The area where Azoru and Bartel led Peter was already filling with people by the time they reached it. It wasn't a large place, really, and Peter saw that it was ideal for watching competitions like sparring, or things that didn't require a lot of space. There was a flat, even expanse of sun-baked dirt about the size of a basketball court, and on one side there were a few scrubby trees that already had youngsters climbing on them and sitting on the sturdier branches to have a good vantage point. Another side had the river as it meandered through the gathering area. The remaining sides were scattered rocks – some taller than Peter and some the size of small cars. There were people sitting on these, as well.

Peter wasn't surprised to see that there were a few adults there, as well.

The noble sons (and daughters) of the tribes were expected to abide by the traditions of the gatherings and not allow competitions to become serious, but they were also young and could be hot-headed. There was always a chance that things could become heated, and T'Challa had explained to Peter and the others that any time there were physical competitions among the youngsters – even impromptu ones such as this – there was always an adult or two to make sure things stayed friendly. Or at least, to make sure they didn't get too rough.

In this instance, Peter saw the symbols of three of the tribes on the tattoos or clothing of the adults. Jabari was represented, and he thought that the man with all of the tattoos looked similar to M'Baku. The river tribe was represented, as well – expected, since they were the hosting tribe and all matters of honor would go through their elders if something happened. The other tribe was the merchant tribe, and the woman who watched, gave Peter a dazzling smile as the three boys walked into the center of the clearing, with the others gathering around, but making sure to leave as much distance as competitors would need.

"My uncle told me that you have been training with spears," Bartel said, as he pulled off the tunic that he was wearing, revealing a solid chest and an area of manhood scars that proclaimed he was an adult – although not, yet, tried and settled. "We could spar with them, later, if you would like. First, though, I just want to see how good you are without weapons."

Azoru smiled at Peter.

"We have spears, and many other weapons. Even an edged blade – which we are not allowed to spar with, here, as they are only for the most advanced and the younger boys could truly harm each other should they decide to try."

"No," Peter pulled his shirt off, too, well aware that his upper body wasn't even close to as impressive as Bartel's. "Hand to hand is fine with me."

OOOOOOOO

"Oh, my…" Shuri scowled at the admiration in the whisper of one of the girls who had seated herself near at hand to watch the sparring. "He is well defined…"

"He's scrawny," another whispered. "I wonder if he is going to get any taller?"

"What are those lines?" another whispered. "A manhood scar from his land?"

"He was attacked by a bear," Shuri responded, watching as Peter stretched a little, loosening up muscles so he wouldn't pull anything.

"What is a bear?"

"An omnivorous creature that is found in the woods near his home," she replied. "They are fierce when protecting their young, and Peter somehow got between one and her cub one night."

"Is that where he was wounded saving you?" the first asked, also watching Peter.

Her gaze was far more speculative, however.

"Yes."

The girls grew silent as Peter and Bartel turned to face each other, crouched, slightly, and watching the other, intently. Azoru moved aside to give them room and went to stand beside Shuri, smiling a greeting to her – and to several of the young women.

"This will be fun."

"Was this your idea?" the princess asked, watching as Bartel made a slight feint toward Peter, who simply moved enough to stay clear of the other hand that swept out to try and hit him.

"No. My cousin has been talking to my uncle, and grew tired of hearing how fast Peter is. He told me that if Peter was willing, he would see for himself."

Both Azoru and Shuri knew that the Jabari noble was looking to make an impression – especially since there were several young women (and Shuri, herself) in the crowd of spectators. He made another lunge at Peter, and there was only the briefest of motions and Bartel was suddenly flat on his back, looking up at Peter in surprise.

The entire audience made an equally surprised noise, and Peter stepped back to give his opponent a chance to scramble to his feet.

"I told you him Peter was fast," Azoru said. "You have seen him spar, Shuri, you know."

She smiled, pleased that Peter wasn't allowing the others a chance to show him up. She didn't think that he had done anything too tricky, but it had been a very quick takedown, and it was clear that Bartel was being a little more cautious, this time, as he sized his opponent up, once more.

"I do know."

She watched as Peter was the one to make the attack, this time, and Bartel brought a hand up to block it, only to discover that it was also a feint, and a simple sweeping motion of Peter's foot put the young man once more on his back.

Again the crowd made a surprised noise, but this time there were some noises of approval at just how easy Peter was making it look, and a few cheers from the younger boys in the trees.

"Have you sparred with him, Azoru?" one of the young women asked – the one who had mentioned having her father talk to Peter's father about having him as a suitor.

"Not, yet. I might – when he is done with Bartel and any others who will undoubtedly wish to try him, themselves."

Azoru had plenty to prove as well, of course, but he knew that he wasn't going to be able to prove it sparring with Peter – which was a lesson that Bartel was learning, too. The older Jabari was once more on his feet, and again took the initiative, this time coming at Peter with a series of blows that were easily defended, and then getting knocked down, again, this time with a hold on his elbow and a toss over Peter's hip.

Shaking his head, Bartel got to his feet, again, and raised his hands, slightly, a traditional sign of capitulation. He'd clearly seen what he'd needed to see, and while his pride was almost certainly screaming at him to keep going and put Peter on his back, too, he was smart enough to realize that Peter had him outclassed, and to continue trying might only make himself look ridiculous. No Wakandan ever wanted to look ridiculous – especially in front of the audience that they had around them.

Peter reached his hand out, offering it to Bartel, who smiled, dryly, and took it, making a comment that those who were watching couldn't hear. It made Peter smile, though, and another boy – one of the border tribe sons – stepped forward, clearly wanting a chance to spar against Peter, as well.

"He is going to have a busy afternoon," one of the young women observed, watching as Bartel moved aside, coming to stand near Azoru, who clapped him on the back, cheerfully. "Everyone will want to try him…"

"I want to try him…" another of them said, her smile positively naughty – especially when a few giggled at the tone in her voice.

Azoru raised an eyebrow, looking at Shuri – clearly watching her reaction to that – but the princess refused to allow any emotion to show, just then. She didn't approve of them ogling her boyfriend, but she couldn't call them on it, since none of them knew that he was. Besides, she'd ogled a few boys in her time, too.

It did make her think that maybe she should make sure her fellow countrywomen understand that Peter was taken. Scrawny body and all. She'd have to think about it, though, because she definitely wasn't going to make a spectacle of herself – or Peter – at a tribe gathering. She'd have to think of something discreet.

It wasn't a bad idea.