are your people?"
"They are doing well. Relocating to Earth has been a tremendous shift, but we have been coping with the change well. Although, I did not expect the Midgardian politics to be as complex in allowing us to take refuge here as they have been. Your guidance was much appreciated in that area."
"It was no problem, my friend. Have your leaders made a final decision on if your people will remain here?"
"They are glad to have a break from the nomadic life, but I think having a home of their own to rebuild without restriction would be in everyone's best interest for both Asgard and Midgard. Most of my people share a similar sentiment."
"Yes, maintaining your own culture and history is difficult in this world. Possible, but difficult. Do you know of another place to live?"
"I do not, but I was thinking of visiting the strange Doctor to see if he has any knowledge of a vacant realm. He seems very wise. He reminds me a little of my brother."
T'Challa looked at Thor with mild concern. Thor chuckled.
"In the sense of being practiced magicians, that is. The doctor once placed my brother in a dimensional freefall for a half an hour, it was quite amusing to see someone get the upper hand on my brother for once."
T'Challa looked impressed.
"Does Dr. Strange come to this place often? You could ask him then."
Thor shrugged.
"We invited him to the feast last night, but he declined. I had hoped to ask him then. But it is no matter, I will merely visit his home in New York on my way back to my people."
"Speaking of the feast, Shuri asked me to get the recipe of your bread, she said the density had 'scientific potential'."
"How about we go one more round and, if you win, I'll give her a full list of traditional royal Asgardian dishes."
"And if you win?"
"I receive the same list of your Wakandan delicacies, if it is not a problem with your traditions."
"We would be happy to share. It's too bad you will lose."
They both stood and shook hands.
"Very well."
They both walked to the side of the field for a drink of water before starting their combat again.
Strange watched for a little while before leaving them to their combat. He made a mental note to ask Wong about planetary vacancy. No doubt the God of Thunder would be mystified if Strange had the answer before the question was asked. He had heard rumors that the Asgardians had been transferred to Earth but only knew that they were hidden somewhere in Europe. Their true location had been kept from the media for the privacy of the refugees. He wasn't sure that he wanted any sort of credit though, so perhaps he'd find a way to let the Asgardian King seem to discover it by happenstance.
Thor & T'challa
Patriotism
Dedicated to the quiet leaders.
Inspired by conversations you can only have in person.